Making you look your best version and feel utmost comfort from day through the night is too much to expect from one dress. The most expensive dress of your life can possibly be the most beautiful dress, but not necessarily the most comfortable one. The type of dress you choose to wear on the wedding day decides the level of comfort on the day of, from striking poses for bridal portraits to floating down the aisle to saying “I do” from behind the veil to posing for romantic wedding portraits as newlyweds to having the first dance under the gleaming chandeliers to finally saying goodbye to the guests! Whether you decide to don two different dresses (or looks) for the ceremony and reception or cut a dash in just one dress that you ran to earth (and that costs the earth too!) from day through night, know that it’s the dress that makes or breaks your wedding day photos! Therefore, it’s only important that you choose a beautiful bridal gown that brings versatility with it to make you look everything but ordinary on your extraordinary day! And if you wish to switch to another look for the second part of the day-of without actually switching your beloved dress or splurging on the second dress, then an overskirt or convertible wedding dress has your name written all over it. It allows you to transform your wedding day look in one fell swoop just by removing the detachable voluminous skirt (sometimes sleeves too!) just like veils or trains, so you can beautifully transition from a traditional YOU to the modern YOU without any fuss and much ado (same accessories would do)!
Only once do you get to live such a big and auspicious day! You are the focal point on the day of! Like every other bride in the world, you want to look like the most beautiful bride walking down the aisle wearing a royal train, sweeping skirt, and swaying veil like a princess on the biggest day of your life. And there is nothing wrong in going the whole hog to get engraved in the mind of everyone present around you that day. But is the dress of your dreams comfortable for all-day wearing, navigating, dancing, and eating? With that in mind, you sure will want to change into a dress that’s mobile to the hilt right after the ceremony is over. You can easily fall in love with the idea of buying two equally gorgeous dresses for the big day if it would come with only the advantages, but unfortunately, it brings with it its own set of consequences too like an added cost, extra accessories, risk of looking under-dressed or mismatched, and reduced wear time for each dress, which might have you turn to the idea of single wedding dress. Sure, you can buy an evening gown or tea-length dress for your wedding reception if you are planning to rewear it in a nightclub during your honeymoon (wink!). But if you aren't, then what's the need to put a dent in your wallet when you can still wear two different looks (sans switching your dress) for the cost of one (Who doesn’t like double value for money?!). Say yes to an overskirt wedding dress, and Fanny’s is your aunt! Not only this will save you a fortune but will also add a variety to your wedding pictures while you are busy enjoying, posing, drinking, dancing, and dining without getting wary of stains or tears!
Wedding dresses with removable skirts are having a star style moment for the last few seasons, and for all good reasons. Whatever your reason is, the world is your oyster when it comes to finding gorgeous overskirt wedding dresses. Let’s take a peek at some of our fave styles that are sure to turn heads.
1. Joanne by Galia Lahav: Designer’s one of the cleverest transformations, Joanne is for those modern fashion-forward brides who are hankering after a classic ball gown silhouette for their “I do” moment and something sleeker to change into for the evening shindig. An elegant scalloped trim framing a high side slit falls artistically from the thigh to hem on this slim-cut, fitted strapless corset dress! We love the way the bold overskirt boasting statement train ties into a big bow at the waist while adding a traditional shape to the sensual dress underneath with a high side slit. Bringing the best of both worlds, this glamorous convertible dress allows you to quickly switch to the second modern look with its body-hugging silhouette featuring reflecting collar-inspired sweetheart neckline and covered in elaborate hand-embroidered French lace motifs after you have flaunted your traditional style with the overskirt swaying behind you. Your bridal pictures will come out looking like a rad model’s portfolio!
2. Dalia by Dimitrius: We simply can’t get over this floral blossom wedding dress with princess overskirt designed by world-renowned wedding dress designer Dimitrius Bridal. Boasting an illusion neckline finished with bareback, this super stylish two-in-one princess wedding dress lets you show off your sexy back gracefully! While the beaded 3D flowers blossom traveling down the body gives the wearer a whimsical touch, the illusion details on the bodice provide a striking tattoo effect. Put it on with/without the dreamy overskirt to suit your wedding venue and occasion.
