Fashion + Beauty //July 10, 2023
For a timeless look that you’ll love loooong after the last dance, say “I do” to these elegant wedding dresses! We’ve all seen those old wedding photos from decades past that make you cringe from the excessive frills, blinding embellishments, and oversized shoulder pads. If you want a bridal look that lasts a lifetime, skip the trends and opt for one of these elegant and traditional wedding dresses instead!
As much as we love a fun bridal trend, there’s something so dreamy about an elegant wedding dress that looks just as timeless today as it will in 50 years. To help you find your wedding dress soulmate (’til death do you part!), we’ve rounded up the best timeless and traditional gowns that go the distance. Let’s get into it!
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Why We Love Timeless and Elegant Wedding Dresses
With a timeless style that transcends trends, elegant wedding dresses look just as swoon-worthy now as they will in 10, 20, and even 50 years. That means you won’t cringe as you’re flipping through your wedding photos decades in the future. Bridal fashion trends may come and go, but elegant dresses are everlasting — kind of like your love!
Plus, elegant and timeless wedding dresses complement any style, theme, or wedding venue. Whether you’re saying “I do” in a grand cathedral, a rustic barn, or a romantic garden, these gowns will never look out of place. And with such a versatile look, they’re also the perfect base to pair with any and every accessory! Which brings us to our next FAQ…
How to Style Your Wedding Dress to Maintain a Timeless and Elegant Look
To maintain a timeless and elegant look that will hold up for decades, style your wedding dress with traditional and classy accessories. Instead of following the latest trends, look for accessories that have withstood the test of time, like iridescent pearl earrings, a delicate diamond necklace, or sleek satin wedding shoes.
These are the styles that people have been wearing down the aisle for years and years —so you can feel confident that they won’t go out of vogue anytime soon!
For something with a little more wow factor, a dainty tiara, some sparkly hair pins, or a pair of embellished heels will also elevate your look, without feeling too trendy. When it comes to timeless elegance, less is typically more — and a little sparkle can go a long way!
Our Favorite Retailers for Timeless and Elegant Wedding Dresses
If you’re on the hunt for a wedding dress that’s elegant, timeless, and oh-so flattering, here are the best retailers for the job!
- Anthropologie Weddings: Our go-to for all things wedding-related, Anthropologie Weddings has some of the most gorgeous elegant wedding dresses, with both trendy and timeless styles. Whether you’re looking for a super traditional design or something with vintage flair, Anthro has you covered. We also love their range of size inclusive options, as well as their stunning accessories collections!
- Etsy: Ever dreamed about wearing an elegant custom wedding dress down the aisle? Enter: Etsy! They have endless options of swoon-worthy timeless wedding dresses, many of which are made-to-order and designed by independent designers and small businesses. With options for customizations and personal details, this is the best spot to find your dream dress.
- KYHA: Designed for modern couples, KYHA’s luxurious and elegant wedding dresses make a statement, in a trendy-defying way. They’re a bold take on traditional wedding dresses, with crisp lines, modern details, and ultra flattering silhouettes. For a timeless gown that’s fit for the runway (as well as the aisle), look no further!
Ready to say “I do” to your dream dress? Keep scrolling for the best elegant and timeless wedding dresses for all styles — whether you’re looking for a traditional design or a modern statement!
1: Silky Draped Elegant Wedding Dress
If you’re looking for elegant wedding dresses that will never go out of vogue, traditional fabrics like silk are a no brainer. This bridal favorite fabric has stood the test of time — and that’s not going to change anytime soon!
This silky gown exudes timeless elegance, with a dreamy draped neckline and a glossy finish that adds an ethereal touch to the design. For something that’ll create a lasting impression, look no further!
Shop This Asymmetrical Timeless Wedding Dress
2: Elegant Halter Neck Wedding Dress
Sometimes less really is more, and this elegant wedding dress is proof! It exudes quiet luxury, with a sleek halter neckline and a soft, shimmery fabric. We also LOVE all the subtle details that make this traditional wedding dress pop, from the sultry leg slit to the lovely buttons in the back.
Style this polished gown with some stand-out accessories to really take it to the next level. These shoulder-grazing earrings make a statement, without feeling over-the-top!
Shop This Timeless Backless Wedding Dress
3: Iridescent Beaded Elegant Wedding Dress
If you’re wondering whether or not an elegant wedding dress will stand the test of time, ask yourself: would I still want to wear this in 10 years? What about 20? With this iridescent beaded gown, the answer is definitely YES!
Featuring whimsical beaded details and a soft sheer overlay, this wedding dress is the ultimate mix of trendy and timeless. Pearls are a bridal staple, after all!
SHop This Elegant Sweetheart Strapless Wedding Dress
4: Traditional Vintage-Inspired Elegant Wedding Dress
This elegant wedding dress has all the charm of a traditional vintage gown, with the sophistication of something more modern. In other words, it’s the kind of design that will hold up for years —if not decades — to come!
