Assuming you haven’t been living in a cave for the last month, you are likely aware that fall is in full effect, and the new wedding season has been formally kicked off by The Biebers’ second exchange of vows (because apparently one wedding isn’t enough). While no one expects non-celebrity brides to deliver extravagance at the level that celeb weddings often do, living in the age of Instagram means competition abounds in the world of weddings (even for us common folk). And though I am still not over the fact that Hailey put “Till death do us part” on her actual wedding veil, her dress is hardly the only source for gown inspo. That’s why we spoke to Azazie designer Peter Hale Cooney to get the scoop on all the wedding dress trends coming soon to an aisle near you.
Perhaps it is best to start with what trends are officially ~out~. Peter predicts that we will be saying goodbye to “frivolous and over the top accoutrements on dresses.” This, of course, means that the tired popular trend of “crystal and bead encrusted” dresses is going into hibernation. Thinking feathers? Think again. Basically, any attempt to recreate Beyoncé’s iconic Met Gala 2012 dress should be stopped in its tracks. Put the feathers and the jewels down (you too, Kim).
This does not, however, mean an end to glamour. Peter assures us, “I think we’re going to see the return of romantic dressing.” This could mean a range of styles including everything from “voluminous silhouettes to pared down, simplistic dress.” You can even hold onto the sexier vibe that brides with conservative parents on Say Yes To The Dress butt heads over, with “nods to lingerie” in your gown of choice. Hoe, but make it bridal.
Cooney also predicts plenty of “diaphanous fabrics” (I looked it up, and it means light and translucent) and “lovely lace fabrics.” Lace, in particular, is a point of emphasis in the romantic aesthetic of future wedding dresses. “Nothing says romance more than a fine lace,” Cooney adds.
Perhaps the trend I am most looking forward to seeing on my Insta feed is the return of 60s and 70s styles. Maybe it’s all the Mad Men I’ve been binging getting to my head, but a Megan Draper ensemble on a wedding aisle sounds pretty dreamy to me (even if she is the most annoying character in the show). Cooney predicts the era will manifest in details like “easy breezy shapes, long sleeves,” and “slightly rebellious ensembles.”
To the brides out there who stick their noses up at tradition, you’re in for a treat, because color may be an unconventional trend that is becoming, well, conventional. According to Peter, “color has been making its way into bridal collections for many seasons now. I think soft pastel shades incorporated into dresses are absolutely stunning.”
As for bridesmaids, another increasingly popular shift away from tradition is mixing and matching dresses. “In this day of body positivity I know brides want all the members of their party to feel as comfortable as they do beautiful. This means different dresses for different figures.” As a matter of fact, dresses may not even be a necessity anymore. Cooney boasted about all of the bridal party jumpsuits Azazie is getting ready to drop, gushing that he “love this development for bridal parties.”
All trends and traditions aside though, Peter believes first and foremost that a ceremony should be designed around the bride and groom’s own tastes. “I’m in the school of thought that there is no rule book when it comes to your big day. From venue, to ceremony, to style of dresses worn. Stick to the vision you have that reflects you and your partner best and it is sure to be an unforgettable day.”
Images: Izabelle Acheson / Unsplash; azazie / Instagram; Azazie.com
If you’re lucky enough to get an invite to a black tie wedding, you’ve got some classy-ass friends. You know that when you get there, there’s going to be fantastic food, an open bar, and a real good time. But before you get to enjoy said party, you’ve got to get the right dress for the occasion. When it comes to black tie, most people automatically assume this means you HAVE to wear black. But let’s not be so literal. I mean, if everyone wore black, the party would look like a group of high-class cater waiters or an orchestra group about to play a symphony (drunk of course.) But, as all betches know, black is the best color. So in case you do want to go literal and wear black to a black tie wedding, here are ten non-basic black dresses that are perfect.
1. Amanda Uprichard Cherri Gown
This dress is simple, elegant, and black tie perfection. The sweetheart neckline is feminine while the slit gives it an elevated sex appeal. It IS strapless, so just make sure your girls are secure before you start breaking it down on the dance floor. We all know a nip slip will take you from classy to trashy realllll quick—just ask Janet Jackson.
