From puff skirts to Juliet sleeves and layered designs, one of the key trends this spring is shapes with volume. Now, this doesn’t have to be something that fully taps into the maximalism vibe, it’s more about adding a point of difference to silhouettes that often have a sleeker style.

These added touches of volume create really remarkable shapes, which are not only wearable and fun, but have that cutting-edge, cooler-than-cool feel. We especially adore the juxtaposition of a really bold element with a slim-cut dress, or a mini style that has some clever volume to the skirt or sculptural elements. So, with these vibes in mind, what have the designers been working on that we love? There’s a lot to choose from…

Puffball skirts

We can’t stop looking at the new capsule collection from Katya Katya – Muse. The pieces have been designed to offer brides something really different and free-spirited. The theme and inspiration for the styles are ethereal ball gowns, giving a relaxed yet sophisticated look that can be styled in a variety of different ways. We love the puff-ball-inspired ballgown; the hemline curves inwards and upwards, giving the dress an amazing bubble style. We adore the contrast of the skirt with the strapless sweetheart bodice – it also comes with detachable puff sleeves. We’ve seen similar balloon hem skirts all over the runways for mainline fashion over the past few seasons, from the likes of Christopher Kane and Miu Miu, so it is glorious to see this translated so perfectly into bridal. We adore throwback trends, and the ’80s is hitting the high notes this season.

Detachables

For brides that want a mixture of styles for their big day, detachable elements offer a wonderful solution, especially if they want one voluminous option and one sleek look. Miabelle’s new bridal line is full of clever details and timeless styling elements, our favourite being the floral drop sleeve element to the Sorrento dress. The gown has been crafted to look utterly romantic in lightweight lustrous satin with detachable rose corsage straps. We adore the structure and support of the sweetheart bodice, along with the full skirt and its striking side split.

Unbridled Studio is a new label that launched last year. The collection is all about clever details, use of separates, and layering – all with the notion of rewearing in mind. One of the things we adore about the line is the opportunity to create subtle volume with layering, and our favourite combination is the Clara Satin gown with the Lila Pearl Peplum. The dress is made from luxurious silk satin, which is contrasted with the structured double satin of the Lila, which can be tied at either the front or back, nipping in the waistline.

We also love the options for detachable overskirts and capes – both of which can be found in the new Eternal collection from Elbeth Gillis. There are seven styles in the line, each of which has multiple options for customisation and crafting different looks. The Diana gown is particularly alluring; a beautiful strapless dress with a fitted silhouette in stretch Mikado, with a beaded collar and godet train. To add a touch of drama and that all-important volume, we love the detachable organza overskirt. The movement and textural difference this offers is sublime.

Neckline’s with impact

The styles from Marylise this season have a beautiful mix of glamour and minimalism. We can’t get enough of the mixtures of materials, as well as the clever use of different textures to elevate looks to the next level. One of the finest looks is La Bresse, which feels so luxurious and feminine in glorious Mikado, which adds a beautiful structure to the gown. The dress features a fitted silhouette with hidden boning on the top, and the full-length skirt has a thigh-high side slit, balanced with a sweep train. The volume comes from the off-the-shoulder neckline with big 3D drapings – it offers real impact, but not in an overwhelming way. The perfect pop of volume for brides wanting something that’s both elegant and interesting.

Minis with volume

While you expect mini dresses to be form-fitting and sleek, we can’t stop looking at this season’s styles that offer something a little different. Anne Barge, a label known for its perfect cut, has hit the right notes with the stunning Alexis gown. The dress was originally designed for the eveningwear collection but has translated perfectly into bridal for this season. We adore the stretch twill and elegant draping, and the standout feature is the oversized bow at the hip that nods to volume in a clever and unexpected way. Another bow style comes from Katya Katya’s new label, Baé. Their Luna dress is simple and chic, with a wonderful square neckline, crafted in luxurious Mikado. It’s a timeless style that has added impact thanks to the detachable oversized bow. This can be worn at the back of the style or anywhere else that the bride may choose.

For something completely different, the Adrienne style from Savannah Miller Bridal has caught our attention. It’s such a unique style, with pops of volume to the skirt and detachable sleeves. We adore the gathered V-shaped waistline of the almost skater skirt, which flutes out in such a pretty way. It features an 18th-century inspired corseted body, with exposed boning, and has a gathered bust detail, which offers stunning texture. The dress comes in a full-length version, too.

Taffeta

One of the best ways to add volume from the outset...Taffeta. We adore this majestic fabric; it’s smooth and crisp with an unparalleled iridescent sheen. Its structure means it’s ideal for creating large volumes that hold themselves in the garment. Ever Bridal has a stunning taffeta style, Luca, that uses the fabric to full effect. The gown has a dramatic plunge-front neckline and curved scoop back, with a wonderfully full skirt that doesn’t feel stiff or over-structured… and it has pockets. And while that inclusion is a winner, our favourite feature is the stunning frill at the shoulders. It gives the dress height and wonderful width, with the ultimate oversized frill at its shoulders. And for brides that don’t want a full-length style, Luca also comes in a mini-version.

Sleeve details

Slimline looks can be totally transformed with clever sleeve details, and we have been swooning over the extended cap details we’ve been seeing this season. One of our favourite and subtle takes is the Finn jacket from Parisienne label Kladek. The jacket is crafted from a beautiful heavy-weight satin with the slightest sheen, and the sleeves are slightly gathered for extra volume, creating a chic statement. The style works perfectly with the label’s collection of separates – pictured here with the anemone maxi skirt, but also perfect over trousers or a mini dress.

A bolder take on this vibe, the leg-of-mutton sleeve gets a fresh update on the Fallon gown from Avenue by Josephine Scott. We love the sleek silhouette with the cutout under the bust, and the ’80s-inspired sleeves add a touch of glamour and that head-turning volume.

For more...

Loving these fresh takes on adding volume? You can discover more unique styles at White Gallery 2024, where all of these designers will be showcasing their latest creations, allowing you to see these stunning dresses and many more up close. From classic elegance to modern twists, the collections on display offer endless inspiration for you brides-to-be, ensuring that every silhouette, style, and trend is covered.