Trading in your ceremony gown for a second, more fashion-forward look—and even adding a third quick change for the dance floor—has become a mainstay in the modern bride's wardrobe. Luckily, both bridal and ready-to-wear designers alike are offering up endless chic options for a quick change.
The latest collections are a veritable second-look treasure trove—especially Spring, Resort, and Cruise collections where light tones and pastels abound, lace is commonplace, and an overall lightness is employed to insure clothes live comfortably in the warmer months (read: wedding season). To illustrate how to style the array of after party options out there, BAZAAR Bride flocked to fashion's epicenter, Paris, where we joined forces with Ann Street Studio's creative partners, fine art photographer Jamie Beck and cinematographer Kevin Burg, to create our dream narrative for second-look dressing.
Parisian women have an effortlessness worth tapping into when building up the courage to toss out the bridal dressing rulebook in favor of your personal style, and the City of Light set the perfect stage for a newlywed couple rich with je ne sais quoi. Our newlyweds retired to their brand new appartement, completely unfurnished save for a mattress on the floor, a bottle of Champagne, and two flutes. The bride was still dressed for their last dance, but the two can't sleep—for them, the party is far from over; she has a wedding wardrobe she can't quite let go of just yet.
As she transforms between the many facets of her bridal and fashion personalities, he simply takes it all in. Here, the two embrace their first moments alone as a married couple, in style.
Jamie Beck
Marylou wears Monique Lhuillier dress, $5,995, SHOP NOW; Delpozo shoes; Hedi wears Tom Ford throughout.
SHOP THE LOOK: ROSE GOLD
Just Married
Jamie Beck
It's your day, and the party ends when you say so—even if it's just for two. Relish the night in a layered skirt, perhaps with a hem that falls just above the ankle to show off your shoes. Or go carefree, and kick off your heels.
Jamie Beck
Oscar de la Renta gown, price upon request, SHOP NOW; Buccellati necklace, price upon request, SHOP NOW; Jemma Wynne earrings, $2,940, SHOP NOW
SHOP THE LOOK: THE RUNNER-UP WEDDING GOWN
Wear the Pants
Jamie Beck
Don't be afraid to borrow from the boys—or pantsuit nation—when dressing for your second look. Make a tux your own by pairing feminine elements, like a corset or a Chantilly lace bodysuit, with an effortless, tailored trouser.
Off-White lace bodysuit, $677, trousers and corset, price upon request, SHOP NOW
SHOP THE LOOK: WEAR THE PANTS
Take It Easy
Jamie Beck
If you plan on starting and finishing the night in something floor-length, ensure a decrease in formality as the evening progresses. Cap the night off in a skirt that's free-flowing with an inherent ease.
Delpozo gown, $5,900, SHOP NOW
SHOP THE LOOK: FLIRTY SKIRTS
Trophy Wife
Jamie Beck
Ditch bridal shades of white, ivory, and alabaster—and go for the gold. Choose shades with a patina to keep the look feeling undeniably effortless, and super luxe.
Jamie Beck
Rodarte top and skirt, price upon request, SHOP NOW; Elie Saab shoes; Stephen Russell earrings, price upon request, SHOP NOW
SHOP THE LOOK: GOLD STANDARD
La Vie en Rose
Jamie Beck
Your moments together are enchanting—almost like he sees you through rose-colored glasses. Opt for a hue that gives your guests the chance to see the night through his (and your) looking glass—en rose.
Jamie Beck
Marchesa gown, price upon request, SHOP NOW; Stephen Russell earrings, price upon request, SHOP NOW; Alexandre Birman sandals, SHOP NOW
SHOP THE LOOK: PRETTY IN PINK
Rules? What Rules?
Jamie Beck
No woman's natural state is princess—unless you were born a royal. Shed full skirts, stiff corsets and the need to wear a specific color once the dust settles. Invest in a piece you can show off on the dance floor, and then wear for you (and for him) again and again. Throw out the traditional bridal rulebook—we dare you.
Marchesa blouse, $1,295, SHOP NOW
SHOP THE LOOK: BREAK THE BRIDAL RULES
Power Dressing
Jamie Beck
Choose shapes and fabrics that make you feel invincible, carefree, and playful. This is your time to shine—and do whatever you want to.
Chanel dress, price upon request, SHOP NOW; Ellery boots, price upon request, SHOP NOW
SHOP THE LOOK: POWER MINIS
La Sireneuse
Jamie Beck
Evoke elements of mystery, and tease with semi-sheer elements that feel too feminine to be risqué, but have a ladylike way of commanding a second look. Bonus points for silhouettes that move with you as you light up the dance floor.
Jamie Beck
Ellery gown, price upon request, SHOP NOW
SHOP THE LOOK: SHEER GENIUS
Laissez-Faire
Jamie Beck
Don't spend the whole night posing. Be yourselves.
Monique Lhuillier blouse, price upon request, SHOP NOW; Wendy Yue earrings, $12,900, SHOP NOW
SHOP THE LOOK: LOADS OF LACE
Rules of Attraction
Jamie Beck
Stay away from a look that's too overtly sexy. Instead, choose pieces that you know your partner will notice the moment you walk into the room.
Elie Saab dress, price upon request, SHOP NOW; Doyle & Doyle earrings, price upon request, SHOP NOW
SHOP THE LOOK: SWEET YET SEXY
Come Together
Jamie Beck
Your last look can be void of pomp and circumstance. Sometimes it's just nice to shed all things structural and slip into something more comfortable.
Copurs dress, price upon request, SHOP NOW; MR O.K wedding band, SHOP NOW
SHOP THE LOOK: LINGERIE-INSPIRED
Styled by Carrie Goldberg; Photography by Jamie Beck for Ann Street Studio; Video by Kevin Burg; Makeup by Moani Lee for Beauty Exchange NYC; Hair by Martial Rivault for Coiffirst Salon for Kerastase Paris L’incroyable; Styling and Market Assistant Tennille Yamashita; Models Marylou Mol with Elite Paris and Hedi Segalen for Premium Models Paris; Beauty Editor Jenna Rosenstein; Casting & Bookings by Ignacio Murillo and Muzam Productions; Shot at AMF Showroom Paris; Special Thanks to Anthony Flamos.
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Carrie Goldberg is HarpersBAZAAR.com’s Weddings & Travel Director. She oversees the site’s BAZAAR Bride channel, travel & dining content, and styles fashion and bridal editorials for BAZAAR.com. When she’s not traveling, she spends her free time in her hometown–New York City–where there is no shortage of new places to shop, eat, drink, see and explore.
Heather Hall is a weddings, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor. Her career in weddings began at The Knot, where she worked as a bridal fashion editor. She then worked as a PR Manager at Amsale, a bridal design house, before starting her own events and digital marketing business. She has been featured on Today.com, MSN.com, Yahoo.com, Racked.com, Huffington Post, Verily Magazine, and Style Me Pretty. Heather loves music, travel, and practicing yoga. In her spare time she's typically researching the next fun workout class to try, or finding a new concert to attend. Her latest goal: become a DJ.
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