Twice a year during New York Bridal Fashion Week, bridal designers from across the world reveal their latest collections to the media and bridal salon buyers, who spend the week getting an up-close look at the dresses to decide which styles they'll sell in their shops. For the past year, the process has (unsurprisingly) looked a little different, but wedding dresses in 2022 are still giving us plenty to be excited about, especially as it's slowly becoming safer to celebrate with our loved ones again. While many ateliers have been hard at work sewing masks for frontline workers, designers and their teams have also been operating as normally as possible—which means doing everything from creating new collections to fulfilling wedding dress orders and arranging virtual consultations with brides. If you're planning to get married sometime in late 2021 or 2022, it's time to start shopping for your wedding dress! Take a peek at what's trending in the bridal fashion world to gain some ideas for your own look.
Dresses by Jenny Yoo, Markarian, and Alexandra Grecco
Short Wedding Dresses
Short wedding dresses have spiked in popularity since last year, and they're still on track to become one of the top wedding dress trends in 2022. Whether you’re eloping and want a throw-on-and-go look, or you’re in the market for a white dress to wear at a wedding-related event, there are so many reasons to rock a shorter hemline. Strut your stuff in a thigh-skimming mini wedding dress or keep it more demure by opting for a midi or tea-length style. Either way, the fact that your feet won’t be hidden under a dress is a perfect reason to splurge on a fabulous pair of shoes for the big day (especially if you've missed wearing heels!).
Dress by Ines Di Santo
Dress by Sareh Nouri
Dress by Gracy Accad
Dresses by Claire Pettibone, Willowby, and Savannah Miller
Bishop Sleeves
Ever since Kate Middleton debuted her stunning long-sleeve wedding dress a decade ago, sleeves have made a huge comeback in the bridal fashion space. They’ll continue to trend for the remainder of 2021 and into 2022, but instead of tight lace sleeves, billowing and voluminous styles will be the look of the moment. Bishop sleeves—sleeves that are loose for the length of the arm and fitted at the wrists—are the perfect statement detail to try if you’re looking for something different. Depending on the rest of the gown, bishop sleeves will give off a bohemian, classic, or woodland fairy vibe.
Dress by GALA Galia Lahav
Dress by Lihi Hod
Dress by PatBO
Dresses by Edem, Ines Di Santo, and Alexandra Grecco
Square Necklines
If this trend reminds you of ‘90s and early aughts style, we’re right there with you—and we couldn’t love it more. The square wedding dress neckline has flown under the radar for a while, but it’s going to be everywhere for wedding dresses in 2022. The great thing about it is that it’s flattering for both large and small busts, giving you support or coverage when you need it while also creating the illusion of (tasteful) cleavage by exposing more of your décolletage. Square necklines look incredibly chic on gowns made from crepe or other structured fabrics.
Dress by Peter Langner
Dress by Jenny by Jenny Yoo
Dress by Amsale x BHLDN
Dresses by Anne Barge, Rivini by Rita Vinieris, and Francesca Miranda
Ruffled Wedding Dresses
If you've been waiting to live out your fairytale wedding fantasy, consider this a sign to go for it. Dramatic, romantic ruffles are back in a big way for wedding dresses in 2022, giving you plenty of options when it comes to finding a look that's worthy of any princess' wardrobe. Choose tulle ruffles if you want a classic Cinderella-inspired wedding dress, or pick a style with ruffles that are more on the lightweight side to embody an ethereal, sent-from-the-heavens vibe.
Dress by Markarian
Dress by Temperley London
Dress by Justin Alexander Signature
Dresses by Justin Alexander Signature, Tadashi Shoji x BHLDN, and Alyne by Rita Vinieris
Minimalistic Wedding Dresses
As weddings have become more impromptu and informal during the pandemic, so have wedding dresses. You can expect to see simplistic and unembellished styles continue to trend for wedding dresses in 2022. Dresses without elaborate beading, lace, or tulle are ideal for the bride who loves modern and sophisticated style—but minimalism definitely doesn’t mean boring. Choose details like pockets, subtle appliqués, or a cowl neckline to add sartorial flair to your dress without the fuss.
Dress by Anne Barge/Blue Willow
Dress by Morilee
Dress by Savannah Miller
Dresses by Claire Pettibone, Temperley London, and Ines by Ines Di Santo
Colorful Wedding Dresses
Colorful designs, specifically pastel floral prints and embellishments, are turning out to be a major wedding dress trend for 2022. These garden-inspired styles are like a breath of fresh air, whether you're actually getting married in a garden Bridgerton-style or simply in search of something unique in a sea of white wedding dresses. Pastel embroidery, hand-painted details, and dainty floral motifs hit the sweet spot between classic bride and full-on risk-taker.
Dress by Naeem Khan
Dress by Romona Keveza Collection
Dress by Markarian
Designs by Lihi Hod, Francesca Miranda, and Galia Lahav
Two-in-One Looks
Adaptability has been the name of the game for all of us over the last year, and we're expecting that mindset to carry over into bridal attire throughout 2022. Outfits that give you the option for multiple looks will be hugely popular, especially if you're having two weddings, celebrating a vow renewal, or want to invest in something you know you'll wear again after the wedding is over. Details like removable sleeves, jackets, detachable trains, matching toppers, and bridal separates showed up in almost every collection this season, which means there are plenty of different ways to embrace this wedding dress trend in 2022.
Set by Alexandra Grecco
Set by Galvan London
Set by Sareh Nouri
