Post # 1

Member
130 posts
Blushing bee
I ordered this dress on a whim today. I love the bust detail and the color, “mink grey”, and the length, and got a *fabulous* deal on it – it’s really so me! I’m getting married in January and would like sleeves, though. I was thinking of a shawl or bolero but am not sure where to find one cut narrow enough at the shoulder to work with the collar.
I’m plus sized and need something that will fit 2x-3x.
Suggestions, please?

Post # 2

Member
10291 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
I think I woudl go with a bolereo , one of those that is more or less just sleeves and a back, if you see what I mean . I think a shawl would sit a bit bulky over that fabulous cowl/ruched neckline.
Or maybe a little faux fur, worn lowish down on the arms.
Post # 3

Member
1939 posts
Buzzing bee
I would go with an ivory chiffon shawl, the neckline of your dress is not plain so you can’t really put anything on top of it by the shoulders or in the front. Delicately having a shawl draped would complement the dress better. Are you wearing a veil?
Other option is to wear a lace topper underneath in a matching or complementary colour tone. It may be best to find the lace in a fabric shop and have it made to size and to look good with the neckline of the dress. A simple lace “underneather” shouldn’t be very costly to have made if you bring the lace fabric.
Post # 4

Member
130 posts
Blushing bee
I agree that it really needs something that doesn’t overlap with the neckline.
I’m having trouble finding a bolero that would be cut far enough back to not overlap the neckline.
I’m wearing a birdcage veil.
I’m not sure what you mean but an underneather, annelise. Could you share an example?
Post # 5

Member
1939 posts
Buzzing bee
mjsoiree: what I called an “underneather” would be a topper that you would wear under your dress instead of over your dress. You would basically appropriate the topper underneath rather than how it is normally worn, on top, hence they are called “toppers” but as i suggested you wear it underneath I called it an “underneather”. It is not a separate bridal garment, just look for lace bridal toppers and you’ll see the options out there.
Post # 6

Member
47424 posts
Honey Beekeeper
mjsoiree: I think you are going to have to be careful with color choice. Many ivories have a yellow undertone. I would look for cream, which has a pink or brown undertone.
I would look for a lightweight knit or crochet topper, rathe than a shawl. Shawls can be a pain in the neck to keep in place and you will want to keep your hands free.
Luckily the back of your dress is relatively flat, so you can get a topper that is higher cut in the back and wider in the front, something like this
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/126287973/gray-wedding-bolero-shrug-cotton-lace?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=crochet%20bolero&ref=sr_gallery_5

https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/252502306/white-lace-pattern-crocheted-bolero?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=crochet%20bolero&ref=sr_gallery_29

many Etsy craftspeople will do custom orders for a larger size
or you could go with a more vintage look and wear a dotted swiss bolero
http://www.lindybop.co.uk/tops-c6/boleros-shrugs-c31/charisse-cream-polka-dot-shrug-p2380
a seamstress could easily widen the front opening, so those lovely straps on your dress are not hidden.
Post # 7

Hostess
11050 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
mjsoiree: Love the style and colour. I can really see a white faux fur bolero going perfectly with that dress 🙂
Post # 8

Member
130 posts
Blushing bee
Thanks for these ideas! The knit ones are lovely. I messaged a woman who does children’s boleros in a feathery pattern I like to see about having two made for my daughters, and asked if she can do them in adult sizes because the pattern is so subtle and darling. 🙂
Post # 9

Member
235 posts
Helper bee
What about a simple wrap that drapes over your arms. Wouldn’t take away from the beautiful detail of your dress?