With flexibility being a key theme for 2021, wedding dress stylists with Anomalie are citing “flexible” wedding dresses as the top trend that brides are requesting – specifically, affordably-priced, custom dresses with detachable overskirts for a ceremony-to-reception look, capes and other removable elements. Anomalie brides are designing the personalized dresses that they always dreamed of instead of selecting styles that match a particular venue, location, or season. We are all about this trend because we know having a multi-faceted gown can be your saving grace on your destination wedding day!

Photo courtesy of Terri Baskin

We spoke with Leslie Voorhees Means, Anomalie co-founder and CEO, to get some of her thoughts on this new trend. 

Q: What is the main concern brides are having that leads them to ask for a “flexible” wedding gown?

A: Brides who opt for flexible wedding gowns are often looking for the flexibility of having a different look for the reception, but not wanting to change into a completely separate dress. Overskirts are designed to be removed so brides can transform your look and be able to dance and move freely. 

Most overskirt train lengths are chapel or cathedral, which is a great way to add a ‘wow’ factor. Wedding dresses underneath the overskirt are generally designed as a sheath or fit and flare gown, so the removable portion can fit nicely over the dress. Many brides opt to wear the overskirt through the ceremony and first dance then sneak away to remove the skirt for all the festivities after.

With COVID-19, we are seeing many brides forced to move their wedding date from summer to winter. A popular trend we are seeing for brides who are forced to move their weddings to colder months is adding sleeves and capes to their dress.

Q: What are the benefits of a multi-faceted/ multi-purpose gown?

A: With overskirts, brides can keep the look of their wedding dress but remove the dramatic overlay in favor of a more comfortable gown for dancing! Most overskirt train lengths are chapel or cathedral, which is a great way to add a wow factor.

Capes are a great way to change the entire look of the dress. Whether a bride has a flair for the dramatic or secretly wants to be Elsa from Frozen, a cape gives your wedding dress a whole new vibe. Shorter capes (capelets) lend an on-trend vintage feel for any bride wanting to go retro. Brides can complement a sleek, simple dress with a sheer, flowy cape to sparkle on your wedding day or go all out with an ornate cape and an elaborate dress for an over-the-top look. 

Bridal capes also serve a functional purpose. A cape can amplify your look, but it can also be a practical addition to your wedding dress. A cape adds warmth to cold shoulders on a chilly wedding day or provides a touch of modesty for a formal church ceremony. 

Capes and overskirts are also lower fuss than a long train. Because capes typically attach with snaps or hook and eye at the neckline or straps of a dress, it is easily removed post-ceremony for dancing, much like a detachable train. 

Photo courtesy of Cassandra Young

A real bride of Anomalie, Stephanie, shared her experience customizing her gown to be multi-faceted for her wedding in the Texas Hill Country.

“I’ve wanted lace sleeves ever since I saw Kate Middleton’s dress. I also loved every illusion lace back that I saw when browsing online and in-store. I’ve been really into off-the-shoulder dresses and blouses for the past few years, and my mom had an off-the-shoulder dress when she married my dad. I thought the lace, illusion back, and off-the-shoulder style would look amazing at our outdoor, Hill Country wedding. I also decided on a blush champagne fabric because I thought it would look beautiful with the greenery and the fall Hill Country setting. I chose the convertible, overskirt style because I didn’t want to have to bustle my dress and wanted to be free to party! I knew a long dress would get dirty because I would be indoor and outdoor at our venue.”