Photo: Courtesy of Emilia Wickstead
The elegance of simple wedding dresses can match, and at times even exceed, that of those most intricate and embellished bridal gowns. Clean lines, streamlined silhouettes, and restrained details result in impactful simplicity, which is exactly what a minimalist bride aspires for! For her, it is about an easy and ever-so effortless look and feeling that comes with wearing an uncomplicated sophisticated dress, that will ultimately set the tone for a most special day.
Vogue’s Favorite Simple Wedding Dresses:
- The Bustier Gown: Danielle Frankel Bridal Audra bustier gown, $5,360
- The City Hall Dress: Rixo Bridal Sandrine floral jacquard midi dress, $384
- The Elegant Pleating: Heirlome Teresa pleated cutout dress, $1,990
- The Cape-Effect: Emilia Wickstead Xanthe strapless cape-effect midi dress, $2,315
- The Minimalist Maxi: Khaite Nonya crepe satin maxi slip dress, $4,400
- The Effortless Slip: L’Agence Serita silk slip maxi dress, $446
- The Asymmetric Drape: The Row Sparrow silk one-shoulder gown, $5,750
- The Beach-Ready: Christopher Esber Fusion fold cowl-neck sleeveless maxi tank, $845
Thanks to the reemergence of minimalism and a shift towards quiet luxury there is now a sea of choice. Simple wedding dresses that we love come in a varied array—think lustrous silk floor-grazing silhouettes that drape languidly over the body; spotlight-stealing black-tie gowns that are utterly romantic, as well as immaculate shoulder-baring sculptural midis and maxis. Fabric and fit take center stage here, so it is of utmost importance that the tissue is flawless and the tailoring is perfect. The exclusion of frill makes these unfussy bridal gowns ideal for accessorizing with a piece of special jewelry or a statement veil.
The aesthetic of a simple wedding dress will likely withstand the test of time, and perhaps when you review the photographs of your nuptials in years to come the dress will appear to be as timeless as you hoped and relevant enough to pass it on to a loved one to enjoy.
Scroll down to shop 27 perfectly minimal and simple wedding dresses below.
Danielle Frankel
Bridal Audra bustier gown
Frankel’s luminous silk bustier dress is a modern and restrained take on volume. The hourglass shape and curved neckline sculpt the body, while side seam pockets give off a chic effortlessness.
Heirlome
Teresa pleated cutout dress
This elegant ivory pleated gown is a work of art. The front bodice and back straps are hand-sewn pinch pleats. The weight of it creates a soft natural sway when one moves. It is a dress that looks and feels important, but is incredibly easy all at once.
Emilia Wickstead
Xanthe strapless cape-effect midi dress
Emilia Wickstead is known for her precise construction. This sleek strapless midi with cape-like panels that drape down the back is altogether refined, minimal and romantic. Pair it with subtle kitten heels to match the effortlessness that you seek.
Khaite
Nonya maxi dress
This crepe satin column-like dress becomes fluid as you walk; it features a dramatic thigh-high slit that opens to reveal a chiffon lining beneath. The deep neckline, delicate straps, and low back make the top half of it decidedly modern.
Solace London
cape-layer maxi dress
You will feel like a queen in this regal crepe column dress layered with an impressive faille cape. The clean cut of the cape frames the fitted dress and drapes down with precise drama. This dress deserves a stunning setting.
Amsale
Mikado paneled midi-dress
Amsale’s timeless and modern tea-length flared mikado with a clean square neckline is both youthful and refined. Though both women are very different, to some extent this dress slightly channels both Audrey Hepburn and Bridget Bardot.
L'Agence
Serita silk slip maxi dress
A classic body skimming slip is the go-to dress for any minimalist, making this lustrous airy bias-cut in white silk is an obvious choice.
Rasario
Sonya wedding dress
This impeccably-tailored strapless sweetheart satin midi is the answer if you are looking for a shorter length.
The Row
Sparrow draped one-shoulder gown
The Row is synonymous with minimalism. This exquisite silk asymmetric gown drapes from the single sleeve—the effect is sleek and positively majestic!
Armarium
Gigi high-neck maxi dress
Armarium’s sleeveless, high neckline silk gown beautifully showcases the neck and shoulders. Also, the freedom provided by its floor-length A-line shape is most comfortable. This may be the most effortless option for a minimalist bride.
Saint Laurent
silk strapless maxi dress
This gown is the epitome of minimalist elegance.
Tadashi Shoji
Stanton open-back gown
The unexpected contrast of an open back with a bateau neckline and long sleeves is ideal for the not-so demure bride.
Tove
Caroline dress
If asymmetry is what you are after, look no further than this delicately draped textured silk dress. The feature that is most striking is the exposed back that is crossed by a single pin-thin strap.
Whistles
Lina low-back satin wedding dress
The high neckline, glowing satin, and romantic train makes this classic dress ready for a church setting. It also begs for a stunning veil.
Giorgio Armani
satin strapless gown
A minimal crystal trim frames this unfussy strapless gown; only Armani can make full-length glimmer look as polished. To keep the overall look clean, chic and understated, limit any additional amount of sparkle.
Safiyaa
Kalika long dress
For architectural ensembles, Safiyaa is the brand for you. This form-fitting column dress combined with a contoured shoulder cape provides the right amount of shape and structure that will make you feel equally poised and at ease.
Rixo
Bridal Sandrine floral midi dress
Inspired by 1930s vintage dresses, this uncomplicated and incredibly flattering silhouette is the one to wear on a sunny day to say “I do” at city hall.
Tom Ford
asymmetric cutout column gown
Another sleek column gown that will make you appear statuesque. The cap sleeve and draped asymmetrical neckline give this dress a touch of ease and cool.
Markarian
Hazel column gown
Sweet is not the word that is used to describe minimal dressing, but if you are in search of even a small degree of it, this is your dress. The clean simple column shape, with a V-neckline and high waistline is reminiscent of the 1960s in the best way.
Alberta Ferretti
knot-detail satin dress
The graceful knot detail with a sash that drapes subtly on the back is the restrained detail that elevates this simple silk sheath.
Toteme
layered lace dress
The layered lace gown you need if you are getting married in a tropical place. The sheer net overlay that swathes the simple strapless dress is relaxed but sophisticated.
Christopher Esber
fusion fold tank dress
If you are headed seaside to tie the knot, this sinuous dress reveals and skims the body beautifully—it isn’t one to pass up.
Theory
organza layer mini shift dress
The organza overlay makes this otherwise simple sheath magical.
16Arlington
Sina cape-effect gown
The straightforward clean deep neckline that is mirrored in the back of this crepe gown is as alluring as the panels that drape down the center of the back following the train.
Maison Essentiele
halter neck dress
The halter dress is made impossibly chic with a delicate silk cord that holds up a pointed neckline. This is a hyper-minimal take on the silk slip.
Norma Kamali
Maria gown
Norma Kamali is known for her iconic designs that transcend trends and time. It isn’t any wonder that her version of a slip dress is exceptional. The fluidity, the fishnet tail, the matching cowl neck in the front and back, and the price render Kamali’s crepe satin gown perfect.
Gabriela Hearst
Sloane off-the-shoulder maxi dress
Effortless elegance is exactly what this sculptural off-the shoulder gown exudes. It is a masterpiece in minimalism that may hardly require accessories.
