The great American singer Bill Callahan once sang Dress Sexy at My Funeral, but anyone getting married this year could well borrow the same sentiment for their wedding. The definition of “sexy” is much-contested, but according to one bridal company, the key is flesh. Grace Loves Lace, which designed the most-pinned wedding dress in the world, has seen a 30% rise in requests for wedding dresses built with a sheer underlay. The so-called naked dress completely covers the wearer in lace, while giving the illusion of nudity. As looks go, it’s not for everyone but frankly, it’s your day, and if you want to be naked, then be naked. Here are five other ways brides can spend the big day in the buff.
Sort of naked
It’s troubling to think that this dress by Zuhair Murad is the most family-friendly design in this lineup. Because few things say “classy” better than a dress that renders the bride entirely genital-free.
Actually naked
Despite covering a meagre 6% of the body, this Pronovias jumpsuit took 244 hours to create using chantilly lace and 200 crystals – an average of one crystal sewn an hour. Imagine the ladders.
Secretly naked
At first glance this Houghton dress is fine. A bit “smart casual”, a bit “athleisure”. A bit “Carrie Bradshaw getting soaked by a bus displaying her own image like Narcissus falling into his own reflection”. Except you can see her nipples.
Comedy naked
Lady Mary Charteris’s tulle-and-silk confection, with a satin bodice and sheer cutaway panelling dress by Pam Hogg, was inspired by a heady combination of a dress presented in the designer’s 2012 catwalk show, a 50% flesh-to-dress ratio, and a smidge of Pierrot.
Half naked
French label On Aura Tout Va was a bit of an outlier at Paris couture fashion week, which is baffling when you consider this nude bodysuit for “non-traditional” brides featuring an almost completely sheer skirt and a landing strip-shaped lace panel for modesty.
Naked in all the wrong bits
Being naked in a church is a delicate balancing act, but doable if you flash the right bits. From afar, this dress by fashion house Berta ticks all the modesty boxes. Up close, the only thing being covered up is her hips.
