2018 Bridal Fashion Trends

It really has been a while since my last fashion feature for Love My Dress, and my-oh-my do we have some beautiful bridal trends to talk about!

While I’ve been off raising a new wee addition to my little family, we find ourselves in the midst of the couture fashion weeks and I’ve been busy… I’m back analysing the most covetable looks from Paris as well as recent ready-to-wear and bridal fashion weeks, set to make their mark on weddings for the next couple of seasons.

Bridal fashion and the catwalks of couture might seem like distant relatives, but the avant-garde creations of the design elite bear quite the influence on bridal trends-to-come. We’ve hand-picked the key looks, details and hues that are set to inspire.

Simplicity

Not typically known for clean lines and a ‘less is more’ approach, for the last couple of seasons Valentino has unveiled super-simple looks. Globally we’re seeing traditional dress shapes – bandeau A-line gowns; halter-necks with a deep V; t-shirt topped shifts – given the overhaul and appearing more contemporary than ever. Super-soft silk crepe with minimal details are key to achieving the look.

Images via Vogue.com or designer’s websites (click on image)

Trouser suits

Continuing an alternative bridal style, trouser suits are one trend that shows no sign of slowing down. From the fluid wide-leg styles of Antonio Grimaldi to Delpozo’s culottes and Viktor and Rolf’s chic cigarette pants, we can’t get enough of this look. Add a little bridal tradition with a caped top or simple train falling from the waistline.

Romantic ruffles & tiers

Wedding gowns don’t get much more romantic than when adorned with tiers and ruffles, and this season we’ve two distinct looks. Designers from Chanel to Christian Dior have shown chiffon ruffles, ranging from voluminous full skirts to semi-sheer ombre column gowns. In addition, the likes of Ralph Russo and Halfpenny introduce long-line tiered skirts, dancing around the bride’s natural shape but adding just enough drama to make a real impact come the big day.

Feather embellishments

For brides looking for unapologetic glamour, this is the way to finish your frock. Head-to-toe marabou covers slinky, form-fitting silhouettes at Alexandre Vautheir and Ziad Nakad while feathered rosettes were pinned delicately to hemlines at Chanel and Ralph Russo built on A-line shapes for those more traditionally inclined (yet just a little fanciful).

Decorative applique

Whimsical floral applique is an emerging trend that’s been spotted on catwalks from Fendi to Elie Saab. Delicate designs see relief foliage on semi-sheer layers of chiffon and tulle. Couture masters Saab and Zuhair Murad made their mark on another key trend, showing subtly tinted gowns in blush or dove grey with botanical patterns in complementary tones.

Dress coats

For autumn or winter weddings, deciding whether to cover-up doesn’t come with too many options. Bringing the idea up-to-date, we love the kimono styles seen at Galia Lahav and in contrast, Schaparelli’s sharp tuxedo jacket paired with a billowing, ankle-grazing dress.

Shades of nudes for bridesmaids

Nude tones have to be one of the dreamiest bridesmaid trends yet. The options are endless – your girl gang could wear a variant of tones and texture or match entirely. The right tone can be flattering for all skin types, plus the shade is chic, sophisticated and the perfect match to your ivory. We can’t get enough of the blush pink tone at Alberta Ferretti, used on a fluid yet full-skirted 1970’s style dress, cappuccino frills at Valentino and a mushroom forties inspired tea dress from Christian Dior.

Inky blue tones for bridesmaids

The runways have been awash with inky blues – another emerging trend for bridesmaids. For summer weddings, we love the dusty teal seen at Elie Saab while for winter velvety navy-indigo spotted at Antonio Grimaldi and Chanel would provide quite the showstopper teamed with the bride in dark ivory or champagne.

 

I hope that you’ve seen something that might have inspired you today,

Sarah-Leigh x

As well as being our regular fashion contributor, Sarah-Leigh Bunting is the International Contributing Editor for Olivia Palermo.  She is also global Head of Content for one of Europe’s biggest home improvement retailers and co-runs events and communication agency What Peggy Did Next, who are not only venue managers of Hill Place in Hampshire but the team behind the wedding marketplace Bridal Bazaar.  You can enjoy Sarah-Leigh’s own wedding here.