From capes to cardigans and biker gear, the coverup has been big news on the catwalks this season – and it’s a bridal trend that is both versatile and glamorous
The catwalks are always a good measure of what we’ll be seeing in the bridal boutiques – in some shape or other – in the seasons ahead. One bridal trend we love this season is the coverup. Whether it’s a caped crusader, a sassy biker bride, an ethereal princess or casual ingenue in fluffy cardigan, we’re loving the multiple ways an extra layer can add style to the wedding day ensemble. Here are 12 of our favourite versions of this bridal trend, as seen on the catwalks of Barcelona Bridal Week and White Gallery, London.
Biker bride
At Barcelona Bridal Week, Jordi Dalmau introduced biker jackets in both black and white, combining them with fantasy ruffled skirts and also a more form fitting bridal gown. We like the pairing of high glamour and classic street style.
Caped crusader
Alan Hannah, showing at White Gallery in London, had some fabulous coverups. We particularly loved Nico, with its sexy and form-fitting silhouette, plunge neck and integral cape effect falling to below the hips. And the smart wide belt put us in mind of Emma Peel’s best outfits in The Avengers.
Flutterby effect
This fluid YolanCris design rocked the catwalk at Barcelona Bridal Week. Transparent layering and a ruffled and draped top layer falling from below the shoulder line created a magical butterfly-wing effect – and from the back this outfit was a confection of beautiful ruffles.
Glamour coat
At White Gallery, Eliza Jane Howell showed a glittering red gown with a striking floral full-length coat. Perfect for an evening or winter wedding, this versatile top layer would earn its keep afterwards at parties and red-carpet events.
Ethereal splendour
At Barcelona Bridal Week Naeem Khan showed a lace dress topped with a gossamer light flower-decorated cape. The cape skimmed the waist at the front and touched the floor at the back. What we liked most about this coverup was that it didn’t hide the exquisite details of the dress, also flattering toned arms and shoulders. Naeem Khan is stocked exclusively in the UK by The Wedding Club.
Big reveal
An entirely different effect was created by Jordi Dalmau at Barcelona Bridal Week, who showed a diaphanous full length coverup with fine lacework at the neckline. This modest layer was removed to reveal a basque top and glitzy full pink skirt – definitely the big reveal.
Coat train
London designer Zaeem Jamal showed a chic and beautifully detailed plunge-neck mini at White Gallery, topping it with a glamorous coverup with wide kaftan-style sleeves. The effect was elegant – and also practical, since the coat created a train effect that would be smart for the wedding ceremony and easily removed for the after party.
Lounge look
At the White Gallery catwalk shows, Anny Lin debuted a slinky number that created a gown and coat effect. The flowing top layer was an opportunity to show off this Taiwanese designer’s mastery of embroidered detail and the whole effect was distinctly 1930s lounge glamour.
Demure jacket
The Marylise & Rembo Styling show at Barcelona Bridal Week included some choice demure jackets – a very neat and 1960s touch. We loved the details at the backs of the jackets, including a fine lace panel.
Fantasy fur
Jesus Peiro, showing in Barcelona, added in a cap-sleeved fur gilet with high collar and chain detail at the neckline – just the thing for a winter wedding and with real luxury credentials (and wear-again possibilities). We also loved the textural contrast with the floaty gown beneath.
Casual knit
Marylise & Rembo Styling introduced the fluffy cardigan jacket to their catwalk collection. This luxury knit is definitely for the bride who wants to look pared back, but would be just perfect for a boho or festival-themed wedding. This was no ordinary cardigan – the fine detail at the back of the knit was quite exquisite.
Snow bride
And finally, for the bride who is planning a wedding in snowy climes or doesn’t do veils, Marylise & Rembo Styling added in a proper woolly jumper and matching hat. It might be a trend too far for most brides we know, but just perfect against an alpine backdrop. A quick change and you would be ready for a post-ceremony run down the ski slopes.
