SIMKHAI White Dresses: Bridal Gowns, Rehearsal Dinner and Summer Whites

White is SIMKHAI’s strongest colour. The house returns to it every season in cotton poplin, embroidered lace, raffia, organza and satin, which makes it one of the best places to shop for a bridal wardrobe that does not look like a bridal shop. This guide covers the SIMKHAI white and ivory dresses currently at Coveti, from the ceremony to the morning after.

A quick guide

For a ceremony, look at the ivory gowns: the Rennis embroidered organza bustier, the Serafina and the feathered Malvina. For a civil wedding, a rehearsal dinner and the party after, look at the embroidered and raffia midis and minis. For summer days that are not weddings at all, buy one of the cotton poplin Signature dresses. Sizing follows US 00 to 14, listed at Coveti as UK 4 to 18.

Bridal gowns

• The Rennis Embroidered Organza Bustier Gown is the most bridal piece in the range: a structured strapless bustier with intricate embroidery layered over airy organza.
• The Serafina Strapless Embellished Gown is a contoured column traced with hand applied sequins and floral appliqué.
• The Malvina Feather Gown is a strapless column covered in duck feathers, for a bride who wants movement without lace.
• The Ora Satin Gown in Ivory and the Reannon Satin Gown in Ivory are the minimal choice, satin with no embellishment at all.
• The Vantrel Embellished Gown gives cover through the shoulders with a cape bodice and tonal beading at the neckline.

Civil ceremony and city wedding

A shorter length reads modern at a registry office and photographs well on steps.

• The Sera Floral Raffia Bustier Midi Dress is made from raffia guipure lace, with a fitted bustier releasing into a long narrow skirt.
• The Neve Embroidered Cotton Midi Dress has layered floral embroidery, cap sleeves and a voluminous midi skirt.
• The Jacka Satin Cape Midi Dress drapes an asymmetric satin cape from the neckline over one shoulder.
• The Dinah Strapless Midi Dress is the simplest of the four, and the easiest to wear again.

Rehearsal dinner and the party after

• The Rylin Floral Raffia Mini Dress is raffia guipure lace on a contoured mini, with lace straps.
• The Miri Embroidered Cotton Bustier Mini Dress puts the house bustier on a short embroidered cotton dress.
• The Lina Lace Mini Dress is guipure lace with a fitted bodice, a flared double layered skirt and scalloped cap sleeves.
• The Kalla Fringe Jacquard Mini Dress is the dance floor dress.
• The Leah Blazer Mini Dress is tailoring in white, for a bride who would rather wear a suit.

White dresses for summer

Not every white dress is for a wedding. The cotton poplin Signature dresses are the most practical pieces SIMKHAI makes.

White and ivory: the difference

SIMKHAI uses both, and they are not interchangeable. White is a cool, bright white, most often on cotton poplin, linen and guipure lace. Ivory is warmer and softer, and it is the shade the house uses on organza, satin, raffia and embroidery. Ivory photographs warmer; white looks sharper in strong sun. Coveti lists each dress by the brand’s own shade name, so the colour in the name is the colour you receive.

Styling and care

• Shoes. The Dylan Lace Slingback matches the lace dresses. For a garden, a flat such as the Mccall Laser Cut Leather Flat Slide in Cream will not sink into the lawn.
• Bag. A pearl clutch such as the Morgan Woven Pearl Clutch sits naturally with ivory.
• Care. Raffia, organza and embroidered pieces are dry clean only. Store white dresses covered, away from light, so the cloth does not yellow between wears.

Frequently asked questions

Does SIMKHAI make wedding dresses?

SIMKHAI makes ivory gowns and white dresses every season that work for the ceremony, the civil service and the party. The Rennis, Serafina and Malvina gowns are the most bridal pieces currently at Coveti.

Can I wear a white SIMKHAI dress as a wedding guest?

Only if the couple has asked guests to wear white. Otherwise, choose a colour; our SIMKHAI dresses guide lists the best guest options.

Are SIMKHAI white dresses see through?

The lace, raffia and embroidered dresses are lined where the brand says so on the product page. Check the product page for lining, and wear nude underwear under any white dress.

How do SIMKHAI white dresses fit?

They follow US sizing, listed at Coveti on the UK ladder, and generally fit true to size. Bustier styles are fitted through the bodice, so size to your bust.

Browse every piece in the SIMKHAI collection at Coveti, read our guide to SIMKHAI gowns, and see how to style a Simkhai dress.