There’s been a shift this season, with bridal designers embracing the female form by baring shoulders and accentuating hips. Add an unabashed mix of materials – lace layered over lamé, matte satin folded into glossy silk, brocade dotted with pearls or all of the above – and the result is bridal fashion that guarantees a showstopping entrance.
The dress details we can’t stop looking at
Halter necklines
There’s something so elegant about a neckline that draws the eye up while leaving the shoulders bare. These halter wedding dresses range from delicate lace designs to more structured shapes, with the back making just as much of an impression as the front. We love this bridal neckline with swept-up hair, giving the cut and any intricate detailing room to shine.
Lace
If your first thought is that you’ve seen lace wedding dresses before, take a closer look. Sheer panels, raised floral motifs and contrasting patterns give these gowns depth, with details that deserve more than a passing glance. Whether it follows the body or floats over a fuller skirt, lace brings texture to the entire silhouette.
Right angles
A sharply defined bodice can completely change the mood of a wedding dress. Angular necklines, visible corsetry and pointed waistlines bring structure to these looks, especially when paired with softer lace or a sweeping skirt. If you’re drawn to this kind of bridal fashion tailoring, pay attention to how the bodice sits when you move and sit down.
Dramatic draping & layering
Sometimes the fabric does the accessorizing for you. Sweeping folds, gathered skirts and overlapping layers give these wedding dresses movement and dimension, creating different shapes as you turn. We’re especially drawn to the way a sculpted bodice plays against a generously draped skirt. When trying on a gown with this much fabric, take a walk around the boutique – you’ll want to see how those folds fall in motion.
Hips & peplums
The waist gets plenty of attention in bridal fashion, but these gowns give the hips their own moment. Peplums, flared panels and sculpted fabric introduce volume just below the waist, changing the proportions of everything beneath it. A smaller peplum adds a subtle flourish, while a more pronounced shape makes the silhouette feel decidedly fashion-forward. It’s a detail worth trying on, even if it wasn’t on your original dress-shopping list.
These dresses were originally featured in our recent Today’s Bride print issue. You can read the full issue here.
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