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 7 wedding dress trends for 2023 that actually come fashion editor approved. You won’t want to miss these.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.
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.”
“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.”
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”
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.
Up Next: Sienna Miller’s Bridesmaid Dress Is Going to Set the Trend for 2023
