After a year on pause, fashion has never been more focused on personal style—particularly as it relates to brides. Weddings may have once been steeped in tradition, custom, and a long list of style expectations (and in some ways, they still are), but over a year spent at home has couples-to-be considering what they truly want and how to best express that through style not only at the ceremony, but at all the events surrounding the walk down the aisle.
From the civil ceremony to the welcome party, rehearsal dinner, aisle, reception, after-party, and every other event in between, designers have accepted the challenge of creating looks that feel timeless yet fitting for these slightly uncertain times. This means layers, like bridal coats, jackets, and sweaters in case dates or venues change; streetwear influences to make gowns and corsetry feel a little less serious; and accessories that feel playful rather than excessive.
Looking ahead to 2022 bridal, ready-to-wear, and haute couture collections, we’ve created this guide to help you navigate shopping for next year’s nuptials. Read on for the top fashion trends of the season.
1 Ballet-Inspired Details
Shades of blush, grosgrain ribbons, and frothy tulle are nothing new in bridal, but this season saw an influx of ballet touches—from tutu-esque skirts to leotard-like necklines. And it didn’t stop there: Bows and ribbons galore, sheer details, and ballerina-pink palettes that were dreamy yet refined also popped up for 2022.
This is Center Stage meets Black Swan, with touches of modernity and classicism combined. The best looks merge drama with dainty details, gossamer fabrics, and athletic shapes paired with layered ruffles and voluminous skirts.
If you’re after a theatrical element, this look is almost easy in all its grandeur; plus, it offers the movement that stiff silks and satins simply don’t.
Pictured: Dior Cruise 2022; Alli Ruben Magier photographed by Jose Villa; Kaviar Gauche Bridal 2022; Amsale Bridal Fall 2022; Alexander McQueen RTW Spring 2022; Vera Wang RTW Spring 2021.
2 Color & Prints
This trend is for the bride who can’t be bothered with the status quo. Blush used to be a go to, followed by shades of ginger and champagne, but now, we’re seeing cooler shades of pistachio, dove, lavender, and sky blue in the mix.
These soft tones are here to stay for a feminine yet cool take on aisle-appropriate color. In short: You can have fun with fashion and play dress-up, even for moments as epic as your ceremony.
Pictured: Andrew Kwon Bridal Fall 2022; Cucculelli Shaheen Bridal Fall 2021; Monique Lhuillier Bridal Spring 2022; Dolce & Gabbana Couture 2021; Oscar de la Renta RTW Fall 2021; Dior Couture Fall 2021.
3 ’90s Redux
Slip dressing is not new to the world of bridal, but when paired with bomber jackets, body-con cutouts, and a grunge vibe, they’re infinitely more reminiscent of the decade that bought us some of fashion’s greatest moments.
Infuse hints of black, and embrace slinky silhouettes, slashes, and slits—this look promises minimalism with an edge, while still giving off an effortlessness aura, perfect for a bride looking to merge romance with throwback rebellion.
Pictured: NDS the Label Bridal 2022; Galvan Bridal Fall 2021; Alexander McQueen RTW Fall 2021; Pantora Bridal Fall 2021; Courrèges Spring 2022; Jonathan Simkhai RTW Spring 2022.
4 Visible Corsetry
Underwear as outerwear is making its way to the aisle, but this time it’s less sexy and more regal than ever before. New non-boudoir, Bridgerton-inspired corsetry is paired with sheer tulle, gossamer laces, and embroidery for a royal wedding-worthy feel—but with a sexy edge.
From corsets exposed on classic ball gowns to innovative options featuring pleating, cutouts, volume, and more, we’re loving this new spin on sophisticated sexiness.
Pictured: Eisen Stein Bridal Spring 2022; Markarian Bridal Spring 2022; Dana Harel Bridal Fall 2022; Ines by Ines di Santo Bridal Fall 2022; Danielle Frankel 2022; Andrea Iyamah RTW Fall 2022.
5 A Wardrobe of Earrings
After a year in sweats and the occasional dress-up on Zoom, it’s no surprise that earrings are making an impact this grand. They bring attention to the face, elongate the neck, and add some twinkling movement beneath your veil.
Consider the neckline and embellishment of your look first, then style accordingly; high necklines work with an earring that doesn’t compete with its placement on your neck, while something strapless may call for a bolder choice, like a shoulder duster.
Pictured: Fendi Couture Spring 2021; Carolina Herrera RTW Spring 2022; Kaviar Gauche Bridal Fall 2022; Erdem RTW Spring 2022; Galvan Bridal Spring 2022; Francesca Miranda Bridal Fall 2022.
6 Minis & Jumpsuits for the Aisle
Shorter hemlines have always played a role in a modern bride’s arsenal, but this year (and last)—as civil ceremonies replaced epic 100+ person events, brides and designers alike deemed minis, midis, jumpsuits, and tea-lengths appropriate for the ceremony.
But that doesn’t mean that showing off your legs and shoes has to be reserved for civil ceremonies or the after-party. Pair any of these looks with a veil, and they’re ceremony appropriate. Or sport one for a small wedding now, and then as a look for a larger gathering (like your postponed rehearsal dinner or reception) next year.
