New York Bridal Fashion Week never fails to set the tone for what’s next in wedding style—and this season’s runways were an irresistible mix of whimsy, structure, and nostalgia. From romantic silhouettes pulled from literary heroines to fashion-forward details that redefine the bridal dress code, the Spring 2026 collections gave us plenty to swoon over. Here are 8 standout trends that brides, stylists, and fashion lovers everywhere will be talking about.
Photo: Autumn Cutaia, Stas Komarovski
Bubble Hems
Voluminous and playful, bubble hems are coming back with a couture twist. Designers like Danielle Frankel and Kyha Scott embraced this sculptural look, adding bounce and drama to everything from mini dresses to tea-length frocks to full gowns. It’s the perfect choice for brides who want something unexpected and editorial.
Photo: Emily Abay, Stas Komarovski, Emily Abay
Sculptural Hips
During this Fashion Week, designers celebrated sculptural hips—draped, folded, and expertly gathered to create strong architectural silhouettes. Whether through crisp folds, exaggerated draping, or voluminous side detailing, this trend draws attention to the waistline and creates a statuesque, confident, couture-inspired effect.
Photo: Courtesy of Nicole + Felicia, Michael Spencer, Kristen Weaver, Danielle Simone, Monique Lhuillier, Hera Couture
Halter Dresses
The halter neckline has always been a favorite for its flattering shape—it elongates the neck and beautifully highlights the shoulders, making it perfect for summer weddings or destination celebrations. But thanks to the ongoing love for past decades and all things vintage, the ’90s in particular, the halter is having a moment. The halter neckline paired with a fit-and-flare silhouette has become a go-to for modern, minimalist elegance—and the Berta dress in the center is a stunning example. This season, though, we’re also seeing it styled with voluminous ball skirts and effortlessly cool veils for a fresh, fashion-forward twist. Jenny Yoo even designed a version inspired by ’90s rom-coms, and adding a hat gave it a fun, playful edge.
Photo: Courtesy of Khefri Wilcox, Citylux, Valerie Thompson
Historical & Fictional Muses
This season, designers turned to books and films, drawing inspiration from real and fictional women. Kim Kassas Couture’s collection paid homage to iconic figures like Juliet, Ophelia, and Marie Antoinette, celebrating strength, grace, and a rebellious spirit. Mayce Wysner, designer and founder of CINQ, turned to films like The Little Princess, The Beguiled, and Picnic at Hanging Rock—stories steeped in girlhood, mystery, and longing. The result was an immersive show and a striking bridal collection where femininity felt both soft and sharp, sacred and just a little unruly.
Wedding planner and Sentimental Fools founder Jess Ritherford noted, “There were so many Grace Kelly, Naomi Biden, and Audrey Hepburn-inspired looks. The hand-painted lily of the valley gown and gloves by Sareh Nouri was pure art. I see hand-painting as a growing trend in both gowns and decor. It’s so exciting to see such a fun trend coming to life on the runway—especially when it’s done with such elegance as Sarah did here.”
Matching Jackets
Bridal looks got a tailored upgrade with matching lace jackets. They work as a chic layering piece for cooler months and elevate a ceremony-to-reception look. Whether worn buttoned-up for a demure silhouette or casually draped to modernize a romantic gown, these pieces offer brides a fresh way to play with proportion, texture, and layering.
Photo: Something About, Andry Familia, Valerie Thompson
Headpieces Inspired by the 1920s and 1930s
Accessories are entering the spotlight this season with a vintage flair that nods to the glamour of the 1920s and ’30s. Think feathered fascinators, beaded caps, vintage-style headwraps, and delicate Juliet caps—all bringing a nostalgic yet dramatic finishing touch to bridal looks. When it comes to hair, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. At Galia Lahav, these pieces were paired with everything from braided cornrows to soft Old Hollywood waves, while models at the Ines Di Santo‘s presentation had sleek chignons.
Sheer Elegance
Designers embraced the power of sheer fabrics in different creative ways. The first gown by Galia Lahav makes a dramatic statement with a sheer, multi-paneled corset sculpted in a cat-eye shape, a magnificent sheer netted lace skirt, and a cathedral-length hooded overlay—gothic, regal, and utterly unforgettable. The middle look by Danielle Frankel leans into sensuality with a barely-there slip dress that clings and catches the light with a liquid shimmer. The rightmost dress by KYHA, set against a sun-drenched desert, is cut from a soft lace and layered with a sheer chiffon to deliver ethereal energy at every step.
Photo: Andry Familia, Stas Komarovski, Emily Abay
Corsets
The corset is shedding its restrictive past in favor of something more romantic and undeniably chic. Bridal brands like Hera Couture, Danielle Frankel, Margot, and KYHA showcased corsetry in both traditional and deconstructed forms, blending romance with an edge. Whether layered under gossamer tulle or worn boldly as the centerpiece, corsets are perfect for brides seeking a dramatic silhouette with a nod to historical elegance. It’s a trend that embraces femininity in all its strength and beauty.
