All Dressed Up

Dresses and bridal accessories decoded

By Rebecca Padgett Frett

One of the most anticipated moments in wedding planning is finding the dress. If you’re planning a wedding, you’re likely flooded with so many beautiful dress options that it can be hard to decide. 

To help you find the best dress, consult those who are surrounded by dresses daily and can instruct on the current styles. The staff of Margaret Ellen Bridal in Santa Rosa Beach and Baytowne Bridal in Panama City Beach shared what’s trending in 2024 and 2025. 

Accentuated waistlines are having a moment. Drop waists, basque waists and peplum accentuated waists made their way from runways to bridal stores. Paired with a corseted top or sweetheart neckline, this look is particularly romantic. 

“In 2025, we can expect to see the drop waist making a comeback, as well as timeless but high-fashion designs that include having visible boning on the bodice or ruching on waistlines,” said Natalie Lambeth, buyer and bride experience manager at Baytowne Bridal. 

Leg slits and puffy sleeves hint at an ’80s vibe with subtle drama. The girlhood aesthetic of hyper-feminine motifs continues on in bridal fashion most notably in the presence of bows and floral accents. 

Picture an open-back dress dipping at the waist into a perfectly tied bow, a sweet line of bows down the train or a velvet bow tied at the waist. Florals take form in tulle rosettes at the bustline or intricate floral appliques woven into a bouquet on the skirt or along the edges of a veil. 

A trend that’s remained strong and shows no signs of going anywhere is convertible dresses. This allows the bride to play dress up all day long. 

“For brides wanting multiple looks without spending money on multiple dresses, there are many accessories that can be added to a gown,” said Maggie Matthews, owner of Margaret Ellen Bridal. “We love playing around with gloves, sleeves, capes, toppers and overskirts to achieve a versatile look.” 

Lambeth noted dress options that offer three  looks in one, including a fitted dress, overskirt and sleeves, all for one price. Both stores expressed that most dresses can be tailored for additions, whether it be an overskirt, a train extender or sleeves. 

Adding or subtracting from a dress is easier than changing into multiple outfits while still achieving varied looks that carry you from ceremony to reception to after party. 

Where the dress may be the main attraction, bridal accessories are big statement makers. Neck scarves are the ultimate cool girl accessory. A gauzy fabric draped around the neck or trailing down the back is effortlessly chic. For a touch of Old Hollywood glamor, consider a pair of white satin or pearl-trimmed gloves. 

Tie the look together with a bow-accented updo or headpiece. You can play with a pop of color by adding a colorful veil or one with colorful accents. Soft blues, pinks and purples are whimsical and feminine. 

Many of the trends are all about the wow factor, but what’s sure to stun is timeless beauty. 

“Simple, classic, Chantilly lace and satin gowns are always going to be in style,” Matthews said. 

Lambeth echoes the timeless sentiment, adding that brides can complement with trendy accessories. 

“Of course, we see things that will modernize the dress in its own way to match the times,” Lambeth said, “but having a look that is timeless and classic will always be a trend.”

Classic, modern or somewhere in between, what matters most is that you feel comfortable, confident and beautiful in your dress. On your wedding day and while looking back at your wedding album years from now, you’ll appreciate that you love the look you’re in.

SHORT AND SWEET

While not necessarily new, a trend with staying power is the little white mini dress for the reception or after-party look. It’s easy, it’s breezy and it screams, “I’m here for the party!” Complete the look with sneakers for an outfit that’s both comfortable and stylish. Many brides invest in a designer pair or have them customized with their new monogram or a message special to the day.

Featured image by Erika Dame Photography