Meghan Markle in Givenchy. Grace Kelly in Helen Rose. Jackie O. in Ann Lowe. These iconic wedding dresses, while each individually unique, all share one key characteristic: timelessness. Unless you have a penchant for taking bold risks with your wardrobe (if so, more power to you!), a classic bridal aesthetic helps ensure you'll love your dress before, during, and long after the wedding day. Classic wedding dresses are designed to stand the test of time, meaning you'll never cringe when looking back at those wedding portraits. Tried-and-true wedding dress silhouettes deliver by maintaining a sense of structural harmony that never goes out of style. These designs typically shy away from anything considered too ornate or trendy, but rest assured, classic does not translate to boring. Rather, it simply means relying on immaculate tailoring, sleek necklines, rich textures, and restrained embellishments. The finished look is always luxurious in that it commands a presence, regardless of the era. To help you find your dream gown, we've researched the best options available. When scouring the web, we considered a wide variety of styles, keeping silhouette, materials, cost, and overall quality in mind. Read on for the best timeless wedding dresses. Our Top Picks For the Minimalist Bride: Most Understated: Best Vintage-Inspired: Best Strapless: Most Pared-Down: Best High-Low Hem: Halfpenny London Strapless Asymmetric duch*esse-Satin Gown at Net-a-Porter ($1,860) Keep things easy and breezy with a midi length dress that's both universally flattering and never goes out of style. Plus, this stunner comes in 11 beautiful shades, so your bridesmaids can match your personal style. Size Range: 0–26W |Material: Polyester |Delivery: Standard shipping |Return Policy: Within 30 days Nothing says long, lazy days and summer romance quite like this streamlined, striking dress. Pair it with a loose bun and a dewy makeup look to complete the laid-back, summertime vibe. Size Range: XS–XL |Material: Polyester, cotton |Delivery: Standard shipping |Return Policy: Within 28 days Remember what we said about classic wedding dresses not being boring? This dress proves our point! While an oversized bow typically lends itself to more trendy aesthetics, this impressive cape gown is undeniably classic and effortlessly chic. Size Range: 2–12 |Material: Polyester, cotton, elastane |Delivery: Standard shipping |Return Policy: Within 14 days Strut down the aisle in this striking dress that channels Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's elegant wedding look. The weighty satin crepe hugs all your gorgeous curves in just the right way. Clean lines, slim straps, and a sharp neckline solidify the minimalist aesthetic. Size Range: UK 4–16 |Material: Satin crepe |Delivery: Standard shipping |Return Policy: Within 30 days The Best Places to Buy Wedding Dresses Under $1,000 Simple elegance is always in fashion, and this square-neck design is as timeless as they come. We love the extra detailing in the boned bodice and chapel-length train for a more elevated silhouette. While it's understated in style, it's still gorgeous enough for a formal black-tie event—and you can bet the classic design will hold up for decades to come. Size Range: FR 34–44 |Material: Satin crepe |Delivery: Standard shipping |Return Policy: Within 30 days The 18 Best Square Neckline Wedding Dresses for an Elevated, Minimalist Look All hail the slinky slip dress! This otherwise simplistic silhouette comes to life with exquisite seaming, a fuller skirt, a sultry low back, satin crepe throughout, and covered button detailing. It would look stunning at a spring garden wedding surrounded by fresh flowers or an intimate indoor affair. Size Range: Custom |Material: Satin crepe |Return Policy: Within 10 days 18 Elegant Slip Wedding Dresses for the Minimalist Bride Delicate hand-beading, rich lace overlay, jeweled high neck, and dreamy scalloped train give this design quite the old-world presence. We love how the warm peachy underlay heightens the retro romantic appeal. Just a heads up, you'll want to order this custom-made dress at least six months ahead of your wedding day. Size Range: Custom |Material: Cotton, polyester |Delivery: 5–6 months |Return Policy: Within 