While it might seem like a lifetime away, wedding planning for 2017 is in full swing for couples everywhere, with cake tastings, gift registries, and color schemes on the brain. But for brides, one element takes precedence above all else: the dress.
Lucky for all you brides-to-be out there, we’ve sorted through the mountains of fluffy tulle and endless piles of flowing veils to find the hottest 2017 Wedding Dress trends that are poised to take off in the coming year.
Our top takeaways? Skin is in, pants are the new gowns, and immaculate white dresses are soooo passé.
Fresh off the bridal week runways, we present the top 20 Wedding Dress trends for 2017!
1. Colorful Couture:
It’s a nice day for a… pink wedding? Classic ivory and cream have officially taken a backseat to Insta-worthy shades of fuchsia, violet, and mint, which have all officially made their bridal gown debut.
But the most popular picks by far are Serenity and Rose Quartz, the current Pantone Colors of the Year. Be your own “something blue” in the former, a calming sky blue hue, or embrace your inner blushing bride in the latter, an ultra-feminine pale pink.
2. Plunging Necklines:
Weddings are about to get a whole lot sexier in 2017, with a flood of deep – and we mean deep – V-necklines. The styles run the gamut from the comparatively demure, with sheer panels providing a moderate amount of coverage, to down-to-there, practically navel-grazing cuts.
Let’s just say that with the abundance of cleavage-baring styles that’s coming down the pike, the fashion tape industry had better be prepared.
3. Cutouts Galore:
In the same vein, strategically placed cutouts are popping up left and right, exposing skin like it’s never been exposed before. That’s not to say these details are salacious – they’re far from sending grandma running for the hills, made tasteful and not tacky.
Subtly sexy side gaps and slight midriff-baring slits are the name of the game with the new wave of skin-baring silhouettes.
4. Off-the-Shoulder Styles:
Brides everywhere will be giving the cold shoulder in this ubiquitous ready-to-wear trend, which has officially infiltrated the world of bridal dressing. There are no rules here; designers aren’t sticking to one look, but rather, experimenting with various shoulder-baring cuts, from the structured straight-across neckline to artfully draped curtains of fabric dipping gently over the limbs.
5. Peek-a-Boo Panels:
Another top 2017 Wedding Dress trend are these bits of sheer illusion fabric covering racy cutouts, blanketing bodices, or cloaking the bride head to toe, with just enough coverage to narrowly avoid indecent exposure.
(Think Beyoncé’s 2015 Met Gala stunner, a barely-there Givenchy number with strategically placed beaded embroidery… and not much else.)
6. Menswear Elements:
Bridal couture is no longer relegated to the one-note gown, with brides stealing from the boys in the coming season. While we’ve seen menswear-inspired elements in bridal couture before, 2017 will bring tailored pieces with structure and clean lines, like a one-piece fitted jumpsuit with sheer overskirt, a pantsuit with ruffled peplum detail for a bit of girly flair, and a pair of wide-leg trousers with a curve-hugging tunic top.
7. Elegant Toppers:
Who says capes are just for superheroes? Brides everywhere will be copping Wonder Woman’s style with elegantly appointed capelets and other unique toppers, including boleros, ponchos and even bomber jackets.
These demure coverings are the perfect way to take the season’s overtly sexy styles from the vows to the reception, with the two-in-one designs allowing the bride to easily transition from conservative to come-hither.
8. Detachable Skirts:
While we’re on the topic of two looks in one, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the detachable overskirt. Whether you’re seeking a style that allows for a quick costume change post-vows, or you’re looking to shed the weight of a hefty layered skirt or lengthy train to kick up your heels on the dance floor, you’re bound to find the right option for you amidst the flood of choices this season.
9. 3-D Florals:
Ok, so three-dimensional floral details aren’t exactly new to the bridal market, but they’re one of the 2017 Wedding Dress trends picking up steam. With this next wave, the pretty petals will be appearing in fresh, unexpected ways – think curvaceous appliqués woven through stark geometric patterns, eye-popping buds peeking out from beneath the tiers of a skirt, and a garden of blooms dancing across the edge of an off-the-shoulder bodice.
10. Larger-Than-Life Bows:
To be clear, these aren’t your everyday cutesy bows. Far from understated, these over-the-top loops are high drama, drawing the gaze and holding it firmly in its grasp.
With the forthcoming styles, we’ll see the enormous accents gracing backs, adorning waistlines, accenting trains and securing the neckline from behind.
11. Victorian Collars:
On the opposite end of the skin-baring spectrum, Victorian collars have taken hold. The prim and proper necklines reach high, ringing the neck in a conservative swath of fabric.
Opt for intricately embroidered lace for a regal look that hearkens back to Queen Victoria herself, or choose structured satin for a modern take on the trend.
12. Long Sleeves:
In the oft-replicated style of Duchess Kate, conservative long sleeves are gaining serious traction. With the new guard, we’re seeing these coverings mainly on slim sheath styles for a body-hugging head-to-toe design.
13. Slip Dresses:
Once again, mainstream fashion has trickled down to the bridal market in no time flat. The über-popular boudoir-inspired slip dress is transformed into a slinky bridal style, with silky, touchable fabrics, delicate spaghetti straps, lacy accents and flowing, effortless layers.
14. Flirty Feathers:
It’s official – birds of a feather have flocked to, well, next year’s bridal couture. Otherwise traditional styles will be accented with wispy plumes for a serious dose of texture and a weightless, airy feel. Gowns will boast anywhere from a smattering of soft quills to a blanket of flirtatious feathers for a strikingly bold silhouette.
15. Stunning Silver:
Once again bucking tradition, white dresses will give way to heavy metals in the coming year. These brand-new sparkling bridal creations include oversized sequin paillettes, heavily beaded embroidery, and silvery fringe. Buh-bye, basic!
16. Rising Hemlines:
Forget the cumbersome floor-length frocks – the new surge of bridal fashion features higher hemlines that let the bride show a little leg. Kick up your heels in a high-low design, reminiscent of Whitney Port’s custom creation with waterfall hem, or opt for a thigh-grazing layer that peeks out from beneath a frothy tulle overlay, à la fashion queen Olivia Palermo.
17. Dramatic Veils:
Gone are the days of basic, boring headpieces. Instead, they’ve been replaced by stunning embellished veils, accented with intricate embroidery, delicate lace, beautifully textured beadwork, and even sparkling crystals.
Get creative and personalize the style with your own design like Angela Jolie, who famously adorned hers with her kids’ whimsical works of art.
18. Boho Trimmings:
While bohemian bridal gowns have been a mainstay in recent seasons, we’re seeing a profusion of hippie-infused styles in the year to come. Think floral-embroidered lace and open-weave crochet with Coachella-inspired accents like flowing bell sleeves, blouson bodices and ethereal streamer sleeves – flower crowns not included.
19. High Halters:
The sporty beach babe style is back in action, thanks to its ability to help the bride cover up without covering it all. The incoming wave halter gowns feature demure shapes, delicate straps and soft, elegant fabrics for an ultra-feminine touch.
20. Tiered Skirts:
If you’re the type of bride that’s into high-drama designs but flashing a ton of flesh isn’t for you, then you’re in luck. Tucked quietly between the racy styles this past bridal week were relatively conservative silhouettes with voluminous, multi-layered and ruffled skirts for statement-making dimension and theatrical movement.
And there you have it. You’re now armed with the top 2017 Wedding Dress trends you’ll need to find a fresh, fun, fashion-forward bridal design for your upcoming nuptials. Happy shopping!
