Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images, Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images, Lisa Shin/Anderson Hopkins, Brian Atwood, Jay Manuel Beauty; Illustration by Katie Buckleitner
June Ambrose took Jay Z from T-shirts to Tom Ford. In between outfitting celebs and designing her own clothing line for HSN, June by June Ambrose, she shared her bridal style tips.
Dress For Your Body
For athletic types, a strapless or one-shouldered gown tones down broad shoulders. I love a mermaid silhouette for pear shapes; celebrate your curves! And my go-to for girls shaped like boys is a feminine A-line skirt with a sweetheart neckline.
Ditch the Trends
If you’re investing in a dress, be sure it’s one you could see yourself handing down to your daughter.
Think Seasonally
Spring or summer brides should look for pretty fabrics like chiffon and lace; for fall or winter, a beaded gown with a fur throw is dashing.
Veils Add Drama
There’s something so ceremonious about a veil. If you’re having a big wedding, go for it in a dramatic Sound of Music way, even if the dress is simple. If you’re getting married at city hall, skip it. Don’t forget the shapewear. It’s important to wear something underneath your dress that defines the body and holds everything in place. Va Bien is a favorite of mine — effective and luxurious.
Splurge on Shoes
Sure, people might not see them, but if they’re cheap and painful, your whole day could be ruined, right?
And Break Them in Early
Walk around the house with them on over damp sport socks; it loosens the leather without ruining the shoe.
Pack the Essentials
Five things every bride should have in her clutch: blotting paper, double-sided tape, breath mints, lip balm, and an elastic hair tie for the after-party.
Keep Makeup Natural
A beautiful eye and a fleshy lip are perfect. You want your fiancé to recognize you when you walk down the aisle!
Elevate Your Groom’s Style
Invest in a well-tailored tux or, at the very least, a beautiful shirt, bow tie, or pocket square. High-quality basics make everything else look richer.
Practice Posing
If you hate the hand-on-hip “skinny arm” pose, place your fingertips on your thighs and slightly bend your elbows to create space between the arms and the torso. You’ll look instantly leaner.
Channel a Celeb
The Inbal Dror bridal gown Beyonce wore to the 2016 Grammy Awards was quite provocative, with its long sleeves and thigh-high slits. That’s how a bride should feel when she walks down the aisle: timeless and sexy. –As told to Claire Coghlan
See More: The Custom Built Bride: How to Personalize Your Wedding Dress to Fit Your Unique Bridal Style
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