Top 6 Trends from the Spring 2023 New York Bridal Fashion Week

Party dresses, risqué slits, and illusion lace, the Spring 2023 New York Bridal Fashion Week delivered hundreds of high-fashion gowns for stylish brides. With trends inspired by decades before, we saw slip dresses and puffy sleeves, but many designers opted for non-traditional elements like colors bursting from the runway and playful second looks. Whether you’re searching for your perfect gown or just a lover of all things bridal, we’re showing you six of our favorite trends that stood out this season.

Sultry Slits

The first of many trends we saw at the Spring 2023 New York Bridal Fashion Week was a sexy high-slit. Designers like Galia Lahav to Kelly Faetanini designed their own versions of this look for the bride who wants to show a little leg. This cut-out in the dress is a perfect opportunity to show off a fabulous pair of shoes. No matter the material of the dress, a slit will drape beautifully on your body. Arava Polak‘s version is a striking all-over sequin dress that will leave any bride glowing. Lee Petra Grebenau’s version shows a long train with a low-cut sweetheart neckline on a crepe gown.

Sheath sequin wedding dress with fingerless gloves — *_{^{Arava Polak}}*

Satin wedding dress with high slit from 2023 New York Bridal Fashion Week — *_{^{Arava Polak}}*

Sheer Fabrics

Continuing the sultry theme, sheer fabrics were seen in all kinds of gowns from nearly every designer. These dresses are also termed “illusion” dresses that have a light layer of tulle with beading, lace, or appliqués weaved in. Galia Lahav was one of the first to master the illusion dress, and their 2024 collection is no different.

Below you’ll see sheer tulle with cutouts that hug the waist in this stunning mermaid dress. Badgley Mischka designed this a-line gown with off-the-shoulder sleeves and a see-through bodice laid with sparkling jewels and floral embroidery. A delicate layer of tulle also looks stylish as a cape with 3D flowers like the one by Mira Zwillinger.

Mermaid lace wedding dress with cutouts on the hips — *_{^{Galia Lahav}}*

Off-shoulder bridal gown with sheer bodice — *_{^{Galia Lahav}}*

Ruffle Details

One particular texture at the Spring 2023 New York Bridal Fashion Week was undeniable — ruffles! Delicate layers of fabric can be woven tightly into a skirt or loosely placed throughout a dress. No matter which route you go, this detail is romantic and perfect for the bride who wants a bit of drama and a lot of dimension in the gown. Rivini by Rita Vinieris chose drama with a sculpted ballgown while Esé Azénabor placed ruffles throughout tiers of this unique gown.

For more subtle ruffles, Halfpenny London‘s veil is an exquisite option with organza pieces ruched together for dramatic volume. Ines Di Santo‘s blush ballgown offers a true princess moment. For this collection, she designed with floral in mind, “Every bride should feel like a flower in full bloom, beautiful and perfectly unique.” – Ines Di Santo.

Ruffled bridal ballgown — *_{^{Rivini by Rita Vinieris}}*

Bridal gown with ruffled tiers — *_{^{Rivini by Rita Vinieris}}*

Bridal Minis and Party Dresses

During the pandemic, we saw a surge in small weddings with non-traditional flair as the celebrations became more casual. With these more informal affairs, brides began opting for shorter, more playful wedding gowns. At the Spring 2023 New York Bridal Fashion Week, virtually every designer showed us their version. Nardos‘ is a contemporary asymmetrical mini while Galia Lahav’s is an ivory lace dress with fun fringe. Lee Petra Grebenau option for a beaded midi paired with fingerless gloves and Mark Ingram’s floral strapless gown is perfect for a courthouse ceremony.

And these looks aren’t just for the ceremony. More and more brides are choosing to change into a party-ready second look for the wedding dance. Below are a few of our favorites!

Mini white bridal dress with off-shoulder sleeves — *_{^{Anne Barge}}*

Mini white dress with pouf skirt and v-neckline — *_{^{Anne Barge}}*

Kaleidoscope of Colors

If a classic white wedding dress isn’t your thing, then you’re in luck with the Spring/Summer 2024 collections. Badgley Mischka and Reem Acra debuted spring-forward blue florals gorgeous for a garden ceremony. Kelly Faetanini‘s dramatic blush beauty is romantic and will leave any bride pretty in pink. Ines Di Santo and Galia Lahav combined two of this year’s trends with ruffles and colors all in one.

Blue floral wedding gown — *_{^{Badgley Mischka}}*

Blush floral wedding dress — *_{^{Badgley Mischka}}*

Unique Accessories and Bridal Add-Ons

In 2022, detachable sleeves were all the rage, and this year designers are taking it a step further. Accessories are important to your look, and there are more options. Justin Alexander paired a crepe jumpsuit with detachable sleeves and a sweeping overskirt for a 3-in-1 look. Ines Di Santo showcases an airy tulle cape that flows from the arms. Bridal add-ons are limitless from veils to lavender capes, fur coats, and striking black leather gloves.