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PHOTO BY JOHN & JOSEPH
Whether a traditional, voluminous white dress isn’t for you, or you’re simply looking for a more modern, fashion-forward take on wedding whites, you’re in luck because the options these days are seemingly endless. More than ever, brides and designers are bucking tradition in favor of putting their own twist on bridal. Forgo classic white for bright, on-trend colors, skip the dress altogether and rock edgy separates, or raise hemlines—forget what etiquette says you have to wear and instead, find pieces that make you feel like the absolute best version of yourself for your wedding festivities.
If you’re on the hunt for more trendy wedding attire, look to bridal labels like Danielle Frankel for a fresh, stylish take on modern ensembles. Or, take your search beyond bridal, as many of the chicest options for the fashion-minded bride aren’t designated specifically as ‘wedding’ looks. Think: Khaite, Chloe, Brandon Maxwell, Markarian, Johanna Ortiz (to name a few!). These labels are teeming with great options for all your wedding-related events, from your bridal shower to the day of and the after-party.
To help start your search, we’ve shared some of our favorite dresses for the fashion-forward bride, from pink rehearsal dinner dresses to cut-out gowns and after-party minis.
For the No-Fuss Bride: Khaite Spence Ruched Off the Shoulder Jersey Dress
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free | Return policy: Full refund
This cotton jersey ruched (translation: figure-flattering) dress from fashion-industry favorite, Khaite, brings all the fashion without the fuss. It begs to be worn for a New York City wedding at a chic downtown restaurant and then worn and re-worn for years after.
For the Bold Bride: Oscar de la Renta Fringed Knitted Midi Dress
Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Size Range: Small to Extra-Large | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free | Return policy: Full refund
Technicolor eveningwear is having a real moment right now so if classic white feels too quiet for you, this is the perfect time to go with a bright eye-catching number. Pink, from pastel to magenta, feels particularly fresh. Walk into your rehearsal dinner wearing this stunning knit, fringed midi dress paired with vibrant accessories and you are sure to turn heads.
For the Cut-Out Loving Bride: Significant Other Clementine Dress
Courtesy of Shopbop
Size Range: 2-10 | Length: Maxi | Shipping: Free | Return policy: Full refund
From big, bold openings to more demure, peekaboo slices showing off just a hint of skin, cutouts of every variety are aplenty in fashion right now. This breezy maxi dress is perfect for a beachside rehearsal dinner and—if your honeymoon is somewhere warm—throw it in your suitcase for your post-wedding travels, too.
For the Civil Ceremony: Kaviar Gauche Jagger Blazer and Flare Pants with Floral Pattern
Courtesy of Kaviar Gauche
Size Range: 34-42 | Shipping: Standard delivery USA, Canada, Australia, Japan: 82,00€ | Return policy: Returns possible 14 days after delivery
This suit (a blend of polyester, silk, and polyamide) is anything but ordinary with its stunning floral pattern detail throughout. Plus, the flared pants add a little extra drama to the whole look.
Best Textured Dress: Mara Hoffman Sloan Dress
Courtesy of Mara Hoffman
Size Range: XXS-3X | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Free domestic returns within 14 days
The beauty of this midi, sleeveless and square neck dress is in the details—most notably, the amazing popcorn texture. The best part? There’s smocking throughout, which means it’s incredibly comfortable and flattering for all.
For the Boho Bride: Chloe Cutout Repurpose-Fringe Silk Maxi Dress
Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
Size Range: 34-42 | Length: Maxi | Shipping: Free | Return policy: Full refund
Chloe always has plenty to offer for chic brides-to-be, and this season is no different. This silk maxi dress with a fringed hem is embellished with handcrafted laces, ribbons, and repurposed metal pieces.
Best Halter Dress: Johanna Ortiz Conga For the Soul Satin Midi Dress
Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Size Range: 00-16 | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free | Return policy: Full refund
This satin jacquard halterneck dress is ultra-flattering thanks to the twisted bodice and draped skirt. Pair it with neutral accessories and style your hair in soft beach waves and you’re set.