Plus, this timeless gown comes in sizes 0-26 and is designed to hug your curves in alllll the right places. Dreamy would be an understatement!
Shop This Traditional Cap Sleeve Wedding Dress
5: Feminine + Flowy Elegant Wedding Dress
For a timeless (and flattering) silhouette, it doesn’t get better than a-line wedding gowns. With a fitted top that cinches in your waist and a flared skirt that oozes romance, it’s a silhouette with major staying power. Case in point: this gorgeous gown!
We love the feminine design of the fabric paired with the flowing floor-skimming skirt. It’s a fairytale wedding dress fit for a storybook romance!
Shop This Timeless Botanical Wedding Dress
6: Timeless Button-Adorned Elegant Wedding Dress
Inspired by traditional wedding dresses, this elegant gown is the definition of trend-defying. With a flattering silhouette that’s both demure and sexy, it’s just as wow-worthy today as it would be 10 years in the future (or the past). And you HAVE to get a closer look at those buttons — they’re actually pearls!
Lean into the traditional vibes by styling this gorgeous dress with an intricate veil. After all, when else will you get the chance to wear such a show-stopping accessory?!
Shop This Traditional Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dress
Achieve the dreamiest bridal vibes with these gorgeous wedding veils! We’ve rounded up the most swoon-worthy designs for every style.
7: Whimsical Botanical Elegant Wedding Dress
We’re picturing this elegant and timeless dress for a whimsical springtime garden wedding, surrounded by lush blooms. Swoon!
If you want something with a little more detail than a traditional white wedding dress (while still feeling totally timeless), this intricate botanical gown is perfection. It stands out from the crowd, without entering trendy territory. For the ultra feminine + whimsical babes, this one’s for you!
Shop This Timeless V-Neck Wedding Dress
8: Traditional Strapless Elegant Wedding Dress
Enduring elegance is all about clean lines, traditional silhouettes, and a touch of romance, and this timeless wedding dress checks off all of those boxes — and more! It’s what we think of when we think of a dream dress. Flawless.
And with such a clean and effortless look, this strapless gown can be styled SO many ways. Make it your own with a regal wedding crown, some glamorous bridal gloves, or a flirty pair of bright heels!
Shop This Traditional Strapless Wedding Dress
9: Elegant Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dress
Classy, elegant, traditional, elevated…we could go on! With a romantic off-the-shoulder neckline and an unfussy traditional silhouette, this elegant wedding gown is about as timeless as it gets. And how enchanting is that long train in the back?!
Rock this dreamy gown with a chic bridal updo to let that alluring neckline shine. So gorgeous for a winter wedding!
Shop This Traditional off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dress
10: Timeless Fitted Wedding Dress + Elegant Overlay
Can’t decide between an elegant and timeless wedding dress or something trendy and fashion-forward? With this two-in-one gown, you get the best of both worlds!
Wear the backless gown by itself for a sleek and timeless statement, or pair it with the sheer overlay for a whimsical and romantic touch.
You can even wear the overlay for your ceremony, then remove it for your reception. That way you’ll get photos of both looks — and the dramatic effect of an outfit change!
Shop This Timeless Two-in-One Wedding Dress
11: Effortlessly Elegant Wedding Dress
This elegant wedding dress may be understated, but it’s definitely not boring. Designed by the amazing Danielle Frankel, this gown is draped to perfection to give you a show-stopping look that feels totally effortless. We’re still swooning over the draped open back!!
For a bridal look that’s easy, breezy, and beautiful, it doesn’t get better than this. No frills or fuss necessary!
Shop This Timeless Draped Designer Wedding Dress
12: Elegant Old Hollywood Inspired Gown
Embrace your inner starlet with this elegant wedding dress! With a draped neckline, corset bodice, and off-the-shoulder silhouette, it’s the epitome of Old Hollywood glamour (which never goes out of style). Perfect for commanding attention as you stroll down your personal red carpet — ie: the wedding aisle!
As a bonus, the sleeves of this gown are detachable, so you can add or remove them for a chic second look.
Shop This Timeless Corset Wedding Dress
13: Shimmer + Shine Elegant Wedding Dress
If you’re worried that an ultra sparkly gown won’t stand the test of time, this elegant wedding dress is here to prove you wrong! While certain embellishments can feel trendy, this dazzling look stays timeless, thanks to its traditional silhouette and delicate beading (versus a bold design).
It gives the illusion of a sparkling diamond —and what’s more timeless than that?! Style it with subtle bling to let the dress take center stage, like these gorgeous twist earrings.
Shop This Embellished, Timeless WEdding Dress
14: Romantic Rose Patterned Elegant Gown
Lace is another traditional bridal fabric that will ALWAYS look romantic — seriously, how swoon-worthy is this elegant wedding dress?! With a head-to-toe flower pattern and a curve-hugging design, it’s equal parts feminine and flirty, and traditional and modern.
