We know we have just walked into spring, and the flowers are blooming, the weather is only getting warmer, and we have long months of warm weather to look forward to. So why are we talking about fall, you ask? Because just like even the warmest of days lean into nightfall, spring will roll into summer, and finally - fall! And we like to be prepared here! If you have been dreaming about a dreamy fall wedding with the freshest trends and the coziest vibe, you have found yourself in the right spot. If you are planning for a beautiful fall wedding this year (or the next), we know you would like to check out the fall trends earlier rather than later, and we aim to please! While fall comes with the most amazing color palettes and the crisp weather, it also brings exciting things to the world of fashion! Hint: Expect a lot of regency-inspired micro-trends, niche minimalism as well as maximalism, the 90s and 00s trends, and convenient and transformational pieces! Let us take a look at some of the fall fashion trends which will have you falling in love with the season all over again!
Shoulder capes: Shoulder capes are not only a beautiful addition to your bridal look, but they are also different and make a classy statement. A perfect transitional piece, shoulder capes are just the thing you need when you want to transition the summery wedding dress into the cold fall and winter without having to battle the elements of nature. Also known as shoulder duster, ribbon train, or even a variation of a longer cape, wedding gowns came decorated with long strands of fabric connected at the shoulders in various collections, giving the bride a regal spin, making for a dramatic entry. This is the perfect addition to a wedding which was initially meant to be in the summer but was postponed.
Backless: Barebacks are big this year, and it has undoubtedly trickled down to bridal fashion as well, and it is undeniably a timelessly elegant look. Teamed with long sleeves, barebacks create a perfect juxtaposition and aim to impress. Modern yet modern, backless wedding gowns made a prominent appearance in designer collections of Steven Birnbaum, Hayley Paige, and Justin Alexander. If deep V necklines and swooping neckline designs are not exactly your thing, you can always try your take on this sultry trend!
Transformative pieces: Versatility was never as big as it is now, and we can't stop obsessing over some of the transformative pieces in a bridal fashion that is not only incredibly practical and clever but also they create a lasting impression in terms of style. Stemming from the pandemic weddings, dresses that can be reworn in varying styles are big this season, as it provides an opportunity to rewear a piece multiple times rather than buying multiple dresses for each event- a more casual dress for the micro wedding and a more dressy additional piece meant to dress up your sequel wedding! Designers are really hitting it out of the park with designs, as they introduce mini dresses and rompers which are topped up with detachable overskirts or dresses with two-in-one options.
The statement bolero: Riding the theme of versatility wave, boleros are the wedding dress additive that makes perfect sense for a cold-weather bride, especially if it is a postponed wedding from last year! There are a wide variety of removable statement boleros, be it the over-the-top ruched puff sleeves at Vivienne Westwood, cropped ruffles at Anne Barge, or dramatic feathers at Ines Di Santo. The choices are truly inexhaustible, and in most cases, boleros are created with such an expert hand that they look like a natural extension of the dress. Also, in case you get warm mid-dancing, you can always take it off.
Exaggerated ruffles: While half of the bridal population is raving about minimalism, the other half is loving the maximalist way of bridal fashion this year. Grand elements are not going unnoticed, and exaggerated ruffles are taking the spotlight, and deservingly so! From ruffles that are dainty and whimsical to ruffles that are more architectural, exaggerated ruffles are sure to focus on Viktor & Rolf, Leanne Marshall, Kaviar Gauche, Marchesa, and Justin Alexander. Inspiring dramatic celebration and appreciation of creativity and beauty, exaggerated ruffles are all the rage right now, and we love it.
Maxi bows: Going with the maximalism vibe, bows are coming to play, and we don't mean dainty bows which are oh-so-sweet, but maxi larger than life bows that create a lasting impression. They are dramatic, aim to impress, and certainly are not dainty and minimal. Adorning backs, shoulders, and waistlines, maxi regal bows made their way into the collections of Anne Barge, Elie Saab, and Ines Di Santo. Unapologetically feminine, yet bold and memorable, there is nothing quite like a huge bow to cinch your waist as you sway to the music on your special day!
Square necks: If there is one trend that you must have definitely seen, it has to be the square neck. A nod of acknowledgment to the regency period and the 90s nostalgia, square necklines have taken the world of fashion by storm, and its influence can be witnessed in both contemporary fashion as well as bridal fashion. A little traditional, a little vintage, and a lot of flattering, square necks look beautiful on bridal gowns of any silhouette. This is a trend that seems to be consistent across a variety of designer collections ranging from Jenny Yoo to Justin Alexander and Leanne Marshall.
Balloon sleeves: If we go into another design detail, billowy sleeves or balloon sleeves are another trend that seems to have affected everyone and has made a stand as a trend to rule over the last few seasons and will continue to do so in the future for a bit. Feminine, romantic, and alluring, the long sleeves in billowy silhouette are inspired by the vintage and regency-inspired trend and are definitely here to stay. Many designers are doing their own spin on this tried-and-true silhouette, and the effect is memorably beautiful every time- without fail!