10 days for partial refund 14 Best Vintage-Inspired Wedding Dresses No straps? No problem. Structured and flattering, yet with a dreamy and romantic feel, we can't get enough of this gown. The classic wrap dress, with all its movement and flashes of leg, gets a unique twist courtesy of a strapless neckline. We especially love the soft jacquard print for added richness. Size Range: 0-14 |Material: Polyester |Delivery: 12–16 weeks |Return policy: Final sale When in doubt, keep it simple. The timeless beauty of this strapless gown is in the absence of extra details and distracting embellishments. Pair this no-nonsense number with sparkling diamond earrings, a tennis necklace, or pearl-tipped bobby pins for a touch of glam. Size Range: FR 34–46 |Material: Crepe |Delivery: Standard shipping |Return Policy: Within 30 days With a traditional sweetheart neckline, a satin finish, and a full skirt, this stunning wedding dress has a high-low hemline with considerable staying power. Just look at how the fabric drapes into a perfect, elegant pool in the back. Size Range: UK 0–16 |Material: duch*esse satin |Delivery: Standard shipping |Return Policy: Within 30 days 13 High-Low Wedding Dresses We Love The gathered bodice, fold-over bust, and off-the-shoulder sleeves of this crepe sheath are as familiar as they are enduring. It's a truly iconic look that's also figure-friendly and would look stunning on a range of different body types. Note: Full-size availability is divided between two dress listings. Size Range: 0–30W |Material: Polyester |Delivery: Standard shipping |Return Policy: Within 7 days These exaggerated sleeves certainly need no introduction, but we especially love the three-quarter length that makes this design more approachable. Plus, there's a stunning diamond-shaped back cutout that now lives in our minds rent-free. The longer sleeves are just the thing for an indoor wedding held in the fall or winter. Size Range: UK 6–18 |Material: Crepe |Delivery: Standard shipping |Return Policy: Within 30 days 20 Winter Wedding Dress Ideas for Every Type of Bride That's right, this dress has pockets! This classic scoop neck, A-line gown got a major upgrade with the addition of concealed compartments to keep your phone close by and your lipstick conveniently within reach. You can also nonchalantly tuck your hands inside for a casual look during your wedding-day photography session. Pair this beauty with an up-do to show off the low back. Size Range: 0–18 |Material: Polyester |Delivery: Standard shipping |Return Policy: Within 30 days 17 Wedding Dresses With Pockets That Are Effortlessly Beautiful There's nothing like a bit of chantilly lace to give you all the feels on your wedding day. This stunning gown keeps things simple with a skimming fit-and-flare silhouette, while the beaded floral appliqués layered over airy tulle give a modern twist. Just a heads up, the made-to-order design will take 20 weeks to ship out. Size Range: 00–32 |Material: Lace |Delivery: 20 weeks |Return Policy: Final sale The 16 Best Lace Wedding Dresses We Love A strapless sweetheart neckline is a classic pick every bride should consider, as it's at once timeless and flattering. We love this gorgeous mikado scubagown, with its dramatic trumpet skirt and fitted bodice. For a timeless bridal look, consider wearing it with shoulder-grazing earrings, and keep other accessories minimal. Size Range: 0–22 |Material: Mikado scuba|Delivery: 5–7 business days |Return Policy: Within 7 days Planning a black-tie wedding or an otherwise formal affair? Make a statement that’ll last a lifetime in this bold gown that features an off-the-shoulder neckline and a classic A-line silhouette. The glamorous full skirt adds some drama, while the structured bodice keeps things flattering and comfortable. Size Range: 0–30 |Material: Italian stretch mikado|Delivery: Free ground shipping |Return Policy: Final sale 20 Fairy-Tale Wedding Dresses for the Whimsical Bride Give old Hollywood glamor in this effortlessly elegant silk gown from Reformation. The sumptuously smooth, liquid-like material adds dimension while the off-the-shoulder neckline adds a touch of sexiness. Perfect for the romantic bride, this gown is perfect for a formal black tie affair. Size Range: 