Almost undeniably, the interplay of texture and volume is a hallmark of modern bridalwear, especially for the 2026 season. Among the many trends embracing these defining elements, the fit-and-flare silhouette is the perfect vehicle to showcase these contrasts and has firmly established itself as a contemporary bridal staple.

This style beautifully marries the sleek, curve-enhancing appeal of a body-hugging bodice with the dramatic flair of a voluminous skirt, this season blossoming from the lower to mid-thigh with intention and grace. It hits the sweet spot between mermaid drama and trumpet elegance, ideal for brides seeking both structure and romantic movement.

Why is the fit-and-flare wedding dress so popular?

The fit-and-flare style suits all body shapes, celebrating natural curves and even creating a coveted hourglass illusion through exaggerated hip details and strategically placed embellishments. It’s a shape that immediately looks glamorous. It’s distinctive, too: it’s very rare that someone will have worn this kind of silhouette before, so it will instantly feel elevated and special.

What fabrics work for fit-and-flare wedding dress styles?

There are no hard and fast rules here! All-over lace can be particularly stunning, as exemplified by the Veronika from Bridal Collective’s Portrait line. This dress features delicate lacework with intricate textures that add dimension and depth, perfect for a bride embracing a romantic aesthetic. Another standout lace interpretation comes from Isabel Sanchis, whose designs showcase large, modern floral lace with 3D detailing, lending a couture edge to the bridal look. Inara by Callablanche has a totally different vibe; it perfectly captures the fusion of structure and softness – we love the precision corsetry, exposed boning, and Basque waist detail. A standout feature is the detachable sleeves, offering added versatility.

For those preferring a sleeker look, satin and Mikado fabrics are the perfect pairing. These materials sculpt the body and highlight the clean lines of a fit-and-flare silhouette. The Amaya gown from Justin Alexander Signature is crafted in stretch Mikado with an almost architectural bust, streamlined bodice and a voluminous trumpet skirt that captures light with every movement – the icing on the cake is the oversized bow at the back! Milla Nova has also crafted an architectural masterpiece this season – the sheen on their two-piece look is incredible, with precision tailoring to the elongated corset and a bubble hem detail on the flared skirt; contemporary perfection. With a dreamy blend of delicate detailing, Morilee Style 1407 is adorned with intricate 3D floral appliqués, with added drama from detachable puff sleeves.

Now on to mixed fabrics that can create a really dynamic look. Dando London’s Tiber gown features beautiful pleats and folds to the bust of the corset, leading down to a burst of layers, introducing an avant-garde edge, topped with a stunning bouquet of 3D florals, a great interplay of textures! The Millicent dress from Casablanca has a subtle sparkle detail all over the bodice, annotating the floral lace, and this is the perfect clash of texture with the dramatic skirt, which is a cascade of tulle. Allure Couture’s Style 3790 features soft ruched tulle, overlaying lace, through the bodice and waist, creating texture and definition before bursting into a dramatic mermaid skirt of layered organza and tulle. It’s a wonderful blend of opulence and drama.

When was the fit-and-flare silhouette first popular?

Historically, this silhouette traces back to the 1950s, when Charles James and Christian Dior popularised hourglass shapes and extravagant flares. These designs became iconic, embraced by red carpet legends like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor, and resurged in the 1980s – bold shoulders and dramatic lace mermaid-styles defined bridal fashion of the era. Fast forward to the 2010s, designers such as Vera Wang and Monique Lhuillier brought renewed focus to fit-and-flare silhouettes, giving the silhouette a fresh twist for contemporary brides of the era.

Today, trends continue to gravitate towards this silhouette – the balance of elegance, drama and body-celebrating design is easy to fall in love with. Plus, the versatility and choice offered by this style will make it easy for brides to find something that feels uniquely ‘them’.

WORDS Anna-Marie DeSouza