Advice for a friend...an alternate wedding gown option

A friend and client of mine recently called to ask my advice on wedding gown ideas. Her close friend is getting married but is not at all girly, and really never wears dresses. She said she wanted to wear a dress, but something that is understated while still acknowledging the momentous occasion.

I suggested the formal full length skirt, which I am loving. The idea is a full pillar of luxurious fabric from the natural waistline to the floor, paired with a slightly more casual top. It is a clean sophisticated look, while not being too ostentatious.

For spring, Jil Sander had many great examples walk down the runway, from wedding whites, to spring colors, to florals. What was really great was the pairing of such a formal fabric and silhouette with a simple soft tee shirt. In the case of the floral, the pattern extended from luxe fabric and on to the comfortable cotton, essentially marrying the rich with the humble.

Another source for this look is the surprisingly elegant J Crew wedding line, which boasts a beautiful full pleated shimmering tulle skirt which they have again paired with a simple tee.

The tee when fitted just right (not at all tight, but not too loose), creates a soft easy elegant feminine silhouette. The fabric may be everyday, but the look is classy. If it's still too understated a look for your needs, a blingy statement piece of jewelry would pop beautifully off the tee.

However, one could also try Tilda Swinton's take on the look by going with a button-up shirt. This gives it a slight masculine formality, which depends entirely on the personality of the wearer. I also should note that I love the subtle contrast of the pairing of crisp white with creme, something I have become a recent fan of.

Above, Tilda Swinton and Kate Bosworth. Below Jil Sander Spring 2011 (photos from Style.com)and J Crew Wedding.