In the bridal world, we’re conditioned to say the word “dress.” Appointment after appointment you’ll hear consultants ask a bride which types of dresses she’s interested in, all the way through to the inevitable question, “Are you saying yes to this dress?”

But as weddings evolve and our brides come in looking for something more nontraditional, there’s room for new trends to fill up the racks –and that’s why we’re loving bridal separates.

Bridal separates, matching a top with a bottom of your choice, allow for brides to get creative and invent a look that is completely unique to them. Our favorite designers have added separates to their collections with a variety of skirts, tops and accessories to serve this new market, making a perfect fit for the formal or the boho bride.

What we love about the separates trend:

It doesn’t have to be a crop top

A lot of brides think picking out two separate pieces means they’re going to have to show some skin. While that’s certainly an option (and often how it appears on the hanger or mannequin), the tops can be tucked into the skirt to create a seamless look similar to that of a dress. Adding an accessory like a belt can also tie the pieces together so no one knows the behind-the-scenes details of the “dress” but you.

At the same time, leaving some intentional space between the top and the bottom of your separates is a totally tasteful, sexy way to spice up your wedding day attire–especially with trends like high necks and sleeves keeping you covered up in other areas. If a bride feels confident rocking the crop top, we say go for it.

Comfort is key

With a lot of brides moving away from super formal weddings, venues like barns, farms and open fields are becoming a lot more popular. So, for a bride who’s considering an outdoor wedding, comfort becomes a major factor in the decision making. You’ll need the ability to move around freely and not have to worry about all of nature’s elements that will latch on to your dress.

Bridal separate skirts tend to fit closer to the body, are extremely lightweight and don’t always include a train. That way, you’ll be moving around in style with the shoes of your choice. (You’d be surprised how many outdoor brides decide to go barefoot these days).

It’s totally your own
If you’ve ever said, “I love this top, I just wish it had a different bottom,” while trying on gowns, separates are your solution –allowing you to play designer right from the fitting room. What if you fall in love with two styles and wish you had the budget for multiple dresses? Buy a piece from different collections and put them together for your own customized look.

Brides who are wiling to take a risk and step out of the traditional meaning of a bridal gown end up patting themselves on the back for the creativity it takes to put together the finished product. You can almost guarantee no other bride out there will have the same look –and that’s pretty cool since it is your special day, after all.

Think you’re on board with the separates trend yet? Check out the fall 2017 lines from designers like Willowby by Watters, and book an appointment with us at Love Story to try on our featured separates in-store.

Hayley Paige 6411 “Emeryn”
Spring 2014 Collection
Consignment, Altered Gown $2,310
| Ivory English net fit & flare bridal gown with ruched detailing on bodice, double horsehair | 

This dress is one of a kind, which is honestly how Hayley Paige seems to go about all of her designs. No bride looks the same, and I can guarantee you won’t find any other gowns similar to hers. Emeryn is no exception! We had a bride bring in this beauty to consign with us that she herself wore, which I think adds to the magic of the dress. Our shop is Love Story for a reason, each gown and each bride carries a story of love and excitement.

I’ve always loved a mermaid or trumpet silhouette, it seductively whispers glamour...because screaming is unladylike. Whether you have the curves already or you constantly wonder how Kylie Jenner all of a sudden looks like an hour glass and how you can do that, this cut does it for you. There’s a reason this shape has that vintage Hollywood bombshell aspect. It’s feminine and it’s sultry, but with Emeryn, you still look and feel like a bride. The flattering pleating of the English net across the bodice adds a soft touch, and mixed with the horsehair trim- that adds volume but none of the weight, you have that perfect balance of high glam and bridal. Now to complete the gown, we can’t ignore the crystal covered keyhole and straps. I like to think of it as an armor. Commanding yet stunning. Think Khaleesi on Game of Thrones, that is what this encrusted back says to me. There’s a delicate detailing of the sequins and crystals that form this amazing beadwork feature. I don’t know how Hayley Paige continuously achieves the equilibrium of cool, effortless trendsetter and the grand, opulent romantic. But she does it. Every. Single. Time.

Do you want to feel like a whimsical, free spirited fairy who just floats through the forest completely love struck? But also as if you could ride on top of a lion while dripping in jewels, to a golden throne that your literal knight in shining armor is waiting at? Or just you know, walk down a totally normal aisle at a more realistic venue and see your human fiancé staring back at you? Really any scenario is perfect for this dress. You get the idea.

Come see me at A Love Story Bridal to try this one of a kind piece! It is a one and only and ready to fit the next perfect bride! Once she’s gone, she’s gone. Give us a call to set up your appointment and see if this is the dress for you!

Xoxox, Skye