Pouffy princess dresses might be the best for making a dramatic entrance, but it's the more low-key, minimalist wedding looks that are really having a moment right now. What could be cooler than a bride wearing an impeccably tailored white suit, an off-the-shoulder column dress or a sleek halter neck à la Meghan Markle? The perfect modern wedding outfit keeps things simple and allows the focus to be fully on the bride – just as it should be.
'When it comes to minimal dresses, it's all about attention to detail, shapes that flatter and making women feel amazing,' say co-founders of The OWN Studio, Jess Kaye and Rosie Williams, whose atelier nails the modern, sleek silhouette. 'And the best part? You can style it up or down as you please.'
Just add fabulous shoes, a ballet-inspired overskirt, a frothy bow, a statement red lip or some epic jewellery, and that 'simple' dress is immediately transformed into something far more special, and unique to your taste. You can even wear it in all its effortless, pared-back glory for the ceremony, before adding party-ready accessories and emerging in a whole new look for the reception.
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We spoke to the experts to discover the styling tricks that can turn even the plainest ensemble into a serious look – that you'll be able to enjoy on the day and beyond.
Wear a coloured heel
A contrasting colour pop is a sure-fire way of ensuring your minimalist wedding-day look stands out, but if you're not quite brave enough to rock one of Molly Goddard's bright blue or coral-pink veils, shoes are a good place to start.
'Coloured heels are my go-to suggestion for adding interest to a wedding look,' says Ally Voss, founder of Clover London. 'I particularly love when you can see them peering through the slit of a long dress. And bonus points for investing in a great heel that you'll wear beyond the wedding day too.'
We couldn't agree more. Matching your dress with white shoes might be a wedding-day classic, but a bright colour feels much more fun and modern – and won't be immediately relegated to the back of your wardrobe. 'If the party was a success, those white shoes will most likely not be white anymore,' says designer Hanna Fiedler. 'A statement heel, however, will live on.' For extra style points, opt for luxe fabrics, statement heel shapes and glitzy embellishments – the bolder the better.
MANOLO BLAHNIK Lutara 105 crystal-embellished satin mules
Loeffler Randall Penny Pleated Knot Mule
£390.00
MANOLO BLAHNIK Hangisimu 70 embellished satin mules
Jimmy Choo Azia square-toe satin stiletto sandals
Top with a statement veil
A great veil will add instant glamour to a bridal ensemble. Think back to Hailey Bieber's lace-trimmed Off-White veil embroidered with the words 'Til Death Do Us Part', and Meghan Markle's ultra-long veil trailing elegantly behind her as she descended St George's Chapel's steps.
Ramp up the drama with a statement veil of your own, featuring romantic feathers, pretty polka dots, hand-woven lace, floral elements or a bold colour.
Christopher Kane Short Feather-Trimmed Tulle Veil
Erdem Bridal long lace-trimmed tulle veil
Awon Golding Cascade Veil
Molly Goddard Mercury Veil Coral
Think 'modular'
The beauty of a simple dress is that it can be used as a base and built upon if it's veering too close to 'plain' for your liking. Stylish add-ons are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their versatility, and value for money: no need for a second or third dress when you can create multiple looks from just one.
'An expertly cut, minimalist dress in a stunning fabric is the perfect blank canvas, and you can really make it your own,' says Kate Halfpenny, the veritable OG of modular bridal dressing.
'For me personally, there can never be enough choice so my collection is full of delicious overskirts, detachable statement sleeves, or glamorous beaded capes which can completely transform a simple dress and make a huge impact for the ceremony.'
'There’s always the option to strip those layers back again and rock the elegant, minimal dress for the reception with an epic pair of shoes, or even add a different layer to change the outfit again! That way, you have the best of both worlds.'
Halfpenny London Silk-organza jacket
Reformation Lark Bridal Shrug
Halfpenny London Mikado Ariel Belt
Coast Organza Sleeves
Clover London Rosebud Organza Jacket
Go for gloves
Tapping into the Bridgerton-inspired Regencycore trend and as well as a renewed desire for old-Hollywood glamour, 2022 is the year to consider adding gloves to your bridal look. Yes, really.
'Gloves are the perfect accessory,' says Genevieve James, design director of Cornelia James. 'They provide the punctuation that can transform the most simple of dresses into a statement, and an event into an occasion.'
