How do you style a classic wedding dress?

For an utterly timeless bridal look, pair your wedding dress with simple accessories like delicate personal jewelry and a classic shoe like an elegant pump or barely there strappy sandal.

What are the most classic wedding dress necklines?

Off-the-shoulder, bateau, high-neck, sweetheart, V-neck, portrait, and scoop are a few classic wedding dress necklines that have established their enduring presence within the bridal sphere.

What are the most popular wedding dress shapes?

Ball gowns, mermaid styles, fit-and-flare dresses, and A-line silhouettes are among the most popular throughout history and today. A-line dresses tend to be the most universally flattering.

18 Best Classic Wedding Dresses of 2023

timeles wedding dress — PHOTO BY KELLY GIARROCCO

Meghan Markle in Givenchy. Grace Kelly in Helen Rose. Jackie O. in Ann Lowe. These iconic wedding dresses, while each individually unique, all share one key characteristic: timelessness. Unless you have a penchant for taking bold risks with your wardrobe (if so, more power to you!), a classic bridal aesthetic helps ensure you'll love your dress before, during, and long after the wedding day.

Classic wedding dresses are designed to stand the test of time, meaning you'll never cringe when looking back at those wedding portraits. Tried-and-true wedding dress silhouettes deliver by maintaining a sense of structural harmony that never goes out of style. These designs typically shy away from anything considered too ornate or trendy, but rest assured, classic does not translate to boring. Rather, it simply means relying on immaculate tailoring, sleek necklines, rich textures, and restrained embellishments. The finished look is always luxurious in that it commands quite a presence, regardless of the era.

To help you find your dream gown, we've researched the best options available. When scouring the web, we considered a wide variety of styles, keeping silhouette, materials, cost, and overall quality in mind.

Read on for the best timeless wedding dresses.

Our Top Picks

Best Midi:

BHLDN Cali Satin Cowl-Neck Midi Slip Dress at Anthropologie

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Anna October Snowdrop Asymmetric Maxi Dress at Annaoctober.com

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Most Unexpected:

Emilia Wickstead Bow-Appliqué Cloqué-Crepe Dress at Matchesfashion.com

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For the Minimalist Bride:

Alex Perry Eliza Gown at Net-a-Porter

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Most Understated:

Galvan Hampshire Satin-Crepe Gown at Net-a-Porter

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Best Slip:

Lela Rose The Foley Gown at Lelarose.com

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Best Vintage-Inspired:

Grace + Ivory Elle Dress at Graceandivory.com

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Best Strapless:

Markarian Bernini Gown at Markarian-nyc.com

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Most Pared-Back:

SAFIYAA Strapless Crepe Gown at Net-a-Porter

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Best High-Low Hem:

Halfpenny London Strapless Asymmetric Duchesse-Satin Gown at Net-a-Porter

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BHLDN Cali Satin Cowl-Neck Midi Slip Dress

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Size Range: 0-26W | Material: Polyester | Delivery: Standard shipping | Return policy: Within 30 days

Keep things easy and breezy with a midi length dress that's both universally flattering and never goes out of style. Plus, this stunner comes in 11 beautiful shades, so your bridesmaids can match your personal style.

Price at time of publish: $168

Anna October Snowdrop Asymmetric Cotton-Blend Maxi Dress

Moda Operandi

View On Annaoctober.com View On Modaoperandi.com

Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, cotton | Delivery: Standard shipping | Return policy: Within 28 days

Nothing screams long, lazy days and summer romance quite like this structured, simple, yet striking dress. Pair it with a loose bun and a dewy makeup look to complete the laid-back, summertime vibe.

Price at time of publish: $790

Emilia Wickstead Charlotte Bow-AppliquÃ© CloquÃ©-Crepe Dress

Matches

View On Matchesfashion.com

Size Range: 2-12 | Material: Polyester, cotton, elastane | Delivery: Standard shipping | Return policy: Within 14 days

Remember what we said about classic wedding dresses not being boring? This dress proves our point! While an oversized bow typically lends itself to more trendy aesthetics, this impressive cape gown is an undeniable classic and effortlessly chic.

Price at time of publish: $3,081

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: UK 4-16 | Material: Satin crepe | Delivery: Standard shipping | Return policy: Within 30 days

Strut down the aisle in this elegant gown. The weighty satin crepe of this striking gown hugs all your gorgeous curves in just the right way. Clean lines, slim straps, and a sharp neckline solidify the minimalist aesthetic.

Price at time of publish: $2,700

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: FR 34-44 | Material: Satin crepe | Delivery: Standard shipping | Return policy: Within 30 days

Simple elegance is always in fashion, and this square-neck design is as timeless as they come. We love the extra detailing in the boned bodice and chapel-length train for a more elevated silhouette. While it's understated in style, it's still gorgeous enough for a formal black-tie event.

Price at time of publish: $2,495

Lela Rose

View On Lelarose.com

Size Range: Made to measure | Material: Satin crepe | Delivery: Made to order | Return policy: Within 10 days

All hail the slinky slip dress! This otherwise simplistic silhouette comes to life with exquisite seaming, a fuller skirt, a sultry low back, and covered button detailing. This would look stunning at a spring garden wedding surrounded by fresh flowers.

Price at time of publish: Available upon request

Grace + Ivory

View On Graceandivory.com

Size Range: Made to measure | Material: Cotton, polyester | Delivery: 5-6 months | Return policy: Within 10 days for a partial refund

Delicate hand-beading, rich lace overlay, jeweled high neck, and dreamy scalloped train give this design quite the old-world presence. We love how the warm peachy underlay heightens the retro romantic appeal.

