What to wear to a wedding is a delightful question but not always easy to answer. If you are a happy mom, grandmother, sister of the bride or groom or bridesmaid, you will be looking for a gorgeous gown in the wedding’s color theme with a flattering style that fits your requirements for modesty. If you’re a relative or friend, there are more choices but you still have to find a dress that’s beautiful with an appropriate neckline, sleeves and length.
THE ADDRESS at the American Dream Mall has all female wedding guests covered. THE ADDRESS has boutique collections arranged by brand of everyday, Shabbat/Yom Tov and special-occasion fashions. Everyone from kids to bubbies can find a dress for the wedding here.
THE ADDRESS.
Elegance by Augenbrauns at THE ADDRESS is a collection of ready-made gowns for women in the wedding party, with its own private location and fitting rooms on the second floor. An associate is always available to help you make your selection. While the gowns are made to be worn as is, the associates are trained to give you suggestions for any alterations you might want after purchase.
Designer Chanie Koplowitz opened Elegance by Augenbrauns at THE ADDRESS in June 2024 with exclusive, for-purchase-only collections not available at the Augenbrauns stores in Monsey and Lakewood. Koplowitz showed me her current collections and offered some observations on her designs. Most of the gowns are made with tulle or lace, with some in organza and chiffon. Florals continue to dominate this year, in mixed or monotone colors. Blues, pinks and ivories are popular, with recent additions in gold and lavender.
Younger women opt for fuller skirts and flowy, puff sleeves, while grandmothers generally prefer simpler, straight gowns. Mothers can go either way. Some look fabulous in a style a teen would wear. Others prefer a more mature, sophisticated look with beading and a straighter profile. Fit-and-flare styles are generally flattering for all body types, said Koplowitz, especially when they are fitted through the bodice and flare after the waist. The Elegance at Augenbrauns collections are replenished throughout the year in small quantities, based on sales trends.
Sarah Siegel, manager at THE ADDRESS, said Elegance at Augenbrauns is a much-needed solution for women in the bride and groom’s families who want the perfect simcha dress without having to have one made to order or “built up” to make it more modest. Any alterations needed would be easy ones, like removing a collar or making a dress a half size bigger or smaller, without fundamentally changing the gown’s construction.
Siegel collaborates with Koplowitz to add styles and colors according to customer demand. “I can tell her the color we need and then Chanie, who is very creative, will think of the style to bring in,” she said. “She can add something like glitter to a gold gown to really show the gold color.”
Children, friends and relatives of the couple can find the perfect dress at one of the many designer collections at THE ADDRESS; there are about 100 brands in the store. Siegel and I strolled through THE ADDRESS to look at lots of fabulous dresses that would be right for a summer wedding.
This season, the ruched look with gathered or pleated fabric was prominent. Dresses with ruched styling gently conform to the wearer for an elegant and slimming, but unrestricted, fit. Florals are everywhere but there are plenty of solids. I saw pastel pinks, greens and blues and also vivid navy and classic black in silk or satin. Dresses are often flowing from the waist down, sometimes with tiers. One color palette is a neutral background with soft pastel florals or vibrant geometric patterns. Another look is a light color base with florals in a brighter shade. Brand names include The Gallery, Rubi, Laurent, Yakira Bella, Esteem Couture, Ellie Makir, Mima Rosso, Third, Malka Majesty gowns, Udel and ivee. Tunza & Tulle has special-occasion dresses for children.
Weddings are such happy occasions. Be ready to party in a gorgeous creation from Elegance at Augenbrauns or one of the many brands designed for beauty and modesty at THE ADDRESS, American Dream Mall, in Rutherford, New Jersey.
