Dress Dreams

What we're loving this season.

By Sophie Boyce and Lynda Wheatley | April 4, 2020

Note to readers: To see an image of each dress, please visit page 13 of our digital issue.

Of-the-moment styles heading down the North’s wedding aisles: According to local retailers, beachy dresses are taking a backseat to boho, while poofy, sparkly princess gowns are giving way to simpler, sleeker styles that up the drama by way of fabric and cut. Think big sleeves, lots of lace, airy chiffons, chic crepes, and deep (deep!) plunging necklines and backs that’ll make Grandma blush — and your groom grin.
 
Grace Elizabeth Bridal
Designer Desiree Hartsock’s Rosalie is a bewitching bohemian of Chantilly lace and lace applique. It begs for a wearer who’s ready to wow, with a daring cut-to-the-waist front and back plunge — both made more innocent and free than catwalk sexy, thanks to an airy sheer overlay, billowy bell sleeves, and au natural San Fran flower child-meets-Renaissance-style vibe. Call for pricing. Find it in Suttons Bay: (231) 492-5057, www.graceelizabethbridal.com

Natalie’s Bridal & Tuxedo
Effortless, easy-to-wear silhouette of lace, tulle, and Calais chiffon with deep side cutouts and scalloped train, from Stella York (style 6958). In ivory or white, with options for ivory, porcelain, or java tulle plunge. Call for pricing. Find it in Petoskey: (231) 946-0840, www.nataliesbridalandtuxedo.com

To Have and to Hold
This strapless A-line from Willowby (51604 Geranium) — with sweetheart neckline, whimsical uncorded Alencon lace, and velvet ribbon sash — is intended for a winter wedding but a stunning standout in any season. Call for pricing. Find it in Traverse City: (231) 922-9333, www.tohaveandtoholdtc.com.
 
Lulu’s
A Lulu’s exclusive, Lost in the Magic (style 999122) weaves ivory jacquard fabric, metallic silver, and a princess-seamed bodice with a banded waist and full maxi skirt featuring classic box pleats. Also, girl: pockets. $130. Find it online at www.lulus.com.
 
Petoskey Bridal
A size 16 sample priced to sashay, the Ortiva’s ivory, almost-beige sheath silhouette brings together a demure and detailed long-sleeve bodice and beaded belt with the va va voom of an open back and the romance of a cascading train. Was $1,485, now $1,099. Find it in Petoskey: (231) 347-6922, www.petoskeybridal.com
 
ASOS
Satin-style (polyester!) fabric feels astonishingly silky smooth and stuns in a sleek Kimono-style ivory maxi dress with scoop neck and deep-V back that falls into a fishtail. $151. Find it online at www.asos.com.
 
Lakeside Bridal
Smartly cut layers of embroidered cotton lace, patterned tulle, and tulle over a comfy stretch liner make this figure-hugging Kenneth Winston selection a near-universal flatterer, while dainty bodice florals trellising up the shoulders and into a dipped back ensures the wearer wows both coming and going. Style GA2333, shown here in shades of champagne, nude, and an ivory silver; ivory or white also available. Call for pricing. Find it in Traverse City: (231) 642-5590, lakesidebridal.com