As a fashion editor going into Bridal Week each season, I assume it'll be almost impossible for designers to reinvent the wedding dress [1] to impress the most demanding bride, and someone who looks for something a little different. But I am always proven wrong. While the Spring 2020 bride saw an abundance of bows and bohemian touches, Autumn takes us in a modern direction with fabrics styled, layered, and embroidered like never before. We see unexpected details like pleating at Oscar de la Renta and Lela Rose, and we're particularly excited about the boudoir look, which takes us back to glamorous '50s nightgowns in such a subtle, delightful way. For the more casual bride, there are plenty of minidress options here too, which allow for a major shoe moment. Jump ahead to the trend you can't wait to explore, or scroll through these categories one by one.
- Bridal Trend Autumn 2020: Sheer Layers
- Bridal Trend Autumn 2020: Boudoir Bride
- Bridal Trend Autumn 2020: Flutter Sleeves
- Bridal Trend Autumn 2020: Halter-Neck Wedding Dress
- Bridal Trend Autumn 2020: Jacquard Ballgown
- Bridal Trend Autumn 2020: Minimalist Mermaid
- Bridal Trend Autumn 2020: Pleated Dresses
- Bridal Trend Autumn 2020: Sophisticated, Off-the-Shoulder Dress
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Sheer Layers
For the past few seasons, we've been seeing brides take a walk on the wild side, opting for sheer-illusion sleeves and skirts that follow suit. These skin-baring looks certainly suggest confidence, but this season's bride carries more layers when it comes to sheer fabrics like gauze and chiffon. While you'll still see plenty of sheer details on the bodice, the skirts are full of volume.
Viktor & Rolf Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Sheer Layers
Reem Acra Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Sheer Layers
Oscar de la Renta Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Sheer Layers
Temperley Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Sheer Layers
Gala by Galia Lahav Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Sheer Layers
Iris Noble Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Sheer Layers
Lela Rose Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Boudoir Bride
Ah, the boudoir bride. This is one of our favourite trends of the season because it harks back to the '50s, when nightgowns could be as dreamy as wedding dresses. This season, the two styles go hand in hand, although these "pyjama gowns" have intricate embroideries, stunning bows, and unexpected touches of lace that make them whimsical enough for a walk down the aisle. If you prefer loose, floaty, lightweight dresses, you'll find yourself an instant fan of this category.
EDEM Couture Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Boudoir Bride
Lihi Hod Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Boudoir Bride
Temperley Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Boudoir Bride
LEIN Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Boudoir Bride
Lela Rose Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Flutter Sleeves
I also like to refer to this group of dresses as having "fairy" sleeves. Whether they're caped, glittery and gauzy, or made of lace, these sleeves are a subtle take on wings for the most angelic bride. This may be the most ultrafeminine statement you can make with your wedding dress.
Lela Rose Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Flutter Sleeves
Peter Langner Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Flutter Sleeves
Carolina Herrera Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Flutter Sleeves
Lihi Hod Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Halter-Neck Wedding Dress
Women set on showing off their shoulders should explore the halter dresses that pop up in almost every designer's collection. Your straps are more defined with a material like satin, but we also love the ladylike illusion fabric used on the Galia Lahav and Carolina Herrera gowns below.
Anne Barge Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Halter-Neck Wedding Dress
Viktor & Rolf Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Halter-Neck Wedding Dress
Carolina Herrera Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Halter-Neck Wedding Dress
Gala by Galia Lahav Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Jacquard Ballgown
If you're searching for something that's classic, elegant, and grand, look no further than the jacquard dress, which provides subtle texture down the skirt, making for a style that's luxe. Jacquard details are how this season's ballgowns get their own unique touches.
Carolina Herrera Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Jacquard Ballgown
Anne Barge Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Jacquard Ballgown
Lela Rose Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Jacquard Ballgown
Peter Langner Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Minimalist Mermaid
Perhaps emphasised most strongly in Vera Wang's Fall collection, the mermaid silhouette is definitely making the rounds. But for 2020, the mermaid gown is modern, with a small cutout here and a plunge there. The fabric is sleek and simple with clean lines, so as not to take away from your gorgeous curves.
Vera Wang Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Minimalist Mermaid
Anne Barge Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Minimalist Mermaid
Carolina Herrera Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Minimalist Mermaid
RIVINI Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Pleated Dresses
For Fall 2020, you can find subtle pleating on everything from silk to tulle, the resulting look being a gown or minidress (see Oscar de la Renta and Lela Rose) that's a bit more playful. Perhaps consider trying out the trend for your rehearsal dinner, if you're going for something more majestic for your walk down the aisle.
Danielle Frankel Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Pleated Dresses
Lela Rose Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Pleated Dresses
Oscar de la Renta Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Pleated Dresses
EDEM Couture Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Pleated Dresses
Honour Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Sophisticated, Off-the-Shoulder Dress
While we're always blown away by the romantic look of an off-the-shoulder wedding dress, Fall brides who choose this silhouette must be confident and careful. We're seeing a lot of sleeves that wrap around the arm delicately rather than loosely. There's less draping involved and a tighter look to this new style.
Oscar de la Renta Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Sophisticated, Off-the-Shoulder Dress
Carolina Herrera Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Sophisticated, Off-the-Shoulder Dress
Lela Rose Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Sophisticated, Off-the-Shoulder Dress
Lihi Hod Fall 2020
Bridal Trend Fall 2020: Sophisticated, Off-the-Shoulder Dress
Reem Acra Fall 2020