These 25 Illusion Wedding Dresses Are Complete Showstoppers

Show a tasteful flash of skin with sheer detailing.
A line gown with plunging neckline and illusion back with floral applique
Dobrina Zhekova - The Knot Contributor.
by
Dobrina Zhekova
Dobrina Zhekova - The Knot Contributor.
Dobrina Zhekova
The Knot Contributor
  • Dobrina writes about all things fashion, wedding attire and style for The Knot.
  • Dobrina has over a decade of editorial experience in print and digital media in Europe and the U.S.
  • Dobrina has an M.A. in Journalism from Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.
Updated Dec 08, 2021
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Illusion wedding dresses are a staple in bridal fashion. Often designed using delicate lace or sheer embroidered tulle, they give your look a certain duality that's both playful and elegant. What started as the "naked wedding dress" trend (inspired by ready-to-wear styles popularized by celebs like Beyoncé, Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Lopez) has transformed into a statement bridal look that runs the gamut from daring to classic. Long illusion sleeves and high necklines add formality and coverage, but if you're ready to show some skin, opt for an unlined bodice or illusion back instead. If you're ready to shop for your dream illusion wedding dress, we're sharing some of our favorite styles on the market below.

Wtoo by Watters Philomene Gown

Lace dress with cap sleeves, illusion back with line of pearls buttons

Looking for an effortless wedding dress without sacrificing on details? This curve-hugging gown is our pick for a simple yet fabulous look. A low illusion neckline and back, which is finished with delicate pearl buttons, give this allover lace wedding dress a sexy boost.

Jenny Yoo Collection Talisa Gown

Plunging neck with floral lace design and tulle skirt

With a nude lining extending from the bodice through the length of the skirt, this illusion wedding dress is a must-see if you're going for a statement bridal look. A fit-and-flare silhouette flatters your curves beautifully, and the floral embroidered tulle and cathedral-length train add romance to this glam style.

Justin Alexander Signature Rosa Crepe and Lace Fit-and-Flare Wedding Gown

Plunging illusion neckline, floral lace design and scoop back on mermaid style dress with lace train

This dreamy illusion wedding dress features a deep V-neckline, scoop back and gorgeous cotton lace appliqué. The chapel-length train on this stretch crepe gown is finished with sequined Chantilly lace, adding even more glamour and detail.

Grace Loves Lace Olive Lace Wedding Dress

Plunging neckline and keyhole back with lacy long sleeves and train

Talk about a showstopper: This long-sleeve wedding dress will take your partner's breath away. The plunging neckline and keyhole back show a hint of skin, while the extra-long illusion sleeves add coverage. The flattering mermaid silhouette and stretchy lace fabric guarantee comfort while accentuating your natural curves.

Amsale Little White Dress Soft Tulle Wedding Dress

Knee length strapless lace dress with illusion neckline and straps

Perfect for an elopement, courthouse ceremony, rehearsal dinner or other prewedding event, this knee-length dress is adorned with a sheer illusion neckline and subtle lace appliqué that blends into the flirty tulle skirt.

Badgley Mischka Fabiana Wedding Dress

Beaded gown with spaghetti straps and illusion corset back

This sheath wedding dress is just as functional as it is beautiful—it converts into a strapless gown thanks to the detachable beaded spaghetti straps. The illusion bodice features flattering waist and hip cutouts, plus an exposed corset back (a 2022 wedding dress trend) with covered buttons.

Grace Loves Lace Eve Wedding Gown

Floral lace skirt and long sleeve bodice with layers of tulle

Double layers of tulle over a floral lace skirt add extra romance to this boho chic style. The bodice features an illusion high neck, long sleeves and a keyhole back. The unique rose print makes this dress a perfect choice for a garden venue.

Galina Signature Floral Illusion Plus Size Bodysuit Wedding Dress

Tulle skirt over floral lace body suit with long sleeves and illusion neckline

For the daring bride-to-be, this stunning see-through wedding dress will certainly garner plenty of compliments—and it's a great compromise if you love the idea of a short wedding dress but don't want to fully bare your legs. Beaded lace appliqué in an allover floral pattern creates a whimsical effect, while the plunging neckline and V-back add a sexy element to this illusion neckline wedding dress.

Love by Pnina Tornai Illusion Allover Lace Puff Long Sleeve A-Line Wedding Dress

Backless dress with puff shoulders, illusion long sleeves and see through lace vine skirt

If there's one bridal designer who has mastered the art of see-through wedding dresses, it's Pnina Tornai. The illusion bodice, puff shoulders and long sleeves on this A-line wedding dress will undoubtedly make for a memorable wedding day look, with a long train completing the regal vibe.

Essense of Australia Sheer Floral Lace Wedding Dress with Long Sleeves

Long sleeve floral lace dress with illusion neckline and flowing skirt

Off-the-shoulder bridal styles are so romantic. Case in point: This wedding dress with an off-the-shoulder illusion neckline (creating a strapless effect but with more support), an extra-low back and long illusion sleeves scattered with floral appliqué. The gown is finished with beading and a scalloped tulle train.

