Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Savvy July 2021

Add off shoulder straps or not?

Flag
Hide content

Deborah, on April 2, 2021 at 3:07 PM

Posted in Wedding Attire 29

Hi everyone! I’m getting into the home stretch here, my wedding is on July 11! I’d like to get your opinions on my dress. It came as a spaghetti strap and because it’s a heavy ballgown (and since I didn’t like the thin straps anyways), I got it altered to be thicker, I believe it’s ½ inch now. And I absolutely LOVE IT!!!!! (see pics below!!) But I also want to feel more princess-y, and I really like the idea of off-shoulder tulle to help with that look. I brought that up at my last fitting and my mom shot that idea down, saying that I shouldn’t have gotten the straps if I wanted that because “it’s either shoulder straps or off shoulder straps not both.” But I’ve been looking online and I think it would be super cute with both, I’m just not sure about it with how wide my straps are and I don’t want to go back to thin straps, and know I definitely do not want strapless with off-shoulder. I’m having another fitting in May with my sister (MOH) and another bridesmaid and will ask them what they think but I also value other brides’ opinions! I’m wondering if you lovely ladies think it would look good with the thick straps and off shoulder! So the pics below are my dress how it is, and a few pics of off shoulder styles (with and without straps) that I like. Please let me know what you think and if it would be a good addition or not because I can’t decide!

My dress (sorry for bad pics and my nasty hair lol)

Off shoulder inspiration (w/ and w/o straps)

Show all

29 Comments

Legend June 2019
Melle · on April 5, 2021 at 1:07 PM
Flag

Hide content
I would add the shoulder straps !
- Reply
Dedicated September 2021
Conny · on April 5, 2021 at 1:55 PM
Flag

Hide content
First, you look beautiful. Second, I think the dress looks amazing as is but if you want to change the straps I understand. I think you need to decide between off shoulder period (like the last few pictures you posted) or straps . Not both. The ‘both’ looks really nice on dresses that are more A line and have a flowy fabric . Almost like the first two pictures you posted. I would be nervous about the structured top part of your dress and it being a ballgown and how it would look with both not one strap design.
I have a ballgown as well and I chose not to go with straps only bc of my arms, but I went with off shoulder and I love it! You will look beautiful regardless of what you decide!!
- Reply
Master May 2020
Kari · on April 5, 2021 at 2:32 PM
Flag

Hide content
I love the 1/2 wide straps you have. I too don't love spaghetti straps and think your alterations look more comfortable and more flattering.
Do the off the shoulder straps if you want. You can have both. Here's an example of a dress with thicker shoulder straps AND off shoulder straps - Lulu's Oceans of Elegance dress. I think it looks fine!
You should consider if the off-the-shoulder straps will impact your movement at all. I know I really liked the aesthetic of dresses with long lace illusion sleeves but didn't feel as comfortable wearing them, as I couldn't lift my arms all the way or move them erratically without fear of ripping the fabric. Before you have additional straps added, I'd have your seamstress pin/clip extra fabric in place so you can move around and simulate dancing to make sure they work for you.
- Reply
Savvy July 2021
Deborah · on April 5, 2021 at 6:43 PM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment

Thank you so much!! I was totally unable to find anything with wide straps so you are a life saver!
- Reply
Dedicated April 2022
Jenny · on April 5, 2021 at 7:41 PM
Flag

Hide content
I think it’s beautiful the way it is but make it your dream dress girl!
- Reply
VIP October 2022
Mrs.evans · on April 5, 2021 at 9:39 PM
Flag

Hide content
Off the shoulder it will look lovely but if you really them because you do then get them if not don't use them
- Reply
VIP October 2022
Mrs.evans · on April 5, 2021 at 9:41 PM
Flag

Hide content
And it's your dress and wedding do what you love if you loved with them keep but if you see a different vision off then do that.
- Reply
Master May 2020
Kari · on April 6, 2021 at 12:18 PM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment

No problem. It took me a while to remember the name of that dress because it is discontinued, but I remember seeing it and knew it would help!
- Reply

Master 0000
Judith · on April 6, 2021 at 1:24 PM
Flag

Hide content
The reason many people do not wear low on the shoulder, off shoulder portrait sleeves, is that the look dowdy and plump with the top edge of their dress that close to their waist. With at least 1/2" straps or bigger, or with bust cups that come higher, or a high halter front, you get the i.pressio of a longer figure from to to top of bodices, up more from waist. You want that. The traditional off the shoulder will not help. But with the currently fashionable cold shoulder look, a strap 1/2 " or more, or even 2 on each shoulder, is worn with an additional off the shoulder cap sleeve. That would be terrific on your dress, strap and sleeve.

whether the dangling cap is higher or lower, having the single strap above 1/2 inch or more where it pulls rhe bust cups up, matters to the whole figure. With no thinner but supportive strap that bears weight, bust cups hang low. And the proportions of the whole figure are different.
- Reply