Runway Report Spring/Summer 2020

Addressing the chicest trends to come from the 2020 spring/ summer runway collections, SOCIAL & PERSONAL WEDDINGS advises all 2020 brides of the must-have looks and how to wear them.

Birds Of A Feather

Replacing intricate stitching or beading, designers have looked to feathers as a way of adding detail to their dresses for Spring 2020.

Who should wear it: Feathers add a fun and flirty vibe to your bridal look, whether you want to dip your toe into this trend with a fluffy trim as seen at Zuhair Murad or if you’re feeling particularly bold, opt for all-out fun with Oscar de la Renta’s creation as pictured – the ideal reception dress!

How to wear it: Feathers make quite a bold statement so try to keep accessories simple so as not to detract from the gown.

Collections where it featured: Jenny Packham, Naeem Khan, Pronovias, Mira Zwillinger, Oscar de la Renta, Zuhair Murad.

Floral Appliques

Florals and weddings go hand in hand so in Miranda Priestly’s famous words, while they may not be ‘groundbreaking’, designers have decided that bigger is very much better this season. Expect oversized 3D florals to leave a lasting memory.

Who should wear it: This trend packs a punch so is perfect for the bride looking for something out of the ordinary and hoping to make a statement.

How to wear it: The 3D embellishments will take centre stage and call for you to pare back on the rest of your look accordingly, including your bouquet, to over overkill.

Collections where it featured: Tadashi Shoji, Viktor & Rolf, Marchesa, Lela Rose, Suzanne Neville, Pronovias, Vera Wang.

Bustling Brides

If you like the idea of the traditional ball gown but want to add a little excitement, designers have increased volume in their skirts with an additional bustle to create layers of fun.

Who should wear it: This look was quite versatile across collections with Carolina Herrera’s design perfect for the traditionalist, while Vera Wang’s front bustle is the perfect match for the artsy, ethereal bride.

How to wear it: With added volume in the skirt, try to keep things simple elsewhere. If adding a cover-up, try to stick to shawls or cropped jackets.

Collections where it featured: Viktor & Rolf, Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier.

High-Low Gowns

While not exactly a new addition to the world of weddings, designers have upped the ante when it came to high-low gowns this season with the most exquisite creations popping up in a lot more collections.

Who should wear it: The high low gown gives brides the benefit of a train from the back but also allows them to show off their pins from the front – the ideal compromise for those debating between the two!

How to wear it: The beauty of this look is that it shows off your shoes in all their glory so don’t hold back when it comes to choosing the perfect pair!

Collections where it featured: Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier, Viktor & Rolf, Mira Zwillinger, Danielle Frankel, Suzanne Neville, Francesca Miranda.

Suits With Trains

While we have seen almost every designer incorporate a version of the wedding suit in one of their collections to date, 2020 sees a new take on this look with the introduction of a train, meaning brides don’t have to miss out on the fun!

Who should wear it: You should be completely confident and comfortable for your wedding day so if dresses aren’t your thing in everyday life, why step out of your comfort zone now?

How to wear it: Another look which requires a pair of killer heels. This look is also a great option for pre or post-wedding parties.

Collections where it featured: Cushnie, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Pronovias, Gracy Accad, Viktor & Rolf.

Crochet Lace

A long-standing favourite in bridalwear, lace is a popular option for brides when choosing gowns. This season, designers embraced their love of lace with an all-over crochet design.

Who should wear it: There’s no denying that this look is inherently bridal so this season’s take on this look is best suited to those wishing to embrace every aspect of their bridal role.

How to wear it: Depending on the dress, this trend can be either traditional or boho, depending on the bride’s personal style and her vision for the wedding. This leaves the accessorising completely in the bride’s hands.

Collections where it featured: BHLDN, Temperley, Monique Lhuillier, Berta, Mira Zwillinger.

Modest Approach

It would appear Meghan Markle’s wedding gown remained a source of inspiration for designers this season as we see a host of pared-back, modest gowns pop up once again this season.

Who should wear it: The minimalist approach is quite versatile in that this clean silhouette will suit all shapes and sizes. It’s also timeless so you don’t need to worry about your dress looking dated in years to come!

How to wear it: The simplicity of these styles allows you to inject some personality and flair through your accessories. Look to a following veil or consider a headpiece, another trend influenced by the Duchess of Sussex this season.

Collections where it featured: Lela Rose, Suzanne Neville, Viktor & Rolf, Carolina Herrera, Nouvelle Amsale, Danielle Frankel, Mira Zwillinger.

Headbands

Trickling down from the ready-to-wear collections, headbands are set to be a popular choice when it comes to accessorising your look next year.

Who should wear it: From the weird to the wonderful, there are headbands to suit all tastes.

How to wear it: While I do love this look, I am a romantic at heart and would hate to see it replacing the traditional veil (how many times in your life is appropriate to don one of these beauties?!), so I love this as a reception look or even day two.

Collections where it featured: Viktor & Rolf, Temperley, Zuhair Murad, Naeem Khan, Reem Acra.

Tiers Of Joy

Tiers were not just reserved for the cake this season with tiered skirts popping up all over the runways. The layered effect adds volume and excitement to your look without the weight of a full skirt.

Who should wear it: This style is flirty and fun, but the extra layers can add weight so pear-shaped figures should proceed with caution. If you are well balanced (even if you are curvy), this style can look beautiful and feminine.

How to wear it: As this is quite a feminine look, choose dainty heels and jewellery and avoid anything too chunky.

Collections where it featured: Temperley, Tadashi Shoji, Zuhair Murad, Oscar de la Renta, Suzanne Neville, Carolina Herrera, Pronovias.

Sheer Embrace

Call me a prude but weddings are not the time or place for near-nudity. Thankfully, we are seeing a decline in the chest-baring necklines and provocative “naked dresses” for a more PG approach in general.

Who should wear it: This look is universally suitable for all brides. Trust us, nobody wants to be checking for a rogue nip-slip in front of their grandparents!

How to wear it: Covered up by no means has to translate as frumpy or boring, designers have retained the sheer look for sleeves this season with many elegant options on offer.

Collections where it featured: Carolina Herrera, Danielle Frankel, Temperley, Reem Acra, Amsale, Galia Lahav, Cushnie, Marchesa.

Thighs The Limit

At the other end of the spectrum, we appreciate that some brides like to flash a little flesh and this seductive creation from Oscar de la Renta has certainly turned our head…

Who should wear it: The bold, empowered bride who’s confident in herself and her style. This is also a great option for a reception dress, allowing you to flaunt your legs on the dancefloor.

How to wear it: We don’t mind a little skin on show but it’s all about balance. You know the rule ladies, it’s either chest or legs on show so cover up the top half if you’re going to dazzle guests with your pins.

Collections where it featured: Cushnie, Oscar de la Renta, Jenny Packham, Theia, Berta, Justin Alexander, Galia Lahav, Pronovias.

Little White Dress

A staple in every season, there are a myriad of events which call for the LWD in the time surrounding a wedding, from bachelorettes to showers, reception dresses to day two of the wedding – it’s every bride’s must-have piece.

Who should wear it: The little white dress is suited to everyone. With countless takes on it, it shouldn’t take long to find one in your style.

How to wear it: Splurge on a pair of to-die-for heels with the mindset that they can be worn time and again after the wedding celebrations are done and dusted. We also have fallen a little in love with the countless headbands which are popping up, the ideal finishing touch to your outfit!

Collections where it featured: Naeem Khan, Oscar de la Renta, Lela Rose, Amsale, Viktor & Rolf, Tadashi Shoji, Reem Acra, Jenny Packham, Pronovias.