7 Iconic Wedding Dresses Still Inspiring Bridal Trends
It’s hardly rare for a celebrity to inspire a little change in the fashion world and/or our wardrobes. But bridal trends work a little differently: with a fairly historic preference for a limited palette of whites and creams it’s no wonder that wedding dress trends come around again and again. It takes for a very special someone to make it into the wedding dress hall of fame but once said pioneer has done so, their mould-shattering looks will appear down aisles for years and years to come. Go a little untraditional – but by no means un-trialled – and adopt one of the seven A-list inspired bridal looks that are on sale right now.
1. Jane Birkin
Let's start with the epitome of '60s cool: the insouciant Jane Birkin. What could be sexier that a low-cut ribbed don't-give-a-damn crochet frock? Must be worn with attitude. Pick from a fabulous array of boho (and budget-friendly) brilliance at the fabulous Free People site. This 'Mi Amore' dress would look seriously chic on the beach.
| From left: Jane Birkin; Free People 'Mi Amore' dress £228 |
2. Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy
The queen of '90s American minimalism, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy married JFK Jr in 1996 and was an incredibly cool bride. The former publicist for Calvin Klein (can't you just tell?) looked impossibly simple and chic in a silk slip gown designed by Narciso Rodriguez for Cerruti. You can't have failed to notice the huge trend for '90s minimalism right now, and true-to-form, the bridal industry has followed suit. Her sheer gloves are a dreamy touch too.
| From left: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Elizabeth Fillmore 'Lola' dress at Browns (price on request);Minna 'Mia' dress £1200 |
3. Claudia Schiffer
Scandi-chic perfection came in the shape of the beautiful Claudia Schiffer on her wedding day, surprisingly. Clean cut off-the-shoulder lace is incredibly flattering as it shows off your best assets - collar bone and shoulders. A Lily Of The Valley crown and boucquet add crisp, clean wonderousness too.
| From left: Claudia Schiffer, Marchesa at Net-a-porter £5660; Reem Acra 'Charlotte dress' at Browns Bride (price on request) |
4. Grace Kelly
An all-time wedding classic has had a slight update of late. A prim Victorian collar and oodles of lace meet an empire-line worthy of the Princess of Monaco. But choose a trim silhouette or even a sexy splice up the skirt and you can take this fantasy ceremonial look into the modern day. Try Hermione De Paula for her exquisite and slim-line lace confections for a bit of a rock-chick take on the trend.
| From left: Grace Kelly; Hermione De Paula (price on request); Lover dress at Net-a-porter £1665 |
5. Kate Moss
We may not all have access to John Galliano's designs and Mario Testino's lens on our wedding day. But her simple bias-cut silk satin gown is easily translated into real-life. Many a v-neck slip has entered the bridal market and we love this Kate inspired veil from Minna.
6. Keira Knightley
Keira couldn't have played her nuptials with any less cool than this. She re-wore a shimmering mini dress from Chanel for her wedding to Klaxons band-member James Righton and teamed it with a mini boucle jacket and sunnies. Should you want to invest in an utterly re-wearable - and not to mention adorable - dress for your wedding day, look no further than this fluttery feather number from J Crew or a Bubble skirt from Lanvin.
| Keira Knightley; J Crew 'Feather Flutter Dress' £1995; Lanvin 'Bubble' dress at Net-a-porter £2395 |
7. Mia Farrow
Inimitable chic that still works today comes via the marvelous Mia Farrow and her perfect pixie crop. For a timeless look, choose a simple a-line shift with a wee cropped jacket. These will never go out of style.