0–12 |Material: Silk |Delivery: Free shipping |Return Policy: Within 30 days Off-the-shoulder wedding dresses flatter the upper body, and you won't have to worry about the style going out of fashion. The understated elegance of these sheer sleeves makes the whole gown feel ultra-chic. It's the perfect pick for the modern bride who still wants to stay true to classic styles and silhouettes. Size Range: Custom |Material: Radzimir silk, tulle |Delivery: Free ground shipping |Return Policy: Final sale If you think your decision about a wedding dress might be steered by the latest trends, ask yourself if you'd still be happy to wear the dress in a few years. Furthermore, will you look back at your wedding photos and cringe or hesitate to pass it down to future generations? If so, you might want to browse a more timeless dress style, like the Galvan Hampshire Satin-Crepe Gown. Classic wedding dresses are designed to never go out of style. Timeless silhouettes like streamlined sheaths and columns or romantic A-lines and ball gowns have proven their enduring appeal. Case in point: the Jenny Yoo Lawrence Square-Neck Open-Back Taffeta Wedding Gown. If you're a bride-to-be with traditional tastes, opt for crisp and structured silks, like the Sareh Nouri Blaine Gown, or dresses in all-over lace, like the Jenny Yoo Adrienne Gown. For brides with a more daring aesthetic, sexy slip dresses (such as the Lela Rose Foley Gown) and slim, body-hugging designs (like the Alex Perry Eliza Gown) are always a striking choice. Remember: The beauty is in the details—or lack thereof. If you're looking for subtle or statement-making touches, consider eye-catching open backs, rich beading, or exquisite seaming that aligns with the look's more elegant vibe. Not a fan of embellishments? You can never go wrong with a simple design, like the Anna October Snowdrop Asymmetric Cotton-Blend Maxi Dress. FAQ How do you style a classic wedding dress? For an utterly timeless bridal look, pair your wedding dress with simple accessories like delicate personal jewelry and a classic shoe like an elegant pump or barely-there strappy sandals. Simple hair accessories are always a great choice, such as pearl-tipped bobby pins or a pared-down gold clip. What are the most classic wedding dress necklines? Off-the-shoulder, bateau, high-neck, sweetheart, V-neck, portrait, and scoop are a few classic wedding dress necklines that have established their enduring presence within the bridal sphere. What are the most popular wedding dress shapes? Ball gowns, mermaid styles, fit-and-flare dresses, and A-line silhouettes are among the most popular throughout history and today. A-line dresses tend to be the most universally flattering—plus they have a timeless appeal you'll love looking back on when flipping through your wedding album decades down the road. Brides contributor Nicole Kliest is a freelance fashion and travel writer with over 11 years of experience reporting on the latest trends. The 17 Best Wedding Dresses of 2023 for Older Brides :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/classicbridesq-451dc51e160749b5bce1ff6be7c82bad.jpg "18 Timeless Wedding Dresses for the Classic Bride (1)")
Best Simple
Anna October Snowdrop Asymmetric Maxi Dress
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Most Unexpected
Emilia Wickstead Bow-Appliqué Cloqué-Crepe Dress
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Best High-Low Hem
Halfpenny London Strapless Asymmetric duch*esse-Satin Gown
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What to Look For in a Classic Wedding Dress
Timeless Style
Silhouette and Materials
Details and Embellishments
Why Trust Brides
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FAQs
What does a timeless wedding dress look like? ›
Classic Traditional Wedding Gown Features
A-line and ball gown silhouettes paired with strapless, sweetheart, off-the-shoulder, or V-necklines are often associated with the style as it is quintessentially bridal. Similarly, simple fabrics, such as satin or mikado, are widely adored.
Older brides can and do wear white on their wedding day if they choose to. White is a classic and timeless choice for wedding attire that symbolises purity, new beginnings and the celebration of love.