Oh, and did we mention that this dreamy gown is under $200?! Say no more!!
Shop This Fitted Traditional Wedding Dress
15: Whimsically Elegant Off-The-Shoulder Sweetheart Gown
Achieve queen-level elegance with this stunning timeless wedding dress! A sweetheart neckline will never go out of style — it’s just TOO flattering.
Complete with draped off-the-shoulder straps and a ruched wrap-style bodice, this beauty is giving us Aphrodite vibes, but with a modern twist.
Shop This Traditional Sweetheart Neckline Wedding Dress
16: Timeless Tulle Elegant Wedding Dress
For a style that’s as everlasting as your love, look no further than this timeless wedding dress. It has a traditional bridal look that flatters ALL wedding styles, plus some romantic details that make it stand out from other gowns. The flower appliqués! The scooped low back! The semi-sheer corset bodice!
All this romantic gown is missing is an equally romantic pair of heels to tie it all together.
Shop This Timeless Appliqué TUlle Wedding Dress
17: Elegant Regencycore-Inspired Wedding Dress
Do you want your walk down the aisle to feel like a scene out of “Bridgerton” — but don’t want to look back on your over-the-top gown in 10 years and cringe? This elegant wedding dress definitely understood the assignment!
With a mix of traditional design elements and regencycore details, this romantic dress is the perfect timeless take on this vintage-inspired wedding trend. The subtle puff sleeves, cute bow accents, and flattering silhouette will make you feel like the diamond of the season — for every season to come!
Shop This Timeless Empire Waist Wedding Dress
18: Flirty Ostrich Appliqué Elegant Gown
While feathers may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of timeless and elegant wedding dresses, we just HAD to include this flirty stunner. It gives you the best of both worlds, with a traditional slip-style top that slowly cascades into a whimsically wispy bottom!
If you’re looking for a sleek gown that still shows off your personal style, this timeless wedding dress is the best of the best. And if you’re afraid it’s too trendy for your “I do”s, why not rock it for your after party instead?!
Shop This Elegant Ostrich Appliqué Wedding Dress
19: Traditional High Neck Elegant Wedding Dress
Channel the enduring elegance of Grace Kelly with this traditional high neck wedding dress! Like a modern take on the Princess of Monaco’s famous wedding gown (or, more recently, Paris Hilton’s!), this gown has a full coverage design that looks absolutely regal.
And made with soft and sheer embellished fabric, it also has a sexy edge that’s perfect for a modern-day wedding. Style this dress with the floor-length slip for a traditional look, or rock it with a white wedding bodysuit for something more daring. (This would also be a fun outfit change for your reception!)
Shop This Traditional Beaded Sheer Wedding Dress
20: Luxurious + Elegant Designer Gown
The perfect timeless wedding dress doesn’t exi—
Truly flawless, this designer gown is effortlessly elegant, impossibly chic, and endlessly flattering. Constructed with luxurious fabric and crisp lines, it’s the perfect plus one, no matter your style.
Dress it up for a formal affair with a traditional statement necklace and glittering pumps, or tone it down for a backyard wedding with a timeless flower crown and stylish bridal wedges. There are no wrong answers here!
Shop This Traditional Spaghetti Strap Wedding Dress
21: Feminine + Elegant Trumpet Wedding Dress
Can we just take a moment?! Everything about this elegant wedding dress is pure bliss, from the strapless draped neckline to the traditional trumpet silhouette to the subtle flower details. It’s a little bit whimsical, a little bit sexy, and SO romantic. The ultimate timeless look for a spring or summer soirée!
P.S. We found those exact flower petal earrings to complete this feminine look!!
Shop This Timeless Trumpet Wedding Dress
22: Elegant Scoop-Neck Column Gown
Pop the bubbly, because this elegant champagne-hued wedding dress is worth celebrating! We can’t get enough of the crisp, zero-fuss design, which lets your natural figure and bridal glow shine through. It’s a timeless and traditional wedding dress, without being boring.
But don’t just take our word for it —the raving 5-star reviews prove just how stunning this timeless gown really is!!
Shop This Timeless Off-White WEdding Dress
Complete Your Timeless Bridal Look With Our Fave Style Guides
Now that you’ve said “yes” to the perfect elegant wedding dress, it’s time to complete your timeless bridal look!
The second most important part of your elegant wedding day look, after your dress? Your makeup! Achieve timeless glamour with these wedding makeup looks and ideas — the perfect complement to your elegant dress.
Next up: your hair. Give your wedding dress center stage with one of these traditional wedding updo ideas. Or for more inspo, don’t miss these romantic bridal hairstyles for both long hair and short hair!
And for the final finishing touch to your wedding day look, check our list of the best bridal nail designs. With so much attention on your ring finger, you need a mani that’s just as stunning!
Which of these timeless and elegant wedding dresses were your fave? Let us know in the comments below!
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