If you’re a fan of Chicago PD, you probably remember the buzz around Hailey Upton’s wedding episode. Although the dress never fully appeared on screen, the show’s talented costume designer recently revealed exactly what the bridal gown would have looked like. Curious? Let’s dive deep into the behind-the-scenes magic that shaped this iconic look, blending storytelling with fashion, and how the costume designer captured Hailey’s character through fabric, silhouette, and style.
The Importance of Costume Design in TV Shows
You might wonder, why fuss so much about a wedding dress on a crime drama? Well, costume design is a powerful storytelling tool. It helps communicate character traits, mood, and sometimes even foreshadow plot twists. When it comes to Hailey Upton, a tough yet compassionate detective, the dress had to feel authentic — not just pretty.
Meet the Chicago PD Costume Designer
Before we talk details, let’s meet the creative mind behind the look: the Chicago PD costume designer, responsible for bringing each character’s personality to life through wardrobe choices. Known for their keen eye and attention to detail, this designer meticulously researches styles that fit the show’s gritty realism while respecting the characters’ unique personalities.
Hailey Upton: The Character Behind the Dress
Hailey is known for her strong, no-nonsense attitude with a soft core. Any dress designed for her wedding had to reflect this balance — elegant but not over-the-top, classic but with a modern edge.
Initial Concepts: Sketches and Inspiration
The designer revealed they started with mood boards filled with images ranging from classic Hollywood glamour to contemporary bridal fashion. Think: sleek lines, subtle embellishments, and fabrics that flow with strength and grace.
Choosing the Silhouette: Classic Meets Contemporary
The final concept leaned towards a fitted silhouette, hugging Hailey’s figure but allowing freedom of movement — a nod to her active lifestyle as a detective. A sleek mermaid cut was considered, but ultimately, the designer favored an A-line style with a slight flare, combining timeless elegance with comfort.
Fabric Selection: Texture Tells a Story
Silk satin was the top choice for its smooth, luxurious feel and subtle sheen, which captured both refinement and simplicity. Lace details were added strategically — around the neckline and sleeves — to inject a hint of romance without overpowering the look.
Color Palette: Beyond Traditional White
While white is the classic bridal color, the designer toyed with off-white and ivory hues to complement Hailey’s complexion and avoid the dress looking too stark on camera. This choice also symbolized Hailey’s unique, unconventional approach to life.
The Neckline: A Statement of Strength and Femininity
The dress featured a modest V-neckline, chosen to highlight Hailey’s confidence without being too revealing. It struck a perfect balance, showcasing her boldness and femininity.
Sleeve Details: Practical and Pretty
Long, delicate lace sleeves added a soft touch to the otherwise sleek gown. The lace pattern included subtle motifs inspired by police badges, a clever nod to her profession and personal identity.
Train Length: Drama Without Overwhelm
A modest train followed the dress, enough to add drama but short enough to keep Hailey moving with ease—perfect for a detective who’s used to quick steps and sharp turns.
Accessories: Minimalist but Meaningful
The costume designer emphasized minimal accessories — just a pair of understated pearl earrings and a simple veil — to keep the focus on Hailey’s natural beauty and the dress itself.
Behind the Scenes: Fitting Sessions and Adjustments
Creating a dress for a character like Hailey involves multiple fittings to ensure it looks perfect on camera and feels right for the actress. The designer worked closely with the actress to tweak details, prioritizing comfort and authenticity.
Why the Dress Never Fully Appeared on Screen
Although fans were eager to see Hailey’s wedding dress, the show’s focus remained on the emotional and narrative moments rather than the attire. However, the designer shared exclusive sketches and photos in interviews to satisfy fan curiosity.
The Impact of This Design on Fans and Fashion
The reveal sparked excitement among Chicago PD fans and bridal fashion enthusiasts alike, inspiring many to consider blending classic bridal elements with personalized details — much like Hailey’s imagined dress.
How This Dress Reflects Broader Trends in TV Costume Design
Hailey Upton’s wedding dress concept exemplifies a growing trend in TV and film: designing costumes that deepen character development instead of just serving aesthetics. It’s storytelling through fabric, cut, and detail.
What Could Have Been: Imagining Hailey’s Wedding Episode
Fans still imagine how the wedding scene might have looked with this dress in full view. It’s fun to picture Hailey walking down the aisle in this perfect blend of toughness and tenderness, framed by her colleagues and loved ones.
Conclusion: The Wedding Dress That Tells a Story
Hailey Upton’s wedding dress, as envisioned by the Chicago PD costume designer, is more than just fabric and thread. It’s a reflection of her character — strong, graceful, and uniquely her own. While we never saw the dress fully on screen, the designer’s reveal lets us appreciate the deep thought and artistry behind every stitch.
