Your Gown: Choosing the Right White
Don't know the difference between stark, egg shell and candlelight? Our guide will help you get your whites, right.
Photo: Biran Doben
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
Don't even think about hitting the dress shops without a crash course in hue review:
- 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. As a general rule, most people look best in a soft, diamond-white gown, which isn't as chalky as a white-white one. - 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. 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 white 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.
-- Cindy Hobson
See More: Wedding Dress Shopping