The Bridal and Ready to Wear Crossover.
When we think of trends, we typically think of what we see on the runway from major fashion houses like Miu Miu, Chanel and Schiaparelli. These brands help set the tone for what style lovers will gravitate towards for the seasons to come. There are endless influencers, fashion accounts and podcasts that break down the newly inspired styles look by look and as a collective of fashionistas, we are eternally grateful. This truly gives us a roadmap for how we plan our outfits day to day.
But what about the big day? You know, the day that you promise your life to another person? Why aren’t we talking more about what style should look like on THAT day?
After working in bridal and seeing hundreds, if not thousands of brides choose a dress for their wedding day, I believe that brides haven’t allowed themselves the same level of innovation and creativity when it comes to putting together their dream look. I mean, how creative can you get with a white dress? Sure, there are different silhouettes and fabrics, but it seems that most brides keep themselves in a box. A very small box.
That being said, over the last few years, we are seeing ready to wear styles make their way to bridal runways and I’m here for it. There has always been some crossover with designers like Monique Lhullier and Carolina Herrera having a foot in both arenas, but I believe that 2025 will be the boldest year yet for brides.
Let’s break down a few trends we’re seeing on both the bridal and ready to wear runways this year.
Soft Pastels
Soft pinks, powder blues and buttery yellows are going to be the go-to colors for Spring. Light knits, tees and dresses are at the top of every girl’s Spring shopping list and my guess is these colors won’t be hard to find at a variety of price points. What does this have to do with bridal? Well, who said wedding dresses HAD to be white? Brides are gravitating towards gowns like this one from Tony Ward that doesn’t fit your classic bridal motif. If you’re not quite ready to go all in on a blue dress for your big day (understandable), you could always add a powder blue shawl or soft pink shoe to your look. Just a pop of color can make it feel more personal for you.
Basque Waistlines
We’ve been seeing drop waists for a few seasons now and it doesn’t look like the trend is going anywhere. While it’s always been an available bridal silhouette, it wasn’t necessarily the go-to for most brides. Now, it’s one of the first things salon owners hear when a bride comes in for an appointment. So what’s the difference between a drop waist and a basque waist? In both styles, the bodice sits below the waistline, but with a basque waist, the bottom of the bodice flows into more of a V-shape. I love this one by Sarah Nouri. It has a vintage feel which is also very popular this season. This has also become a coveted style for ready to wear and we’re seeing it with brands like Reformation, Alice + Olivia and ASTR the Label.
Brooches
Does this word make you think of your Grandmother? It absolutely does for me in the best way. One of the pieces I have to remember my Grandma by is a beautiful pearl brooch. I love that we’re seeing brooches reemerge as a fashion accessory for ready to wear and bridal looks this year. Whether it’s a new brooch with a modern twist from Olive and Piper or a vintage brooch that’s been passed down in your family, the ways to style these sweet add-on’s are endless. For a more subtle look, you can add a brooch to your bouquet or trench coat. If you want to make more of a statement, take a simple tee and pinch a bit of the fabric in one of the corners above your bust and add a small brooch or pin there. For your wedding dress, you can take a satin band around your waistline and attach a brooch to it too. We’re also seeing second dresses as a big trend this year where brides change into a party look after the ceremony. If you incorporate a brooch into your look, you could transfer it from one dress to the other, making it your signature piece that stays constant throughout the evening.
We’re only a few days out from Spring bridal fashion week and I can’t wait to see all of the trends we’re about to see emerge!