High low: A trend which was big in the early 200s, the high low wedding dresses are definitely making a comeback, and this time more for practical reasons than anything else. With so many backyard weddings, micro weddings, and home weddings in the last year, the brides need something casual, easy to wear, which can work with flats, while still looking special enough for their wedding day, and high-low dresses happen to check all the boxes. Highly memorable, and fashionable, a high low dress is also very easy to get around in and feels incredibly comfy. That's a win-win right there!
Tea-length dresses: Even though fall comes with a crispness in the air, you can expect the hemlines of your wedding dress to go shorter instead. Adorably timeless and feminine, tea-length dresses work wonderfully for the revolutionized weddings post-pandemic. Not only is it in trend, but it also happens to be a choice of hemline favored by many designers and brides alike. Not as heavy and overwhelming as a full-length wedding gown, the tea-length dress makes a statement while being a breeze to wear! Favored by the likes of Audrey Hepburn and a nod to the dreamy tea parties in the garden, there is something about tea-length dresses that speak to the soul!
Y2K revival: The late '90s and early '00s style markers have sprung from the international runways and user-generated social media (we are looking at you TikTok!) to the wedding aisles, and we aren't even complaining. While there are some trends that are still a hard "No" for us, there are others that feel like a breath of fresh air and home all at once. Leaning heavily into nostalgia, details like handkerchief tops, apron dresses, and backless halters are huge and are ready to woo the brides! Whether it is for the sake of old times or the way the details are upcycled to match the style sensibilities of today, the 2000s are back and fiercer than ever.
Asymmetry: While uniformity is sweet, asymmetry is thrilling and fashionably memorable! Unexpected asymmetry is having a moment and has found its place in the bridal fashion too. Not a new concept by any means, asymmetry in clothing has always been around, but it is here now in unexpected ways and complicated designs. Whether it is one shoulder details or the glorious bias-cut draping, or dramatic slits and high-low hemlines, asymmetry is here with a varied range of options, each sweeter than the next!
Cap sleeves: The delicately feminine, classic and barely-there cap sleeves take on all forms and are omnipresent in the bridal front, and we can't have enough of this trend. Sweet and romantic, while being traditionally acclaimed and classically timeless, there is something about a cap sleeve that is beyond the constraints of time and trends. Whether it is made of delicate lace, buttery silk, sheer organza, or lush floral appliqués, it never fails to inspire and impress. The cap sleeve is being worn by brides in various different ways, be it in an alluring off-the-shoulder draping or teamed with a more feminine scoop neck which remains classic and elegant through the years.
Fantasy-core: There is nothing like an escapade into nature, right? Bridal gowns inspired by the motifs of nature, blooming flowers, the ethereal vines, and the magic of the great mysterious forest have certainly found an audience and have charmed many brides with its ‘The Secret Garden’ combined with ‘The Wizard of Oz’ turnaround. Partially nature-inspired, partially inspired by the fantasies that we have read as a child, this blend of aesthetics just hits the spot perfectly for a fall wedding! Fantasy core, combined with fairy-core and cottage-core create a whole world of possibilities for a bride who appreciates the allure of nature, and the magic hidden in its folds.
The minimal dress: Minimalism has been going mighty for a few bridal seasons now, but streamlined and minimal options make complete sense right now, particularly for mini-weddings, socially distanced outdoor celebrations, and post-wedding celebrations. Clean lines, minimal designs, and sharper edges, minimalism in a wedding dress is appreciated, but that doesn't mean your dress has to be plain or boring! Get ready to witness luxe fabrics like buttery silks and crêpes and intricate details like perfect pleats, beading trim, and a deep V neckline.
OTT maximalism: Coinciding harmoniously with minimalistic dresses are the dramatic over-the-top maximalism dresses that come in with their intense volumes, elaborate trimmings, and unexpected textures, intended to leave an impact. Architectural designs, cotton candy-inspired details, and voluminous tutu layers, nothing is out of the expected, and everything is possible. The maximalism designs sure celebrate fashion in all its varied ways, be it in billowy ball gowns, opulent colors, and embroidery, or out-of-the-world themes!
Corsetry: Another Bridgeton-inspired trend, corsets are in trend and can be expected to see a lot in fall weddings. However, the designs will be more feminine and vintage-inspired and less edgy or Gothic. Frail barely-there fabric, wispy details, and exposed boning take one back to an age that they have only visited through books and movies and the impact is stunning. Corsetry has been a major design detail throughout the last couple of ready-to-wear seasons and this striking trend making its presence in wedding gowns is a natural trickle-down, and a beautiful one at that!
Every season comes with its own unique kind of pretty elements, like its own persona filter to view the world’s beauty in its own special way. Fall carries a mellow melancholy within its deep palette, and cozy vibe, something that no other season can bring to the table. Hosting a fall wedding is eternally beautiful and romantic, and it is no mere coincidence that so many lovers like to tie the knot in the autumnal months! It is the perfect blend of crisp weather, beautiful backdrops, and the happiness of the festive season looming just a bit further down the lane. With all these things at play, there is nothing in the world that can keep you from having the dreamiest of fall weddings! Are you ready?
Please wait!
