Q: Hi APW team!
I found this amazing, long light gray skirt at Alice & Olivia a few weeks ago that I really want to wear on my wedding day. It’s gorgeous. It’s not bridal. And it’s absolutely, effortlessly me. In the store, they had me try on this bodysuit that they recommend wearing with these high-waisted skirts but none of the styles available suit my taste or body type. (They’re mostly chiffon and billowy, and I really want something more fitted and structured.)
I am ridiculously good at Googling things. I can find pretty much anything on the Internet (really, it’s a superpower). But I cannot, for the life of me, find non-appalling, wedding-appropriate bodices/bustiers/cropped (cropped! not crop!) tops that don’t cost a small fortune that I can wear with this beautiful skirt. I refuse to believe that they don’t exist. Help me! Please! Where are they hiding?! Do you, does anyone, have some secret resource for cool bridal separates? (Don’t Google “bridal separates”, it’s not pretty, and also REALLY don’t Google “bridal bustier”. These roads lead no where good.)
Overall, my style is sort of femmey tomboy (which is part of why this is so hard!), so I’m trying to find something simple, not overly feminine or frilly or flowy, and crossing my fingers that it’s out there! So far, I’ve been inspired by the top of this Stone Fox dress, this dress, and the top of this, which I actually saw on APW somewhere at some point. I don’t know what exactly yet, but I’m going to wear some sort of chunky-ish dark shoes like these or these And some sort of gold necklace similar to this.
Thank you again for everything.
xo
Jessica
A: Hey Jessica,
When I first got your email, I was all, “Pshaw, my Google-fu is just stronger than hers. I’ll have this roundup sourced in no-time.” By day three, I think I mostly stared at my computer with my head in my hands wondering where humanity went wrong. Why are belly shirts back? Where did all the bustiers go? WHY IS THIS SO HARD?! Anyway, I feel for your struggle. And after a generous quantity of iced coffee, I think I’ve found a few things that fit the bill. (Well, I found a few things I got really excited about and then decided you had to wear. Probably layered on top of each other, because I can’t choose which I like best.) Keep in mind: the flowiness of the skirt requires a top that’s either a) boxy or b) impeccably fitted, so I’d prepare yourself for a trip to the tailor after you make your final purchase (my goal as an adult is to see the tailor as my friend and not as proof that I just shopped wrong). Also, I apologize in advance, because some of my favorites definitely break the rule of “doesn’t cost a small fortune.” Don’t hate me ’cause they’re beautiful. (And, if we think of these as “wedding clothes,” not “tops,” all but one of them are kinda okay on price. (And that one… that one.)
Sporty ($495): This is possibly my favorite of the bunch. It’s sporty, with a bit of edge, and just long enough that it’ll touch the waistband of your skirt if you wear the skirt up high. It veers into the land of “why does this cost so much,” but it’s worth it. MCQ Alexander McQueen Cropped Faille Top, from Neiman Marcus.
Structured ($305): This is a little boardroom meets bedroom, but with the right tailoring could be just the right amount of structure you’re looking for. Also, I’d like to be the first to say that I’m totally in favor of plunging necklines at weddings. In case you need to make an argument to your mom or something. Sleeveless Draped Bodysuit, from Neiman Marcus.
Perfection ($2,990): I’m sorry, don’t hate me for putting this in here. It’s perfect. J. Mendel Cropped Mosaic Web Top, from Neiman Marcus.
WWBD ($798): It’s only available in an Italian size 40 (US Large), so you’d have to get this taken in. But worth it, no? I mean, this is what Beyoncé would wear with this skirt. Ruched Lamé Bodysuit, from OutNet.
Cropped, Not Crop? ($40): This one toes the line, but it’s $40 and I’m sure you could put something sheer under it to make up for the belly baring. Cream Wrap Crop Top, from River Island.
The Wild Card ($308): Okay. So. Technically this is a bathing suit. But it’s SO CLOSE to your inspiration, plus it’s Mara Hoffman and it’s double lined. That practically makes it a shirt. Diana Beaded Malliot, from Mara Hoffman.
