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March 17, 2011

Where Are All the Long Sleeved Wedding Dresses?

So our plan is a wedding weekend in Chicago with only our immediate families (parents and siblings). In November. It's urban, it's small, it's the complete opposite of a big production. And because it will be late fall, I will certainly not be wearing anything strapless or spaghetti-strapped. Which is actually kind of a problem when you're looking for a wedding dress. I'd love to find something pretty, short (as in, not a ball gown) and long sleeved. Because what's the point of wearing a strapless dress in November only to  throw a cardigan over it?

Here's what a night of Internet research yielded.

V4Web Wearing white is fine, but I'm not totally committed to it. I have a feeling I may even have better luck finding what I want if I consider a wider range of colors. Something like this would certainly be nice (via The Sartorialist)

Erez
In the more bridal-y category, something like this J.Crew number would be perfect if only it wasn't a ball gown. I know an option could be to purchase this dress and alter it shorter, but I'm not buying a $2,500 gown only to hack off 40% of it. Have you seen similar styles anywhere? I love the high waist, boatneck and 3/4 sleeves. I just want it to hit slightly above the knee and have a slimmer skirt.

Picture 2
I do love cap sleeves but this might be a bit too summery for November and possibly too casual for what I envision, though a different choice of shoe and hairstyle could go a long way.

Picture 3
Same here. I like the idea of this, but it might be a bit too hippy for my taste. Though with an updo and a silver shoe perhaps it could be a winner.

Leave me a comment with a link if you've spotted any other long sleeved options.

Posted at 07:39 AM in Wedding |

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Comments

Phoebe

Weird suggestion, but try checking out sites/shops that cater to Mormons. Their wedding dresses are usually long sleeved to cover up their temple garments. You can also try googling "modest wedding dress"--I've actually had the best luck finding work clothes that'll cover up my tattoos on "modest" clothing sites that cater to religious groups.

Posted by: Phoebe | March 17, 2011 at 10:41 AM

cocoschmoco

Try this site: http://simplesilhouettes.com/home
I bought my dress from them, but it was a few years ago. I think they had a long-sleeve, shorter-length dress?

Posted by: cocoschmoco | March 17, 2011 at 11:05 AM

Chelsea

I second what Phoebe said. I was actually going to suggest wedding shops in Utah. I'm Mormon and I found the best selection to be what catered to our modesty standards.

However, I will say I went with a custom made gown. She was able to use really beautiful Italian silk and made it to fit me. Cost? $700. No alterations needed. Perfect, if you ask me.

Posted by: Chelsea | March 17, 2011 at 01:00 PM

rifferaff

Phoebe: Mormon wedding dresses, huh? This is why I post these questions, because someone always comes up with an answer I never even considered!

Cocoschmoco: I love simplesilhouettes but haven't checked them out in a while. Thanks for reminding me!

Chelsea: Yes! Custom is definitely something I am considering. And the price is right, for sure.

Posted by: rifferaff | March 17, 2011 at 10:57 PM

Elizabeth

The long sleeved white dress looks like the one you tried on in Ferndale! We're headed out to The Somerset Collection (aka the fancy mall) this weekend, so I'll keep an eye out for possible store options. You might also take a trip to Chicago and hit up some of the amazing vintage/consignment options there. I haven't been, but I know there are at least a couple of places in Lincoln Park that sell designer samples.

Posted by: Elizabeth | March 18, 2011 at 09:35 AM

firning

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Posted by: firning | March 22, 2011 at 03:47 AM

gisele

I was married on a very cold day in January. A friend of my mom's made my dress - it had long sleeves. We bought patterns and satin from a regular old fabric store and the whole thing cost less than $200. Perfect. I felt like a princess and didn't once worry about how much I'd spent on something to only wear once. (It's still in my closest, wish I had a picture here to show you 'cause I'd love to let it go for a second wedding)

Posted by: gisele | March 22, 2011 at 04:45 PM

AKP

I certainly havent seen a long sleeved wedding dress for a while and it is not going to be easy to find one but should be possible in a town of Chicagos size.

Posted by: AKP | April 19, 2011 at 07:49 AM

rifferaff

Hi Vinaya! Thanks for those links. The first one definitely has potential. I love cap-sleeves!

Posted by: rifferaff | April 30, 2011 at 02:20 PM

Kristina

Hi! Just found your blog from YA Highway. I'm another Mormon and you can easily find sleeved dresses from stores in Utah. And the best part is, if the sleeve is pretty simple, you could have a seamstress replace them with long sleeves very easily. My two favorites stores: Abella Bridal and Bridal Expressions. They sell most of the same dresses, but I worked at Abella back in the day and hold it in a special place in my heart.
Good luck! Wedding dress shopping can be fun, but frustrating. I'm enjoying your blog.

Posted by: Kristina | June 24, 2011 at 12:42 PM

Kristina

Strange, the links didn't post. AbellaBridal.com and BridalExpressions.biz

Posted by: Kristina | June 24, 2011 at 01:24 PM

rifferaff

Kristina, Thanks for the links!

Posted by: rifferaff | July 21, 2011 at 07:58 PM

Wedding Shower

Do you really think long sleeves are the way to go? i really suppose it depends on the season.

Posted by: Wedding Shower | August 20, 2011 at 08:41 AM

Abercrombie Fitch

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Posted by: burberry homme | July 09, 2012 at 04:24 AM

Jacelyn

Many women prefer to wear a backless or strapless dress at their wedding day. However, the only issue here is that winter weddings can delineate your choice of wedding gowns on those designed with sleeves and over coats

Posted by: Jacelyn | July 18, 2012 at 03:35 AM

Avrill

I am really glad to find this site. The way you describe each step that was really great. By using your step I found great wedding dress from yesmybride.com for my marriage.

Posted by: Avrill | July 27, 2012 at 06:16 AM

Esmeray

Awesome dresses. I really like your collection. Can you please tell me from where i can buy theses dresses.

Posted by: Esmeray | November 19, 2012 at 04:16 AM

Jennifer

Those are lovely. I've recently started the wedding dress hunt so I'm play a lot of attention to gown details lately. hopefully I will find 'the one' soon! I think on wedding the bride will look more beautiful in a gown.

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