Your wedding dress should make you feel like your best self. For some, that means going the traditional route, with a classic white dress covered in lace and embroidery. But for others, it means doing the unexpected—and that includes wearing something sexy.
“Just because a dress is sexy, doesn’t mean it isn’t tasteful,” explained Kendall Becker, freelance trend forecaster and fashion editor. “There are an array of details to consider you’re looking to amp up sex appeal, but the key is making sure you’re still comfortable and feel confident in your own skin,”
Whether you’re seeking just a hint of sexy or going for borderline risque, there’s a range of unique designs and even full collections dedicated to emphasizing the steamy side of any bride. From teasing to tantalizing, we compiled a variety of dresses for every desire.
Read on for the best sexy wedding dresses that are sure to turn heads.
Best Overall: Rish Azalea V-Neck Mermaid Lace Wedding Gown
Sexy meets tradition in this all-over lace, mermaid silhouette dress. The deep-V neckline with an illusion panel and hip-hugging design ups the hot factor, while the delicate design and small train says classic bride.
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: Mermaid
Best Slip Dress: Jenny by Jenny Yoo Marnie Gown
Sometimes simpler means sexier, and Jenny by Jenny Yoo's Marnie gown proves just that. Throw on this V-neck satin dress for a statement-making look that feels effortless and carefree.
Size Range: 0-12, plus-sizes available | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: Trumpet
Best Hint of Sparkle: ASOS EDITION Esme Embellished Corset Cami Wedding Dress
Attention, boho brides! You can also channel sexy on your wedding day. This full-skirted dress is topped with a bust-boosting, corset-inspired bustier—and it's covered in all over sparkling details for a bright statement.
Size Range: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: A-line
Best Plus Size: ASOS Edition Curve Constance Satin Wrap Wedding Dress
It might be simply designed, but this dress isn’t for the faint of heart. The wrap style defines your curves and shows off your legs, while a deep-V neckline reveals even more skin. Plus, the small train looks gorgeous as you walk down the aisle.
Size Range: 12-26 | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: Wrap
Best Allover Lace: DB Studio Allover Lace Tank Wedding Gown with V-back Detail
The lace on this dress might be sweet, but the silhouette is downright sexy. The deep-V neck and back are bordered by a beautiful scallop lace, and it’s a curve-hugger down to the train. It’s designed with stretch, too, so it stays comfortable all night long.
Size Range: 0-14, 16W-30W | Materials: Cotton, nylon, viscose | Silhouette: Trumpet
For the Beach Bride: Amanda Uprichard Copellia Gown
Practically made for a beach wedding or low-key garden ceremony, this dress personifies a more casual, carefree vibe. It skims over curves and has off-the-shoulder, flutter sleeves for an especially flirty look.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: A-line
Best Trumpet Silhouette: Reformation Nasha Satin Dress
A trumpet silhouette like this one flares above the knee, and skims the body everywhere else. This satiny dress comes in an off white color, making it perfect for the bride who is looking for something a little something different.
Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Polyester, acetate | Silhouette: Trumpet
Best Details: Lulus Promised Love White Beaded Lace Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress
This luxe gown takes embellishment to a new level. Featuring a sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves, the dress is covered in all-over-lace and mesh, and has intricate pearl and rhinestone adornments. And like any sexy dress, it’s curve-hugging in all the right places.
Size Range: 2-10 | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: Mermaid
Most Sheer: Miss Selfridge Premium Embellished Cami Corset Maxi Dress in Ivory
Legs are the star of the show in this dress, which is sheer all the way down. But it doesn’t stop there — the corset-style top and lace-up back are provocative, too. This dress is perfect for hot weather, especially if you’ll be married in a tropical locale.
Size Range: 0-14 | Materials: Nylon, Viscose, Polyester | Silhouette: A-line
Best Mermaid Silhouette: Lulus Just the Beginning White Beaded Sequin Mermaid Maxi Dress
While this gown hugs your whole figure, it adds extra attention to your backside thanks to the mermaid silhouette. With a low-cut back, flared skirt and intricate beading, this dress dials up the sexiness in the most sophisticated way.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: Mermaid
Best Off-the-Shoulder: Ines Di Santo Love-Struck Wedding Dress
Strapless neckline, slitted skirt, detachable train: this gown has it all. We love how the delicate lace straps give off a hint of romance—the perfect addition to an otherwise daring dress!
Size Range: 0-18 | Materials: N/A | Silhouette: Trumpet
Most Ethereal: Lulus Romance Dreamer White Lace Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress
Both sultry and whimsical, this dress features long, sheer, off-the-shoulder sleeves, and all-over floral lace. If you’re looking to create a seductive, fairytale vibe, this full length white gown sets the standard.
Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: Cotton, nylon, polyester | Silhouette: A-line
Best Plunging Neckline: DB Studio Allover Lace V-neck Sheath Wedding Dress
Simple, all-over lace can be sexy with the right silhouette. The sexiness comes out in the deep V-neckline while the curve-hugging A-line skirt adds to the statement. With no train, the length is perfect for wearing from ceremony to reception.
Size Range: 0-18, 14W-30W | Materials: Nylon, polyester, spandex | Silhouette: A-line
Best Cut Outs: Dundas Apollonia Gown
This modern take on a wedding dress has cut outs in all the right places. It shows off unexpected skin, and a high-thigh slit shows off legs. For the bride who laughs at tradition, this is the dress for you.
Size Range: 36-42 | Materials: Viscose, elastane | Silhouette: A-line
Best High Leg Slit: Lulus Love of Details White Lace Backless Maxi Dress
Show major leg in this dress with a thigh-high slit. For even more sex appeal, the maxi skirt is unlined, so skin peeks through the lace. The lace continues all over the dress, topped off with an open back and dramatic V neckline.
Size Range: XXS-3X | Materials: Nylon, Cotton, Polyester, Spandex | Silhouette: A-Line
Best Satin Dress: Lulus Sensational Promise White Satin Square Neck Mermaid Maxi Dress
There’s no doubt: satin is stunning. This super sleek dress hugs the body, and shows off your decolletage and back with a squared neckline. It also has a subtle train for a traditional look.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, Spandex | Silhouette: Mermaid
Best Lingerie-Inspired: Reformation Chania Silk Dress
What better way to show off some sex appeal than with a dress reminiscent of lingerie? All over silk and lace detailing make this maxi slip dress suitable for the wedding aisle, and the back cutout is sure to stun.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Silk | Silhouette: A-line
Best Beaded: BHLDN Theodora Beaded Lace V-Neck Wedding Gown
The allover beading on this dress—created with pearls and intricate lace—is a show stopping addition to the simple, form-fitting silhouette. Along with the thin straps and a plunging neckline, this dress is ideal for the sensual bride.
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: A-line
Best Mini Dress: Show Me Your Mumu Lady Corset Mini Dress
Channel your inner Kourtney Kardashian and try a mini, lingerie-inspired wedding dress. With an adjustable corset and all over satin, it may not be a traditional wedding dress but it sure is sexy.
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: Mini
Best Open Back: Priscavera Open Back Long Dress
Take it as low as you can go with this open back dress. A simply designed sheath dress with small silver accents, it’s ready to be dressed up with jewelry and other details. The back leg slit makes it easy to walk down the aisle or dance the night away.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Silhouette: Sheath
Best High Neck: Jenny Yoo Harlyn High-Neck Open-Back Wedding Gown
Just because this wedding dress has a high neck doesn’t mean it doesn’t show a lot of skin. The high slit reveals major leg, while the halter style top shows off your back. The intricate buttoning down the back is an impressive detail in an otherwise polished look.
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Silhouette: A-line
Best Midi: Jonathan Simkhai Standard Moira Broderie Anglaise Bustier Midi Dress
Eyelet and a midi length add a bit of sweetness to this dress, but the form-fitting silhouette and corset inspire bodice raise the heat. This dress is just waiting to be accessorized and taken out to the dance floor.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Rayon | Silhouette: Midi
What to Look For in a Sexy Wedding Dress
Style
When it comes to shopping for a sexy wedding dress, it's all about picking a style and silhouette that best reflects your personality and shows off your body. Whether your bridal style is bohemian or glamourous, certain design details can take a wedding dress from simple to sultry. “A more form-fitting silhouette sets a sexy foundation,” said Becker. “Sweetheart necklines are great for showing off the collarbone, a halter neckline is perfect for embracing delicate shoulders, and a plunging neckline or corseting can be an ideal option for embracing your bust.”
Material
The right fabric can level up even the most modest dress. Sensuality is all about the senses after all, and how that fabric feels can be just as important as how it looks, so choose one that feels just right against your skin. Sheer details, whether that means lace sleeves or a full mesh skirt, add a touch of intriguing mystery. Think about fabrics used in lingerie, too. “You can choose a lustrous fabric like sateen or silk for a sexy, Old Hollywood feel,” said Becker.
Venue
A sexy wedding dress is best paired with the appropriate venue. “A bride should always feel empowered to be as creative as she wants, but it’s undoubtedly nice when the aesthetic of the attire and venue align,” said Becker. She recommends venues that feel modern and sleek, and advises skipping sexy dresses for more conservative church ceremonies.
Meet the Expert
Kendall Becker is a freelance trend forecaster and fashion editor.
Why Trust Brides
Joline Buscemi is a freelance writer for Brides. She writes beauty and wellness stories for publications including HuffPost, Byrdie, and Glamour. For this story, she spoke with trend forecaster and fashion editor Kendall Becker on what makes a wedding dress sexy.