Wedding Dress Inspiration for the Fashion-Forward Bride
As much as we love all things classic, nothing gets us going quite like a fashion-forward bride who’s ready to treat the runway like her own personal catwalk. But with photos and footage that will last a lifetime, how do you strike that balance between on-trend chic and classically timeless? Not to worry, engaged fashionistas—we’ve rounded up some of our favorite bridal gown tips and trends for the fearless, but timeless, bride below.
Capes & Waist Coats
There’s no more strategic way to chic up a classic look than with a waistcoat or cape. They allow you to add something a little edgy to a classic, streamlined gown—and the best part is you can have it both way for photos, with and without the added playfulness. We’re obsessed with Bo & Luca’s Austin waistcoat—tiny beads of golden fringe take a gown from simple and classic to let’s-party-all-night-long in a millisecond (throw it over Unbridaled by Dan Jones’ stunningly simple Farrah Gown).
Rompers & Jumpsuits
We love the idea of ditching your dress during the reception for a romper or jumpsuit. This allows you to still walk down the aisle (and snap tons of photos) in an actual wedding dress for the ceremony—but lets you turn the playfulness up a notch when it comes time to dance and drink the night away. We like the idea of going with something white, ivory or even pale pink in a chic silhouette. We’re obsessed with the Mara Jumpsuit by BHLDN, this strapless skirted Halston Heritage Jumpsuit, and this Ralph Lauren Collection One-Shoulder Silk Jumpsuit in a creamy ivory hue.
Not Your Mother’s Detailing
One place a fearless bride can have some serious fun is in the detailing on her gown. When it’s done right, wild, one-of-a-kind detailing on a gown adds some edge to otherwise classic silhouettes—it’s all about opting for the right designer. We love what A La Robe is doing with netted lace lately, and Bo & Luca is also another one of our all-time favorite designers when it comes to nailing unique detailing on their gowns. We’re obsessed with Bo & Luca’s Dalton Gown—it’s covered in hand-sewn gold detailing that both your old-fashioned grandma and your edgiest fashion-forward friends are sure to go weak in the knees over. We’re also swooning over the detailing on their long-sleeved Manhattan gown and the vintage-inspired beaded tassel fringe on their Dakota gown.
Go Geometric
We so often see floral-inspired lace and soft lines in bridal gowns, while straight lines and sharp corners are much more rare. For brides looking to rock something completely different but still super chic, then, we love the idea of going geometric with your gown. We can’t get over the stunning geometric lines on Mariana Hardwick’s Ingrid gown—imagine that beauty at an art gallery or city loft wedding. We’re also in love with Unbridaled by Dan Jones’ Mill Gown—the top, which is made to resemble Rajasthani lattice work, is made from claw-set swarovski stones and blown glass tubes (you read that right).