2. Jay Godfrey Lena Gown
This dress is simply sexy. And look, I get it, it’s not one of the cheapest dresses on this list for something so simple, but that’s the beauty of it. This classic dress will never go out of style, and can be dressed up multiple different ways for different events and occasions. If that’s not enough reason for you to justify splurging, think about how good its resale value will be because of the fact that it is such a timeless style. Not to mention how thankful you’ll be that, because it’s black, you won’t have to worry about your spray tan sweating off and potentially ruining your expensive dress!
3. Missguided Black Open Back Maxi Dress
Business in the front, party in the back. This dress is elegant and flattering, but still shows some skin. It’s also a great price, so like, that gives you a little extra money to spend on the happy couple’s gift!!! Or, more likely, a little extra money towards the alcohol for the wedding pregame, so maybe you can actually treat yourself to some Titos (instead of something that comes in a plastic handle).
4. Alfred Sung Mikado Jersey Bodice Trumpet Gown
This dress is sophisticated, chic, and super classy. Just like, don’t do an updo with this dress or you’ll look like a straight-up narc. Keep it glam with loose wavy curls or a chic slick pony. You want to look hot, not like the chaperone for prom.
5. Missguided Black Bardot Wrap Slit Slinky Maxi Dress
This dress is stylish AND cheap. So, if you’re anything like me, and sick of blowing all this money on everyone else’s “eternal love”, this dress is a great option. Because it’s black, it automatically won’t look cheap, even though it actually is. Dress it up with elevated accessories and no one will have any idea that it actually only costs as much as your weekly Starbucks run.
6. Lovers + Friends Lambella Gown
This one-shoulder dress is stunning, and perfect for a black tie wedding. With the Angelina Jolie-adjacent leg slit and goddess-like one strap top, it’s the ideal dress for the occasion. It’s also simple enough that it could be dressed down for a less-fancy occasion, even after you wear it for the wedding. To quote the iconic Hannah Montana, “you get the best of both worlds.”
7. Zviago Eye Of Horus Gown
Does this dress look familiar? Well, if it does, it’s probs because you’re a Bachelor fan. This is the same dress Hannah B., aka our newest Bachelorette, wore on her last date with America’s most eligible virgin bachelor, Colton Underwood. *Sheds inauthentic tear.* You may not want to wear a dress Hannah B. got dumped in, and look, I get it, but hey, look at her now! She’s the Bachelorette! Oh, yeah, I forgot…her men suck. But then again, this one’s a classy black, rather than Hannah’s tacky metallic pink, so maybe it will still bring you better luck than her after all.
8. Katie May Surreal Gown
No one ever wants to look like a try-hard, that’s why the goal is always to look subtly sexy. Especially, ya know, if you’re bringing that f*ckboy (who you’ve been trying to actually lock down as your official boyfriend) as your date. This dress is innocent-hot, and lets him know you’re gf material, but like, you’re also a hot commodity. So like, sh*t or get off the pot. Or at least stop booty-calling me..
9. Lulus Mine Backless Trumpet Gown
If you’re going to a black tie wedding where the bride and groom are more conservative, a dress like this is a great option. It’s conservative while still being stylish, so you’ll still look good af. It’s also a timeless style, so you’ll ideally end up wearing it more than just this one time. Ideally, of course.
10. LIKELY Maxson Gown
This one strap maxi has a touch of edgy flare with its one-shoulder detail. It’s cool and fashionable, but in a classy black tie appropriate way. Sassy and sophisticated, just like you, right?!?!
Whether you decide to play it safe and go with one of these black options, or spice it up with some color, just make sure you’re wearing some type of gown so you’re dressed appropriately. I mean, it won’t guarantee that you’ll also act appropriately, but that one will be more so determined by your relationship with the bartender at the open bar.
Images: @kiraikonnikova / Unsplash; Revolve (6); Missguided (2); Nordstrom (2)
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