Etsy has reported a sharp increase in searches for bridal gloves (up 121% since last year), so you won't be the only one. But think less Victorian and more the eternally elegant Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy on her wedding day: she opted for an ahead-of-her-time sheer mesh pair which added a touch of drama to her pared-back look, and we're still thinking about it some 25 years later. Steer well clear of anything too traditional and opt for the more playful modern iterations featuring frills, embellishments and feathers instead.
Cornelia James Ariadne | Satin Opera Glove with Ostrich Feathers
£210.00
Sleeper Zephyr Ruffle Gloves in White
£145.00
Cornelia James Lara | Tulle Glove
£145.00
Tender & Dangerous Bridal embroidered mesh gloves
Don't forget the jewellery
Adding epic jewellery is one of the easiest ways to complete your wedding look, and make it all the more personal and unique. But what style to go for? Jeweller Rachel Boston suggests taking the dress' neckline and general aesthetic of your outfit into consideration before you do anything else.
'A classic, clean square or sweetheart neckline would be really beautifully complemented by long drop earrings or a delicate diamond necklace. For a more graphic gown or suit with a plunging neckline, something bolder like a chunky choker or chain would add an additional point of interest,' she says.
'With a more minimalist, flowing dress or jumpsuit with a high neckline, a statement bracelet or larger earrings could also work really nicely, adding nice detail without detracting from the overall effect of the clothes.'
Diamonds are an obvious choice, and have the ability to elevate a look like nothing else. We're particularly fond of the diamond tennis necklace and strapless dress combo, while a sparkling earful of Maria Tash piercings oozes modern-day cool (an already-made earcuff too). If you prefer the mega-watt look, and have the means to execute it, take inspiration from the recent Peltz-Beckham nuptials which saw millions of pounds' worth of diamonds make their way down the aisle.
Pearls are a classic for their unique lustre that really light up the face. Alternatively, opt for a pop of colour against all that wedding white: a gob-stopper coloured gem ring will do the trick – whether matched to your colour scheme, birthstone or simply your favourite shade. A smattering of rainbow stones or neon enamel add an element on fun, and they're bang on trend too.
And if you want to keep it simple? 'Never underestimate the power of a statement earring,' say The OWN Studio co-founders. 'It can instantly elevate an outfit and frame your face to create impact. Our go-to designers are Alighieri and Completedworks for modern yet timeless ear pieces.'
MATEO 14-karat gold, pearl and diamond earrings
Hotlips by Solange Lover silver and enamel ring
14 / Quatorze Baby's Breath gold-plated pearl ear cuff
Dana Rebecca via The Alkemistry 14ct yellow gold Ava Bea diamond tennis necklace
£3,000.00
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti® Small Bone Cuff in 18k Gold with Green Jade
Go big on beauty
The subtle, 'blushing bride' look is a classic for a reason, but amping up the glamour in your bridal beauty is a sure-fire way to elevate even the simplest of gowns – and show some personality, too.
'Although red lipstick might not sound like the ideal move for your first kiss as a married couple, a long-lasting liquid lipstick can be the solution to adding some Chanel-esque glamour to your all-white ensemble,' says ELLE UK's Acting Beauty Director, George Driver. 'Think "Like A Virgin" era Madonna.'
And as for your nails? 'The classic French manicure is back and bang on the colour theme for the big day, but if timeless isn’t your thing, then opt for some Betina Goldstein-worthy nail art instead,' suggests Driver. 'Delicate scribbles of "Love" across your nails or pearls dropped on your cuticles say romance but make it 2022.' You can browse through a few tried-and-tested designs here.
Finally, Driver suggests ditching your veil for a bow – and wearing your hair to match: 'Add some kitsch whimsy to a minimalist dress with an oversized ribbon or bow in place of a traditional veil. Flippy ends and beehive optional.'
MAC Aute Cuture Nail Adornment
Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Matte Liquid Lip Colour in Signature
£31.
Jennifer Behr Bailey pearl bow hair clip
£374.00
Clementina Jackson is Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, working across news and features, trends, e-commerce and SEO. She was previously Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, and Acting Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, where she was named as a PPA 30 Under 30 award winner for her work on size inclusivity. An experienced fashion, travel and luxury lifestyle journalist, Clementina has also written for Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Red and Italy Segreta.
