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Updated Feb 10, 2023The Top Wedding Dress Trends of 2023
We scouted the Bridal Fashion Week runways to find the trends you need to know about. Here's what's going to be hot in 2023.
From left: Viktor&Rolf Mariage, Elie Saab, Hermione de Paula
Get your wishlist ready. New York Bridal Fashion Week just wrapped up and The Knot's fashion team hit the ground running to get the scoop on the new wedding gown styles coming to bridal salons near you within the next year. This season, designers like Monique Lhuillier, Amsale, Elie Saab and Galia Lahav got back to showcasing their collections IRL, after over two years of virtual presentations and runway shows. The result? An abundance of über-chic inspo in the 2023 wedding dress trends—from dramatic ball gowns to colorful wedding gowns to luxe embellishments like bows, feathers and ruffles. If you're planning a wedding taking place next year or are simply dreaming of your future wedding attire, these are the 2023 wedding dress trends to know. Read on to get the deets on 10 of the hottest wedding gown styles —and how to pull them off on your big day.
1. Colorful Wedding Dresses
If there's one takeaway from this Bridal Fashion Week, it's that bridal designers are taking risks again. After a few seasons of all-white collections, wedding dresses in every hue appeared in several collections. Pastel shades like soft blue and blush are an inherently dreamy choice, while bold floral prints and metallics are perfect for more daring brides. Pro tip: To pull off a more vibrant wedding look, keep the rest of your accessories simple and let your statement gown do the talking.
2. Feather Embellishments
If you're on the hunt for a wedding dress that's both fashion-forward and luxurious, consider one with feather details. Eye-catching plumes can elevate any wedding gown silhouette, plus they give a fun and festive nod to the celebratory feel of your day. Go art deco with a curve-skimming gown with a feather hemline, or shake it up at your reception or after-party with a feather minidress. Feeling extra daring? Consider a bridal suit with feather embellishments—it's the perfect combination of structure and whimsical texture.
3. Gloves
Bridgerton and Gilded Age fans, this is the trend for you. Bridal gloves, whether fingerless, opera style or wrist-length, are all about old world romance. Nearly every Bridal Fashion Week collection included gloves, leading us to believe this ultra-polished trend isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Similar to other wedding accessories, such as veils, headbands and hair bows, bridal gloves add a layer of elegance to your wedding day look. Plus, gloves are available in a variety of fabrics, styles and colors for every wedding aesthetic—even if the Regency Era isn't your vibe of choice.
4. Capes
No veil? No problem. If veils aren't your thing, consider a wedding gown with a cape instead. This less-expected wedding day accessory offers the same photogenic movement as a veil, brings the red carpet glamour and you can whisk it away after your ceremony without messing up your hair. Some of our fave styles featured embroidered lace, constellation-inspired beading, cascading sequins and dramatic ruffles.
5. Ruffles
If there's ever a moment to wear a romantic 'fit, your wedding day is it. And it simply doesn't get more romantic than ruffle details. Softer and slightly more traditional than feather embellishments, ruffles add just the right amount of whimsy to any silhouette. Opulent ruffled ball gowns were the high point of several collections, while dramatic mermaid gowns with ruffled skirts also made a comeback.
6. Bows
Calling all #Barbiecore lovers. We can't help but think the resurgence of Barbie and her impeccable style has something to do with bridal designers' current obsession with this classic embellishment. Bows are a bridal staple, of course, but this season they were everywhere—the bigger, the better. Back bows give even the most streamlined silhouette an upgrade, while big shoulder bows take the puff sleeve trend to the next level. If statement bridalwear isn't for you, more delicate bow details (we loved the sparkly ones we saw at Honor) are also an option.
7. Scoop Strapless Necklines
While long sleeves and puff sleeves were all the rage for several years, the strapless silhouette is back—with some more Y2K-inspired flavor, of course. Originally popular in the early aughts, corset bodices with a contoured neckline are *all that* once more. This flattering style highlights the décolleté, neck and shoulders and offers more support than a straight across strapless neckline if you have a larger chest. And while this 2023 wedding dress trend is a blast from the past, scooped strapless necklines also work for pretty much every wedding gown silhouette: Go classic with heavy satin, romantic with sheer tulle or modern with form-fitting crepe.
8. High-Low Hemlines
If TikTok has taught us anything, it's that Y2K trends are back both in streetwear and bridalwear. Enter: The high-low hemline. A wedding dress with this unique hemline is the best of both worlds, offering the formal feel of a longer gown and the ability to show off your wedding shoes. Plus, if you're on the hunt for two wedding looks in one, these newer versions have you covered: Many feature detachable overskirts that you can remove to reveal a minidress underneath.
9. Ball Gowns
Sometimes more is more. Although barely there slip dresses are still on our radar (more on this trend below), maximalist ball gowns also took over the runways this Bridal Fashion Week. The reason for this bridal fashion shift? With the return of bigger weddings comes equally elaborate silhouettes. Ball gowns with over-the-top tiered skirts, decadent fabrics and beads appeared in every collection. If you're looking to go opulent and over the top with your wedding day look, consider giving this voluminous silhouette a whirl.
10. Slip Dresses
Influenced by Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's iconic wedding style, '90s brides were all about the sleek and chic style of the slip dress. As the name implies, this slinky silhouette resembles a slip, has thin straps and is usually made of delicate silk or lace fabric. The effortlessly glamorous style is currently experiencing a bridal fashion revival, both as a wedding dress and bridesmaid dress option. This lingerie-inspired look pairs best with strappy sandals and delicate jewelry. Have your heart set on a more voluminous wedding gown for your ceremony? A slip dress is also a gorgeous option for other wedding-related events, like your rehearsal dinner or after-party.
