Vivienne Westwood is renowned for her bold, avant-garde wedding dresses that challenge traditional bridal norms while remaining timeless in their elegance. If you’ve chosen a Vivienne Westwood gown for your big day, you’re already stepping into a world of high fashion, innovation, and elegance. However, styling your dress in a way that makes it truly yours is key to making sure your wedding look is as unique and unforgettable as the dress itself. Here’s how to style your Vivienne Westwood wedding dress to create a stunning, one-of-a-kind bridal ensemble.
1. Embrace Subtle Customizations
One of the best ways to make your Vivienne Westwood wedding dress truly unique is by customizing it. Vivienne Westwood gowns often feature intricate details like corsetry, draping, and asymmetrical cuts that can be personalized to suit your style. Whether it’s adding a detachable skirt for a dramatic change, adjusting the neckline, or incorporating custom embroidery, subtle customizations can ensure your dress is as unique as your personality.
Styling Tip:
Consider adding personal touches such as your initials or a meaningful symbol in lace, beading, or embroidery. Customizing your dress doesn’t have to be extreme – small touches can make a big difference.
2. Choose the Right Accessories
Vivienne Westwood wedding dresses have a distinctive, bold character, so pairing them with the right accessories is essential for achieving a balanced and elegant look. Start by choosing a veil that complements the dress’s design. If you have a more structured gown, a voluminous veil with intricate lace or embroidery could work well. For softer dresses, opt for a simple, flowing veil that doesn’t overpower the design.
Styling Tip:
Pair your dress with a statement accessory like a tiara, headband, or vintage-inspired jewelry. Keep the jewelry minimal but impactful – think oversized earrings or a delicate choker to draw attention to your neckline.
3. Play with Footwear
Your shoes are a key part of your bridal look, and Vivienne Westwood designs often feature a combination of modern and classic elements. If your dress is an elegant A-line or ball gown, consider a pair of classic heels or even vintage-inspired pumps. If you want to add an element of surprise, go for something more unconventional like platform shoes or statement boots.
Styling Tip:
For a fashion-forward twist, choose shoes that stand out with vibrant colors, sparkling embellishments, or dramatic silhouettes. If you’re looking for comfort, a stylish pair of flats or block heels can provide support without compromising on style.
4. Layer with a Statement Outerwear
If you’re getting married in a cooler season or just want to add an extra touch of sophistication, consider layering your Vivienne Westwood wedding dress with a statement piece of outerwear. A dramatic fur stole, a sleek tailored jacket, or a stylish cape can elevate your look while keeping you warm. Vivienne Westwood’s pieces are known for their architectural designs, so adding a structured outerwear piece can add a beautiful contrast to the flowing fabric of your gown.
Styling Tip:
A fur stole or cape can add vintage glamour to your wedding day look. For a more modern approach, try a tailored jacket in an unexpected fabric like velvet or satin, giving your look a fresh, chic vibe.
5. Opt for Minimalist or Bold Makeup
The makeup you choose should complement the boldness and elegance of your Vivienne Westwood wedding dress. If your dress is particularly intricate or avant-garde, you might want to keep your makeup simple, opting for a natural, fresh-faced look with a soft glow and nude lips. On the other hand, if you want to enhance your dramatic dress, go for bold makeup – think winged eyeliner, a strong lip color, or a smoky eye for a sophisticated yet daring look.
Styling Tip:
Consider experimenting with a statement lip color that complements your wedding color scheme. Deep reds, classic nudes, or even a vibrant berry can complement a Vivienne Westwood gown effortlessly.
6. Play with Hair Styles
Your hairstyle can also play a major role in how your Vivienne Westwood dress looks. For a dramatic wedding gown, you might want to go for a sleek updo or chignon that gives the dress plenty of room to shine. If your dress is more laid-back or whimsical, loose waves or a soft, romantic updo can add to the overall feel.
Styling Tip:
A bold hairstyle, such as a high ponytail or voluminous curls, can bring an unexpected edge to your Vivienne Westwood look. For a timeless and elegant approach, a soft, romantic bun or French twist will keep things sophisticated while still allowing your gown to take center stage.
7. Consider Statement Jewelry Pieces
Jewelry plays a crucial role in completing your bridal ensemble. Vivienne Westwood’s wedding dresses are often dramatic in their design, so pairing them with statement jewelry can bring out their best features. Chunky, modern necklaces or art-deco-inspired earrings can add a bold touch to a minimalistic dress, while delicate and vintage-inspired pieces can complement a gown with intricate detailing.
Styling Tip:
For a bold statement, choose oversized earrings or a striking cuff bracelet. If your dress has a lower neckline, consider layering delicate necklaces for an elegant yet modern look.
8. Keep Your Bouquet Unique
Your bridal bouquet should be an extension of your personal style and the overall theme of your wedding. If you’re wearing a Vivienne Westwood gown, you can embrace a non-traditional bouquet style. A bold, floral arrangement with deep reds, blacks, or metallics can enhance the uniqueness of your gown. Alternatively, a more minimalistic bouquet with a mix of greens and subtle whites can keep the attention on your dress.
Styling Tip:
For a more unconventional look, experiment with a bouquet of unconventional flowers, like dark peonies, black calla lilies, or wildflower arrangements. This can create a striking contrast with the elegance of your dress.
9. Consider a Bold Wedding Theme
Vivienne Westwood wedding dresses often exude a sense of modernity mixed with traditional elegance. Consider aligning your wedding theme with this aesthetic for a more cohesive look. A vintage-inspired wedding, a modern couture theme, or even a romantic fairytale wedding could all align beautifully with the unique design of a Vivienne Westwood gown.
Styling Tip:
Choose decor, flowers, and venue choices that align with the bold, sophisticated nature of your gown. Whether it’s an extravagant ballroom with luxurious details or an understated, minimalist setting, let your wedding theme complement your Vivienne Westwood dress.
Conclusion
Styling your Vivienne Westwood wedding dress for a unique and timeless look is all about balance. By choosing the right accessories, experimenting with hair and makeup, and adding personal touches, you can transform your gown into something that reflects your individual style and enhances your bridal vision. Vivienne Westwood’s designs provide the perfect foundation for creating a wedding day look that is both unforgettable and true to your personal flair. With the right styling, your Vivienne Westwood wedding dress will shine as the focal point of your special day.
