In the bridal world, we’re conditioned to say the word “dress.” Appointment after appointment you’ll hear consultants ask a bride which types of dresses she’s interested in, all the way through to the inevitable question, “Are you saying yes to this dress?”

But as weddings evolve and our brides come in looking for something more nontraditional, there’s room for new trends to fill up the racks –and that’s why we’re loving bridal separates.

Bridal separates, matching a top with a bottom of your choice, allow for brides to get creative and invent a look that is completely unique to them. Our favorite designers have added separates to their collections with a variety of skirts, tops and accessories to serve this new market, making a perfect fit for the formal or the boho bride.

What we love about the separates trend:

It doesn’t have to be a crop top

A lot of brides think picking out two separate pieces means they’re going to have to show some skin. While that’s certainly an option (and often how it appears on the hanger or mannequin), the tops can be tucked into the skirt to create a seamless look similar to that of a dress. Adding an accessory like a belt can also tie the pieces together so no one knows the behind-the-scenes details of the “dress” but you.

At the same time, leaving some intentional space between the top and the bottom of your separates is a totally tasteful, sexy way to spice up your wedding day attire–especially with trends like high necks and sleeves keeping you covered up in other areas. If a bride feels confident rocking the crop top, we say go for it.

Comfort is key

With a lot of brides moving away from super formal weddings, venues like barns, farms and open fields are becoming a lot more popular. So, for a bride who’s considering an outdoor wedding, comfort becomes a major factor in the decision making. You’ll need the ability to move around freely and not have to worry about all of nature’s elements that will latch on to your dress.

Bridal separate skirts tend to fit closer to the body, are extremely lightweight and don’t always include a train. That way, you’ll be moving around in style with the shoes of your choice. (You’d be surprised how many outdoor brides decide to go barefoot these days).

It’s totally your own
If you’ve ever said, “I love this top, I just wish it had a different bottom,” while trying on gowns, separates are your solution –allowing you to play designer right from the fitting room. What if you fall in love with two styles and wish you had the budget for multiple dresses? Buy a piece from different collections and put them together for your own customized look.

Brides who are wiling to take a risk and step out of the traditional meaning of a bridal gown end up patting themselves on the back for the creativity it takes to put together the finished product. You can almost guarantee no other bride out there will have the same look –and that’s pretty cool since it is your special day, after all.

Think you’re on board with the separates trend yet? Check out the fall 2017 lines from designers like Willowby by Watters, and book an appointment with us at Love Story to try on our featured separates in-store.

Sugar, Spice and Everything Willowby nice! The wedding dresses in the Willowby Trunk Show are just what you need right now!

The sweetest looks from the Willowby bridal collection have graced our shop and will have you feeling like you’re on cloud 9.

Feeling like a princess on your wedding day is something every bride has thought about. I don’t mean a kitschy, childhood vision of Cinderella. I’m talking about a mature, modern bride, feeling like the most stunning woman in the room, marrying the person of her dreams. As I was sorting through all of our Willowby Trunk Show arrivals, all I could think about is how these wedding dresses are the epitome of a sweet and romantic 'princess' vision translated for the millennium.

Willowby #57711 “Jewel”
Spring 2017 Collection
Retail Price $1,170
| A-Line dress with Ashbury Lace Scallop, Deryn Trim, and English Net. Halter straps with keyhole back and sweep train.|

 “Jewel” immediately caught my eye when the Willowby trunk show dresses arrived as it’s such a charming gown. You have your English netting in a clean a-line cut, but the placement of the lace trim and the keyhole back really make it standout. In every sense of the word, this dress said “sweet” and I knew I had to have model, Liz, wear it down the street to one of my favorite downtown Troy locales and very appropriately named, pastry shop, Sweet Sues. Jewel just has something innocent and yet classically bridal about its look. It’s the apple pie of wedding gowns, but with a secret little ingredient! ;)

The "Rorain", another of my favorites in the Willowby trunk show, also has a very soft, sweet princess look but in a completely different way than "Jewel." This dress comes in what Willowby has named “porcelain pink” and to me, it's the ultimate charmer. When I put Liz in this gown, it was like she was floating on a cloud. And I must say, with her natural red hair, I personally was obsessed with the blush tone on her. A-line with a tulle skirt and a lace bodice complete with a sweetheart neckline. There’s no going wrong with this beauty. This is your classic princess wedding dress with a modern twist and complete ease. Add any accessories, flower crown, lace trimmed veil, pearl belt, you get the idea, to complete your personal touch. We just went with cupcakes! Rorain has the quintessential Willowby elements - light, classic, with just the right touch of dreamy! I just love it!

Willowby #56724 “Rorain”
Spring 2016 Collection  Retail Price $966
| Natural waist, A- Line dress with Natalia Lace Motif, Soft Netting, and tulle. Strapless sweetheart neckline. Porcelain Pink. |

As you can see, Willowby does soft and airy, while never allowing you to get bored looking at their masterpieces. We have these two amazing Willowby Trunk Show dresses and many, many more from Willowby for only a limited time. So make your appointment today as these magical beauties will be leaving us October 29th. And p.s. while you're down here, may I suggest a pop-in at Sweet Sue's for a nibble and cup of tea. You may just find two new loves in one day!

Until next time!
Xoxox,
Skye