29 Simple and Elegant Wedding Dresses You Can Buy Right Now

From effortless slip dresses to sleek ball gowns.

by Sophie Moore
Sophie has worked in the fashion industry for over seven years and has been with Brides since 2013.
Updated 05/14/20

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simple wedding dress

 Courtesy of Rache Havel

Let’s face it, a lot of wedding dresses are well, extravagant. From intricate beadwork to layers upon layers of tulle to fine lace detailing, many gowns come with a lot of embellishments. And that’s okay. As a bride, you should indulge and be true to your personal style. If that means decking yourself in all the glitz and glamour a gown has to offer, do it. If your visions of "the one" are less lace and ball gown and more clean, architectural lines, and zero fuss—you're a minimalist bride. And for you, that means finding a simple wedding dress that still makes a very big statement.

As a minimalist, you prefer things simple but this by no means equates to boring, especially when it comes to your wedding dress. From impossibly chic slip dresses to body-skimming column and mermaid silhouettes to clean and modern ball gowns, the options for simple wedding dresses are endless.

Whether current trends have you leaning towards throwing a casual backyard wedding or you're a minimalist bride who craves clean lines and the ease of a relaxed silhouette, we've curated the best simple wedding dresses for every bridal style and budget.

01
of 29

Tadashi Shoji Cowl-Back Crepe Gown

simple dress

Courtesy of Tadashi Shoji

Conservative in the front, all party in the back, this Tadashi Shoji stunner will photograph beautifully from all angles. Sweep your hair up into a loose bun to really showcase all of the lace detail.

02
of 29

Maticevski Gathered Cady Gown

simple dress

 Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

There is simply nothing more sophisticated and timeless as a high-neck dress. This floor-sweeping style features a gathered shoulder detail and an asymmetrical back for a modern twist.

03
of 29

Julie de Libran Crystal-Embellished Silk-Satin Gown

simple dress

Courtesy of Matchesfashion

If you're a bride-to-be with a minimalist aesthetic, then a simple slip dress is a no-brainer for your wedding day but if you're looking for an elevated version of this classic silhouette, then opt for a style with unexpected details. This silk-satin slip from Julie de Libran features an exquisite crystal embellished back and a high slit at the front.

04
of 29

David's Bridal Off-the-Shoulder Dress

simple dress

 Courtesy of David's Bridal

You can never go wrong with an elegant off-the-shoulder number, especially if it's crafted from oh-so-flattering body-skimming fabric. This mermaid style could easily be worn for a winter or summer wedding.

05
of 29

Nouvelle Amsale Strapless Ball Gown

simple dress

 Courtesy of BHLDN

Brides who covet traditional styles and clean lines will love this modern take on a classic silhouette. Featuring a gentle train and an impressive abstract bow, this gown is perfect for a black-tie affair.

06
of 29

Stella McCartney Cap Sleeve Wedding Dress

simple dress

Courtesy of Nordstrom

For brides seeking a slightly more conservative wedding dress, this gown from Stella McCartney has you covered. This simple silhouette is anything but shapeless and features a tie at the back that cinches you at the waist.

07
of 29

Alex Perry Cape-Effect Crepe Gown

simple dress

Courtesy of Alex Perry

Choosing to wear a simple gown doesn't mean you can't bring the drama! This lightweight crepe gown with a modern cape-effect is giving us serious Solange Knowles vibes.

08
of 29

Floravere Lace Cutouts Dress

simple dress

Courtesy of Floravere

If you're having a summer wedding, sheer lace cutouts are the perfect way to show some skin and to stay cool. This A-line gown also features a center slit making it super easy to glide down the aisle and around the dancefloor.

09
of 29

Reformation Geranium Dress with Back Bow

simple dress

Courtesy of Reformation

This Reformation dress is the epitome of understated glamour with its subtle neckline, puff sleeves and plunging v-back–talk about old Hollywood glam!

10
of 29

A.L.C. High Neck Dress with Cutouts

simple dress

Courtesy of Shopbop

We love the flow of this effortless silhouette from the structured shoulders to the cutouts that nip at the waist to the relaxed A-line skirt. This style could easily be worn with a pair of metallic sandals or a casual wedge.

11
of 29

Solace London One-Shoulder Gathered Crepe Maxi Dress

simple dress

 Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

If you love the simplicity and shape of a column gown but you're looking for that "wow" moment at the same time, consider this stunning style from Solace London featuring a voluminous and sculptural puffed shoulder.

12
of 29

David's Bridal Strapless Plus Size Dress

simple dress
Courtesy of David's Bridal

This clean and modern stretch crepe strapless gown hugs your body in all of the right places. Designed with a form-fitting bodice and curve-accentuating princess seams, this David's Bridal gown couldn't be any more flattering or timeless.

