Separates for Your Bridesmaids
Separates are dresses that come in two sections: a torso (top) and a skirt (bottom). They can be purchased in a variety of styles and colors, and can look both elegant and stylish. But the real advantage that a separate has is that it can complement nearly any figure. The specific design elements of separates are such that flaws are hidden and figures are enhanced.
Make sure that the torso section overlaps an inch or two with the skirt section. This is important as far as covering bumps, rolls, and other flaws. Clean lines are created that enhance the figure and add a finished look to your wedding party. Another advantage of separates is that they offer a natural break without the puckering and pulling caused by ribbon ties and attached ties.
Choose matching colors when putting together separates. Try to have all of the dresses ordered at the same time so that they are cut from cloth in the same dye lot. Colors should be solid. Prints rarely match exactly, and they can be very distracting and detract from the elegance of your wedding party. Additionally, solid colors (especially dark colors) are better at concealing figure flaws than are prints and light colors. Make sure that all measurements are accurate, and that the dresses fit properly.
A separate can even work for a wedding dress. Some women opt to have the skirt and torso in two pieces for various reasons. Not only does it hide figure flaws (which can help enhance the look of a bride in white), but a separate is also easier to put on when it comes to putting on an elaborate dress, especially on with a very large skirt.
Separates are great for bridal attendants, especially if your attendants come in a variety of sizes and body types. The almost universal ability a separate has of flattering nearly any figure makes the dress not only something that can be worn at the wedding, but also a dress that can be saved for other formal occasions. Having a separate can also be very convenient for the bride herself.
