How to style a minimalist wedding dress

If clean lines and a sleek silhouette (all with that coveted, cool modern edge) has claimed your heart in the wedding dress department, bride-to-be, we hear you. Chic, beautifully constructed, minimalist wedding dresses are having a moment right now and, here at Perla Nova, we’re totally on board.

Who hasn’t gazed adoringly at those achingly cool brides on the ‘gram? You know the ones: effortlessly rocking a simple, yet timeless gown with a pair of shades, maybe a fedora or embroidered veil (à la Hailey Bieber), and that carefree attitude. They nailed the look, and the good news is, at Perla Nova, you can too.

The beauty of these simple, yet elegant minimalist wedding dresses, is that they allow the focus to be totally on the bride (as it should be). Puffy and princess may have more impact in the traditional sense but its these understated, minimalist gowns that have really tapped into the modern bride’s desire for unequivocal contemporary style. In a nutshell, they’re the epitome of less is more, purposefully designed to highlight your natural beauty and style.

Plus, the best part is, these minimalist wedding dresses can be easily elevated with a few simple accessories to create a look that is truly unique to you. And, not only that, they can be transformed (offering two bridal looks in one) in an instant with the right accessories. Switch up your aisle style for the dance floor by swapping your veil for a statement earring, or slipping off those detachable shoulders or gloves. The options are endless, brides. Here’s Perla Nova’s edit of some of our favourite ways to style a minimalist wedding dress…

Statement Veils

Those insanely stunning detailed veils you’ve been lusting after? Why, minimalist bride, they won’t ‘over do’ your bridal look in the way they would with more detailed gowns or heavily embellished wedding dresses. Add a statement veil to a minimalist wedding dress and BOY will you cause waves. Require proof? Think about how stunning Nicola Feltz Beckham looked in her elegant simple gown (effortlessly transformed by her dramatic lace veil), or how chic Arianna Grande looked styling her simple column gown with THAT bow trim veil.

Layer The Look

If you’re concerned a minimalist wedding dress may be too plain for your liking, consider the endless possibilities of those all-important ‘add ons’. We’re talking detachable skirts, show-stopping trains, achingly cool jackets and slip on sleeves - all ready and waiting to add detail and that electric dash of drama. You can then ‘strip back’ the layers for your evening look. Detach that over-skirt or lose those elegant, pearl-embroidered sleeves and dance the night away under the stars, just you, your new husband, your vintage champagne coupe and THAT dress.

Gloves

Need a super simple way to add a touch of high-impact glamour to your minimalist wedding dress this 2022 and beyond? Meet the hottest trend of the season: gloves. Whether you opt for sheer, fingerless bridal gloves that wind their way up to your elbows, or make a nod to the trend with something in a playful polka dot or embellished pearl, the options are endless.

Jewellery

Statement jewellery can instantly transform your look, and the options are pretty much limitless. If you envision yourself donning a statement bridal crown or glittering pair of chandelier earrings, we hear you - it’s a great place to start when it comes to bringing your own unique bridal style to a minimalist wedding dress. Maybe you already own (or are loaning) a piece of jewellery that has special sentimental value or, alternatively, have fallen in love with the sparking offering available from the likes of Arianna Bespoke (available at Perla Nova) or another accessories label. Luckily for you, the beauty of a simple, elegant dress, is they can carry any style of jewellery - and carry it well. Think of it as your blank canvas for your accessories. Plus, when it comes to switching up your bridal style for the evening, simply swap a timeless pearl earring for a pair of decadent show-stoppers. It’s a no-brainer.

Beauty

The natural bridal look is timeless, but a minimalist wedding dress can carry a super glam look if this is more your vibe. Switch up your day to evening look by swapping your veil for a statement red lip. Makeup artist, Joanna Plimmer provides her expertise…

“Simple statement gowns look sensational with a dewy flawless base, earth-toned eyeshadows with hints of champagne and rose gold to modernise. A fresh blush tone two shades warmer than the lip works a treat and for the ceremony I would recommend a soft petal pink lip with a creamy undertone to hydrate and soften the look. The idea behind this vision is to remain natural and enhanced, luxurious and timeless with an elegant flair to match the gown. Highlighter and contour to finish the look will create structure, and to turn up the glamour for the evening, why not swap the veil for a red lip and turn the look from soft romantic bridal to Hollywood glam with big waves and simple pearl accessories. The joys of an unembellished gown is you can style your hair and makeup anyway you like to completely change the finish and style.”

For more wedding dress inspiration and to discover our range of minimalist wedding dresses, book an appointment with Perla Nova.

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