the modern bride edit

When I was preparing to get married at City Hall in New York City, I knew I wanted to wear both a suit type of look and a dress for the family dinner. The main theme was ease, comfort, and timelessness. I spent days on end searching for the right pieces. I felt defeated many times, finding a great piece only to find out my size is sold out or a coat would be ivory and pant would be white - trust me, there’s a big difference between the two. So I decided to create a blog post about it to share my experience, my outfit on the big day, how I felt about the looks in retrospect, and more.

THE MODERN BRIDAL SUIT

I love a suit. It feels powerful. It gives me confidence. It makes me feel polished, elegant, and ladylike. I for sure wanted a suit for the City Hall Ceremony. Instead, I found a statement coat by Fendi. It was the perfect ivory, structured, and accentuated my waist. I was originally going to go for a boxy coat but everything I tried on, I looked so tiny, as though I was drowning in the coat. The Fendi coat was too long in the body and sleeves and needed major tailoring. I took it to Alteration Specialists and they knew exactly how to tailor it to my body, taking in the bodice, hemming the sleeves and bottom hem. Yes, they can be a bit pricey but when it comes to anything designer or precious, I would trust them with it most.

I paired my coat with the Corette pants by Nili Lotan. The color was a very close match - you couldn’t tell a difference in photos and that’s all that mattered to me! I wore Stuart Weitzman heels and a simple white cami underneath the coat. For accessories, I wore pearl earrings, a “Tiffany” blue Rolex gifted by my husband, and for some photos I wore my Celine sunglasses.

I got married in November so it was not super cold or warm. Depending on your body type, a form fitting blazer that accentuates the waist paired with long trousers could really elongate your frame. Or, if you prefer something more easy to wear, a slightly oversized blazer with trousers and a simple white top would look just as good. You could hem the trousers above the ankle so the shoes can have a moment or you can opt for floor-grazing trousers and a pointed toe heel. Either way, the modern bridal suit is a classic, timeless choice.

Also, instead of trousers, you can opt for a skirt a la Bianca Jagger. Don’t be overwhelmed. Once you get shopping and try things on, you will find out what you like and what you don’t like, how you want to feel on your special day, and how you don’t want to feel.

THE EFFORTLESS SATIN DRESS

I fell in love with this dress the moment I saw it online. The beautiful halter neck knot detail. The way the bias cut satin flows so effortlessly. The low cut back and knot detail. I opted for the calf-length version but Galvan London also offers a floor length option, a top only option, and it also comes in the color platinum. I wore a 34 and got it taken in more since I am so petite.

The great thing about opting for a simple satin or silk dress is that it can be worn again for another occasion. I wore mine to a dinner event, paired with a long shearling coat and black tights and heels. I also wore it to the ballet last winter, paired with a wool black oversized coat, tights, and black heels. I love re-purposing. It’s a true win-win!

I’ve linked more simple dress options below to get some ideas flowing.

ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY…

No matter what you choose or what the process is to get that special outfit perfect, know that the day will be filled with so much love, excitement, happiness, maybe a healthy dose of nerves before you say, “I do”. You are going to be beautiful and beaming with light. Best of luck on your wedding shopping journey!