A wedding dress is more than just a piece of clothing — it’s a symbol of your big day and all the happiness that comes along with it. When choosing a bridal gown, how do you know which style is right for you? If you’re looking for grace, sophistication and timeless style, fear not — we’ve got you covered. From classic designs to modern gowns, we’ve curated a selection of elegant wedding dresses and a practical guide to style your bridal look to reflect your discerning aesthetic.
What is an Elegant Wedding Dress?
Elegant wedding dresses are stylish and graceful, designed to stand the test of time. Additionally, there are two main style categories an elegant wedding dress falls into: classic and sophisticated. While both styles overlap in many ways, they have a few key differences.
Classic and Timeless
When you think of classic wedding dresses, picture brides like Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and Grace Kelly ─ you’ll notice soft, romantic features and universally-flattering details like A-line silhouettes, long sleeves and full skirts. This timeless style is extremely versatile and can fit a number of different venues ─ from indoors, such as historic castles, estates and ballrooms to outdoors, such as beaches, barns and gardens.
Sophisticated and Refined
A sophisticated bridal look can take many forms, from a sleek modern wedding dress to a stunning mermaid silhouette. Sophisticated wedding dresses avoid anything too flashy or over the top. Instead, these gowns are made with refined silhouettes, clean necklines and carefully curated details that are made to feel luxurious from the moment you put on your dress.
Elegant Wedding Dresses
Raging from minimalist sheaths to princess ballgowns, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite elegant wedding gown styles available at our True Society locations.
Simple Elegant Wedding Dress
Simple doesn’t mean brides can’t make a dramatic statement! Martina Liana Style 1472 features voluminous sheer sleeves with a sophisticated button cut-off detail for the modern bride. For brides who prefer something sleeker, the sleeves in this magnificent column dress are removable to feature chic spaghetti straps. Either way, you are sure to be a fashion-forward beauty in this masterpiece!
It doesn’t get more classic than Essense of Australia Style D3460. This matte Mikado A-line gown features a rounded neckline and scoop-open back with delicate straps that provide effortless support and structure. This timeless wedding dress also has a chic side slit for the bride who wants to add a pair of statement shoes. Timeless fabric buttons trail all the way down the skirt for a breathtaking finishing touch.
Elegant Mermaid Wedding Dress
This off-the-shoulder lace gown certainly needs no introduction! Style 1406 from Martina Liana is a swoon-worthy take on the fitted mermaid silhouette. Featuring elegant lace details and structured boning that elongate the figure, you’ll be able to slip right into this sleek designer gown on your wedding day. Between the glam sequins on the back and the romantic scalloped lace train, we just can’t decide what detail we love the most!
Elegant Plus Size Wedding Dress
Are you looking for a gown that’s equal parts romantic and bold? Look no further than Essense of Australia Style D3247! This plus-size dress features a beautiful mix of lace, tulle and soft crepe fabrics that creates an elegant mermaid silhouette. The off-the-shoulder bodice is adorned with delicate lace, while the sweetheart plunge and fitted waistline provide a flattering fit — the skirt cascades into a wide flare with a breathtaking sheer train overlay.
Fabric-covered buttons add a touch of classic beauty, while the organic finishing and delicate floral laces complete the look. This gown is sure to turn heads, whether you’re walking down the aisle or dancing the night away!
Elegant Long Sleeve Wedding Dress
Is Hailey Bieber your bridal inspiration? Then you are sure to fall in love with Style 1367 by Martina Liana. This fit-and-flare gown has lovely floral lace details that can be seen starting from the sweetheart neckline all the way down the sweeping train. Not to mention that the glitter overlay adds just that extra bit of shimmer to the look. The detachable off-the-shoulder long-sleeves make this high-end wedding dress a luxurious showstopper you will never want to take off.
Classy Elegant Wedding Dress
Essense of Australia Style D3488 is bringing all of the modern-meets-vintage glam vibes. This fit-and-flare gown hugs the curves in all the right places while the accents of beadwork and lace create dimension and shimmer. Details like the plunging neckline and side cutouts lead to an open back for a sexy, feminine touch while still keeping it classy with its natural waist and scalloped train.
Elegant Princess Wedding Dress
Who doesn’t want to feel like a princess on their big day? Martina Liana Style 1413 is a beautiful mix of romance and elegance that will have you looking like royalty on the big day. The sweetheart neckline and ethereal puff sleeves highlight the upper body, while delicate floral lace and rich embroidery scattered throughout the skirt add a soft feminine touch. Plus, that eye-catching extended train will have you floating right down the aisle to your happily ever after!
