8 key bridal trends for the 2020 season

From glamorous top coats and fantasy sleeves to oversized bows and lashings of glitter, here is our round up of key 2020 bridal trends spotted on the runways of London and Barcelona

Runway images: London Bridal Fashion Week &
Valmont Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week

1. Heavy metal

Metallics and glittering elements are adding glamour – in spades – to bridal gowns and separates in 2020. This is chic twist on white that works wonderfully for evening and ballroom celebrations. Many of our favourite designs combine sparkle with shades ranging from dove and gunmetal to black – Marco & Maria even includes a stunning ombre-effect design in its new collection.

2. Cool coats

Luxe tailoring is big news in 2020 and one of our favourite additions is the bridal coat. It’s cropping up in multiple styles – from bomber and fitted jacket to glamorous full-length – adding style and drama with a contemporary flavour. It’s also an eminently practical addition where venue or season means you really need an extra layer to ward off goose bumps.

3. Big bows

Bows are blooming and are oversized this season – appearing at neckline, waist or even as a corsage. Some designers are channelling a 1950s flavour, while there’s a Victorian velvet or softer pussy-bow style in chiffon for others. Undeniably feminine, this is a trend we love for adding show-off style and fun to bridal.

4. Buckles up

While belts are always a popular part of the mix, there’s a twist to this season’s styles. Chunky and waist defining, our favourites have distinctive buckles to add attitude. They look great paired with this season’s tailored gowns, but equally chic in combination with the flowing and boho ensembles shown by designers such as Yolancris.

5. Bold shoulder

While off-the-shoulder ballgowns are in vogue, the runways of both London and Barcelona have featured gowns with a very different look. These range from romantic Bardot-style affairs to wide, collarbone-revealing cuts. Topping a slimline gown, this angular neckline creates a flattering silhouette that also works in combination with almost any length of bridal hair.

6. Rainbow bride

Colour is a strong fashion story for 2020, with designers featuring gowns in a rainbow of colours, ranging from sky and lilac through to yellow, navy and red. We love the scope for brides to do different and our personal pick is the trend for lovely marine hues – somewhere between blue and green – showcased in several designer collections.

7. Fantasy sleeves

Rounded, ruched, ruffled or padded, it’s all about the fantasy sleeve. Leg-of-mutton styles are particularly popular, appearing in multiple designers’ collections and ranging from Victorian prim to oversized puffball. Meanwhile, Pronovias has included some wonderful Dynasty-style exaggerated sleeves – we think this 1980s diva look might be an even stronger theme in 2021.

8. Sharp trousers

Trousers have been de rigueur in designer collections over several seasons, but this year they are sharper and even sassier. Perfect for the beach or city bride, you’ll find neat and tailored variations on palazzos, flares and skinnies. We also love the new season crops – perfect combined with a tailored jacket, a tunic or split-front gown.