Part 1: NY Bridal Fashion Week & What It Means for Wedding Style
This post is in partnership with Nearly Newlywed and AW Bridal. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Santa Barbara Wedding Style.
As a designer and trend seeker, I always keep a close eye on Fashion Week — especially the shows during New York Bridal Fashion Week. These collections don’t just influence what brides wear down the aisle — they shape the entire wedding landscape.
From gown silhouettes and fabric choices to tablescape trends, guest attire, and even the china, glass, and silver couples are selecting — NYBFW sets the tone for what’s next in weddings. The runway becomes a visual forecast, inspiring not only bridal designers, but also florists, planners, rental companies, and couples who want a celebration that feels curated, stylish, and ahead of the curve.
In this three-part blog series, I’m breaking down the key takeaways from the runways and how they’re influencing 2025–2026 weddings in ways both big and beautifully subtle. Expect to see:
✨ Sculptural silhouettes and unexpected necklines
✨ Luxe, layered textiles — from tulle to embroidery
✨ Statement embellishments and modern romance
✨ Fresh color stories (yes, even black!)
✨ And design-forward trends showing up in tablescapes, accessories, and guest fashion
Whether you’re a bride, groom, planner, or just someone who loves gorgeous design — this series is your inside look at what’s ahead. And yes, I’ve sprinkled in a few shoppable picks to help you bring this energy straight into your wedding day.
-Zohe Felici
To help you navigate this year’s Fashion Week trends, we've highlighted five key styles and how they can manifest as a gorgeous wedding gown. We’re featuring dresses from the online bridesmaid and bridal shop AW Bridal and Nearly Newlywed, a go-to destination for affordable pre-owned dresses.
Off-The-Shoulder Sleeves
Romantic and timeless, off-the-shoulder sleeves have been reimagined with luxurious fabrics and detachable options, offering brides both elegance and flexibility. Full off-the-shoulder and more asymmetric one-shoulder options have been spotted on the runway.
Bright Red Hues
Breaking tradition, vibrant red gowns are making a bold statement, perfect for brides looking to infuse passion and personality into their wedding attire.
Skirts Over Pants
A modern twist on bridal fashion, the skirt-over-pants look combines sophistication with practicality, ideal for brides seeking a unique and comfortable ensemble.
Shining Silver & Sequins
Silver accents were hot on the runways this season, as well as a bold ‘70s glam rock aesthetic. This shimmering trend translates beautifully to bridalwear—like this sparkling gown from Nearly Newlywed that channels both high-shine elegance and retro edge in one unforgettable look.
Fitted Lace
All-over lace is popping up across many designer collections this year, bringing new life to this timeless textile. Fitted lace gowns offer a flattering silhouette while showcasing intricate, romantic details—perfect for brides seeking a classic look with modern sophistication.