Best Bustier: Jason Wu Luxe Shine Crepe Bustier Top & Midi Skirt
Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman
Size Range: 0-10 | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free within 30 days | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days (except final sale items)
The bustier is everywhere right now and here, Jason Wu offers edgier brides the opportunity to rock this style for their nuptials (or wedding-related events). This luxe shine crepe top is cropped and fitted with adjustable straps and can be paired with a pleated midi skirt.
Best Floral Applique: Carolina Herrera Floral Applique Cutout Halter Midi Dress
Courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Size Range: 2-14 | Length: Midi| Shipping: Free | Return policy: Returnable within 30 days for full refund
This halter dress, featuring stunning floral applique and ruffle details, begs to be worn by a spring/summer bride. The cutouts at the waist give it a unique cool factor that will set you apart from the rest.
Best Square Neck: Reformation Isaac Dress
Courtesy of The Reformation
Size Range: 0-12| Length: Midi| Shipping: Free | Return policy: Returnable within 30 days for full refund
This elegant midi dress (made of 98% organic cotton and 2% spandex) features a square neckline, flattering smocking on the bodice, and a side slit. Pair it with minimal hoops or modern pearl accessories, and pointed-toe mules.
Best Slip Dress: Sachin & Babi Cali Satin Midi Dress
Courtesy of Anthropologie
Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free | Return policy: Returnable within 30 days for full refund
Keep it minimal in this slinky, midi slip dress with a cowl neckline and a side slit. Wear it with a matching white blazer, a simple and sexy strappy heel, and put your hair up in a low knot for an ultra-chic bridal look.
Best One Shoulder: Vera Wang Brigitte A-Line Wedding Dress
Courtesy of Vera Wang Bride
Size Range: 32-60| Length: Gown | Shipping: Contact brand | Return policy: Contact brand
It’s the oversized floral detail at the waist that sets this soft tulle, A-line asymmetrical neckline gown apart. You will feel like a goddess in this dress, which features a corset bodice, a front skirt split, and a train effect in the back.
Best Feather Dress: Taller Marmo Feather Trimmed Mini Dress
Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Size Range: IT 36-48 | Length: Mini | Shipping: Free | Return policy: Full refund
Bring the glamour in this feather-trim, one-sleeve mini dress. Pair it with statement pumps and a colorful clutch and you’re party-ready.
Best Tulle: Danielle Frankel Noa Gown
Courtesy of Danielle Frankel Studio
Size Range: US 0-12 | Length: Gown | Shipping: Shipping pricing varies depending on shipping location | Return policy: Refund within 5 days of receiving an order. $200 non-refundable restocking fee
When in doubt, fashion-forward brides should look no further than Danielle Frankel. Leave it to Danielle Hirsch, the designer behind the line, to make tulle look modern and edgy here with this soft, crinkled tulle gown — featuring double-draped off-the-shoulder straps, and a soft internal bustier with side boning.
Most Mini: Jacquemus Limao Dress
Courtesy of Moda Operandi
Size Range: FR 32-42 | Length: Mini | Shipping: Standard shipping $15 | Return policy: Returnable within 28 days for full refund
The mini-mini is experiencing a big comeback right now. Show off your gams in this linen-blend, A-line mini dress with a halter-neck bodice. Style it with barely-there, strappy nude heels and either a long, dramatic veil or a birdcage veil from Gigi Burris.
For Seaside Nuptials: Christopher Esber Ruched Cutout Satin Maxi Dress
Courtesy of Moda Operandi
Size Range: AU 6-12 | Length: Midi | Shipping: Standard shipping $15 | Return policy: Returnable within 28 days for full refund
This roundup wouldn’t be complete without including several cutout dress options. This slinky satin t-shirt dress from Christopher Esber gives you just the right amount of cut-outs for a tasteful, but also a sexy flash of skin.