Pronovias Badab Fit-and-Flare Crepe Wedding Dress with Bateau Neckline

Lace illusion back dress with cap sleeves

The sophisticated silhouette of this fit-and-flare wedding dress is highlighted by demure cap sleeves and an eye-catching illusion back. The lace details continue down the center of the chapel train, which fans out beautifully for a touch of drama.

Tony Ward Stefanie Sleeveless V-neck Illusion Neckline Mermaid Wedding Dress

Sleeveless beaded mermaid dress with illusion back and column of buttons

Sequins and laser-cut appliqué transform this mermaid wedding gown into a shimmering vision. The illusion back is complemented by side cutouts and a plunging neckline, with a vine-inspired pattern for a glam-meets-garden aesthetic.

Rime Arodaky Faith Wedding Dress

Illusion sleeve and back with simple skirt and floral lace details

If you're looking for an elegant, classy bridal gown with a hint of sheer detailing, this illusion wedding dress by Parisian designer Rime Arodaky might just be it. We're in love with the style featuring flowy butterfly sleeves, a lace inset train, super-low back and illusion side cutouts.

Pronovias Fingal Mermaid Wedding Dress with Sweetheart Neckline and Embroidery

Mermaid lace embroidered dress with high illusion neckline and elbow length sleeves

A detachable yoke gives you two looks in one with this mermaid silhouette gown. The embroidered tulle features a high neck and elbow-length sleeves with lace and subtle silver beading for an understated shimmer effect. Wear the topper for your ceremony, then remove it ahead of your reception to reveal a strapless sweetheart neckline.

Lillian West Long Sleeve Lace Fit and Flare Dress with Illusion Side Cutouts

Illusion neckline and long sleeve mermaid dress with side cutouts and floral beaded design

This figure-hugging lace wedding dress is the epitome of timeless style. It has an illusion sweetheart neckline, long sleeves and floral lace accented by whimsical point d'esprit tulle. The skirt features a chapel train and godets for subtle volume.

Galina Signature Cap Sleeve Lace Appliquéd Dress

Illusion lace applique bodice and tulle skirt with slit

Headed to the beach for your wedding day? This simple illusion wedding dress is a perfect choice for a low-key bridal look. An airy glitter tulle skirt is paired with an illusion lace bodice, which you can customize with six different netting colors to match your skin tone.

Amsale Sable Wedding Dress

A line silk dress with bow in back and strapless illusion bodice with pearl buttons and floral appliques

For a contemporary twist on classic style, try this A-line silk faille gown. The illusion back is decorated with hand-beaded floral appliqué and finished with an oversized bow for just the right amount of wow.

Rime Arodaky Zappa Wedding Dress

High low skirt and illusion bodice with long sleeves, high neckline and sequined floral design

Chic, sophisticated, playful—this dress deserves all the accolades. It features a high-low skirt that's made for dancing (and for showing off your heels), along with a fully sheer high-neck bodice embroidered with sequined flowers and trailing vines.

Monique Lhuillier Bride Emma Wedding Dress

Illusion neckline with long sleeves and detailed floral embroidery

Romantic bishop sleeves and floral embroidery are offset by the eye-catching geometric detailing down the front and skirt of this illusion wedding dress. An A-line silhouette keeps the overall design lightweight and effortless.

Julietta Bridal Emilia Wedding Dress

Illusion long sleeves and V back with floral lace details

This long-sleeve illusion wedding dress is a gorgeous choice for a winter event or timeless bridal look. A modest V-neckline flaunts your décolletage without revealing too much skin.

Cucculelli Shaheen White Scallop Armor Dress

Simple white column dress with high beaded neckline and sleeves

This column dress is an actual (wearable) work of art. The intricate high-neck illusion bodice is glittering with thousands of silver and opal-tone beads, giving this crepe gown a gorgeous boho-glam effect.

Alexandra Grecco Paloma Gown

A line gown with plunging neckline and illusion back with floral appliques

Hello, garden goddess. This dreamy A-line gown is covered in embroidery and three-dimensional floral appliqué that cascades from the illusion bodice. Tulle and organza layers complete the dress with a voluminous skirt.

Danielle Frankel Celia Wedding Dress

Floral lace sleeveless column dress with illusion skirt and bodice

This slim-fitting column wedding dress is perfect for the bride who doesn't want tulle or beading. The design is made from re-embroidered lace, giving it structure and shape, with a slit and buttons down the back.

Maggie Sottero Elijah Wedding Dress

Slip satin dress with illusion lace back, halter neckline and lace train

Embrace the slip dress trend with this understated stretch satin gown. The minimalistic design is finished with a halter neckline and lace illusion back that catches the eye every time you turn around.

Theia Rouge Wedding Dress

Illusion floral lace high neck and long sleeved fit and flare gown

This classic fit-and-flare wedding dress is covered in a layer of floral lace, creating feminine illusion sleeves and a high neckline.

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