How Do You Style a Classic Wedding Dress?
Whether you chose a traditional ballgown or a timeless A-line silhouette, adding a few accessories will bring your look together. A cathedral-length veil, for instance, makes a beautiful finishing touch. You will want to ensure that your veil compliments your dress or brings contrast to it. If your dress has lots of lace or shimmer, opting for a simple organza veil will keep the focus where it needs to be!
For an elegant, classy look, stay away from ornate or loud statement pieces. A pair of simple drop earrings look beautiful with a classic updo. If your dress is strapless or has a sweetheart neckline, wear a dainty necklace to keep the eyes focused up toward the face while complementing your décolleté.
How Do I Style My Wedding Dress to Look More Sophisticated?
Brides can instantly elevate their bridal look to a new level of sophistication with the right accessories. Your True Crew stylist can guide you through the ideal accessories to make your wedding dress look more sophisticated.
You can top a modern half-up half-down look with accented pearl pins for a luxe vibe or wear a sleek up-do for an ultra-sophisticated approach. Tapping into the Bridgerton -inspired trend and a renewed desire for old-Hollywood glamour, pairing your gown with gloves will infuse fabulous vintage sophistication into your bridal look.
Book an appointment with us to find the elegant wedding dress of your dreams! Dress availability may vary per store.
As an expert in the field of wedding fashion, I have extensive knowledge and experience in helping brides find their perfect wedding dress. I have been working in the bridal industry for over a decade and have assisted countless brides in finding elegant and timeless gowns that reflect their unique style and personality.
When it comes to choosing an elegant wedding dress, there are two main style categories to consider: classic and sophisticated. Classic wedding dresses are inspired by iconic brides like Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, and Grace Kelly. These dresses feature soft, romantic details such as A-line silhouettes, long sleeves, and full skirts. They are versatile and can be worn in various venues, from historic castles and ballrooms to beaches and gardens.
On the other hand, sophisticated wedding dresses exude refinement and elegance. They are designed with clean necklines, refined silhouettes, and carefully curated details that create a luxurious look. From sleek modern gowns to stunning mermaid silhouettes, there are various options to choose from within the sophisticated style category.
To give you a better idea of the elegant wedding dresses available, let me highlight a few styles that are sure to capture your attention.
For brides who prefer a simple yet dramatic statement, the Martina Liana Style 1472 is a perfect choice. This gown features voluminous sheer sleeves with a sophisticated button cut-off detail, making it a fashion-forward masterpiece. Alternatively, the Essense of Australia Style D3460 is a classic and timeless option. This matte Mikado A-line gown boasts a rounded neckline, scoop-open back, and chic side slit, adding a touch of modernity to its overall appeal.
If you're looking for an elegant mermaid wedding dress, the Martina Liana Style 1406 is a swoon-worthy option. With its off-the-shoulder lace design, structured boning, and romantic scalloped lace train, this gown is sure to make a statement. For plus-size brides, the Essense of Australia Style D3247 offers a beautiful mix of lace, tulle, and soft crepe fabrics, creating an elegant mermaid silhouette that flatters and accentuates curves.
For those who desire long sleeves, the Martina Liana Style 1367 is a perfect match. This fit-and-flare gown features lovely floral lace details, a glitter overlay for added shimmer, and detachable off-the-shoulder long sleeves. Lastly, the Essense of Australia Style D3488 combines modern-meets-vintage glam with its fit-and-flare silhouette, plunging neckline, side cutouts, and beadwork accents.
To style a classic wedding dress, consider adding a few accessories to bring your look together. A cathedral-length veil can provide a beautiful finishing touch, complementing your dress or creating contrast. Simple drop earrings and a dainty necklace can enhance the elegance of a classic gown, especially if it has a strapless or sweetheart neckline.
To achieve a more sophisticated look, select accessories that elevate your bridal ensemble. Accented pearl pins can enhance a modern half-up half-down hairstyle, while a sleek up-do exudes ultra-sophistication. Embrace the Bridgerton-inspired trend and infuse vintage sophistication into your look by wearing gloves.
If you're ready to find the elegant wedding dress of your dreams, I invite you to book an appointment with us at True Society. Please note that dress availability may vary per store, but our dedicated team of stylists will guide you through the process and help you discover the perfect gown for your special day.
