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After I got engaged last fall, one of the first things I did was whip out my laptop and start searching for bridal outfits. I was so excited about using this life event as an excuse to invest in sentimental pieces and curate my dream lineup of white dresses. I quickly realized that modern and effortlessly cool bridal looks are few and far between. From frilly bridal-shower frocks to sequin-covered bachelorette-party dresses, most bridal collections feature conventional designs that are way overdone. So I knew it would be a challenge to source interesting and unique pieces that reflect my personal style yet still felt somewhat “bridal.”
Luckily, I’ve spent countless hours over the last seven months doing exactly that so you don’t have to. And here, I rounded up all the bridal clothes, shoes, and accessories that made the cut. These are the pieces I tried, loved, and actually wore throughout my engagement — and will continue to wear after my wedding. Plus, I’ve included some of the best bridal shopping tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way.
Check back throughout the year for updates as I find outfits for my bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, welcome party, and wedding ceremony and reception.
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So, you’re also on the hunt for nontraditional bridal looks?
➼ Engagement photo-shoot outfits
➼ Bachelorette-trip outfits
➼ FAQs
What to wear for your engagement photos
Before choosing outfits for my engagement photo shoot, I researched different styles of photography and made a rough shot list on Pinterest. I kept both of those elements in mind, along with the photo-shoot locations, when shopping for my looks. To match the grand marble staircases and high-vaulted ceilings of our first location, the New York Public Library, my fiancé wore a tuxedo, and I opted for this glitzy metallic slip by COS. It features a flow-y fit, a flared skirt with side slits, and lustrous satin fabric that catches the light beautifully, so I knew it would be perfect for what I wanted: editorial-style photos with lots of movement (nothing too posed).
COS The Metallic Flared Slip Dress
$350
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Larroudé Ines Pump In Black Leather
$330
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Jenny Bird Nouveaux Puff Earrings
$130
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Our second location was Central Park. I knew I wanted to wear white, since it’s a classic New York City spot and a more traditional place to shoot engagement photos. But I didn’t want to limit myself to a boring bridal dress, so I chose a coat and trousers instead. The long length, padded shoulders, and crisp white color of this Loulou Studio piece was striking in photos. I added black sunglasses to make the look feel a bit more edgy.
Loulou Studio Martil Wool and Cashmere-Blend Coat
$727
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Aritzia Pleated Pant
$148
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Saint Laurent Eyewear Mica SL 276 Sunglasses
$232
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What to wear on your bachelorette trip
This is where your bridal wardrobe can quickly go south. Bachelorette trips are notoriously difficult, from planning, hosting, and paying for them to searching high and low for white outfits that are somewhat on-theme. Luckily, I spent hours and hours curating my perfect bachelorette-trip wardrobe (seriously, at this point, I’ve wasted weeks of my life planning these outfits) so you don’t have to.
For travel and lounging
No matter where you’re going or what you’ll be doing on your bachelorette trip, I highly recommend investing in a few weather-appropriate white sets. They’re great for traveling, plus you can mix and match them throughout the weekend to maximize your wardrobe. Since I’m going somewhere warm, I opted for this easy-breezy linen set from Dissh. My bachelorette trip also includes a group workout, so I packed my most flattering and confidence-boosting workout set from Lululemon — in white, of course.
Dissh Emelia White Linen Wrap Shirt
$120
Dissh Gina White Linen Elastic Waist Pant
$100
A.EMERY Shel Sandal
$210
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Lululemon Align High-Rise Short 4”
$64
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Lululemon Define Jacket Nulu
$118
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Lululemon Wundermost Ultra-Soft Nulu Scoop-Neck Cropped Tank
$48
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For the boat or the beach
If you’re having a beach or boat day during your trip, you don’t have to wear a boring white bikini. Instead, layer and accessorize to create a full, head-to-toe look. I’ll be wearing this iridescent, bright-white bikini from Divino Seas with a low-rise maxi skirt from Reformation and a cowboy hat because I can’t help myself. (If you, too, want to wear a cowboy hat but can’t find one that looks sophisticated — not corny — try Lack of Color.) I’m also packing a one-piece from SAME, the Los Angeles–based brand that has an entire collection of bridal swimsuits, and sheer pants from Jade Swim.
