Food + Dining Shopping + Style Arts + Entertainment Mpls.St.Paul Magazine Parties and Party Pics Travel + Visitors Homes Health Family Weddings
Aisle File

« Who Should Win? | Main | Do Me a (Wedding) Favor »

July 13, 2009, 9:47 AM

Dress Lingo: Part 2

Melissa Colgan
For part two of our guide to dissecting wedding dress lingo, we talk necklines. While strapless is the neckline of choice for many brides, there are a plethora of options that suit a variety of shapes.

StreaplessMonique.jpgStrapless: A boned or elastic bodice requires no strap. The neckline is generally straight and sits just above the bust. This neckline looks best on brides with well-toned shoulders and arms, as the cut draws attention to the upper body. Dress by Monique Lhuillier. Monique Lhuillier, 3928 W. 50th St., Mpls., 612-929-0747. 

SweetheartJuddWadell.jpgSweetheart: Named for its heart-shape front with a curve above the bust and a center dip, this neckline is ideal for brides with a large bust, as it creates a controlled exposure. Dress by Judd Waddell. Available through The Bridal Salon at Macy's, 700 Nicollet Mall, 4th floor, Mpls., 612-375- 2162 
 

BateuaAnneBarge.jpgSabrina (or Bateau): This high-boat neckline follows the curve of the collarbone from shoulder to shoulder, drawing a long, elegant line. This classic style can either be strapless or have any length of sleeve, and is ideal for brides with a larger bust line (it draws attention up to the neck and collarbone), or for someone looking for a more demure look. Dress by Anne Barge. Anne Barge available through Bridal Accents Couture, 4401 W, County Rd. 42, Savage, 952-846-4496, and Grace’s Bridal Boutique, 229 Water St., Excelsior, 952-474-3555.
 
PotraitJennyLee.jpg
Portrait: Modest scoop with extra material framing the collarbone, this neckline frames the face and shows off the shoulders (if sleeveless) while still offering support and coverage. This is ideal for a woman with a smaller bust. Dress by Jenny Lee. Jenny Lee available at L'atelier Couture, 493 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-602-9492
 
ScoopLelaRose.jpgScoop: Low and curved extending from shoulders but cut deeply into a "u" shape. Most all figures can pull off this neckline, and it is available in a variety of sleeve lengths. Dress by Lela Rose. Lela Rose available at L'atelier Couture, 493 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-602-9492
 
vneckJimHjelm.jpgV-neck: Extending from shoulder to shoulder, but cut deeply at mid-bust into the shape of a "V," these cuts can range from very subtle to plunging. Suited to a variety of shapes and sizes, a high "V" can conceal a large bust while a smaller-chested woman can wear a low or wide set "V" to create the illusion of a fuller bust. Dress by Jim Hjelm Bridal. Jim Hjelm Bridal available at Raffine, 200 E. Chestnut St., Stillwater, 651-430-0990 

Additional reporting by Sarah Asp Olson 

Post a comment

We do not moderate comments. However, mspmag.com will remove comments if they contain profanity, offensive content, and/or overt sales pitches.


Type the characters you see in the picture above.

« Previous | Main | Next »


mspmag.com | Mpls.St.Paul Magazine © 2008 MSP Communications, Inc. All rights reserved