3 Wedding Dress Trends We’re Loving for 2027

By Tina Wong, bridal designer + curator at CHI thee WED 

Bridal fashion is always evolving, but the most exciting wedding dress trends aren't necessarily about what's completely new. Often, they're about seeing something familiar in a new way.

For 2027, we’re seeing brides embrace more personality, texture, and thoughtful design. Think silhouettes inspired by historical corsetry to romantic lace reimagined for the modern bride. At the same time, the idea of a “wedding dress” is expanding. Brides are dressing for courthouse ceremonies, welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, receptions, and after-parties, creating an entire bridal wardrobe rather than choosing just one look (which I LOVE!).

As a bridal designer, these are three wedding dress trends I’m especially excited to see continue into 2027:

1. Drop Waists, Basque Waists & Elongated Silhouettes

One of the biggest shifts in bridal silhouettes is happening at the waist.

After years of natural-waist A-lines and clean, minimalist silhouettes, we’re seeing a return to drop waists, basque waists, corseted bodices, and elongated shapes. These silhouettes draw the eye downward, creating a beautifully long line through the torso before opening into a fuller skirt.

There’s something super romantic about the look that I personally love. Basque waists are distinctive with a V-shaped dip at the center and reference historical corsetry and vintage ballgowns, while a dropped waist can feel unexpectedly modern and architectural.

That's what makes this trend so interesting as, to me, it doesn't belong entirely to the past or the present. For brides who love the drama of a traditional ballgown but want something less expected, an elongated bodice can completely change the feeling of the dress. Paired with silk tulle, mikado, lace, or organza, the silhouette can move from ethereal and romantic to structured and fashion-forward.

I’m particularly drawn to versions that feel effortless rather than overly ornate. What comes to my mind is a beautifully fitted bodice, an intentional waistline, and a skirt with movement.

Why I love it: It brings the romance and craftsmanship of vintage bridal fashion into a silhouette that feels fresh again.

2. Lace Is Back…But It Looks Different

Lace never truly disappears from bridal fashion, but the way brides are wearing it is changing. For several years, bridal leaned heavily toward ultra-clean fabrics and minimalist gowns. Now, I’m seeing a renewed appetite for texture, pattern, and romance, and lace is returning in a way that feels much more considered.

The difference is in the styling. What I’m seeing is delicate Chantilly-inspired textures, all-over lace gowns, vintage floral motifs, lace sleeves, sheer layers, and beautifully patterned fabrics that become part of the architecture of the dress.

Rather than automatically pairing lace with heavy beading, dramatic appliqué, and layers of embellishment, today's lace wedding dresses can feel remarkably clean. An all-over lace gown with a simple silhouette can actually feel more modern than an intricately embellished dress. I’m also seeing brides gravitate toward lace that feels as though it could have been discovered in a vintage trunk or passed down through generations, even when the gown itself is completely new.

That idea is especially meaningful to me. I love designing pieces that feel connected to the past without becoming costumes from another era. Lace is one of the most beautiful ways to create that sense of history.

Why I love it: The new lace bride isn't necessarily looking for a "traditional lace wedding dress." She's looking for texture, craftsmanship, and a gown with a point of view.

3. The Short Wedding Dress Gets Serious

The short white dress has officially graduated from being just the after-party outfit. As weddings become more personal and often span several events, brides are looking for beautifully designed pieces for courthouse ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, receptions, and second looks.

And I think those dresses deserve just as much design consideration as the gown.

We're seeing short bridal dresses with thoughtful construction, beautiful fabrics, corsetry, sculptural silhouettes, lace, dramatic sleeves, and unexpected details. Instead of feeling like a simplified version of a wedding dress, these pieces stand on their own.

For a civil ceremony or intimate wedding, a short dress may even be the wedding dress.

There's also something refreshing about the freedom of a shorter silhouette. A bride can show off an incredible shoe, add a dramatic veil, pair the dress with a silk neck scarf, or completely change the styling between events.

For brides planning multiple wedding looks, we also love the idea of creating a bridal wardrobe that feels connected rather than choosing completely unrelated outfits. A lace motif, neckline, fabric, or design detail from the wedding gown can reappear in a shorter dress for another event.

Why I love it: Bridal style shouldn't begin and end with the ceremony gown because beautifully made short dress can carry just as much personality. 😊

The Bigger Bridal Trend for 2027: Personality

What connects all three of these trends is something bigger than a particular waistline, fabric, or hem length. Brides are becoming more comfortable choosing pieces because they genuinely connect with them; not simply because they're told something is "bridal."

That's what I’m most excited about: looking backward for inspiration while designing for the way women actually want to dress now. I have always believed the best wedding dresses feel personal. Trends can be a wonderful place to begin, but your dress should ultimately feel like your own.