Some brides feel that they want to look like an ‘elevated’ version of themselves, choosing a style that feels like a continuation of their day-to-day aesthetic. Others meanwhile use their special day as a chance to play fairy tale dress up and pick a gown that they would never otherwise get to wear.
A great place to start is in your own wardrobe. Think about the pieces that have made you feel the most fabulous and go from there – was it the fabric, the cut, the colour? Narrowing down the styles you already love will help you on the road to finding your perfect bridal outfit. Remember: anything goes and it is a deeply personal choice with no rules. A bit like choosing a partner, it’s about shopping until you find the one – and then you’ll know.
To help you on your quest to find the perfect match, here are some bridalwear trends for 2023 that may catch your eye.
Something Blue
Whilst blush pink has been the bridal hue de jour in recent years, ‘something blue’ has taken its place this year, with every shade from Wedgwood to the softest off-white hint. Perfect for spring weddings and a sweet nod to the traditional saying. The Genevieve Ruffle Gown by Needle & Thread is a romantic dream.
Sheer Delight
Do you dare make the vicar blush? If you are opting for a more relaxed ceremony or, perhaps, for the evening event, then form-fitting dresses with sheer overlays in diaphanous fabrics and crystal embellished designs have featured across the bridal runways this season, layered over corsetry for a sexy take on a traditional white gown. Pronovias’ Cloe Dress has a plunging neckline and feminine silhouette.
Sculptural Silhouettes
Taking their cue from the red carpet, necklines have become statement silhouettes, with asymmetric designs and bold off-the-shoulder sculptural designs taking centre stage. The perfect match for a dramatic venue to create a real ‘wow’ entrance. The Camelia Wedding Dress by Peter Langner is the stuff of dreams.
Demure Designs
If you are planning a church setting, the good news is that demure, high-neck lace style dresses are having a moment too, with a vintage royal wedding feel. Intricate lacework-covered bodices and sleeves give a feminine yet modest silhouette – perfect for those seeking ladylike glamour on their big day. This Miu Miu take is modern yet decorous.
Short But Sweet
When it comes to length, not every bride wants to go the full nine-yards – literally. Whilst trains and floor-skimming gowns may be the tradition, for a modern bride, a fun mini style may be a great option. Look out for 60s style A-line, voluminous shapes or slinky shifts with a sprinkling of glitter. This draped cape-effect silk-crepe mini dress from Brandon Maxwell hits all the right style notes.
Stylish Separates
Of course, the gown doesn’t, in fact, have to be a gown. Stylish separates a la Bianca Jagger have always been the cool girl option for city weddings. Look for over-sized suits in drapey fabrics to still give that bridal feel. Try this example from Rixo.
Turn Up The Volume
If you want to go full ‘princess’, the good news is that voluminous silhouettes are having their moment on the bridal runway this year too. Opt for strapless styles to balance out the volume in the skirt or tag on the micro-trend of billowy off-the-shoulder puff sleeves in barely-there chiffon fabrics for a dreamy, fairy tale look. This Viktor & Rolf example is jaw-droppingly lovely.
By Lydia Mansi
April 2023
