2-in-1 Dresses

Some brides with more gratuitous budgets opt for purchasing multiple dresses -- usually one for the ceremony and one for the reception. The dress worn for the reception is usually a more modern and sexier style fit for dancing and partying late into the night. A recent (but hard to find) trend in bridal fashion has been the 2-in-1 dress (a.k.a convertible dress, detachable skirt). Instead of purchasing two pricey gowns, the bride can transform into a new look with a simple unzip or unbutton.

I have mixed reviews about these dresses. I absolutely love the concept, but many of the 2-in-1 dresses I have seen don't "wow" me in both forms (the ceremony version and the reception version). Usually, I like the dress one way or the other, but not both. Some dresses look great when transformed into a white cocktail dress, but fall flat when they are lengthened with the detachable skirt. Then there are those dresses that look great in their longer version, but seem a bit awkward (and maybe too short) when the detachable skirt is removed.

If you're looking to try on some 2-in-1 dresses (like me), you'll have to do some searching. Not all bridal salons have caught on to the trend, and many that have only have one or two convertible dresses in-stock. If you're dead-set on trying on some of these, I suggest making a few simple phone calls to get an idea of which shops offer the best inventory of sample dresses.

So, what do you think of these 2-in-1 dresses? Would you wear one of these gowns?

David's Bridal ($599)

David's Bridal ($599)



Molly - David Tutera by Faviana



Eva - David Tutera by Faviana

Fergie - David Tutera by Faviana



Allure - #8700



Private Label by G - #1409






 

White by Vera Wang

“Every bride deserves to have great design. I believe the bride knows who she is and how she wants to look and feel on her special day. Every gown I create reflects that respect for other women and how much design means to me.”  --Vera Wang

Chelsea Clinton in Vera Wang

Recently, the infamous Vera Wang released a collection of bridal dresses through David’s Bridal. The collection is called White by Vera Wang and positioned as an affordable alternative to Wang’s traditional line of gowns. This is an interesting route for the designer synonymous with Vogue and couture fashion. Wang is arguably the most well-known bridal fashion designer, especially among celebrities. Among her celebrity clientele, Wang has designed bridal gowns for Chelsea Clinton, Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lopez, and Kate Hudson.

The White by Vera Wang collection ranges in price between $600 and $1,400, a steal compared to Chelsea Clinton’s customized gown - inspired by Wang’s “Diana” at a cost of approximately $20,000.

The styles certainly look fashion-forward, and I especially love the folds of fabric on these two gowns (though they're probably not quite my style):

VW351010

VW351011



The design of VW351011 looks very similar to Clinton’s gown, but at a fraction of the cost. Since the gowns are inexpensive, I wonder if the quality of the fabric reinforces their fashionista designs.



I have to admit I am pleasantly surprised by this collection. I have never been a huge fan of the bridal warehouse style of David’s Bridal, so it’s a shock to see them partnering with such a big name in the fashion industry. Looks like an excellent marketing and repositioning move on behalf of the company. I will start dress shopping next month and have become intrigued by this collection despite my less than positive view of the David’s Bridal chain.

The Spring 2011 White collection has been so well-received, Wang has announced a bridal party partnership with David’s Bridal, as well. This June, your bridesmaids can also snag a Vera dress for $150-$200.

Want to learn more about White by Vera Wang? Get a few laughs and watch the clip below of Wang as a guest on E!'s Chelsea Lately.