I totally agree & as someone who has been subjected to ugly strapless, sleevless bridesmaid gowns several times - we all looked like cows walking down the asile (truly, only a size 4 can pull off the strapless look)...I can only hope that when the time comes for me to choose my own wedding gown, I will be able to find something tasteful (with sleeves!)
I have 2 nieces who recently got married, and both of them had strapless gowns. One of them is tiny, and she could pull it off. The other one is not so tiny. She has very broad shoulders, and she’s a redhead with lots of freckles. I think she would have been much better off without the whole strapless look. I never realized how big her shoulders were until she wore her wedding dress. In fact, I never really thought she was overweight, until I saw her in the wedding dress.
I think even my petite niece would have looked better in a gown with sleeves.
Now, I am glad the poufy sleeves are gone from wedding dresses, but I don’t like the whole strapless look either.
I really hope there is a new trend for pretty dresses with sleeves.
Just a quick note for when your turn comes to walk down the aisle:
Jasmine Bridals sells what they call “temple ready” gowns, but they are in no way as frumpy as what I would normally refer to as “temple ready.”
If you go to their website, click on the “Temple Ready” link, and it directs you to choose a gown from their collection. Then you can change the gown’s neckline and sleeves, and they will sew your gown the way you’d like it to be.
Two downsides: 1) The website only allows you to see a sketch of the dress you have altered. I do not know if they can send you an actual picture.
2) I bet this costs a BUNDLE, over and above the cost of the dress.
Nevertheless, at least Jasmine Bridals makes an attempt to cater to their more modest clientele. Most designers do not.
Regards,
PS: I do think Kate’s dress will change wedding fashions for awhile, so...you MIGHT want to take a look at what’s available now & make your purchase even if you’re not engaged. That’s what I’d do if it was me...’cause as we all know, fashion is extremely fickle. Good luck!