As we look ahead to 2025, New York Bridal Fashion Week (NYBFW) has once again set the stage for the latest trends in the bridal world. This season is about balancing personal expression with timeless elegance, from wedding wardrobe essentials to fashion-forward wedding weekend attire and even guest and bridesmaid styles. Below, we break down the must-know trends into critical categories, highlighting the most significant moments and trends to watch—especially from designers like KYHA Studios, whose presence this year was unmissable.
Wedding Wardrobe Trends
For brides, the wedding-day look is the most essential outfit, setting the tone for the entire event. Here are the standout wedding wardrobe trends seen at NYBFW 2024:
1. The Return of the Drop Waist:
Drop-waist gowns are making a significant comeback, offering brides a chic, elongated silhouette that blends vintage appeal with modern sophistication. Designers like Monique Lhuillier, Elie Saab, and Dana Harel showcased stunning drop-waist gowns that evoke an effortless glamour perfect for contemporary brides.
2. Floral Appliqués with a Modern Twist:
Floral designs have always been a staple of bridal fashion, but 2024 takes florals to the next level with three-dimensional appliqués. These bold, oversized flowers—seen in Francesca Miranda and Honor collections—inject new life into this classic motif, bringing a fresh, whimsical vibe to bridal attire.
3. Editorial Veils and Bold Accessories:
Veils have evolved from traditional pieces to bold, editorial statements. Vivienne Westwood’s striking veil designs and Simone Rocha’s pearl-embellished veils are perfect for the bride seeking a touch of avant-garde. Pair these with gloves, oversized bows, or even statement scarves for a bridal look that feels dramatic and fashion-forward.
4. Minimalism Meets Classic Elegance:
While some brides opt for elaborate designs, others embrace the beauty of simplicity. Minimalist slip dresses, structured column gowns, and classic A-line silhouettes from designers like Danielle Frankel and Emilia Wickstead are perfect for brides seeking a timeless, understated look.
Wedding Weekend Wardrobe Trends
Brides today are no longer just focused on their wedding dresses. With entire weekends of festivities, they are curating looks for every occasion, from the rehearsal dinner to the after-party. Here are the trends to keep in mind for your wedding weekend wardrobe:
1. Three-Look Wedding Weekends:
Brides increasingly opt for distinct outfits for each phase of their wedding weekend, from the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony and reception. This shift allows for more creativity and personalisation, with brides embracing playful, experimental looks for after-parties or evening events. We’ve seen slinky gowns, two-piece sets, and tailored suits featured for post-ceremony fun.
2. Vintage-Inspired Looks:
Vintage-inspired fashion is significant in all aspects of the wedding wardrobe. Whether a sleek Ralph Lauren slip dress from the ’90s or an archival Chanel gown, brides incorporate timeless pieces into their weekend looks, adding a sustainable yet stylish edge to their wedding wardrobe.
3. The Experimental Reception Look:
For the reception, brides feel empowered to play with more daring looks. Designers like Richard Quinn and Wiederhoeft lead the way with high-fashion reception dresses, while brands like Alaïa create standout pieces that turn heads after the ceremony.
Non-Bride Fashion Trends: Guests, Bridesmaids & Beyond
In addition to bridal fashion, NYBFW showcased the rise of non-bride fashion, with a particular emphasis on bridesmaids, guests, and the growing trend of mix-and-match styling.
1. KYHA Studios’ Non-Bride Fashion:
KYHA Studios, already a powerhouse in the bridal world, took a bold step forward with non-bride fashion at NYBFW. Their collections showcased modern yet romantic styles for bridesmaids and wedding guests, with sleek tailoring, soft drapes, and refined details. Their standout looks included structured silhouettes and off-the-shoulder designs, giving bridesmaids a fresh, polished aesthetic that balances elegance with edginess.
2. Mix-and-Match Bridesmaid Dresses:
The trend of mix-and-match bridesmaid outfits continues to gain momentum. Brides are ditching the uniform look in favour of diverse styles that reflect each bridesmaid’s personality while maintaining a cohesive colour story. Think soft pastel hues, varying necklines, and fabrics that allow individuality to shine while staying true to the wedding’s aesthetic.
3. Statement Guest Attire:
For wedding guests, the trend leans towards personal style, with designers like Christopher Esber, Rachel Gilbert, and Khaite making waves. Guests are opting for sophisticated yet playful pieces, from bold minidresses to chic tailored looks that perfectly straddle the line between trendy and timeless. This allows guests to invest in special occasion wear that can be worn well beyond the wedding weekend.
Whether planning your wedding or attending as a guest, NYBFW 2024 delivered plenty of inspiration. The overarching theme is personalisation, from stunning wedding gowns to reception looks and non-bride fashion. Brides, bridesmaids, and guests alike are choosing pieces that reflect their style, proving that in 2024, fashion is as much about self-expression as it is about tradition.
