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.