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Photo by Valorie Darling
Transparency is a clear trend in fashion right now, but it may not be the first style you had in mind for your wedding dress. While sheer lace panels and tulle layers are customary in the wedding world, bridal designers are offering more risqué options with illusion wedding dresses. Now, we know what you’re thinking: A naked wedding gown could read unsophisticated. But, it’s actually a gorgeous and dramatic option if you embrace the look with thoughtful silhouettes and design details.
Bridal designers such as Berta and Galia Lahav are known for these barely-there bridal looks that are sure to turn heads. For the moderately-brave bride, peek-a-boo gowns are illusory without feeling like you’re baring it all. Styles that are semi-sheer in the bodice, along the neckline, or lower down on the skirt are just showy enough.
What is an Illusion Wedding Dress?
An illusion wedding dress is a gown that runs the gamut from ultra-sexy to subtly sheer. This style of dress is often made from see-through fabrics, skillfully adorned with glistening beadwork, appliqués, and embroidery.
No matter which style or bridal designer you choose, say "yes!" to the dress that best aligns with your personal taste and the vibe you're trying to achieve. From romantic to modest and sexy to sophisticated, there's an illusion gown for everyone.
Think you're daring enough for an illusion wedding gown? Ahead, we’ve assembled 20 styles we think you'll absolutely love.
For the Princess Bride
Justin Alexander Signature Sabrina Neckline Ball Gown Embellished with Scattered Beading
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Justin Alexander Signature
Size range: Inquire with retailer | Length: Floor length | Material: Mikado and embellished tulle | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
This mikado ballgown features an embellished bodice with an illusion Sabrina neckline adorned with scattered beading. A V-back, pockets, and buttons down the chapel train add modern details to this classic look.
Most Curve Hugging
Maggie Sottero Esther Dress
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Maggie Sottero
Size range: Inquire with retailer | Length: Floor length | Material: Beaded lace motifs and chantilly lace | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
The Esther gown is ideal for the bride seeking a gown that will accentuate her figure. The embellished lace motifs, delicate chantilly lace, and jaw-dropping back detail just adds the perfect bridal touch.
Best Off-the-Shoulder Neckline
Grace Loves Lace Peaches Wedding Dress
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Grace Loves Lace
Size range: XS-XL | Length: Floor length | Material: Floral stretch lace | Return policy: Final sale
This feminine mermaid gown is a modern take on the off-the-shoulder silhouette. Handmade with exclusive stretch rose lace over nude lining, this dress is designed to accentuate your curves. The train is hemmed with hand-placed rose motifs for a lovely extra detail.
For the Modern Bride
Watters Style 66103B Sirena Gown
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Watters
Size range: 00-24W | Length: Floor length | Material: Tulle, floral lace, thicket lace, and dotted netting | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
For the bride seeking something extraordinary, this fit-and-flare gown features a plunging illusion neckline and head-to-toe beaded lace topped with gorgeous floral cutouts. A flowing train completes this sexy and romantic look.
Most Whimsical
Rosa Clará Couture Elba Gown
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Rosa Clará
Size range: Inquire with retailer | Length: Floor length | Material: Floral lace and textured tulle | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
For the boho-chic bride seeking something classy and vintage-inspired with just a bit of drama, this full-length gown is sure to check all your boxes. It's made from tulle and lace inlays and features details like an illusion floral lace bodice, an open back, and dotted long plumetti sleeves. The round neckline, flowing skirt, and chapel train are ultra-romantic touches.
For the Sophisticated Bride
Berta Bridal Napoli Style 20-110
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Berta Bridal
Size range: Inquire with retailer | Length: Floor length | Material: Lace | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
This allover lace fit-and-flare gown is a gorgeous blend of modesty and sexiness. The high neck and long sleeves juxtapose a wide-open back and nude lining under intricate floral lace. Figure-defining and oh-so-bridal, this illusion gown is a total stunner.
For a Fall Wedding
Justin Alexander Style 88049 Allover Lace Illusion Long Sleeve Fit and Flare Gown
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Justin Alexander
Size range: Inquire with retailer | Length: Floor length | Material: Lace, tulle, and jersey knit | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
Vintage-inspired with a modern flair, this long-sleeve gown with allover lace is elegant as it is bold. The illusion bodice is detailed with lovely lace that extends down the flared skirt featuring tulle godets. A sheer illusion back with buttons from the back neckline to the end of the zipper ensures drama from every angle.
Best Leg Moment
Berta Bridal Style 18-120
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Berta
Size range: Inquire with retailer | Length: Floor length | Material: Tulle and lace embroidery | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
A combination of intricate embroidery and sheer fabric creates a stunning look that shows off all your best assets. A high neck and long sleeves contrast with a cutout illusion V-neckline and a partially sheer skirt with lace detailing at the hem.
Most Ethereal
Inbal Dror Look 19-7
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Inbal Dror
Size range: Inquire with retailer | Length: Floor length | Material: Silver sequins and floral embroidery | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
This barely-there illusion wedding gown is as bold as they come. For the whimsical bride seeking a totally sheer look, this gown features a plunging V-neck and a layered skirt adorned with floral embroidery and silver sequins.
Best Illusion Back
Allure Bridals Style 9771
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Allure Bridals
Size range: 0-30 | Length: Floor length | Material: Tulle and lace | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
This fitted sheath gown features just a touch of illusion detailing at the neckline and unique racerback. Nude lining under ornately beaded fabric adds a touch of modern to a classic bridal gown.