Best Draping: Significant Other Olinda Dress
Courtesy of Free People
Size Range: US 2-10 | Length: Maxi | Shipping: Free | Return policy: Full refund if item is received within 30 days of delivery for full refund
This draped, one-shoulder gown with a layered neckline and a tie-waist detail is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re having a rustic celebration or a wine country wedding, it would look perfect in a wide array of settings.
Best Ruffle: Ulla Johnson Aveline Gown
Courtesy of Ulla Johnson
Size Range: 00-16| Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free Ground Shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 21 days of delivery date
Forgo classic white and wear this utterly romantic, printed silk floral gown from Ulla Johnson instead. The fitted bodice features delicate spaghetti straps that tie at the shoulders, and the skirt of the gown includes cascading ruffles. This dress has a warm-weather spring or summer bride’s name all over it.
Most Romantic: Loveshack Fancy Devyn Gown
Courtesy of Intermix Online
Size Range: US 00-12 | Length: Gown | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Returnable within 30 days for full refund
Romantic and ethereal are the two words that best describe this LoveShack fancy ivory lace gown. It features a plunging V-neckline, a tiered hemline with a statement bow at the back, and a dramatic full skirt.
For the Aspen Bride: Proenza Schouler Textured Fringe Knit Maxi Dress
Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
Size Range: US XS-L | Length: Maxi | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Returnable for full refund.
This form-fitting, tiered fringe, knit maxi dress with a mock turtle neckline would be perfect for an Aspen bride’s rehearsal dinner look.
For the Beach Bride: Bronx and Banco Daisy Side-Cutout Midi Lace Dress
Courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Tea-length | Shipping: Free | Return policy: Returnable within 30 days for full refund
This silk-linen blend midi dress, with delicate straps and colorful embroidered floral appliqués, features a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette. It would look right at home for a rehearsal dinner on the beach, or even a wedding, depending on the vibe you’re going for.
Not-Your-Typical Train: Prada Silk Shift Mini Dress with Train
Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman
Size Range: | Length: Mini | Shipping: Free Standard Shipping | Return policy: Returns accepted within 30 days of receipt
This round-neck, sleeveless silk mini with a draping train from Prada is made for the ultimate fashion bride. Wear it with low, pointed-toe mules or strappy platform heels for more of a party girl look.
Best Structural Design: Mara Hoffman Maia Floral-Applique Midi Dress
Courtesy of Moda Operandi
Size Range: US 0-10| Length: Midi | Shipping:Standard Shipping $15 | Return policy: Returnable within 28 days for full refund
The ‘wow’ factor here is the large, sculptural rose applique along the strapless bodice. Style this crinkled, organic cotton and linen number with strappy sandals and a bold lip color for a little pop.
For the Country Club Party: Brandon Maxwell Liquid Sequin Polo Top and Skirt
Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
Size Range: US XS-XL | Skirt Length: Midi | Shipping: Free | Return policy: Returnable for full refund
The sequined, light pink gingham polo shirt and matching midi pencil skirt, from Brandon Maxwell, might not be the first thing you think of when you picture ‘bridal.’ However, it feels fitting for a country club fete in a thoroughly modern way.
What to Look For in a Fashion-Forward Wedding Outfit
Once you’ve decided on a slightly more alternative route for your wedding look, start thinking about how the outfit will look during your planned wedding season. Perhaps you’ve selected a crochet fringed dress. Will that be right for your winter wedding at the top of Aspen Mountain? No. Most importantly, how do you feel in the outfit? Does it bring a big smile to your face? Are you comfortable and have you tried sitting in your dress? If the answer to any of those questions is ‘no,’ then consider other options as the last thing you want to deal with is feeling uncomfortable and not enjoying the festivities.
About the Author
Kristin Tice Studeman is a former editor and runway critic at leading fashion publications including Style.com, Carine Roitfeld’s CR Fashion Book, WWD, and ELLE.com. Her writing on fashion has also appeared in The New York Times Styles section, Vogue, and W Magazine.
