Wedding Dresses with Bows and Convertible Bridal Gowns: Here Are the Top 15 Wedding Dress Trends for 2021

There are so many styles to choose from!

March 03, 2021

By: Jen Glantz

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: Russell Monk

Finding Your Dream Dress

Finding the dress of your dreams can be one of the most exciting parts of planning your big day. However, the search process usually begins months before you ever head into your local bridal shop. As you’re browsing different designers and scouring social media for looks you adore, keep these top 15 wedding dress trends for 2021 in mind.

Shorter Dresses

With couples saying yes to more outdoor venues (from the beach to their own backyards), shorter dresses have become a top trend for 2021. Knee-length dresses are a lot of brides' go-to choices for a summer celebration. Pair it with a sequined jacket or a mid-length veil for a little more flair.

BUY IT: Amazon, $35.00 - $110.00

Capes Instead of Veils or Trains

Say goodbye to traditional dresses with mighty long trains or cathedral-length veils, and say hello to capes! Having a detachable cape allows for extra coverage during the ceremony and it’s a fun way to add a stylish twist to your dress. You can go with a sheer cape or opt for a beaded one instead.

BUY IT: Amazon, $42.00

Pick Pants Over a Dress

Jumpsuits and pants paired with a flowy top have made their way to the trend list for 2021. This look is perfect for a smaller celebration, a virtual elopement, or even a party at a more unique location—like a rooftop restaurant venue or a botanical garden.

BUY IT: Amazon, $32.35 - $189.00

Layered Detachable Skirts & Convertible Gowns

With so many couples hosting multiple wedding celebrations in 2021 to accommodate their personal situations, having a dress that can be worn twice is key. Brides are saying “I do” to dresses with detachable skirts! They’re wearing that extra layer for the ceremony and taking it off for the party to create a whole new look.

BUY IT: Amazon, $25.00 - $49.00

Simple Silk Dresses

Buying a dress is something that brides like to check off their to-do list early on during wedding planning. But with so much still so unknown, a lot of people are choosing simple, sleek dresses that can be worn in the future, no matter what kind of celebration they end up having.

BUY IT: Amazon, $42.99

Sparkles and Sequins

After a year of weddings being paused and postponed, brides are eager to wear dresses that stand out. They want gowns that will make their future wedding celebrations feel elegant, exciting, and a whole lot of fun. Many of this year’s dresses are lined with sequins, from the top to the bottom, and can light up the room with an extra pop of sparkle!

BUY IT: Amazon, $130.00 - $145.00

A Little Puff on the Sleeves

If you’re looking for a wedding dress that has a bold design, go with this 2021 trend. It might seem a bit unusual at first, but you just might change your mind once you try it on. Puff sleeves have become quite popular this year as a way of giving dresses dimension and depth.

BUY IT: Etsy, $377.93

Bows in the Back

For the past few years, we’ve seen bows make it onto the wedding dress trend list, but they were usually found somewhere on the front of the dress. This year, the bow is getting reversed! A bow placed on the back of a dress adds a little something extra. It is the perfect substitution for a long train or veil as well.

BUY IT: Etsy, $450.00

Over-the-Top Ruffles

Want to make a statement with your wedding dress? A fun way to showcase your personality and have a dress that people can’t take their eyes off of (for all the right reasons) is to give into the ruffles trend this year!

BUY IT: Amazon, $139.00

Colors and Patterns Galore

Who says your wedding dress has to be plain white? If you have your eyes on a different color or pattern for your dress, you won’t find yourself alone in picking that option. Dress designers got really creative with their gowns this year, featuring a lot of different colors (pale pinks and purples) and patterns (from florals to polka dots).

BUY IT: Amazon, $159.00 - $169.00

Off-the-Shoulders

An off-the-shoulders dress is the perfect option for a spring or summer wedding, where part of the celebration takes place outdoors. This versatile look gives your dress a fun, bohemian twist.

BUY IT: Amazon, $159.00 - $169.00

Tea-Length Dresses

If you can’t decide whether it’s best to wear a long dress or one that goes to your knees, a tea-length dress could be your solution. These are great for outdoor summer weddings as well as more intimate daytime celebrations.

BUY IT: Amazon, $100.00 - $105.00

Suits, Suits, Suits

Eloping instead of having a big celebration? Not in the mood to wear a dress, but still want to look sleek and elegant? A big trend that’s back this year is the suit. We’re talking pantsuits and skirts with jackets. You can dress this look up even more with a lace or silk top, bold accessories, and bright colored shoes.

BUY IT: Amazon, $69.99 - $79.99

Bodysuit Dress

For a romantic and classic look, opt for bodysuit dresses that have a tighter fit up top and a flowy or sheer skirt. The bodysuit will keep you feeling secure in your dress so you can dance the night away comfortably with your party guests.

BUY IT: Etsy, $381.50

Non-Traditional Dresses

A lot of couples had to work around their original wedding plans, causing them to stray from the intial looks they dreamed of. Now, they’re picking more non-traditional styles. In 2021, a lot of unique looking dresses (that look more like evening gowns than bridal gowns) will be top picks for brides who want to stand out during their celebrations, and not follow too many traditional wedding rules.

BUY IT: Amazon, $64.90 - $103.99