It goes without saying that as a fashion editor, I'm particularly choosy about what I wear. It will come as no surprise to hear then, that I am putting a lot of thought into what I will wear on my wedding day. The pressure to find "the one" (that is the dress, rather than the partner), has been in the back of my mind ever since I got engaged, and after trying on just about every style of wedding dress there is, I am more sure than ever that whatever I settle on has to be both modern and timeless. But is that really possible?
At Who What Wear we always like to stay one step ahead of trends and to seek out the next big thing before it happens, and this approach extends to bridalwear, too. Just because you are getting married doesn't mean having to slip into the traditional idea of what constitutes a "good wedding dress" (and personally for me the thought of meringue layers of tulle makes me panic). If you are a modern bride looking for a contemporary dress, believe me when I say, there are a whole host of options out there, but Kate Halfpenny, Founder and Designer of Halfpenny London recommends choosing the dress that makes you feel your very best.
"The key to finding your perfect wedding outfit is choosing a style that makes you feel like the very best version of yourself. Feeling bridal has nothing to do with a particular style of dress, but everything to do with the emotion wrapped up in that garment so be yourself, whether that's in a ballgown, trouser suit or mini dress. Research designers that fit your aesthetic and seek them out to try on and have a think about the clothes you already own which make you feel amazing. What is it about those pieces you love? Your own wardrobe is a great starting point! I love a twist on tradition so a jumpsuit worn with a sheer over skirt, or a beautiful draped edgy corset worn with a Mikado skirt with pockets can have that fashion sensibility and give a nod to tradition but in a totally modern way."
So, if we are to begin with our own wardrobes, and using mine as a case in point, while there are undoubtedly the staples that I wear year after year and consider my best investments, there are also plenty of the buzzy, trend lead pieces that add some colour and context to what I'll be wearing for the year ahead. Who among us can admit that we weren't at least slightly caught up in autumn's 90's minimalist trend? Or the return of summer's micro mini? Although you would like to look back at your wedding pictures in 20 years time and not cringe at what was the look du jour of the time, there is undoubtedly a link between what happens on the runways and what we choose wear to for the biggest days of our lives, and a good dress will be able to cater to modern sensibility and feel timeless says Fran Cookson, Co-Founder of Rewritten Bridal.
"We believe that a modern style wedding dress will never go out of trend. Traditional wedding dress trends change often because there are so many components and details which could be changed; lace, beading, trims etc. But keeping it simple means you will have a timeless piece that will never go out of fashion..."Traditional" bridal wear seemed to have lots of fabric and huge trains, but it’s changed over the years to become far more sleek with less fuss and much more modern silhouettes."
With that in mind, I turned to the experts to ask which new bridal trends have been gaining traction over the last 12 months, and alongside some understated classics are strong silhouettes, fun ways to accessorise, and a surprising amount of colour. Keep scrolling for the 8 wedding dress trends for 2023 that actually come fashion editor approved. You won't want to miss these.
1. PUFF SLEEVES
"Puff sleeves aren't going anywhere," says Ally Voss, Founder of Clover London. "I think it's down to two things. First and foremost, they are super flattering, especially against a wider neckline like on our Willow. Secondly, they can add subtle romance to a modern gown–the ultimate combo for a classic yet contemporary bridal look." And Siobhan Winn, Client and Boutique Manager at Andrea Hawkes Bridal and Occasion agrees, the once "dated" statement sleeve is making a very fashionable comeback.
"We’ve loved seeing our brides be bolder with their dress decision this year. There definitely seems to be a real sense of celebration after the past few years meaning our brides are very ready to dress up and have fun with their bridal looks. One trend we have noticed our brides loving is a puff/bloused Organza sleeve! Whether this be a transitional layering piece or built into the dress it really elevates a bridal look, a modern take on 80’s bridal design."
Shop the trend:
Give a subtle nod to the puff sleeve trend with this simple yet extremely pretty square-neck dress.
Price available on request.
For styles that make a statement, choose for Halfpenny London's taffeta sleeves.
Nothing says "party" quite like a mini dress and puff sleeve. Extra points for the one-shoulder too.
Don't forget, the high street also have brilliant wedding dress options for well under £1000.
Price available on request.
With XXL sleeves, keep the rest of your bridal look simple and elegant, like Savannah Miller's Aria gown.
2. PERSONALISED PIECES
"My designs are never simply trend led, instead I’ve always been passionate about individual styling and the our ethos is all about choice," says Halfpenny. "I love the concept of taking a simple, yet stunning, base dress or slip and layering different elements to transform the outfit throughout the day. This has been a key part of the brand since we launched in 2005 and brides are still obsessed with this concept as it allows them so much freedom and fun to be creative. Our brides love that transformation moment of taking off an over skirt (for example) and revealing the slinky dress underneath for the party.
One change we're seeing more and more now, is that our brides are really considering the re-wearability of their garments after the big day and we’ve been shortening and restyling dresses and separates after the wedding allowing them to style the pieces again. Think a beautiful ball gown skirt tailored lightly narrower and shortened to the ankles then worn with with a beautiful roll neck sweater. It's wonderful that women are thinking about the longevity of these garments and their potential lifespan for many years to come. I love this circular concept as the pieces will hold so many happy memories."
Shop the trend:
This organza overtop is a great option if you're getting married in a church or just want to feel a bit more covered up for the ceremony part of your big day.
