Bridal Trends From a Georgetown Stylist
By • February 15, 2024 0 1900
By Kate Garrett
Everything trends. As we build our closets with staples and trendy accessories, we can find comfort in the promise of new looks next season. We can hide our platform Doc Martens under our bed knowing they’ll come out again in a few year’s time. But what about when there’s no next time? What about a look you only wear once? That you’ve been dreaming about since you were a child? That you’ll have to remember forever? What about when it’s your wedding dress?
The process of finding your bridal gown can be overwhelming. There’s just so much to consider: price point, timeline, alterations, second look. In the chaos of coordinating the logistics of your wedding day, how do you choose a dress that won’t make your future grandchildren say, “Wow! It was so… 2020s!,” while still looking chic on your big day?
I’m a bridal stylist at Carine’s Bridal Atelier here in Georgetown. I’ve seen hundreds of brides make this momentous decision over the past few years, so I put together a guide for three of the best bridal trends I’ve seen going into 2024. Trends that will make your big day the fashionable memory of your dreams.
The Drop Waist
A statement drop waist by one of Bridal’s early 2020’s breakout stars: Danielle Frankel.
A subtle drop waist on the full lace ball gown, “Alexandra” by Monique Lhullier.
Standard waist seams should sit at your natural waist line. This is your true narrowest point – usually about two inches over your belly button. Drop waists purposely extend down to your high hip, often sloping in an obtuse V to the low point of your belly. Championed by Vera Wang, the drop waist was a staple of 2000s bridal. Then it was all sweetheart necklines and tulle ball gowns, classically paired with a statement belt (à la Kate Hudson in the 2009 movie “Bride Wars”). These days you can drop the belt and princess pattern and use a drop waist to bring an elevated, modern drama to your gown. They’re incredibly flattering, making waist lines look ever-so long and slim. They often require a lot of structure to create, so you can be sure of a snatched fit. Drop waists aren’t applique specific – so whether you want full lace or clean silk, this trend could be for you.
Exposed Corsets
Corsetry has long been a crucial part of a gown – bridal or otherwise. Many brides prioritize dresses that make their waist look the tiniest. Corsets are designed to squeeze in your frame and hold the gown to your core. They undoubtedly give the most slimming and secure fit – not to mention good lift to your bust. But corsets are primarily inside the gown, covered by fabric so that you don’t see the bones underneath. However, if you’re looking to flatter your form while still showing it off, you can strip it down to the bones and let the applique look like it was built onto you!
Mira Zwillinger’s collection of gowns shows how versatile the exposed corset can be, subtle behind lots of 3D florals or a bold bustier!
A stunning sheer corset by mother-daughter design team Mira and Lihi Zwillinger.
3D Florals
Floral imagery in bridal is hardly new. As any budgeting bride can tell you, the flowers she uses to decorate on her big day are crucial. Different types of brides embody different types of flowers – classic roses, enigmatic poppies, or elegant lilies. Your flowers will become a symbol of your wedding day, as will your dress. Why not tie in your new signature flower to your gown? What’s that, you’re thinking of a fall wedding? Florals and fall do not have to be mutually exclusive! Check out Lela Rose’s The Clairette, featuring hand pleated, ivory, organza poppies.
This threadwork applique by Oscar De La Renta has been donned by Taylor Swift and Paris Hilton.
Lela Rose’s The Clairette gown.
As the trendy tides ebb and flow, you should remember to consider which fashion statements really feel like you. Not only what necklines are most flattering to your body type, but which symbols and aesthetiques do you feel resonate with who you are as a person. As long as you can see yourself represented in your gown, you’ll never have to worry about it aging out of style.
