Romantic Snowy White Dresses: Find Your Best White Dress
By RedElf
"Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes; Snowflakes the stay on my nose and eyelashes..." These are definitely some of my favorite "white" things. White dresses - soft and romantic, dreamy, sexy, exotic, or devastatingly demure - the choice of twentieth century brides, almost the world over. What is it about a white dress that catches the imagination?
Though white has long been the Asian color for death and mourning, to North Americans and Europeans alike, white symbolizes youth, purity, innocence, and new beginnings. Picture, if you will, a young woman in a simple, cotton, summer dress running joyfully through a field of wild flowers. Graceful multi-hued bells interspersed in clouds of tiny white daisies nod gracefully in the gentle zephyr that kisses the girl's sun-warmed cheek, tossing her errant curls. The golden sun beams down from the brilliant azure sky dotted about with gossamer clouds...
Quick, now - what color is the girl's dress?
Yes, that was a bit of a set-up, but how perfect a picture if she is wearing a white dress...
My love affair with white dresses began the day a parcel arrived from my grandparents. It was soon to be my sister's Grade 12 Graduation, and Grampa had gone shopping for dresses.
Grampa was nothing if not a great shopper, and one with impeccable taste in ladies' wear.
He also sent a dress for my mother, and one for me so we wouldn't feel left out, but the belle of the ball was to be my sister.
Her dress was the most exquisite gown I had ever seen, and my sister was positively radiant.
Of purest white, the dress had tiny, double spaghetti straps, a wide cummerbund waist, and a softly pleated bodice of scalloped silk, with sheerest tulle vertically gathered over all.
The knee-length, silk under-skirt, pouffed out by several dainty net crinolines, was further swathed in a multi-layered, gathered tulle over-skirt. My sister was a vision in white.
My mother's dress had a full skirt, nipped in by a similarly draped, wide cummerbund waist, and featured a wide, scooped neck and three-quarter length, dolmen sleeves.
The soft, silky fabric was printed in dramatic, rich, muted jewel tones that melted one into the other in swirls darkest sapphire, amethyst and midnight green.
It looked quite lovely on her, but I knew her heart was already captivated by the third dress in the box.
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The third dress - my dress - was a simple sheath in shantung silk with a scoop neck, fitted bodice and straight skirt that fell just below the knee. The pure rich sheen of the slub-weave, white silk was relieved only by a foot-deep band of metallic gold embroidery - a rich encrustation that girdled the skirt just above above the hem.
It was one of the most sophisticated dresses any of us had ever seen. I knew both my mother and sister lusted after it, though my sister affected not to be. After all, her dress fit her slim form perfectly, and at an inch or so taller than me, and two sizes smaller than either of us, she was in no jeopardy of having to share her white confection, or even to have to pass it down.
I, on the other hand, shared the same dress size as my mother, and at fourteen years of age, the sophistication of the white sheath was far beyond my grasp to carry off.
My mother immediately appropriated the sheath, as it was "much too old for a fourteen year old", and offered me another lovely dress to make up for it. What choice did I have? I could graciously accede, and make my mother happy, or pout, and lose the amazing, white silk sheath anyway.
I accepted the proffered substitute, but I must admit to a slight, secret yen for "my perfect white dress" ever since.
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I never did get to wear the white silk sheath. I continued to 'develop', and a scant two years later the dress' bodice was much too tight for comfort.
My mother's darkly dramatic dress, though, which had been a bit too big for her when Grampa sent it, had never been worn. Guess who now fit it perfectly?
I must admit, the dark, rich colors suited my blondness far better that had the white sheath. I look much better in off-white than white, to this day.
I think it pained my mother slightly to admit that her dress looked better on me, but I suppose it was a small price to pay in trade for that glorious, gold-embellished sheath.
For those who prefer some color, as well...
...and here are some lovely gems to adorn those fabulous dresses
- Sparkling Rubies for Your Valentine
Ruby, the color of velvet-red roses, passion, and romantic love: the color of the blood shed by men for their possession, the color of the flag you don't want to wave at the bull. Rubies are one of the rarest, and most expensive of all the birthstone gems. Treasured by collectors, adornment of crowned heads, believed to possess mystical powers - men have fought and died for rubies. - 16 months ago
- October Opal's Fiery Heart Sparkles Warmly at Yuletide
I have a decided weakness for opals. That mysterious fire, glinting from the heart of the stone is irresistible - flashes of scintillating red, electric blue, emerald green, and even a few glints of pearly gold. Precious and rare, opals have captured the imagination from ancient times. - 17 months ago
- Dazzling Diamonds Add Yuletide Sparkle
April's birthstone gem, the diamond, is truly the stuff of legends, though most of those legends are of much later invention than you might think. The lure of these precious stones has held us in thrall. Diamonds have adorned crowned heads; men have plundered and died for them, kingdoms have fallen on their account. All for a piece of the sparkling allure that is the diamond gemstone.April's birthstone gem, the diamond, is truly the stuff of legends, though most of those legends are of much late - 17 months ago
- Gleaming Pearls From Mysterious Orient Add Luster to Your Yuletide
If the world is my oyster, I'll take mine with pearls, lots of pearls, on the half-shell. Pearls are, without doubt, one of the most lovely of all gems - one of nature's little miracles. A simple pearl necklace - a single strand of pearls - is the traditional gift, in many cultures, of a groom to his new bride. - 17 months ago
© Elle Fredine, 2010, All rights reserved
I too adore white cotton summer dresses...however...they don't really adore me :(
Oh well, I'll just have to be satisfied with colour :D
Absolutely gorgeous! I love the Erdem and of course you can't go wrong with Dolce. Love this hub =)
I think my first white dress was my wedding dress. But, I do remember the dress that I wore to prom and wish that I even had a picture of it. Almost a "hippe dress", but much more romantic than that. And, it was the perfect pale blue...