Price at time of publish: $2,095

Markarian

View On Markarian-nyc.com

Size Range: 0-14 | Material: Polyester | Delivery: 12-16 weeks | Return policy: Final sale

Structured and flattering yet dreamy and romantic, we can't get enough of this gown. The classic wrap dress, with all its movement and flashes of leg, gets a unique twist courtesy of a strapless neckline. We especially love the soft jacquard print for added richness.

Price at time of publish: $3,495

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: FR 34-46 | Material: Crepe | Delivery: Standard shipping | Return policy: Within 30 days

The timeless beauty of this strapless gown is in the absence of extra details. Nothing says exquisite quite like needing no additional embellishments to amplify your shine. Pair it with sparkling diamond earrings and tennis necklace for a touch of glam.

Price at time of publish: $1,125

Halfpenny London Jackson Strapless Asymmetric Duchesse-Satin Gown

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: UK 0-16 | Material: Duchesse satin | Delivery: Standard shipping | Return policy: Within 30 days

With a traditional sweetheart neckline, satin finish, and full skirt, this is a high-low hemline with considerable staying power. Just look at how satisfyingly it graduates to the most perfect pooling in the back.

Price at time of publish: $1,860

DB Studio Crepe off-the-Shoulder Sheath Wedding Dress Style WG-4033

Davids Bridal

View On David's Bridal

Size Range: 0-30W | Material: Polyester | Delivery: Standard shipping | Return policy: Within seven days

The gathered bodice and fold-over bust of this crepe sheath are as familiar as they are enduring. This dress is an iconic look that would look stunning on any bride. Note: Full-size availability is divided between two dress listings.

Price at time of publish: $300

Net-A-Porter.

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: UK 6-18 | Material: Crepe | Delivery: Standard shipping | Return policy: Within 30 days

These exaggerated sleeves certainly need no introduction, but we especially love the three-quarter length that makes this design more approachable. Plus, there's a stunning diamond-shaped back cutout that now lives in our minds rent-free.

Price at time of publish: $2,495

Jenny by Jenny Yoo Lawrence Square-Neck Open-Back Taffeta Gown

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Size Range: 0-18 | Material: Polyester | Delivery: Standard shipping | Return policy: Within 30 days

That's right, this dress has pockets! This classic scoop neck, A-line gown got a major upgrade with the addition of concealed compartments to keep your phone close by or nonchalantly tuck your hands inside. Pair this beauty with an up-do to show off the low back.

Price at time of publish: $1,300

Jenny Yoo

View On Jennyyoo.com

Size Range: 00-32 | Material: Lace | Delivery: 20 weeks | Return policy: Final sale

There's nothing like a bit of Chantilly lace to give you all the feels. This skimming fit-and-flare silhouette keeps things simple, while the beaded floral appliqués layered over airy tulle give this gown a modern twist.

Price at time of publish: $2,900

Anne Barge

View On Annebarge.com

Size Range: 0-22 | Material: Mikado scuba | Delivery: 5-7 business days | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days

A strapless sweetheart neckline is a classic pick every bride should consider, as it's at once timeless and flattering. Wear this gorgeous mikado scuba gown with shoulder-grazing earrings and keep other accessories minimal.

Price at time of publish: $3,400

Sareh Nouri

View On Sarehnouri.com View On Thebridalfinery.com

Size Range: 0-30 | Material: Italian stretch mikado | Delivery: Free ground shipping | Return policy: Final sale

Make a statement that’ll last a lifetime in this bold gown featuring an off-the-shoulder neckline and a classic A-line silhouette. The glamorous full skirt adds some drama, while the structured bodice keeps things flattering and comfortable.

Price at time of publish: Available upon request

Reformation

View On Reformation

Size Range: 0-12 | Material: Silk | Delivery: Free shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Give old Hollywood glamor in this effortlessly elegant silk gown from Reformation. The liquid-like material adds dimension while the off-the-shoulder neckline adds a touch of sexiness. This gown would look stunning at any formal affair.

Price at time of publish: $748

Amsale

View On Amsale.com

Size Range: Made to order | Material: Radzimir, Tulle | Delivery: Free ground shipping | Return policy: Final sale

The understated elegance of these sheer sleeves makes the whole gown feel ultra-chic. It's the perfect pick for the modern bride who still wants to stay true to classic styles and silhouettes.

Price at time of publish: $4,895

What to Look For in a Classic Wedding Dress

Silhouette and materials

Classic wedding dresses are designed to never go out of style. Timeless silhouettes like streamlined sheaths and columns or romantic A-lines and ball gowns have proven their enduring appeal. We love the Jenny Yoo Lawrence Square-Neck Open-Back Taffeta Wedding Gown.

If you're a bride-to-be with traditional tastes, opt for crisp and structured silks or dresses in all-over lace. For brides with a more daring aesthetic, sexy slip dresses and slim, body-hugging designs are always a striking choice. Remember: The beauty is in the details—or lack thereof.

Style and details

If you're looking for subtle or statement-making touches, consider eye-catching open backs, rich beading, or exquisite seaming that align with the look's more elegant vibe. If you think your decision might be steered by the latest trends, ask yourself if you'd still be happy to wear the dress in a few years or pass it down to future generations.

FAQ

How do you style a classic wedding dress?

For an utterly timeless bridal look, pair your wedding dress with simple accessories like delicate personal jewelry and a classic shoe like an elegant pump or barely there strappy sandal.
What are the most classic wedding dress necklines?

Off-the-shoulder, bateau, high-neck, sweetheart, V-neck, portrait, and scoop are a few classic wedding dress necklines that have established their enduring presence within the bridal sphere.
What are the most popular wedding dress shapes?

Ball gowns, mermaid styles, fit-and-flare dresses, and A-line silhouettes are among the most popular throughout history and today. A-line dresses tend to be the most universally flattering.