13
of 29

Galvan Lines Charmeuse Slip Dress

simple dress

Courtesy of Matchesfashion

A slinky slip dress is the epitome of effortless chic. Whether you're getting married at City Hall, in a ballroom or in your backyard, this simple silhouette is never out of place.

14
of 29

Stella McCartney Violet Cape Wedding Dress

simple dress

Courtesy of Nordstrom

For the fall or winter bride, a cape dress is a sophisticated way to make a statement and stay warm. A minimalist style like this would pair well with delicate jewelry and monochromatic heels.

15
of 29

Black Halo Asymmetrical Bodice Dress

simple dress

Courtesy of Shopbop

For the spring or summer bride, a strapless column dress is the way to go. This Black Halo number actually features a no-slip grip on the bodice so you won't have to worry about adjusting your gown throughout the night–phew!

16
of 29

Floravere Bow Back Dress

simple dress

Courtesy of Floravere

It's all in the details when it comes to making a simple dress feel special. Maybe it's bows, a plunging neckline, lace embroidery, an asymmetrical hemline, or an open back–start with the shape of the silhouette and go from there!

17
of 29

Alexandre Vauthier Crystal Belt Gown

simple dress

 Courtesy of Farfetch

We love this relaxed yet sophisticated style for a courthouse or city wedding. Dress this look up with ornate accessories for some elevated sparkle.

18
of 29

White by Vera Wang High Neck Halter Dress

simple dress

Courtesy of David's Bridal

One of the best features of a simple wedding dress is that it most likely won't weigh you down and instead, will move effortlessly with you. This body-skimming halter-neck gown from White by Vera Wang will have you gliding down the aisle.

19
of 29

Floravere Flocked Velvet Dress

simple dress

Courtesy of Floravere

For a winter wedding, long sleeves and velvet touches are a must. This dreamy Floravere gown comes complete with gauzy sleeves flocked with velvet details.

20
of 29

Jenny by Jenny Yoo Minimalist Slip Gown

simple dress

 Courtesy of BHLDN

Not all slips are created equal. How a slip dress is constructed is very important from the draping right down to the placement of seams. This Jenny by Jenny Yoo style features a soft cowl neckline, an empire bust seam, and a bias-cut skirt that gives way to a gentle train to create a truly figure-flattering design.

21
of 29

David's Bridal Off-the-Shoulder Satin Plus Size Gown

simple dress

Courtesy of David's Bridal

Accentuate your decolletage and waist in this off-the-shoulder A-line gown. Crafted from dreamy lightweight satin and complete with hidden pockets, you'll never want to take this dress off!

22
of 29

Amsale Sheer Back Faille Sheath Dress

simple dress

Courtesy of Nordstrom

For the laidback bride who is having a wedding at home in the backyard, at city hall, or at an intimate venue, this sheath dress is for you.

23
of 29

Alexis Pleated Paneled Georgette Maxi Dress

simple dress

Courtesy of Moda Operandi

If you're looking for a wedding dress with some movement, then this Alexis number is for you. Designed with asymmetrical pleating details, your skirt will move when you move.

24
of 29

Tadashi Shoji Off-the-Shoulder Crepe Gown

simple dress

Courtesy of Tadashi Shoji

This Tadashi Shoji stretch-crepe gown is the perfect balance of structured and relaxed. A gentle off-the-shoulder neckline brings a romantic softness to a body-skimming silhouette.

25
of 29

Reformation Sauvignon Slip Dress

simple dress

 Courtesy of Reformation

This silk charmeuse slip dress moves like liquid and it's soft sheen captures the light at every angle. This Reformation dress comes complete with adjustable straps helping to keep pesky tailoring to a minimum.

26
of 29

Atoir Blue Satin Midi Dress

simple dress

 Courtesy of Moda Operandi

If you're still looking for your "something blue" or for a pretty summer hue that isn't bridal white, consider this powder blue dress from Atoir.

27
of 29

ML Monique Lhuillier Eyelet Lace Dress

simple dress

 Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue 

For easy breezy summer days, you need an easy-breezy summer dress crafted from lightweight fabrics like eyelet lace. Wear this romantic midi dress to your nuptials in the garden or on the beach.

28
of 29

Parker Black High/Low Dress

simple dress

Courtesy of Revolve

A high/low hemline embodies the best of both worlds. It's short and casual at the front and long and formal at the back making it the perfect choice for a semi-formal wedding.

29
of 29

Zara Long Sleeveless V-Neck Dress

white dress

Courtesy of Zara

This relaxed and unfussy dress has us dreaming of romantic summer nights. Wear yours with a pair of woven sandals or a modern mule.

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