Divino Seas Inika Bottoms
$60
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Divino Seas Inika Top
$80
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Reformation Fitz Two Piece
$278
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Lack of Color The Oasis
$149
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SAME Rosette Cut Out One Piece
$325
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Jade Swim Mika Pant
$180
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For daytime activities
When it comes time to get dressed for brunch or other daytime activities, you can’t go wrong with a classic A-line dress. Posse has several white linen options under $300, including this one that has a square neckline and side pockets. I’ll also be packing a good white tank because it goes with everything and can easily be dressed up with a maxi skirt or dressed down with these voluminous balloon shorts from Source Unknown. Another essential? Comfortable walking shoes.
Posse Alice Mini Dress
$280
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Otra Sorrento Sunglasses
$75
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Bottega Veneta Fringe Pouch
$2,800
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J.Crew Perfect-Fit High-Neck Tank
$23
now
24% off
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Source Unknown Padded-Effect Balloon Shorts
$168
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Dear Frances Balla Mesh
$445
For dinner and drinks
Don’t feel confined to a sparkly white dress! I’ll be wearing this minimalist set by St. Agni instead; it’s sleek, polished, and effortlessly cool, which will appeal to anti-brides everywhere. Both pieces have adjustable straps for a customizable fit, and the semi-sheer top has an open back that adds a bit of sexiness. I’ll be pairing the set with these strappy sandals from Mango’s collaboration with Victoria Beckham for the perfect dinner look.
St. Agni Strapless Buckle Back Top – Off White
$255
St. Agni Wrap Trousers
$419
Victoria Beckham x Mango Leather Sandal with Inclined Heel
$230
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For going out
Sparkles and feathers and fringe, oh my! It’s certainly not what I would usually go for, but when in Rome, right? I sifted through thousands of pages of party dresses to find the best options that evoke that classic bachelorette style without looking tacky. Retrofête and PatBO both have robust bridal collections with dresses and matching sets that are perfect for a fancy bachelorette party or even your wedding-reception look (Clio Peppiatt and Rabanne are also great options if you have a higher budget.) I’m also packing this unique piece from Aje that features an open back and a raffia tiered hem.
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Retrofete Rosie Dress
$1,119
now
30% off
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Simmi London Damira Strappy Barely There Sandal
$39
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PatBo Fringe Netted Beach Dress
$675
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Aje Rushes Raffia Knit Mini Dress
$495
Paris Texas Lidia Metallic Leather Mules
$496
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Prada Leather Buckle Shoulder Bag
$3,300
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FAQs
How can I find nontraditional wedding dresses and bridal looks online?
Shopping for nontraditional bridal looks online is all about SEO and using the right keywords. Drop “bridal” or any wedding-related term from your searches. Instead, search for styles, colors, silhouettes, and fabrics you love. For example, if you don’t want to scroll through the boring looks you’ve seen on Pinterest a million times, search “white strapless minidress with fringe” instead of “bachelorette party dress.” Trust me.
I would also recommend shopping brands and designers that fit your body well and represent your personal style. Don’t feel like you have to buy from classic bridal designers just because you’re engaged. Chances are high that your favorite ready-to-wear designer makes at least one dress that would be appropriate for your wedding or any wedding-related event. Also try looking outside the wedding industry if you’re in a style rut — add runway-show images, cover shoots from fashion magazines, and celebrity red-carpet photos to your Pinterest board for unique bridal-outfit inspiration.
Where should I be shopping?
While there are many different luxury multi-retailer sites to choose from, Moda Operandi and Net-a-Porter have the most robust selection of stylish bridalwear. They also have great search filters that make the shopping process so much easier, several sales throughout the year, and flexible return policies. Ssense also recently launched a bridal collection that’s a dream come true for nontraditional, eccentric, and anti-brides everywhere. The ultracurated capsule includes gowns, minidresses, separates, suits, shoes, and accessories. For designer vintage dresses, check out Tab Vintage, 1stDibs, and Shrimpton Couture. And if you want to buy from a true bridal designer, as opposed to a ready-to-wear label that just so happens to make really good white dresses, I recommend Wed Studio, Blanc Wear, the Own Studio, KYHA Studios, and, of course, Danielle Frankel.
All the Bridal Looks I’ve Worn Throughout My Engagement
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