White Acler Dresses: The Ivory Edit for Every Bridal Event

Acler makes more ivory than any other colour. Close to ninety of the Acler styles on Luxury Handbags are ivory, pearl and buttercream, and they are not an afterthought: the label’s draping, curved seams and gold hardware show up best on a pale cloth. That makes Acler one of the most useful labels for the run of events around a wedding, from the engagement party to the rehearsal dinner and, for some brides, the ceremony itself. This guide picks the best white Acler dresses for each one.

Why Acler whites work for bridal events

Most white dresses fail in one of two ways. Some are too sheer to wear without planning; others are too plain to look like an occasion. Acler avoids both. Its ivories are lined through the bodice, and the shape comes from seaming rather than from embellishment, so a white Acler dress looks finished on its own. The label also names its pale shades precisely. Ivory is a warm white, Pearl is softer and slightly grey, and Buttercream is a pale cream with a hint of yellow, which is useful if pure white washes you out.

For the bridal shower

A bridal shower is usually daytime and often outdoors, so a short dress with some movement works best. The Warra Mini Dress in Ivory and the Raffin Mini Dress in Ivory are both easy, structured minis. The Medora Mini Dress in Ivory is the more romantic option, with appliqued flowers. Wear any of them with a low heel like the Brinlee Heel in Ivory, whose Perspex heel will not sink into a lawn.

For the engagement party

An engagement party is the bride’s first big photograph, so it rewards a dress with a strong line. The Winchester Mini Dress in Ivory and the Picardie Mini Dress in Ivory are both sharp enough for an evening venue. For a longer silhouette, the Whitnell Midi Dress in Ivory sits at the calf and works from a long lunch into dinner.

For the rehearsal dinner

The rehearsal dinner is the night to look like the bride without wearing the wedding dress. A long ivory dress with some drama is the classic answer. The Mead Maxi Dress in Ivory and the Viola Maxi Dress in Ivory are two of the strongest, and the Picardie Maxi Dress in Buttercream is the softer cream alternative. Add the Pearl Medium Birch Bag for a bridal finish.

For a civil ceremony and a second look

Plenty of brides now wear Acler to the registry and for the evening change after a traditional gown. The label’s ivory gowns are made for this. The Sageston Gown in Ivory is the most formal, the Kenley Gown in Ivory and the Harty Gown in Ivory are lighter, and the Pembrey Maxi Dress in Ivory is the simple column that suits a small ceremony. For an evening change, a short ivory dress with the Caro Heel in Ivory is easier to dance in than a train.

Ivory separates

Acler also makes ivory and pearl separates, which are useful for a honeymoon wardrobe and for a bride who would rather wear trousers to the rehearsal. The Tifty Shirt in Pearl and the matching Tifty Pant in Pearl work as a suit. The Hourston Maxi Skirt in Ivory with a fitted top is the softer take.

Can a guest wear a white Acler dress?

To the wedding itself, no: white, ivory and cream are the bride’s colours at the ceremony, and Acler’s ivories read as white in photographs. Ivory prints with a strong second colour, such as the Minhall Maxi Dress in Ivory and Black, are a grey area best avoided too. For guest dressing, see our Acler wedding guest guide and the colour options in Acler dresses by colour.

How Acler whites fit

Acler cuts Australian sizes, AU 6 to AU 16, which match UK sizes number for number. A US size is four lower, so an AU 10 is a UK 10 and a US 6. Fitted bodices are the part to size by: if you are between sizes in a structured style, take the larger one and have it taken in. Our Acler size guide has the full conversion.

Caring for a white Acler dress

Most Acler ivories are polyester and acetate blends with a lining, and the care label usually says dry clean only. Pale cloth picks up dye from denim and make-up, so step into the dress rather than pulling it over your head, and store it in a breathable cover away from light, which can yellow an ivory over time.

White Acler dresses: common questions

Does Acler make white dresses?

Yes. Ivory is Acler’s most common colour, with minis, midis, maxis and gowns in Ivory, Pearl and Buttercream each season.

Can I wear Acler as a wedding dress?

Acler does not make wedding dresses as such, but its ivory gowns and maxi dresses are a popular choice for civil ceremonies, small weddings and an evening change.

What is the difference between Ivory, Pearl and Buttercream at Acler?

Ivory is a warm white, Pearl is softer with a slight grey cast, and Buttercream is a pale cream with a touch of yellow.

What shoes go with a white Acler dress?

For a long dress, a strappy sandal like the Acler Brinlee in Ivory. For a short dress, a clean pointed pump like the Acler Caro in Ivory.