Basqueing in Bridal Gowns

by Kerri Cooke

Official engagement season ended with Valentine’s Day, so if you’re one of the women who gladly accepted the proposal from your loved one, now is the time to begin dress shopping.

The market for wedding dresses is vast, so how do you even begin the search without becoming overwhelmed by options? If you already have a vision for what your dress should look like, you’re already a step ahead. However, if you’re ready to discover the experience of defining your style, here are a few top trends for spring and summer 2025.

Every spring, in both the bridal and general fashion market, reinterpreted florals make their way into retail. This year florals are no longer subtle details but at the forefront of design. Dresses are adorned with floral embroidery from top to bottom, large 3D flowers make a statement when placed as a waist or shoulder accent, and floral appliques of all sizes add finishing touches to a gown of any silhouette. The corollas are anything but subtle. “Florals with soft colors are something we are seeing more and more at Bridal Fashion Week and, every once in a while, we’ll get a bride who embraces it!” Laurie Baynard, Owner of L Bridal Couture says.

The breakout detail in the bridal dress market is the return of the Basque waistline. Instead of bringing emphasis to your natural waist, the Basque waistline drops further down, culminating in a v or u shape, and is perfect for a corseted look. (Think of the iconic blue dress in Disney’s 2015 live action Cinderella.) Popularized in the Victorian era, the Basque silhouette, taking its name from an ethnic group in Spain and France, gives an air of grandeur to the bride as it thins the waist and widens the hips when paired with an A-line or ballgown skirt. Baynard says, “Dropped and Basque waists are having a moment. Clean, classic, ‘old money’ vibes are always in but are trending and rising in popularity right now. Brides in SWLA are always on the more classic side, so it’s been fun to be able to lean into that with more options for them from our designers.”

A dropped waist gown usually dips even lower than a Basque design and sits on or over the hips. This silhouette elongates the body if aiming for the illusion of height. A dropped waist gown is highly customizable because of the straight, figure-hugging bodice. The dress looks most striking with a skirt of decent volume as the stark contrast makes quite a statement.

As vintage clothing continues to gain popularity in the market, vintage-inspired bridal dresses are more popular than ever. These gowns make ample use of draping techniques and lace to create a look that could’ve come straight out of an Audrey Hepburn movie while still looking as modern today as they would’ve fifty years ago.

Menswear is also taking a page from the vintage textbook. Tuxedos sporting wider lapels and in colors such as burgundy and cream are trending. For that old Hollywood feel, pair with a classic watch and statement cuff links. Add a pair of glasses for an extra flair. And don’t be afraid to experiment with materials such as tweed or velvet.

The biggest piece of advice Baynard can give brides-to-be? “We suggest being open minded when shopping and see where your heart takes you!”