Felicity Mesh Gown

What does ruching or gathering do for the silhouette?

Gathered and ruched fabric creates soft vertical folds that skim the body rather than lying flat against it, which disguises rather than emphasizes the midsection. It is one of the most effective construction details in formal dressing for exactly that reason, and it moves with the body rather than pulling.

What are shirred sleeves?

Shirred sleeves are gathered with rows of fine stitching to create soft texture and a gentle elasticity along the arm. The gathering gives the sleeve shape without adding stiffness, which makes it comfortable across a long event while still offering the arm coverage many women want at formal occasions.

Where should embellishment sit on a formal gown?

Placement is deliberate: embellishment at the neckline draws the eye upward toward the face, while embellishment at the hip, as on this gown, draws it to the narrowest part of the silhouette and adds a focal point without covering the whole dress. Allover embellishment reads as more formal and more statement-making.

Is eggplant a good color for a wedding?

Eggplant and other deep purples are well established in Mother of the Bride and wedding guest dressing. They are rich without being as expected as navy or black, photograph well under both daylight and evening light, and coordinate easily with autumn and winter wedding palettes.