Pictured: Andrew Kwon Bridal Fall 2022; Fendi Couture Fall 2022; Viktor & Rolf Mariage Fall 2022; Nevenka Bridal Fall 2022; Oscar de la Renta Bridal Spring 2022; Markarian Bridal Spring 2022.
7 Mock Necks
Whether you’re after a slim fit, an A-line, or a ball gown, these high-neck variations evoke the classicism of Grace Kelly on her wedding day, but with a modern flair. From lace to silk crepe and satin, this conservative-with-a-twist trend proves that regal comes in many forms and does not have to look matronly in the slightest.
Up the ante with a long, dramatic, lace-trimmed veil for an even larger impact—but when you do, chose one that still feels romantic and soft, rather than overwhelming.
Pictured: Costarellos Bridal Fall 2022; Dana Harel Bridal Spring 2022; Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2022; Eisen Stein Bridal Fall 2022; Francesca Miranda Bridal Fall 2022; L’eto Bridal Spring 2022.
8 Outerwear
A few seasons back, separates were all the rage. Then came statement suiting—but 2022 is all about weather-appropriate layering.
Wedding wardrobes require flexibility and longevity, as celebrations will continue to change, move, and morph. Whatever unique celebration you have in the works (rain or shine, summer or winter), choose layering pieces that you can wear more than once. Think sculptural capes, feather-trimmed coats, and embroidered jackets or organza dusters and blazers—these accents feel elegant and apropos for upcoming events that require open-air, outdoor venues.
Pictured: Rivini Bridal Fall 2022; Louis Vuitton RTW Spring 2022; Markarian Bridal Spring 2022; Fendi Couture Fall 2022; NDS the Label Bridal Fall 2022; Halfpenny London Bridal Fall 2022.
9 Non-heirloom Pearls
Pearls have always been a go-to bridal accessory, but this is far from your grandmother’s signature strand. This finishing touch has come to replace more glamorous crystals and loads of sparkle, but feel just as dazzling. From pearl embroideries to all-over embroidered details, think Baroque, clusters, and opalescent rather than “something old.”
This dainty detail can feel ladylike, bohemian, innovative, or edgy and speaks to our longing for dressing up—with a traditional-meets-modern twist.
Pictured: Vera Wang RTW Spring 2022; Yolan Cris Bridal Fall 2022; PatBO Bridal Fall 2022; Fendi Couture Spring 2022; Danielle Frankel 2022; Cucculelli Shaheen Spring 2022.
10 Everyday Clothes for the Aisle
Meet the post-quarantine bride: She’s more irreverent than ever and up for dynamic styling and a casual attitude to wedding dressing.
Pair bridal corsets with jeans or wear them over tailored shirting. Style knee-high boots with minidresses. Mix knits, athletic cuts, and lax-fit trousers in the rotation. This is about infusing your work-from-home favorites into your wedding day.
Pictured: Houghton Bridal 2022; Christopher Kane Bridal 2022; Cecilie Bahnsen RTW Spring 2022; Lein Bridal 2020; Givenchy RTW Spring 2022; Nordeen Bridal 2021.
11 All-or-Nothing Trains
Going grand used to be about all-over lace, beading, and threadwork, but this look is a study of scale, silhouette, and volume. In short, go big (and extra long) when it comes to your train—or don’t do it all. The days of striking a happy medium to make trains perfectly bustle-able are over; if you’re seeking loads of drama for the aisle and are concerned about mobility in your reception, change into a second look for dinner—like one of these without a train—and then do another quick change for the after-party.
Another take? Skip the long train altogether and pair a floor-length look with a sweet fingertip-length veil, or a super-long train that seems to go on for days à la Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s wedding day look. This trend is multifaceted, about drama and impact—be it in grandeur or effortlessness—and leaning in to multiple looks.
Pictured: Giambattista Valli Couture Fall 2021; Nadia Manjarrez Bridal Fall 2022; Viktor & Rolf Mariage Fall 2022; Lein Bridal 2020; Kaviar Gauche Bridal 2022; Chanel Couture Fall 2021.
12 Vintage Vibes
Sustainability for the aisle doesn’t just mean dresses made from deadstock and ethically sourced and created fabrics; it’s having a moment in a dress from eras past.
Vintage dressing is on the rise after a pandemic year of little to no fashion production, plus the desire to look into for something that is singularly special. What might have felt too costume or try-hard in seasons past is now theatrical and of-the-moment.
For vintage lovers, this trend is nothing new; for those who were all about the new-new-new, it now feels smart, luxe, and super sophisticated—whether you choose a look from the archives for the rehearsal dinner, after-party, or ceremony.
Pictured: Vintage looks from Happy Isles and Shrimpton Couture; Micaela Erlanger photographed by Christian Oth.
Heather Hall
Contributing Weddings Writer Heather Hall is a weddings, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor.
Carrie Goldberg
Weddings & Travel Director Carrie Goldberg is HarpersBAZAAR.com’s Weddings & Travel Director.
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