Wedding fashion has distinct trends, and what’s trending now ranges from feminine details, such as bows and corsetry, to dramatic drop-waist silhouettes, peplum accents and sparkling sequin designs.
These can work across different settings with the right styling. For example, stylist Julie Sabatino, owner of the Stylish Bride, explained that sparkle and corsets work well in evening, indoor or formal settings, while bows and peplums feel fitting for outdoor or more whimsical themes. “However, subtle adaptations can allow each trend to fit various wedding styles and locations,” she said.
Here’s some of the hottest styles trending for next year’s brides.
Classical works
While trends will come and go, there are some that never go out of style. Both Sabatino and Beth Chapman, owner of the White Dress by the Shore in Clinton, Conn. and the founder of Beth Chapman Styling, said classic A-line silhouettes, detailing such as lace and minimalist satin gowns never go out of style.
Above all, keep in mind that looking too trendy may look dated when you look back at your wedding photos in years to come.
“A bride should want to appear fashionable or in-style, but not particularly trendy on her wedding day,” said designer Mark Ingram, owner of the Mark Ingram Atelier. “Trends can be fleeting, they come and go, and may capture a particular moment in fashion time. But some trends can look very dated once they have passed. A stylish bride who chooses a gown slightly less trendy, but more fashionable and has a nod to classic style, will forever appear timeless in her wedding photos. And that should be the goal of every bride.”
Bow peeps
Small, medium and oversize bows are adorning everything from waistlines to sleeves. “Bows are such a feminine classic detail,” shared Chapman. “They’re a timeless element that will never go out of style.”
Sabatino agreed. “Their versatility allows designers to place them in different sizes and locations, from understated accents to statement pieces,” she said. “A growing trend is bows placed on dress straps, creating an eye-catching focal point at the shoulders. Another favorite is positioning a bow at the back of the gown, extending into a train for a dramatic look.”
Boning up
Defined corsetry, Ingram explains, was invented centuries ago, but has come back into fashion and looks new, modern and sometimes edgy.
“Corsetry was designed to enhance or modify the natural shape of a woman, and exposed corsetry harkens back to a very romantic era when a woman’s curves were accentuated versus minimized,” he said. “The beauty of corsetry, both inner or exposed, is that it also creates curves where curves may not exist.”
Designers can incorporate corset elements in a number of ways, “including exposed boning in the bodice or a demi cup outline in the bust. Some designers are actually intending the corsets to be used as a fit element as well with tie backs that are adjustable. As the emphasis this season is truly on the waist, a corset is an exceptional way to create that,” said Chapman.
All that glitters
Brides looking for some glamour can add sparkle from crystals to beads to sequins, and designers have an infinite number of ways to incorporate them. Clear sequins are often used in order for the fabric beneath to be seen, but you will also find sequins in shades of bridal white or metallics to enhance the light reflection off of them.
“Sunset and evening weddings are my favorite go-to for a sparkle gown,” said Stacie Houlker, owner of Stacie the Stylist. Lighting from a setting sun or at a reception can enhance the look, since the light hits the sequins as the bride makes her way around the venue.
Sabatino cautioned against choosing a sequined gown for a daytime or outdoor wedding because it can feel a bit formal. But, “it can work if the sparkle is kept subtle or used as delicate accents, giving a dress a touch of understated glamour,” she said.
Houlker suggested changing into a sparkly reception dress after the first dance. “It announces to the guests that the party has started,” she said.
Get waisted
Brides are plumping for a peplum — a short flare or ruffle usually placed at the natural waist, either at the sides, back or all around the waist, and sitting over a longer full or narrow skirt. It’s a detail that emphasizes the waist and creates an hourglass figure by flaring out the hips.
Ingram said that a peplum is best worn by a taller bride because although very stylish, it doesn’t elongate one’s stature. However, “a longer peplum when paired with a narrow skirt can be ideal to minimize a fuller hip line if that is the desired effect,” he added.
Brides looking to add or enhance their curves may want to slip into a gown with a drop waist.
“A drop-waist silhouette accents the body by drawing the eye lower on the figure, adding drama and sophistication, while naturally enhancing the waist and hips,” said designer Ines Di Santo. “It elongates the torso, making it a fantastic choice for those with an hourglass figure as it highlights natural curves beautifully, emphasizing the hips and lengthening the midsection.”
While a drop-waist gown can flatter a tall or long-torso bride, it may not be ideal for a petite figure, since it can shorten the legs visually.
“However, with the right tailoring, a drop-waist gown can be adapted to suit a variety of body types,” clarified Sabatino.
