Taking a Second Look

Written by Ava Lindia, Intern 

In the modern era, a single dress has had to fit the criteria for an entire wedding day. The classy bride had to compromise comfort for style in a sculpted bodice and cathedral-length train, while the bride who loved to dance worried how her singular dress would accommodate sweat and leg movement.

It’s safe to say the wedding world is changing, and so are the outfits. In recent years, there has been a growing shift toward wedding-day “second looks,” or reception outfit changes. It has become especially popular amongst brides, but grooms are starting to catch on to the trend as well.

The origin of the trend is difficult to pinpoint, but celebrities have been wearing second looks since the early 2000s. Chrissy Teigen is known for her three-part change at her 2013 wedding, while Hillary Duff’s switch from shoulder pads to a two-piece set made waves in 2019, and then there’s Meghan Markle’s shift from a silk gown to a high-neck Stella McCartney dress in 2018.

But who says the trend is just for celebrities? Our social media feeds are booming with the second-look wedding trend.

But Why?

Many brides cite comfort or fashion as the reason for their wedding outfit shift, while for others… it’s dramatic effect. Some brides argue that they are unable to express themselves wholly with just one wedding dress. Some say they aren’t able to take part (comfortably) in all the wedding traditions that make the day so special, such as dancing, in a single dress.

In fact, there’s a strong upward trend of couples breaking traditional expectations, and there is no hard-and-fast rule that says a bride can only wear one dress on her wedding day!

So what exactly are brides changing into? Two-piece sets, free-flowing mini dresses and wide-leg jumpsuits are gaining popularity due to their ability to accommodate movement and offer comfort for brides during reception festivities. Besides, wedding days are versatile — outfits should be no less so! Brides are generally keeping their ceremony looks formal but making reception outfits fun, and even turning final send-offs sexy.

Maria McEvoy, owner of Sandals Bridal in Ocean City, Md., offered some insight into the trend. She is quite familiar with the practice, as she’s witnessed many brides in recent years hoping to find more than one perfect dress while shopping at Sandals.

For brides looking to take part in the trend, McEvoy offers a few bits of advice: “I advise my brides to find a dress that offers detachable sleeves, straps and skirts,” she said. “Some brides want a ballgown and a more form-fitting gown for the ceremony. In this case, they would need two dresses.”

For brides wanting to do a second look but who want to avoid the process (and expenditure) of a separate outfit, McEvoy suggests they purchase a fitted dress and add a full overskirt to give an enhanced ballgown look.

“There are many ways to get second looks out of one wedding dress,” she said. “The trend now is detachable sleeves, straps and skirts, which gives the look of two dresses for a fraction of the cost.”

What looks are becoming increasingly popular at Sandals? McEvoy said comfort has become a priority for many brides.

“Brides are looking for lighter dresses and/or dresses made of jersey material, which makes them feel like they are wearing a giant T-shirt.”

This bridal expert’s take on the rising trend, and the question of whether second looks are necessary: “It’s all about preference. To me, if you love a dress and it brings you to tears, why purchase a second dress? But that is only my opinion.”

Whether they want to keep it simple and savvy in one beautiful ballgown, or instead detach sleeves and skirt and head to the dance floor, brides are taking charge of their wedding-day looks now more than ever. Trend or tradition — your special day is about you, and your wedding look should be, too.