The top bridal fashion trends of 2023

If your search for ‘the one’ also involves a hunt for the hottest fashions spilling off the bridal catwalks, then you’re in luck. For we’ve scoured the latest shows and collections to bring you the must-have fashions for this season and beyond.

Simply pick your favourite features and combine them for an utterly ‘you’ bridal look that’s both bespoke and effortlessly on-trend.

Here’s our top ten for starters…

Square necklines
Though reminiscent of romantic Regency style empire gowns, square necklines also offer a modern-cut edge for brides seeking a blend of traditional and top trending. Chic, simple and versatile – combine with puff sleeves for an opulent sense of romance, lace for boho beauty, a mermaid silhouette for form-fitting seduction or a statement ballgown for classic and tailored elegance.

Rebecca Ingram, Bliss Bridal GownsAbella by Allure, Bliss Bridal GownsKelsey Rose, Bridal GossipKelsey Rose, Bridal GossipMade With Love, St Ives Bridal Boutique

(Back) bows
Having never really left the runway, back bows remain an easy way to up the sartorial ante – along with the drama. Part of the maximalist movement, oversized bows are appearing everywhere from the shoulders to the derrière, skirt and train. Detachable or in-built, they ooze modern glamour. Alternatively, mini bows are also de rigueur, offering a more understated look through dainty bow belts, floating bows, tiny hand-stitched embellishments, spines of bows and delicate bow detailing.

Abella by Allure, Bliss Bridal Gowns

Tulle
Tulle will always be synonymous with bridal wear. As far as ultra wearable, light-as-a-feather fabrics go, it’s the clear winner. Especially suited to ethereal styles, it smacks of feminine and timeless romance. Full tulle skirts, draping or off-the-shoulder sleeves, tulle mock necks and billowing veils are all coveted additions on the catwalk. Dotted, bobbinet, silk or pearl – there’s an array of different types, textures and effects for a multitude of looks. And if you want to create two ensembles in one, pair your gown of choice with a detachable tulle skirt or tulle shawl for an extra shot of bridal style.

Ladybird, Bridal GossipTrue Bride, Coastal BridalMade With Love, St Ives Bridal BoutiqueAbella by Allure, Bliss Bridal GownsRebecca Ingram, Bliss Bridal Gowns

Voluminous sleeves
Fast becoming bridal mainstays, voluminous sleeves are a high-impact and dreamily romantic addition to any outfit. Puff sleeves maintain their position amongst the most-wanted list alongside balloon sleeves and flared styles. Off-the-shoulder, removable and three-quarter lengths are popular ways to enhance the fairytale factor, while flared sleeves (flutter, batwing, bell) can evoke everything from a retro to a regal vibe. Go bold with bishop sleeves or vintage with fluted sleeves. So long as there’s shape or volume involved, you’ve struck the right fashion chord.

Kelsey Rose, Bridal GossipJennifer Wren, Frocks & FrillsTrue Bride, Coastal BridalKelsey Rose, Bridal GossipMade With Love, St Ives Bridal BoutiqueKelsey Rose, Bridal GossipKelsey Rose, Bridal Gossip

Corset styles
Boudoir-inspired bridal wear continues to reign supreme. Think lace-up backs, underwear as outerwear, structured bodices and exposed boning for the most sensual ensemble imaginable. Whether you prefer babydoll or bandage dresses, there’s a bridal look to suit. Daring brides will delight in flossing, cut-outs, deep plunging V-necks, corsetry and nude fabrics, while those in favour of a more modest outfit will migrate toward cinched waists, structured bodices, lace bustiers and sweetheart styles.

