Art of Style

Chic Wedding Dresses And Accessories For The Modern Bride

From classic floor-sweeping gowns to the perfect mini dress for dancing the night away, these are the very best dresses and accessories for your wedding celebrations, whatever your style…

Words Georgie LucasFashion editor Viktorija Tomasevic
Fashion
Strapless gown, Alex Perry; embellished dress, Clio Peppiatt; halterneck dress, Danielle Frankel

Weddings run the gamut of nuptial celebrations, from intimate ceremonies to blockbuster events with hundreds of guests. But one thing is true no matter how you celebrate your big day – finding the perfect dress is vital. Thankfully, our edit of chic options will ensure the dress you choose is ‘the one’ – for both your event style and your sartorial leanings. Your choice is not confined to traditional ‘bridal’ dresses, either – many designers deliver white and cream options within their mainline collections, many of which are perfectly suited to fashion-forward brides.

The big day

When it comes to daytime options that will also work long into the evening, London-based designer Clio Peppiatt has quickly carved a niche by creating pieces that blend romance with contemporary cool. This embellished tulle design is a striking example, and part of the brand’s exclusive bridal capsule for NET-A-PORTER. Designers who excel at red-carpet dressing are also a great choice, such as LA-based Rodarte. The brand’s whimsical, vintage-inspired designs are firm favorites of Kirsten Dunst and Natalie Portman – and this exclusive lace-trimmed silk midi is an A-list-worthy signature silhouette. Alternatively, consider Australian brand Alex Perry, beloved by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lopez. Its ‘Isobel’ gown is a classic strapless silhouette with a gorgeous satin-faille finish.

Iconic New York-based house Oscar de la Renta is renowned for creating gowns that are works of art, like this exquisite strapless crystal-embellished midi dress – exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, it is a true showstopper. If you’re leaning towards lace, Self-Portrait is also worth exploring – the London brand’s tiered corded-lace design is another divine style that is exclusive to NET-A-PORTER.

  • CLIO PEPPIATT
    Embellished stretch-tulle gown
    €4,060.00
    Select a Size
    XS - out of stock
    S - out of stock
    M - out of stock
    L
    XL - out of stock
  • ALEX PERRY
    Isobel strapless draped satin-faille gown
    €3,000.00
    Select a Size
    4 - out of stock
    6 - out of stock
    8 - out of stock
    10 - low stock
    12 - out of stock
    14 - low stock
  • RODARTE
    Lace-trimmed silk-satin midi dress
    €1,782.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    2 - out of stock
    4 - out of stock
    6 - out of stock
    8 - out of stock
  • 16ARLINGTON
    Salina gathered satin halterneck gown
    €417.00
    Select a Size
    6 - out of stock
    8 - out of stock
    10 - out of stock
    12 - out of stock
    14 - out of stock
    16 - out of stock
Strapless dress, Danielle Frankel; long-sleeved dress, Magda Butrym

The evening party

If you’re dressing (or changing your look) for an evening celebration, our edit includes high-impact designs to suit every style. London-based 16Arlington is a great place to start – the brand excels at intricate, high-impact designs, such as this crystal-embellished mesh maxi dress. Clio Peppiatt’s ‘Daisy’ mini dress is part of the brand’s exclusive capsule for NET-A-PORTER, and the perfect party style – plus, the long sleeves are detachable for added after-dark versatility. Alex Perry’s designs are also worth a look; the house’s draped mini dresses blend statement appeal with artful design – the strapless sateen mini is exclusive to NET-A-PORTER.

Elsewhere in the lineup, Magda Butrym delivers beautiful pieces with a romantic sensibility – see the house’s signature rosette appliqués. Alternatively, try Rotate Birger Christensen – the brand’s designs are infused with a bohemian, vintage-inspired spirit, and are the perfect contemporary choice. As for fabulous floor-sweeping evening options, try Michael Lo Sordo’s glamorous ‘Alexandra’ style in a flowing silk satin.

  • CLIO PEPPIATT
    Daisy crystal and bead-embellished stretch-tulle mini dress
    €1,287.00
    Select a Size
    XS
    S
    M
    L - out of stock
    XL - out of stock
  • ALEX PERRY
    Strapless draped sateen mini dress
    €1,650.00
    Select a Size
    4 - out of stock
    6 - low stock
    8 - low stock
    10
    12
    14
  • MAGDA BUTRYM
    Appliquéd cutout draped jersey mini dress
    €666.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40
  • RIME ARODAKY
    Twist-front lace-trimmed crepe mini dress
    €602.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38
    40 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock

The finishing touches

Last, but by no means least, don’t overlook your accessories – beautiful shoes and well-chosen jewelry are the icing on your bridal look. When it comes to footwear, you can’t go wrong with tried-and-tested names such as Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo. Keep jewelry subtle but striking, to let your gown take center stage – these delicate pearl earrings by Completedworks, which are exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, for example. Alternatively, opt for a simple gold chain necklace by Yvonne Léon. Rodarte’s embellished silk-tulle veil puts a modern twist on this classic headpiece and is only available from NET-A-PORTER. For something even more contemporary, consider a pretty headband, such as Jennifer Behr’s silk ‘Kate’ style from our NET SUSTAIN edit, as your elegant finishing touch.

  • MANOLO BLAHNIK
    Verizzo bow-detailed suede-trimmed cotton-blend lace ballet flats
    €504.00
    Select a Size
    36 - out of stock
    36.5 - out of stock
    37 - out of stock
    37.5 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    38.5 - out of stock
    39 - out of stock
    39.5 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    40.5 - out of stock
    41 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
  • COMPLETEDWORKS
    Recycled gold vermeil, pearl and cubic zirconia earrings
    €345.00
  • RODARTE
    Embellished silk-tulle veil
    €1,117.00
  • JIMMY CHOO
    Sacora 85 crystal-embellished satin sandals
    €850.00
    Select a Size
    34
    35 - out of stock
    35.5 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    36.5 - out of stock
    37 - out of stock
    37.5 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    38.5 - out of stock
    39 - out of stock
    39.5 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    40.5 - out of stock
    41 - out of stock
    41.5 - out of stock
    42 - low stock

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The models featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown