Photo: John Aquino and Steve Eichner
From Jessica Biel's blush Giambattista Valli gown to Anne Hathaway's pale pink Valentino number, the colored wedding dress trend has taken Hollywood by storm — and by extension, brides throughout the rest of the world. However, a peach or baby blue gown may be more difficult to rock than your average white wedding dress. So what pastel shades are the best choices for a fashion-forward bride? David's Bridal Divisional Merchandise Manager Lori Conley and designer Anne Barge shares their top picks for an ultra-flattering pastel wedding gown.
1. Iterations of Ivory
Though you may not think of ivory as a pastel, the color absolutely qualifies as a pastel in many of its iterations, and an extraordinarily complementary one at that. “Ivory is by far our most popular shade,” Conley reveals. “Ivory looks universally flattering on everyone!” Whether you choose a gown in muted buttercup ivory or an ivory with coral undertones, the color lends radiance to every skin tone. Barge prefers a more multi-dimensional interpretation of the average ivory gown, explaining, “I like using transparent layers of pastels and pearl tones so subtly that they read ivory from a distance, but reveal a natural hue up close.”
2. A Pop of Champagne
Don't limit champagne to your engagement toast, as the color happens to be another favorable shade for many brides-to-be. “Neutrals like champagne and blush have increased in popularity over the last few seasons,” says Conley. “These new neutrals are the ideal tones to help pop a beautiful lace pattern or to offer up a soft romantic vibe.” Champagne-hued wedding gowns contain golden undertones, which further enhance a bride's newlywed glow.
See More: 6 Things To Remember Before You Go Wedding-Dress Shopping
3. Warm Blush and Mauve
Any gown with rose or blush undertones has the remarkable ability to brighten a brides's cheeks-just ask Kaley Cuoco, whose pink Vera Wang gown perfectly accented the bride's blond locks and sun-kissed skin. “Blush tones are so often more flattering than stark white,” Barge insists. However, Conley advises that brides with naturally rosy skin tones will find blush gowns more flattering than brides with cooler undertones in their complexions. “Pastels in general can be tricky — the key is choosing one that flatters the undertone of your skin. Brides with warm skin tones look best in blushes or mauves,” Conley elaborates.
4. Soft Dove Gray and Muted Blue
Brides with cool undertones in their skin will look their most dazzling in cool toned colors to complement their complexion. “If you have a cooler skin tone, stick with pale grays or dusty blues,” Conley suggests. Shades such as dove grey, powder blue, and soft steel blue are particularly beautiful against complexions with cool undertones.