Last week, top bridal designers converged in New York City to debut their Fall/Winter 2016 wedding dress collections. We ooh-ed and ahh-ed from the front row with editors from around the globe, taking notes on the latest in bridal fashion.
Some trends we saw in recent seasons are here to stay. Plunging necklines reigned (take that, strapless), overskirts are still very much a thing and pearl embellishments remain popular. New for brides this fall are 3D floral details (which were everywhere), Watteau trains, fringe details and illusion bottoms -- yes, you read that correctly.
Read on for the latest in bridal fashion, but know this: trendy or not, brides should wear whatever makes them feel special on their wedding day. That's the truth of it!
1. 3D Floral Embellishments:
Texture is as hot as ever -- but 3D floral details are the trendiest of all. Designers like Naeem Khan (above), Hayley Paige, Liancarlo, Marchesa and others used flower embellishments to add femininity and romance to their collections. See more examples in the slideshow below.
2. Overskirts:
Overskirts are a great way to take your look from ceremony to reception. The tulle skirt on the Monique Lhuillier gown above is the same length as the dress beneath it, but other designers including Ines Di Santo and Vera Wang utilized overskirts to add length to shorter looks.
3. Illusion Bottoms:
Illusion tops aren't going anywhere; what's new to the runway this season is illusion bottoms. Gowns like the Inbal Dror number above feature peek-a-boo glimpses at the bride's legs, adding a sexy element to the wedding day look. Other designers embracing the trend include Alon Livné White, Theia and Jim Hjelm.
4. Watteau Trains:
Watteau trains -- those that attach toward the top of a dress and extend the length of the gown or beyond -- make for a regal, dramatic wedding day look. The gown above is by Rivini; Claire Pettibone and Houghton also have their own versions.
5. Pearls:
Who says pearls are just for accessorizing? More and more designers are incorporating the gemstone in their gowns, like the knockout above from Sabrina Dahan. Check out other pearly looks by Romona Keveza, Lela Rose and more in the slideshow below.
6. Fringe:
Fringe lends a retro, flirty vibe to today's bridal gowns. And it's not just being used along the skirt, like the dress above by Theia. A short Naeem Khan number featured fringe around the torso, and an Alvina Valenta gown added some swing in the upper back area.
8. Colorful Prints:
If you're a bride who wants to up the 'wow' factor, consider a wedding dress with a pop of color. The ballgown above by Romona Keveza features prints in a big way; other designers like Lazaro and Houghton included subtler patterns in their bridal looks.
8. Plunging Necklines:
Plunging necklines are here to stay. We love the dramatic look paired with a full skirt, like the Hayley Paige gown above, or atop a slimmer silhouette like the Galia Lahav and Reem Acra dresses featured in the slideshow below.