Most Show Stopping
Galia Lahav Florence By Night Cherry Blossom Gown
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Galia Lahav
Size range: Inquire with retailer | Length: Floor length | Material: Embroidered tulle and floral motifs | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
This gown is for the bride with nothing to hide. The column dress features a geometric cutout bodysuit and puffy shoulders atop a pair of sheer, lacy long sleeves. Cherry blossom embroidered tulle with a floral motif provide most of the coverage on this ultra-sheer gown for only the most daring.
If you love this look but want more coverage, invest in a detachable overskirt with a slit, and have your seamstress sew it on. You can customize the amount of sheer underskirt still visible to your liking.
For a Beach Wedding
Margaux Tardits Orféo Wedding Dress
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The Dress Tribe
Size range: Inquire with retailer | Length: Floor length | Material: Silk chiffon and embroidered tulle | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
This long-sleeve dress with a plunging neckline features a sheer tulle illusion bodice with seashell embroidery. The defining waistband is complemented by a scalloped peplum at the hips, giving way to a romantic silk chiffon skirt.
Most Effortless
Jenny by Jenny Yoo Elinor Deep V-Neck Lace & Illusion Wedding Gown
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Courtesy of BHLDN
Size range: 0-26 | Length: Floor length | Material: Chiffon and floral embroidered tulle | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
This A-line gown features an illusion neckline and back accented with covered buttons. The deep V adds drama while the airy skirt gives way to a beautiful flowing train. Add a bejeweled belt to really define your waist and glam up this otherwise simple bridal gown.
For the Elegant Bride
Morilee by Madeline Gardner Style 3285 Sasha Wedding Dress
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Morilee
Size range: 16-32 | Length: Floor length | Material: Tulle and embroidered appliqués | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
This gown's sheer off-the-shoulder neckline with a deep V features frosted, embroidered appliqués that extend down the net skirt. Long sleeves add a lovely detail to this figure-defining mermaid dress.
Most Dramatic
Maggie Sottero Hamilton Dress
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Maggie Sottero
Size range: Inquire with retailer | Length: Floor length | Material: Beaded lace motifs, textured tulle, organza, and fabric-covered buttons | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
Featuring the most exquisite back, this Maggie Sottero is for the bride who isn't afraid of a little (or a lot) of drama. From the cathedral-length train, illusion back, and beaded lace motifs over textured tulle, the Hamilton gown is a show stopper.
For the Sexy Bride
Berta Style 20-P110
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Vows Bridal
Size range: Inquire with retailer | Length: Floor length | Material: Lace-embroidered tulle and pearls | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
Intricate lace embroidery is scattered throughout a completely sheer fitted design for a subtly sexy bridal look. This jaw-dropping Berta gown is polished off with strands of pearls that drape perfectly to frame the daringly low back.
For a Summer Wedding
Martina Liana Style 1059-Bead
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Essense Designs
Size range: Inquire with retailer | Length: Floor length | Material: White tonal beaded-embellished lace, tulle, and crepe | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
We picture this beauty with a garden, seaside, or estate backdrop for a perfect summer wedding. The crepe fabric keeps it fresh and sleek while white tonal beading complements the floating floral appliqués for an irresistibly sparkly look.
Most Elongating
Galia Lahav Carla Dress
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Galia Lahav
Size range: Inquire with retailer | Length: Floor length | Material: Tulle and embroidered lace appliqués | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
The V-neckline, dainty straps, and sheer panels cascading down along either side of this lace trumpet gown is a match made in heaven for the bride who wants to look long and lean. We're head over heels for the pretty lace appliqués and that train!
Best Back Detail
Wtoo by Watters Philomene Lace Cap-Sleeve Wedding Gown
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Anthropologie
Size range: 00-15 | Length: Floor length | Material: Corded lace | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
This corded lace gown features a fitted silhouette and the most charming scalloped trim. The illusion neckline and back allows for a dramatic skin-baring look. Did we mention those floating buttons?!
For a Garden Wedding
Oscar de la Renta SS/22 Look 6
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Oscar de la Renta
Size range: Inquire with retailer | Length: Floor length | Material: Satin and floral appliqués | Return policy: Dependent on bridal retailer
We may have just saved the best for last with this dreamy Oscar de la Renta ballgown. This ultra-bridal look features a flurry of three-dimensional floral appliqués on an impeccably constructed satin gown.
What to Look for in an Illusion Wedding Dress
Before you race to the store for an illusion gown, there are a few key details you should look out for. To start, consider the durability of the fabric. While most wedding dresses are made from high-quality fabrics, those designed with soft tulle or English net are still delicate. And for those who plan to hit the dance floor, consider how your movements may impact your gown, as delicate illusion sleeves may not be the best choice.
Additionally, be sure that your gown offers a variety of illusion shades in order to accommodate your skin tone. "Most designers offer their illusion colors in an ivory or porcelain tone, which is slightly darker than ivory. However, there is a clear need for designers to offer more color options that will suit a variety of skin tones," shares Olivia DeAngelo, owner of VOWS Bridal. "One of our favorite designers, Essence Designs—who make Stella York, Essence of Australia, and Martina Liana gowns—offers a vast range of illusion colors that allow every bride to achieve an illusion look."
Why Trust Us / About the Author
Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a writer and editor with expertise in bridal fashion, accessories, and fine jewelry for both men and women. She formerly served as the senior fashion editor at The Zoe Report and POPSUGAR. Her work has been featured in ELLE, InStyle, Glamour, Refinery29, Well+Good, and Barneys New York.
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