TWD is back from Fall 2026 Bridal Market, and this season is a love letter to the past!

Twice a year, designers, retailers, and bridal pros gather in Chicago for National Bridal Market, and we never miss it. This fall, one thing was clear from the first runway: bridal designers went time-traveling. Tudor-inspired waistlines, French lace, bohemian energy, and even a wink at the early 2000s all showed up in this season’s gowns. The best part? You get to pick which era feels most like you..

First, we’ll catch up on the trends that are still going strong. Next, we’ll look at what’s having a major moment right now. Then we’ll peek at the rising trends just starting to come into their own. And of course, we’ll show you some of our favorite dresses from TWD’s collection that bring these trends to life.

Still Timeless: Trends that keep going strong

• The Basque Waist. Still so hot! This V-shaped waistline has been flattering brides for literally hundreds of years (pointed bodices go all the way back to the 1500s), and it’s not slowing down. Deep dip or subtle point, it lengthens your bodice and shows off your waist.
• Jacquard. Rich, textured, woven designs are still growing. Nerd moment: the Jacquard loom, invented in 1804, used punch cards to weave patterns, and those cards helped inspire early computers. Your dress has tech cred!
• Two Looks. Whether you’re going for a whole different dress, what your grandma might have called it a “going-away outfit,” or detachable elements that reshape the style, this season embraces it all. Is two looks for your wedding day extra? Yes, babe! And we’re here for that.

Back in Style: Throwbacks having a major moment

• Ruching. Gathered fabric that hugs and flatters in all the right places. Fair warning: ruching is SO not hanger friendly. It looks like nothing on the rack and like everything on you. Trust us, you’ve got to try it on.
• All-Over Lace. Grandma would still be proud! Gowns made entirely of delicate lace, like French Chantilly, are trending up. This fabric design trend brings a softness and detail that’s pure romance.
• Detached Sleeves. Think cuffs and partial sleeves that sit on the arm. Fashion history backs this up: for hundreds of years, sleeves were separate pieces from the dress. Today’s version is romantic, a little regal, and totally removable when it’s time to dance.
• Free-Spirited Style. Boho is back with more soft-focus and new name. Rustic, whimsical, country chic: the flowy, lacy, effortless spirit is the same, just with a bit of a glow up.

On the Horizon: New takes on old favorites

• The Dropped Waist. A little 1920s, a little rebellious, and growing fast. Sleek and elegant, made for a night on the dance floor.
• The “Waterfall Waist.” Princess seams on ball gowns and full A-lines let heavy, flowy fabric pour from the waist in one smooth line. It’s a fairy tale in motion.
• Pickups. Every collection had at least one! Gathered, bubbly skirts are on their way back, with a fun, slightly fringe, very 2000s throwback vibe.

Here are a few gowns from The White Dress collection that mix these trends into something truly special!

Detachable Sleeves and Ruching: Eliora is a romantic

This Adore by Justin Alexander A-line is sleek chiffon perfection. Ruching on the bodice highlighting the sweetheart neckline creates a soft, sculpted fit that flatters from every angle. The smooth, flowing skirt pools on the floor in a soft chapel train with a subtle front slit. And those sheer, pearl studded sleeves? Wear them down the aisle for the luxe vibe and take them off for the reception, or reverse it and put the sleeves on when the veil comes off. Eliora gives you two moods in one dress, and both are gorgeous.

Allover Lace and Basque Waist: Zanta is a stunner

This Moonlight Bridal gown can’t quite decide if it’s A-line or a Ballgown. With exposed boning and a lace-up corset back on a strapless all-over lace gown, Zanta feels modern and vintage all at once. Every inch of this dress is covered in sheer, oversized floral lace and studded with pearl and crystal beading. The Basque waist gives just the right amount of drama and shape while the layers of sparkle and sheer tulle keep the skirt feeling light and airy. Horsehair trim adds structure to the layers encouraging the chapel train to billow out across the floor. Charming and self-possessed, a bride in this gown will turn heads wherever they are.

Ruching and Basque Waist: Chloe is a classic

Two of the season’s hottest trends, one stunning Adore by Justin Alexander gown. A contemporary scooped neckline tops the ruched organza bodice that dips into a Basque waist.  Layers of organza open into a full A-line skirt framing the waist as back of the gown mirrors the Basque waist point. A high slit in the front adds a little bit of spice. It’s structured and soft all at once. Chloe is proof that some shapes never go out of style.

Free-Spirited and Lace: Oriana is a dreamer

Lace applique and organza come together in this Lillian West A-line gown. If you’re drawn to flowy, whimsical, effortless style, meet your match. Soft botanical lace applique vines down from the shoulders to the natural waist of the bodice framing Oriana’s deeply plunging illusion neckline and deep V-back. Layered organza in blushing ‘vintage rose’ or traditional ivory is covered with an overskirt sprinkled with lace applique, turning up the soft-focus energy of the gown. Perfectly made for sunsets, open fields, and dancing barefoot.

The Waterfall Waist: Laurette is a showstopper

Talk about an entrance. This Essense of Australia gown is wrapped in corded floral lace from the strapless sweetheart bodice all the way down. The structured waistline drops low, elongating your whole silhouette, and then the princess seams open up and the skirt just pours. That’s the waterfall effect: not a narrow A-line, but a full, voluminous skirt that floats with every step you take. Turn around and you’ll find a row of fabric-covered buttons trailing down to a lace-covered train that is nothing short of magnificent. Laurette is fairy tale drama with a modern edge, and she does not whisper.

Shop the latest bridal trends at The White Dress in Brighton, MI!

Whether you’re drawn to Tudor drama, 1920s ease, or free-spirited romance, there’s a trend here with your name on it. Book your bridal appointment so our TWD-ettes can help you find your perfect dress in your unique style. We can’t wait to see you in person!