Thank you for a lovely hub and read.
Elle...
Ladies in white dresses look so pure and immaculate. The color makes the statement! If I saw a lady wearing a red dress, I could not possibly think of purity or immaculateness. As black reflects elegance, charm, pizzazz, a white dress is the touch of an angel. You girls ALL look beautiful in white(and ain´t talking `bout weddings). Interesting hub!
Thumbs up!
warmest regards and blessings to you,
Al
Thanks so much, Meri. I think there is nothing quite so fresh and summery!
Hey, Enelle - I'm with you. They don't look so hot on me either, darnit.
Thanks so much, yenajeon. I am a big fan of Sung, also.
Hey! revybaby! Your dress sounds lovely.
Hh - most welcome - so nice to see you!
Thanks so much, Mystique! It's always lovely to find an appreciator.
At last! The little white dress has its day in the spotlight! Great work!
Your choices are stunning and yes, really romantic, especially the Dolce & Gabana numbers. Oh that I could afford them!...but then again, I'd need to first get invited to the ball :)
Thanks so much, Anita. I think they're every bit as nice as "the little black dress", too ;)
Thanks, GL. It was fun to research this one. I wouldn't mind adding one or two to my closet either ;)
White, no matter what, is fierce! Thanks for the fabulous hub :)
Nice to meet you, kissesNpen. Yes, it's one of those absolutes, like black. White just IS.
Terrific! I LOVE clothes!
Me, too, Paradise7 - so many pretty things, so little closet space :)
What beautiful dresses although I am more of a Black Dress type - who am I kidding - I have not worn a dress since my wedding day. If I could pull one of these off I would definitely do so - Great Hub.
Party! Thanks so much! Me, too, actually - I rarely wear a dress these days ;)
What fun! You're absolutely right - lover of black that I am, I have to say that there is nothing else like white. I find it so soothing and freeing when I wear a lovely white dress. Thanks for reminding me of all my white dresses past. Great hub!
I'm so glad, nadp. Thanks so much for commenting!
white linen or white georgette are both favorites of mine.
daytime for white, nighttime wear black.
makes me think of warmer weather.
Yes, electricsky, they always remind me of summer.
Personally this is not my style wedding dress. I like the long, flowy, lacy ones. Although I can admire some of the bodices on these dresses.
Yes, some of them are quite lovely, Goji! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
woow.. like it..
Thanks os much, and nice to meet you, Rismayanti.
im obsessed with the idea of wearing white this entire summer. i love it!!
Thanks so much, Fashiongirl43! You'll be doing a lot of laundry ;D
Pretty! I'm too much of a tomboy though. That white would be covered in grease and grass stains and ketchup and dirt by the end of the day, especially in summer... :)
Hey, Rachael! One girl's white dress is another girl's jeans and Tee-shirt.
yah me too!!!...lol
There you go! Hi, libby101, nice to meet you.
This article is great!Beautiful dresses.
lovely dresses! i lurve it =) nice hub
Hi, erinauk - nice to meet you! Welcome to Hub Pages.
Glad you liked it brandy! Thanks so much for the comment.
pretty awesome collection there. These collections really shown elegance and are very graceful. Thanks for sharing
regards,
Nice to meet you, Van Woods! Most welcome!
It is so beautiful I love it!
Glad you enjoyed it, Pierre!
This dress can not be bought - why show it
Judy - sorry to disappoint you ;) Not everything pictured in every article is for sale.
Great Hub. These are all very beautiful!
Thanks so much, mysisters. I love the embroidered ones best of all, I think.
I just love white dresses! All the top designers like Chanel, Givenchy, and Jovani are all designing white dresses for the Spring and Summer seasons. White is so fresh and clean, I just love the idea of wearing white all the time.
Thanks so much, fabgirl21. I love wearing white, too, but there are so many other lovely colors :D
Nice hub! Thanks for sharing. I just bought my self a beautiful white fitted one shoulder gown from Jovani about a month ago and it has given me many complements already.
How nice for you, fabgirl21!
Beautiful hub,i love this.
Thanks so much for stopping by to comment, mojefballa. Glad you enjoyed the hub.
Haha, I love the quote in the beginning! That was one of my favorite movies, I STILL have random moments when I'll start singing songs from it. Great hub, I love white dresses, I have 2 in my closet already :)
I have one at the moment, but it is a favorite, LondonLady!
Meri Scarlet 2 years ago
Love your taste in clothes!! I love white dresses too. Always have, always will! Thanks for the great hub!