I know plenty of brides who choose a two-piece over a gown for their weddings. This maxi skirt would look just stunning with a strapless top or camisole.
Swap out a full skirt for the ceremony with a pair of silk trousers that you can really dance in.
Customisable veils are a great way to add a personalised touch.
3. JACKETS
"Many of my brides are after multiple 'looks' for their wedding, mainly looking to achieve a covered up or conservative look for the ceremony that evolves into something more risky for the reception." Notes Voss. "A jacket can be an easy and avant garde way to completely transform a simple strappy gown from day to evening. Some of my brides even wear our rosebud jacket from their wedding again!" And at Rewritten, the popularity of the full suit is on the up.
"We love a white/ivory bridal suit which goes against all wedding traditions. Bridal trends have changed recently and seem to be a lot less traditional and more modern." adds Cookson.
Shop the trend:
Is this the perfect registry look? I think so.
Capes are having a moment in 2023, so why not wear one on your big day?
For the bride that doesn't want to wear a dress, why not consider a suit?
There's no wonder that this cool, feather trimmed jacket is selling out fast.
4. BOWS
You heard it here first, bows are back. And they aren't the delicate ribbons that first come to mind, these are supersized, statement bows that always get attention and add the finishing touch suggests Voss. "While some of our gowns have bows incorporated (like primrose/fauna), we also see so many in the accessories our brides bring for their fittings, especially in their hair accessories. So romantic and also a great way to incorporate colour/texture."
Shop the trend:
Price available on request.
For the bride that wants to make an unforgettable entrance.
If they don't say "the bigger the bow, the better the dress", the should probably start.
An elegant column dress with an unexpected bow on the back.
Bows that tie are the back of a dress are so pretty.
A strapless dress + bow = heaven.
5. SQUARE NECKLINES
"Clean, modern, simple lines are such a great trend at the moment," notes Winn. "Square necklines have a really beautiful couture aesthetic which instantly feels feminine and striking. Our brides have been loving this neckline which has definitely had a resurgence over the last year. We’re totally here for it! Square necklines also look amazing layered with a bridal cape or organza top for a transitional look."
Shop the trend:
Price available on request.
A square neckline always looks elegant.
Price available on request.
I love the corset-style bodice on this gown.
Bows and a square neckline? This is how to tick two trends in just one dress.
Square necklines and long sleeves are a great option for a autumn or winter wedding.
6. COLOUR
2021 saw an uptake in brides looking for black wedding dresses, but 2022 and 2023 are all about dopamine dressing suggests Voss. "Colour is so big at the moment from multicoloured confetti, bright coloured wedding shoes, electric florals and statement bridesmaid ensembles. While olive green and rust were the colours of 2022, I predict fuchsia being the colour of 2023. Thank you Barbiecore"
Shop the trend:
Price available on request.
Nothing tells people you're a "fashion bride" quite like a Vivienne Westwood wedding gown, so just imagine your entrance in Antares Red. (It also comes in Blizzard Blue, Ultra Black, and Borealis Green too.)
Pink is sticking around for 2023.
Be your something new and blue.
Price available on request.
Throw the rulebook out the window and opt for a rainbow of hues.
This gorgeous strapless dress comes in five different colourways, so why settle for white?
7. CAPES
Nothing creates a unforgettable moment quite like a cape.Take notes from Savannah Miller's self-designed ethereal lace cape, Solange Knowles modern Humberto Leon gown, and Lily Collin's cape-meets-veil to add an unexpected and magical twist to your bridal look. In summer, embellishments will catch the light and cast a romantic glow, and in winter a thicker, beaded cape is the pretty and practical way to add another layer.
Shop the trend:
Price available on request.
The red carpet Galaxy dress reimagined with an 18th-century Watteau style train for added drama.
Price available on request.
A gown with a cape like this is a great option for those that don't want to wear a veil but still want some drama.
Simply breathtaking. This is how you make a cape feel contemporary.
One word: Wow.
The perfect party, registry or destination wedding dress!
8. Rent, Rewear, Recycle
As brides look for more sustainable ways to style their big day, pre-loved and rental dresses are growing in popularity. Should you want a cost-effective way to look your best, there are now more options than ever to hire a beautiful, designer dress for the day, or, if you want a dress you can keep and pass down, pre-loved dresses have the same impact for a fraction of the price. How's that for something old, something new?
By Rotation are now offering a personalised wedding guest code so you can not only rent your own dress, but offer your guests 15% off their wedding guest outfit rentals too. All you need to do is reach out to the By Rotation team, and enjoy shopping the "Something Borrowed" collection.
Hurr's bridal edit let's you shop everything from unforgettable dresses to the final touches like headbands, shoes and earrings, all for one, low rental price. That's good to enough to get outfits for the rehearsal, ceremony, reception, honeymoon...
Looking for Catherine Deane, Monique Lhullier, Vivienne Westwood and Vera Wang without forking out four figures? Cercle has it all, and then some, just borrow, wear, and return for around 10% of the original retail cost.
The Fall's (re)cycle edit sells pre-owned dresses and tailoring on the behalf of the original customer so you can find your dream dress for around half of the original price, or sell your previously worn one and get a percentage of the resale back. Smart shopping.
You may already know about Lampoo's wide selection of second-hand luxury handbags, but their ready-to-wear is well worth checking out too. Expect offerings from big names like Chloé, Gucci, Hermés and Prada, perfect for contemporary brides who are looking for something out of the ordinary.
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