The Short Dress Trend
Traditional hem lengths have been given the chop as short styles reign supreme amongst fashion-forward brides.
An ankle-skimming Paolo Sebastian gown was the perfect choice for this South Australian bride. Image Jack Small Photography
Bridal gowns are usually long, with floor-sweeping hemlines, but the new modern bride is breaking free from tradition and opting for a shorter, statement-making length. You don’t need to go super short to jump on this trend, mid-length or just-above-the-floor pieces also work, depending on your taste. Whether you’re going for fun and flirty, or elegant and classic, anyone can adopt this trend.
The mini
Bride and former netballer for the Australian Diamonds, Nat Butler rocked the cutest Rachel Gilbert mini on her big day. The dress, adorned with an appliqué rose feature, matched the couples relaxed vibe perfectly. “Being married on New Years Eve, I wanted something that was a bit of fun and also accommodated the weather,” says Nat. “I’ve always loved Rachel Gilbert’s designs and thought it was a great dress to ring in the new year and celebrate the night in,” shares Nat. While many bridal houses have experimented with untraditional attire, the part about opting for a mini dress is that you don’t necessarily have to shop at a wedding atelier. Aje is well-known for their unique mini dresses, and Acler boast some effortlessly wearable pieces.
The midi
Dominique Depinto’s Peter Lehmann Wines wedding saw her rock a tulle, midi frock purchased from Jenny & Gerry’s Bridal and altered by Michelle’s Custom Design and Alterations. While Dominique originally purchased a full-length dress, she wanted to add an unconventional twist to match her carefree personality. “I couldn't resist the desire for something truly one of a kind,” says Dominique. “Looking at my full-length wedding dress, I had an idea: what if I turned it into a shorter dress? My dress allowed me to express my unique sense of self and feel confident. It represented my desire to break tradition and added a playful and modern touch to my wedding look.”
The almost long
For the bride wanting a modern take on a traditional silhouette, taking up the hem just a few inches from the ground, like South Australian bride Nicola Mori, could be the way to go. Nicola’s stunning Paulo Sebastian dress balanced classic with modern perfectly. “I always knew I didn't want a long train or long dress as I am short and felt I would get lost in such a big dress,” explains Nicola. “I also love to dance and knew I didn't want to have to hold my dress the entire night, or feel like it was too heavy to move in. I tried on two dresses at my first appointment, one was short and the other was long. Paul and I knew right away the shorter dress was perfect for me,” shares Nicola.
Romy Bow-tie Mini Dress - $1,295 - Rachel Gilbert
Florence Pearl Trim Midi - $625 - Aje