What is a timeless bride? ›There are many ways to achieve a timeless bridal look, but often we gravitate toward crisp fabrics, clean nines, and minimal embellishment. While the styling of these gowns can take them in any direction, we find that timeless brides enjoy traditional cathedral veils, pearl jewelry, or dainty crystals.
What's the average number of dresses the bride tries on? ›On average, brides try on about 4–7 dresses, but we recommend no more than 10. The more wedding gowns you try on, the more confusing things may get. When the bridal gown selection is too big, brides tend to get overwhelmed and struggle to remember what the first gown they tried on looked like.
What is the most classic style of wedding dress? ›An A-line dress is by far the most classic style. It's timelessly stylish as its proportions suit all body types.
What does a classic wedding look like? ›Classic weddings are rooted in tried-and-true ideas that will stand the test of time, such as traditional paper invitations, candlelit centerpieces, white tablecloths and formal venues, like ballrooms or mansions.
How to look like a classy bride? ›- Stick to clean lines and a flattering silhouette when you are choosing your wedding dress.
- Think timeless, sophisticated and refined with your overall bridal look.
You can't go wrong with classic tea length wedding dress for older brides, and this lacy modern design is a prime example. With a gently flared skirt and vintage touches, it may just be the icing on the cake for your bridal look.
What does a bride wear for a second marriage? ›You're free to wear a second marriage wedding dress in any color. While white certainly isn't off-limits, more and more brides (including lots of first-timers) are wearing alternative colors instead.
How to pick a timeless wedding dress? ›Basic Silhouettes – Pick traditional styles with clean lines like an empire waist, A-lines, ball gowns, and mermaid. These silhouettes are so perfect because they look amazing on any bride and will never go out of style. Verses a high-low dress (although very trendy) will probably look dated in 10 years.
What makes a wedding gown timeless? ›
Selecting a wedding dress with a classic silhouette is another essential aspect to consider. Streamlined sheaths and columns or romantic A-lines and ball gowns are classic and have proven their enduring appeal. An important aspect of choosing your dress is how it drapes over your body.
What is the timeless wedding dress silhouette? ›A-Line. The A-line wedding dress silhouette is a timeless favorite for its universally flattering shape.
What size are most brides? ›Bridal sizing isn't like typical street wear sizing. While you might be a size 4-6 in jeans, you're in fact a bridal size 8-10, and if you're a size 14-16, you're likely a 18-20. Don't worry about it–sizing is just a number! You'll likely see most of our samples in a bridal size 8, 10, 12, 18, 20 or 22 to try on.
What not to do when wedding dress shopping? ›BOOKING TOO MANY APPOINTMENTS OR OVERSHOPPING: This quickly leads to dress burn out - everything starts to look the same, nothing feels special, it's mentally and physically exhausting trying on wedding dresses and it's just not fun anymore.
How early should a bride get her dress? ›Typically, we suggest making your bridal dress appointments 9-12 months prior to your wedding date. This date is suggested with the goal of picking out and ordering a dress 8-9 months before the wedding. This gives you plenty of time to shop around and find the dress of your dreams.
How to have a timeless wedding dress? ›Stick with the Classics – Pay attention to the fabric, generally with chiffon, lace, satin, and silks, you can never go wrong. There's also something so timeless and elegant about a white gown! You'd never have to worry about being too boring with the right accessories either.
How do I look timeless for my wedding? ›- Think timeless, sophisticated, and refined with your overall wedding look.
- Stick to clean lines and a flattering silhouette when choosing your wedding dress.
- Compliment your wedding dress with accessories that are simple and lack ornamentation.
- Keep your hair and makeup simple.
Typically, a vintage wedding dress is at least 20 years old, dating back to a specific era, such as the 1920s, 1950s, or 1970s. These dresses often possess unique characteristics that set them apart from modern bridal gowns. The appeal of a vintage wedding dress lies in its authenticity and timeless elegance.