Skip to main contentSkip to footer

10 alternative dresses that are perfect for the 'cool-girl' bride in 2025


Ace aisle-style with these elegant picks courtesy of Vivienne Westwood, Self-Portrait and more


model in white bridal gown in the street

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Read our full commerce guidelines here.

Hello Fashion
Lauren RamsayDeputy Digital Editor
Tania LeslauFashion Features Editor
Updated: August 27, 2025
Share this:

With stars from Taylor Swift to Dua Lipa saying ‘I do,’ the fashion world is already speculating on which gown the style set will be saying yes to this upcoming season. Whether it's for a civil ceremony at home or a glamorous wedding abroad, a traditional wedding dress is no longer necessary for your big day (unless you want it to be). Many brands understand that modern brides may want a more contemporary outfit, therefore the range of pieces outside of conventional dresses is endless.

Though it may sound ironic for wedding attire, bridal silhouettes in 2025 are all about feminine romance. On the SS25 runways during bridal fashion month -  floral motifs, 3D detailing, voluminous sleeves and texture combinations were just a few of the standout trends. There was also plenty of colour, bows and mini dresses for those who want an extra splash of pizzazz.

Unconventional silhouettes are quickly ascending the style ranks, with colour and embellishment taking centre stage. For example, Emily Ratajkowski married in a mustard Zara suit, Mandy Moore glowed in pink tulle, and Avril Lavigne went full gothic in black lace - as did Sarah Jessica Parker. Ahead of her time as always, Elizabeth Taylor wore a yellow chiffon gown designed by Irene Sharaff for her wedding to Richard Burton.

View post on Instagram
 

Mini silhouettes are also a cool-girl staple, with brides including Made In Chelsea’s Sophie Habboo and Lily Allen paying homage to the philosophy that sometimes less is truly more. 

Sharon Sever, head designer at couture bridal label Galia Lahav, has dressed the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton and Beyonce in bridal gowns. He previously gave H! Fashion his top tips for finding your personal style, which include: Be true to yourself, start with research, try on a variety of styles and take your time. Noted.

Discover the best dresses for the cool-girl bride in 2025 below. Time to say 'yes' to the dress. 

10 dresses that are perfect for the 'cool-girl' bride in 2025

  • Cream Boucle Long Sleeve Chiffon Midi Dress

    Cream Boucle Long Sleeve Chiffon Midi Dress

    Self-Portrait

    Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw with a Self-Portrait concoction. This structured gown flows into a cascading train, marrying cool-girl glamour with traditional tailoring. 

  • Elna mini dress
MALINA

    Elna Mini Dress

    Malina

    Introducing Malina, the hottest name to know for brides-to-be. We love the brand's Elna Dress, which features a 1960s-inspired shift style, long sleeves and bow detailing on the back. Chic and sweet in equal measure. 

  • Reformation - Joana Silk Dress
    Reformation - Joana Silk Dress

    Joana Silk Dress

    Reformation

    The strapless neckline of Reformation's gown perfectly elevates the classic 90s slip dress - perfect for making an entrance in the chicest way possible. If not feeling restricted is on your priority list, this relaxed fit is perfect for taking you from day to night.

  • Huishan Zhang wedding dress astra dress

    Astra Dress

    Huishan Zhang

    Make it a day to remember in Huishan Zhang - the designer every fashion girl wants in her wardrobe. Complete with spaghetti straps, a fanciful feather trim and beaded embellishment, this unique gown is the epitome of luxury.

  • Media Image

    + NET SUSTAIN Boheme Midi Dress

    Sleeper

    Allow yourself to inject some high-octane glamour into your wedding day wardrobe and shimmy into Sleeper's Ukrainian-made, bias-cut midi. The flair-filled garment features plumes of ivory feathers, guaranteeing that you'll turn heads as you walk down the aisle. 

  • Vivienne Westwood - Nova Cora Mini
    Vivienne Westwood - Nova Cora Mini

    Nova Cora Mini

    Vivienne Westwood

    To be honest, this dress will be on our dream dress list every single season. For 2025, corsetry is bang on trend - an ideal one for Vivienne Westwood fans. The folded skirt, the draping back, the scooped neckline - the silhouette is exquisite. It oozes vintage with a vampish, modern twist. 

  • Petunia Bloom Maxi Dress

    Petunia Bloom Maxi Dress

    DREAM Sister Jane

    Style it out with Sister Jane. The brand's Petunia gown is an affordable choice for brides to be - dotted with pearl and 3D floral detailing to conjure up ethereal elegance on the big day.  

  • Strapless Twill Minidress - Rotate Birger Christensen
    Strapless Twill Minidress - Rotate Birger Christensen

    Strapless Twill Minidress

    Rotate Birger Chrisensen

    Made from twill, this strapless minidress from Rotate Birger Christensen encapsulates the brand’s elegant contemporary aesthetic beautifully.

  • Lia Embellished Mini Dress

    Lia Embellished Mini Dress

    Rebecca Vallance

    When in doubt, look to Rebecca Vallance. The designer is celebrated for her glittering designs, and this adorable mini dress will take you from town hall to after-party with glamorous ease. 

  • Elliatt - Elder Dress
    Elliatt - Elder Dress

    Elder Dress

    Elliatt

    This is giving Sofia Richie Grainge's 2nd wedding dress vibes combined with 2025's floral appliqué obsession, and it's super chic. If changing dresses into a shorter hem evening party outfit is on the agenda, this stunning square neck satin mini is perfect.

How we chose our dresses:

The silhouette: Everybody has different body shapes and sizes, so whilst some may love a plunging v-neck, others may prefer to totally cover their upper half. Of course, we'd love to have tried on each dress individually, but instead we've picked our favourite range of dresses with totally different silhouettes, so there is something for all preferences. 

The trend: We've found dresses that adhere to the runway trends of this season, but also some that are as timeless as they are contemporary.

The brand: People have different priorities when it comes to shopping, particularly for special occasions, so we've included a mixture of independent labels, designer gems, British-made pieces and cult-adored brands. 

The price: We've tried to cover a range of budgets, with looks ranging from the £200 mark to £1000+. I've also selected dresses that I think can be reused for other occasions (if you wish).

HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this pa

More Hello! Fashion
See more