3. Maeve | Style# Y11652 by Sophia Tolli: Fall head over heels in love with this two-piece lace and misty A-line tulle wedding dress set that offers two bridal looks in one! Featuring a classic strapless sweetheart neckline and universally flattering organza sheath silhouette embellished with beaded lace appliqués and sequins scattered in abundance, Maeve guarantees a grand entrance to your wedding ceremony. The Sophia Tolli's signature corset back leading to a court-length train provides you a royal look while you saunter down the aisle to say your vows to your prince charming. And the detachable misty tulle overskirt instantly transforms the look into a faux ballgown, complete with a beaded belt to accentuate the waist and lace appliqués cascading towards the hem. The style is also available with a zipper back as Y11652ZB and without overskirt as Y11652F. Maeve comes without straps (removable spaghetti and halter straps, included), but you can get matching detachable illusion lace long sleeves or lace cap-sleeves sold separately as Y118SL and Y11552CSV.
4. Esther by Karen Willis Holmes: Striking silhouettes highlighted by floor-sweeping trains and voluminous overskirts can allure any bride! But if you are looking for a two-in-one dress that will be remembered long after your wedding, this is the dress for you! A structured strapless bodice and full overskirt featuring a fitted pencil skirt underneath, Esther is a contemporary take on the classic ballgown silhouette. Made in a sculptural mesh, the bodice features a bold center pleat. You can also make a design choice of having a side split in the pencil skirt. This gorgeous gown is elegant, modern and so refined with simple details that elevate this dress to something truly special. Buy your preloved Karen Willis Holmes - Esther just for $3000 on Borrowing Magnolia if you don’t want to pay a king’s ransom for the first-hand designer piece.
5. Style #14584 by Pnina Tornai: I am personally obsessed with the bridal dresses (with or without overskirt) designed by Pnina Tornai, "queen of bling." Classic, yet sensual and unique! Allow this fashion fairy godmother to circle her magic wand around you to bring your Cinderella dreams to life! Bringing 3 distinct looks to its pretty bride, this sparkling wonder with a plunging V neckline and back, detachable glitter embossed ball gown skirt, a long dramatic train, and loads of glimmering details light up the room in a heartbeat. There are various second-hand wedding dress websites like Stillwhite and Borrowing Magnolia where you can score the dress in next-to-new condition at a great price without burning a hole in your pocket. If you have decided to go the sustainable route, then let us tell you that you might catch a break and get complimentary bridal accessories like a matching cathedral veil and beaded belt to complete the look at no additional cost. The joy of joys is that this spectacular overskirt is available to purchase separately as Style #14584SKIRT for the gown of your dreams that is already hanging in your closet and waiting for some glitz and glam to make you shine like a star!
6. Style#4959 by Paloma Blanca: If you want to exchange nuptials like a queen or princess in the daytime but dance the night away like a teen, this Paloma Blanca over-skirt wedding dress is just for you swirl girl! Fulfilling separate but complementary needs, the removable side slit overskirt of this scintillating Paloma Blanca bridal dress creates a day-to-night wedding look when combined with the striking knee-length lace skirt underneath. A preowned Paloma Blanca wedding dress with an overskirt can save you from breaking the bank and allow you to plan a big honeymoon. You can also say yes to this dress if you are getting hitched in minimony or elopement-style or in the courthouse!
7. Style #4913 by Paloma Blanca: Not every bride is a fan of Disney-inspired wedding dresses. For them, pantsuits are the greatest thing since sliced bread for their laid-back qualities. No wonder, even Indian brides are inclining toward wedding pantsuits. And for those brides only, we have added Paloma’s Style #4913 to our list of overskirt wedding dresses. This elegant Paloma Blanca creation calls only those brides who don’t come from the pool of Cinderella-inspired brides. Show off your carefree spirits in a Paloma satin, organza, and Paloma lace wedding pantsuit, just like Lauren Morelli and Game of Thrones-famed Sophie Turner. Made of Paloma lace top finished with strapless sweetheart neckline lined in blush Italian tulle, lace scallop along the waist of top and fabric buttons down back of the top, and Paloma satin pants, and a removable organza overskirt featuring a satin belt with a double bow at the waist with center front opening and 4” horsehair at the hem, this Paloma Blanca dress is sure to have you etched in the memories of your guests forever and a day.