Made With Love, St Ives Bridal BoutiqueAbella by Allure, Bliss Bridal GownsKelsey Rose, Bridal Gossip

Textural and sheer fabrics
Barely-there styles are beautifully on point, presenting brides with the chance to bare all or cleverly cover up with just a hint of skin. Sheer fabrics are the perfect solution to achieve a range of looks, from ‘naked’ gowns to bohemian splendour. From sheer tulle tops and illusion backs to translucent lace, sheer skirts and trains, see-through materials (with or without carefully placed panels, appliqués and embroideries) can be as layered, embellished or exposing as you like. Meanwhile, textural fabrics and elements can be used to achieve a more subtle – or similarly risqué – effect, such as with (colourful) floral embroidery, faille, crinkled chiffon, 3D florals, feathers, dotted tulle and crochet.

Victoria Kay, Coastal BridalJennifer Wren, Frocks & FrillsVictoria Kay, Coastal BridalMade With Love, St Ives Bridal BoutiqueMade With Love, St Ives Bridal BoutiqueAbella by Allure, Bliss Bridal Gowns

Sparkle
Eye-catching adornments are all the rage, ensuring head-turning fashions with a heady dose of glamour. Metallics are making a megawatt resurgence – either tonally through the fabric or as embellishments, while everything from a delicate scattering of sequins to jewel-encrusted bodices are hitting the sartorial mark. There’s a host of ways to create or capture the look including beads, crystal work, mirror and reflective embellishments, and rhinestones, whether it’s head-to-toe sparkle or the odd light-catching speck you favour. Spruce up a plain dress with freshwater pearls strung along your back and shoulders, pick all-over beaded lace or add metallic embroidery to your veil, train or appliqué for the most bedazzling bridal look.

Charlie Brear, St Ives Bridal BoutiqueTrue Bride, Coastal BridalTrue Bride, Coastal BridalMade With Love, St Ives Bridal BoutiqueAbella by Allure, Bliss Bridal Gowns

Bridal separates
For instant personalisation, mix and match designs are the fun, versatile and oh-so stylish choice. Announce your à la mode status by pairing hand-picked pieces to suit your individual fancies. Making particular waves on the runways are heirloom separates, dressed up jumpsuits with capes/overskirts, statement shrugs and two-piece pantsuits. There’s a set to thrill everyone from fashionista to boho bride, including classic all-white bridal suits (with detachable overskirts), statement cargo pant and bralette two-pieces and silk camisoles or lace tops with maxi skirts. Veils, headpieces and gloves complete the carefully curated ‘editorial’ look – or opt out of the accessories for a more laidback, barefoot vibe.

Kelsey Rose, Bridal GossipCharlie Brear, St Ives Bridal BoutiqueKelsey Rose, Bridal Gossip

Ballgowns
Never have ballgowns been more breathtaking. Offering brides eternal elegance along with the chance to showcase some seriously swoon-worthy designs, the humble ballgown has been transformed into today’s modern wonder. With costume drama influences and Gothic elements all filtering into ballgowns, expect to pore over everything from frocks with feather fringing and mock necks to blue and black coloured gowns. Tiered skirts remain a staple, while paints and prints are eye-catchingly en vogue. Minimalist mikados pack a simplistic statement, cut-outs and corsets create contemporary edge, splits whisper seduction and ruffles ooze romance. Adornments of note include hand-stitched embroideries and beadwork, paper ribbons, feathers, giant bows and pearl detailing.

Victoria Kay, Coastal BridalAbella by Allure, Bliss Bridal Gowns

True Bride, Coastal Bridal

Micro minis
Party-ready, frivolous and uber fashionable, the LWD (little white dress) is gorgeously amok on the runways. Micros are one of the most coveted of cool styles, with thigh-high splits and high-lows (or the new ‘mini-low’) providing alternative ways to flash your pins during the aisle walk or after-party. Perfect for a sneaky dress change midway through the day, layer a short skirt with a longer overskirt to remove post-nuptials, or swap a maxi skirt for a mini for the most wow-worthy first dance moment. You might wish to nod to the trend with a chic tulip skirt or asymmetrical hemline, or own the look with an open back, illusion panels, sheer lace and plunging neckline.

Made With Love, St Ives Bridal BoutiqueKelsey Rose, Bridal GossipMade With Love, St Ives Bridal Boutique

Main image - Kelsey Rose, Bridal Gossip

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