The princess condition

Have you ever noticed how many women, when asked how they want to look on their wedding day, answer I want to look like a princess!!!Ugh. 

I feel compelled to address some areas that recent modern princesses excelled and some areas those with the princess fantasy can improve upon. 

#1 Cleavage

While everyone was comparing Katheryn Middleton's gown to the one worn by Grace Kelly, I was struck by how attractively and demurely each woman’s cleavage is highlighted.

Both princesses have a hidden corset and padded hip to accentuate a slender waist. Both are regal and accentuate the brides curves with out vulgarity.  Kathryn has a plunging V-neckline and an A-line skirt, unlike the high neck, cummerbund and bell-skirt of Princess Grace.

Please consider the stark contrast to the "princesses" below. 

Now, a more well-endowed woman wearing a strapless gown may not be able to avoid some cleavage. The rule here is simple: an inch or less of “crack” is appropriate. Anything more and you run the risk of looking low-class.

#2 The Corset

Princess Kathryn is naturally very thin. She did not need any kind of tightening or smoothing foundation garment, but she wore one anyway for the same reason that all women wear foundation garments: it enhanced her shape.

In her case, the gown had a corset built in, which pulled her tiny waist in even more. Then the hips just below the corset were slightly padded, which gave the illusion of her waist being even smaller. This is a couture style straight from the ’50s and looks amazing every time.  

Now, the power of this design element is that you can’t see the corset. Exposing the corset ruins the illusion. It’s like letting your Spanx show.

There are some nice-looking corset gowns, but if you’re going for timeless princess style remember that  those Princesses above are wearing corsets…and none of them show.

#3 Tasteful Sparkle 

Bling is every where on our smart phones to our shoes, woman are sticking crystals on everything. Brides are particularly fascinated by all things shiny. They want rhinstones in their hair, on their bodies, on the gown, and all over the reception. Even if you go the expensive route with Swarovski crystals…this is closer to birthday party princess than sophisticated wedding princess.

Please note that simplicity is key for true princess style

A smaller-sized tiara, delicate earrings, no necklace. It’s there to accent your beauty, which is the whole point of adornment in the first place. 

Some bling is fine, even advisable but please unless you are a traveling gypsy bride please avoid the 5" tall tiaras. 

If you’re planning a fairytale princess wedding, try to remember that a princess is always understated, demure, and errs on the side of simplicity even in Disney movies.