Clean and Chic Trunk Show: Trend Spotlight

We’re ordering in loaner dresses from our designers following one of the biggest wedding dress trends of the season.

Every now and then a bridal trend really takes off and becomes the new defining look of an era—and that seems to be what’s happening with the new “clean and chic” look that has been in high demand all summer.

“Clean and chic” is defined by smooth fabrics, precise design details, and a lack of embellishment (no lace, beading, or bedazzling to be seen here—but maybe some pearls!). What it does NOT mean is “boring.” These dresses often make bold silhouette choices, and come in a range of fabrics, from luscious Mikado satin to smooth crepe to floaty chiffon. They also aren’t necessarily “simple!” While some may fall into the minimalist aesthetic (as you’ll see!), others include oversized elements and plenty of volume.

We love giving our brides access to as wide a range of dresses and styles as possible—including ones they might not find at their local wedding boutique. To that end, we’re hosting a special in-store trunk show on September 28th, to highlight the “clean and chic” trend. We’re ordering in nine loaner gowns from our designers that we don’t usually carry in our store so that brides who are interested in this style can shop a broader selection. We’re also offering 10% off when a bride says “yes” to a trunk show dress—or to any other dress in our store that matches the “clean and chic” style!

Our weekend is already pretty full, but we have Friday slots open for brides who are eager to shop this style. Contact us to book an appointment, and take a look at the dresses we’re ordering in to see if any of them match your aesthetic.

Essense D3991: Curve-hugging contours.Remember when we said this trend didn’t mean “boring?” Essense D3991 is what we’re talking about. This figure-hugging gown features a deep, plunging V neckline that is matched in the back by a dramatic train. The Mikado satin fabric gives the dress a lustrous feel that is enhanced by the rows of pearl beading that give an extra pop to the seamline coutouring.

Remember when we said this trend didn’t mean “boring?” Essense D3991 is what we’re talking about. This figure-hugging gown features a deep, plunging V neckline that is matched in the back by a dramatic train. The Mikado satin fabric gives the dress a lustrous feel that is enhanced by the rows of pearl beading that give an extra pop to the seamline coutouring.

Essense D3631: Dramatic and luxurious.

To us, Essense D3631 is the definition of “maximalist.” A voluminous A-line silhouette, off-the-shoulder shawl, and a thigh-high slit give this gown plenty of dramatic elements. But if that isn’t enough drama for you, it also comes with an oversized detachable bow at the waist. The matte Mikado fabric give this dress weight and would make it perfect for a fall or winter wedding.

To us, Essense D3631 is the definition of “maximalist.” A voluminous A-line silhouette, off-the-shoulder shawl, and a thigh-high slit give this gown plenty of dramatic elements. But if that isn’t enough drama for you, it also comes with an oversized detachable bow at the waist. The matte Mikado fabric give this dress weight and would make it perfect for a fall or winter wedding.

Essense D3705: Storybook elegance.

Can’t decide what silhouette to go for? Essense D3705 offers a two-in-one. This sheath dress features a beautifully draped bodice that flows into an elegant train. Prefer a ballgown? The detachable overskirt adds volume and gives this gown more of a fairytale feel. After all, what’s more magical than a transforming gown?

Can’t decide what silhouette to go for? Essense D3705 offers a two-in-one. This sheath dress features a beautifully draped bodice that flows into an elegant train. Prefer a ballgown? The detachable overskirt adds volume and gives this gown more of a fairytale feel. After all, what’s more magical than a transforming gown?

Essense D3524: Sleek and sexy.

From the front, the low V neckline on Essense D3524 combined with straps and a high slit give this sheath an almost casual feel. All that changes with the low backless design, set off by a scooped drape of fabric. A bold, confident choice, this dress is sure to leave an impression. Keeping the styling simple with minimalist jewelry, or contrast with statement metals.

From the front, the low V neckline on Essense D3524 combined with straps and a high slit give this sheath an almost casual feel. All that changes with the low backless design, set off by a scooped drape of fabric. A bold, confident choice, this dress is sure to leave an impression. Keeping the styling simple with minimalist jewelry, or contrast with statement metals.

Essense D3576: Minimalist and modern.

There’s a lot to be said for gowns that speak volumes with just a few details, and Essense D3576 is one of them. The wide straps accentuate the scooped V neckline, while the thin belt provides definition at the waist. A long train with fabric covered buttons finishes off the look.

There’s a lot to be said for gowns that speak volumes with just a few details, and Essense D3576 is one of them. The wide straps accentuate the scooped V neckline, while the thin belt provides definition at the waist. A long train with fabric covered buttons finishes off the look.

Essense D3080: Pure princess.

Essense D3080 is the ultimate Hallmark romance movie wedding dress, with the deep plunge on the sweetheart neckline and full ballgown silhouette. We love how the sheer back with illusion paneling gives this gown some subtle impact. Best of all? It has pockets.

Essense D3080 is the ultimate Hallmark romance movie wedding dress, with the deep plunge on the sweetheart neckline and full ballgown silhouette. We love how the sheer back with illusion paneling gives this gown some subtle impact. Best of all? It has pockets.

Essense D3340: Full glamour.

If you’ve always been in love with a trumpet gown, Essense D3340 is the gown of your dreams. The clean lines on this gown enhance the fit and flare silhouette, which is further emphasized by the folding and wrapping on the bodice. Finally, the pointed sweetheart neckline adds a touch of spice to a classic design detail.

If you’ve always been in love with a trumpet gown, Essense D3340 is the gown of your dreams. The clean lines on this gown enhance the fit and flare silhouette, which is further emphasized by the folding and wrapping on the bodice. Finally, the pointed sweetheart neckline adds a touch of spice to a classic design detail.

Stella York 7600: Airy romance.

We’re in love with the layers of tulle that Stella York 7600 brings to this trend. The ruching across the bodice combined with the exposed boning gives this dress a soft, ethereal vibe that goes perfectly with the off-the-shoulder sleeves. We think this would be a perfect choice for a garden wedding in late spring, with flowers in full bloom.

We’re in love with the layers of tulle that Stella York 7600 brings to this trend. The ruching across the bodice combined with the exposed boning gives this dress a soft, ethereal vibe that goes perfectly with the off-the-shoulder sleeves. We think this would be a perfect choice for a garden wedding in late spring, with flowers in full bloom.

Stella York 7461: Country simplicity.

Maybe it’s the sweetheart neckline, or the wide straps, or the voluminous skirt, but Stella York 7461 is one we can see stealing the show when paired with white cowboy boots at a rustic venue. This dress isn’t without it’s special details, however. Don’t miss the line of pearls down the back—or the pockets perfectly hidden in the side seams.

Maybe it’s the sweetheart neckline, or the wide straps, or the voluminous skirt, but Stella York 7461 is one we can see stealing the show when paired with white cowboy boots at a rustic venue. This dress isn’t without it’s special details, however. Don’t miss the line of pearls down the back—or the pockets perfectly hidden in the side seams.

We’re always happy to order in a dress from our designers if you would like to try it on in our store.

If you missed our trunk show for the clean and chic trend, don’t panic! We’re always happy to call our designers for a sample dress if the one that’s captured your attention isn’t at our store. Simply give us a call two weeks ahead of your visit and request your dress, and we’ll make sure it’s here for you! There is a $40 fee for any dress you call in, but always credit that toward the purchase of a dress if you buy one in our store.

And of course, we have plenty more dresses that fit the clean and chic trend in our store if that’s what you’re looking for. Book you appointment today if you would like to come in and try them on for yourself!