Wedding Dress, Designer Gown Colors
Off white. Stark white. Bright white. And what the heck is eggshell? Choosing a shade of white for your wedding gown has become almost as difficult as choosing the gown itself. Here's everything you need to know to get the right white.
The Shades
Stark White
The brightest, crispest white you can find. Looks great on dark skin.
Silk, Diamond, or Natural White
A shade off of stark white, though it looks pretty much the same in photos. "Eighty percent of the population looks best in a soft, diamond-white dress, which isn't as chalky as a white-white," explains dress designer Melissa Sweet. "When in doubt, buy diamond white."
Ivory
Also referred to as "eggshell" or "candlelight." Some ivory dresses have yellow undertones, making them look creamy; some are just a "quiet" white.
Rum or Champagne
A white with pink undertones that looks nearly white in photos.
The Selection
The key to finding your shade? Knowing your skin tone.
- If your skin is fair: you'll look best in yellow-ivories and warmer natural colors. You should probably steer clear of stark white, though—it may wash you out.
- If your skin is medium with pink undertones: opt for creamier colors.
- If your skin is medium with yellow undertones: try diamond whites or champagne.
- If your skin is dark: lucky you—most shades of white will complement your skin. If you have yellow or olive undertones, though, stay away from yellow-ivory dresses. Try stark white or rum pink.
When trying on different dresses in a bridal salon, keep in mind that the samples may be dirty, so while the fabric is "white," it may appear a shade off from its actual color, and therefore will look more flattering than it really is against your skin. Be sure to ask for a clean fabric swatch to place near your face before making your final decision.
