June 12th, 2012 
By now, everyone knows that star Miley Cyrus is engaged to Liam Hemsworth and shopping for a wedding gown!
Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus (Photo Credit: glamour.com)
Her signature style over the years has been to wear very fitted, figure-enhancing clothing for most occasions. Will she stick to this expected style choice for her wedding day, though? Or will this momentous occasion be an opportunity for Miley to surprise everyone by taking a fashion risk and selecting a conservative, traditional gown? This is actually a dilemma facing all brides, not just Miley.
Be yourself or be a bit different?
Some predict Miley will wear a gown that is “classic old Hollywood.” Others believe she will take advantage of her youth and don a short, funky wedding dress. Would choices such as these be fashionable and unique for Miley, or would she appear to be in costume?
Overall, it is probably best for most brides to start with the concept of being themselves. Examine what your everyday, comfortable style really is.
Are you classically preppy? If so, look for simple cuts (try A-line) in classic fabrics, such as dupioni silk. Also look for small, subtle details (a small bow instead of a huge one, not too much beading, etc.).
Do you favor a form-fitted, sophisticated look? Look for dresses with lace-up backs and maybe experiment with a mermaid or sheath style dress. Just be careful with this form-fitted style for your wedding day. It is okay to wear a low-cut dress! It is okay to wear a backless dress! It is okay to wear a short dress! It is okay to wear a tight dress! But DON’T wear a dress that is low-cut, backless, short and tight; you may regret this look later.
If you favor a princess-y style, look for a ball gown in a fabric such as satin or tulle.
Miley Cyrus (Photo Credit: glamour.com)
Once you figure out your BASIC style, you can experiment with ways of giving your bridal look a unique (but not completely out of character) twist.
The preppy bride could opt for a surprising low-back dress or a pop of color. The bride who loves form-fitted, sophisticated gowns may opt for a fitted mermaid gown with a modest, high neckline worn with a birdcage veil. The princess-y bride might select a ball gown with a sexy sweetheart neckline and hot pink shoes.
In all of these examples, the bride is being herself, but adding a fun twist for her special day. With this in mind, I think Miley should go with her basic style (she loves form-fitted gowns with fuller skirts), but select a softer, less structured fabric, such as chiffon. The textured look of the dress pictured would work well for her wedding gown. A one- shouldered look (unlike the dress pictured) is modern and fresh and would look fabulous if Miley wore it with a flower in her hair or a subtle, traditional veil.
Miley Cyrus (Photo Credit: glamour.com)
Another option for Miley? A mermaid gown with a full skirt (think high-fashion ruffles), perhaps in a unique color such as blush or mocha, with a full, double-layer veil. This look would combine her everyday style with both fashion and tradition.