8. Carmen by Rebecca Ingram: Hey minimalist bride, we've found your dream gown - your two-in-one wedding day look! Sexy V-back sheath wedding dress for your fabulous nuptials! Simple yet sultry, this overskirt wedding dress proves that minimalism is chic. This silky crêpe wedding gown features a peek-a-boo lace bodice with a sheer, flowy detachable overskirt. It’s the perfect addition to your elegant ceremony and cocktail party reception, so it’s fair to say brides love it too.
9. Mia - CWG850 by Oleg Cassini (ivory/champagne): Stand boldly and beautifully in this allover lace sheath wedding dress with a removable tulle overskirt. Embellished with opulent beading, the illusion tank dress is sleek and sophisticated to make a statement. To dial up the drama, make a grand entrance with the flowing tulle overskirt on and take it off when it’s time to walk into the reception hall with your spouse. So what that you are married now?! Every eye is still on you! Surprise them with the show-stopping elegance that this designer dress has to offer. The brand-new Mia fresh from the rack can be yours only by paying $1,999. However, you can be an Oleg Cassini bride for just half the sticker price if you browse second-hand sellers’ websites. A preloved Oleg Cassini wedding dress with an overskirt is just what the doctor ordered if you are the bride who keeps a weather eye on your finances.
10. Frankie+ by Oleg Cassini: Blame Frankie+ if they are giving you the glad eye! Glam brides choose the dress that only accentuates their beautifully sculptured body from head to toe, but a curvy bride wants a dress that highlights or hides her curves in the most flattering way. As glamorous as beautiful, this floral illusion plus-size bodysuit wedding dress commits to a charming, chubby bride that she will look and feel very DIFFERENT and confident. Beaded floral blooms and branches deck up a sheer, plunging-V overlay and a sleek power mesh fully-lined bodysuit, which offers both a high-fashion nude illusion and a secure, sexy way to contour the body. The back zipper makes it easy for you to slip into it. The chapel train creates an incredibly alluring wedding day look and the detachable tulle overskirt, which can be donned to add coverage for the nuptials, adds a dramatic-yet-dreamy dimension to the intricately adorned sheer illusion skirt beneath.
Your grand entrance may not feel so comfortable for the first dance or father-daughter dance or fun dance with your gang of bridesmaids. And that’s where separate overskirts come and free you from extra loads dragging you behind from kicking up the heels! If the dress you have picked out of tons of wedding dresses doesn’t have an over-skirt, and you realize that it can beautifully and flawlessly accommodate one, then go for it, girl! You can easily find one online or at the bridal store nearby at an affordable price.
Take stock of your wedding funds first, and then go the route of buying two dresses for your red-letter day if the budget allows. If you don’t want to go over budget but still want to look different in both your ceremony and reception, then consider buying a wedding dress with a removable skirt. You can also dig into second-hand designer wedding dress options to avoid paying an arm and a leg for a dress that you are going to wear just once. Whether it’s your casual garden-party-themed wedding or a formal, romantic affair in a hotel ballroom, whether it’s a new year eve wedding or Halloween-inspired wedding, overskirt wedding dresses squarely fit into any venue or theme you have in your mind. Browse gowns online or offline to find the perfect fit for your wedding day that fits your budget too because the last thing you want is to take a wedding loan.
Wedding dresses with overskirts are a blessing in disguise (quite literally!). Not only do they allow the brides to transform their wedding-day look from ceremony to reception, but also help her keep the most valuable dress of her life, clean so that she could preserve and hand it down to the next generation. Plus, more than one dress style means more variety in the pictures. You are bound to find removable skirts in a wide range of different fabrics, and colors. The flow below the bodice in various styles (snapped, tied, or buttoned onto a gown), providing a substantial two-in-one look. Brides can simply remove the skirt and stun guests with a more figure-hugging gown that’s much easier to move, mingle, and of course, sway in the arms of their sweetheart for the rest of the night. Overskirt wedding dresses are the answer if you are looking for versatility with your bridal dress, sans having to go for a totally new reception dress or second look.
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