Meghan Markle in Givenchy. Grace Kelly in Helen Rose. Jackie O. in Ann Lowe. These iconic wedding dresses, while each individually unique, all share one key characteristic: timelessness. Unless you have a penchant for taking bold risks with your wardrobe (if so, more power to you!), a classic bridal aesthetic helps ensure you'll love your dress before, during, and long after the wedding day.
Classic wedding dresses are designed to stand the test of time, meaning you'll never cringe when looking back at those wedding portraits. Tried-and-true wedding dress silhouettes deliver by maintaining a sense of structural harmony that never goes out of style. These designs typically shy away from anything considered too ornate or trendy, but rest assured, classic does not translate to boring. Rather, it simply means relying on immaculate tailoring, sleek necklines, rich textures, and restrained embellishments. The finished look is always luxurious in that it commands a presence, regardless of the era.
To help you find your dream gown, we've researched the best options available. When scouring the web, we considered a wide variety of styles, keeping silhouette, materials, cost, and overall quality in mind.
Read on for the best timeless wedding dresses.
Best Midi
BHLDN Cali Satin Cowl-Neck Midi Slip Dress
Keep things easy and breezy with a midi length dress that's both universally flattering and never goes out of style. Plus, this stunner comes in 11 beautiful shades, so your bridesmaids can match your personal style.
Size Range: 0–26W | Material: Polyester | Delivery: Standard shipping | Return Policy: Within 30 days
Best Simple
Anna October Snowdrop Asymmetric Maxi Dress
Nothing says long, lazy days and summer romance quite like this streamlined, striking dress. Pair it with a loose bun and a dewy makeup look to complete the laid-back, summertime vibe.
Size Range: XS–XL | Material: Polyester, cotton | Delivery: Standard shipping | Return Policy: Within 28 days
Most Unexpected
Emilia Wickstead Bow-Appliqué Cloqué-Crepe Dress
Remember what we said about classic wedding dresses not being boring? This dress proves our point! While an oversized bow typically lends itself to more trendy aesthetics, this impressive cape gown is undeniably classic and effortlessly chic.
Size Range: 2–12 | Material: Polyester, cotton, elastane | Delivery: Standard shipping | Return Policy: Within 14 days
For the Minimalist Bride
Alex Perry Eliza Gown
Strut down the aisle in this striking dress that channels Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's elegant wedding look. The weighty satin crepe hugs all your gorgeous curves in just the right way. Clean lines, slim straps, and a sharp neckline solidify the minimalist aesthetic.
Size Range: UK 4–16 | Material: Satin crepe | Delivery: Standard shipping | Return Policy: Within 30 days
Most Understated
Galvan Hampshire Satin-Crepe Gown
Simple elegance is always in fashion, and this square-neck design is as timeless as they come. We love the extra detailing in the boned bodice and chapel-length train for a more elevated silhouette. While it's understated in style, it's still gorgeous enough for a formal black-tie event—and you can bet the classic design will hold up for decades to come.
Size Range: FR 34–44 | Material: Satin crepe | Delivery: Standard shipping | Return Policy: Within 30 days
Best Slip
Lela Rose The Foley Gown
All hail the slinky slip dress! This otherwise simplistic silhouette comes to life with exquisite seaming, a fuller skirt, a sultry low back, satin crepe throughout, and covered button detailing. It would look stunning at a spring garden wedding surrounded by fresh flowers or an intimate indoor affair.
Size Range: Custom | Material: Satin crepe | Return Policy: Within 10 days
Best Vintage-Inspired
Grace + Ivory Elle Dress
Delicate hand-beading, rich lace overlay, jeweled high neck, and dreamy scalloped train give this design quite the old-world presence. We love how the warm peachy underlay heightens the retro romantic appeal. Just a heads up, you'll want to order this custom-made dress at least six months ahead of your wedding day.
Size Range: Custom | Material: Cotton, polyester | Delivery: 5–6 months | Return Policy: Within 10 days for partial refund
Best Strapless
Markarian Bernini Gown
No straps? No problem. Structured and flattering, yet with a dreamy and romantic feel, we can't get enough of this gown. The classic wrap dress, with all its movement and flashes of leg, gets a unique twist courtesy of a strapless neckline. We especially love the soft jacquard print for added richness.
Size Range: 0-14 | Material: Polyester | Delivery: 12–16 weeks | Return policy: Final sale
Most Pared-Down
SAFIYAA Strapless Crepe Gown
When in doubt, keep it simple. The timeless beauty of this strapless gown is in the absence of extra details and distracting embellishments. Pair this no-nonsense number with sparkling diamond earrings, a tennis necklace, or pearl-tipped bobby pins for a touch of glam.
Size Range: FR 34–46 | Material: Crepe | Delivery: Standard shipping | Return Policy: Within 30 days
Best High-Low Hem
Halfpenny London Strapless Asymmetric Duchesse-Satin Gown
With a traditional sweetheart neckline, a satin finish, and a full skirt, this stunning wedding dress has a high-low hemline with considerable staying power. Just look at how the fabric drapes into a perfect, elegant pool in the back.
Size Range: UK 0–16 | Material: Duchesse satin | Delivery: Standard shipping | Return Policy: Within 30 days
Most Iconic
DB Studio Sheath Wedding Dress
The gathered bodice, fold-over bust, and off-the-shoulder sleeves of this crepe sheath are as familiar as they are enduring. It's a truly iconic look that's also figure-friendly and would look stunning on a range of different body types. Note: Full-size availability is divided between two dress listings.
Size Range: 0–30W | Material: Polyester | Delivery: Standard shipping | Return Policy: Within 7 days
Best Sleeves
Roksanda Garance Crepe Midi Dress
These exaggerated sleeves certainly need no introduction, but we especially love the three-quarter length that makes this design more approachable. Plus, there's a stunning diamond-shaped back cutout that now lives in our minds rent-free. The longer sleeves are just the thing for an indoor wedding held in the fall or winter.
Size Range: UK 6–18 | Material: Crepe | Delivery: Standard shipping | Return Policy: Within 30 days
Best With Pockets
Jenny by Jenny Yoo Lawrence Gown
That's right, this dress has pockets! This classic scoop neck, A-line gown got a major upgrade with the addition of concealed compartments to keep your phone close by and your lipstick conveniently within reach. You can also nonchalantly tuck your hands inside for a casual look during your wedding-day photography session. Pair this beauty with an up-do to show off the low back.
Size Range: 0–18 | Material: Polyester | Delivery: Standard shipping | Return Policy: Within 30 days
Best Lace
Jenny Yoo Adrienne Gown
There's nothing like a bit of chantilly lace to give you all the feels on your wedding day. This stunning gown keeps things simple with a skimming fit-and-flare silhouette, while the beaded floral appliqués layered over airy tulle give a modern twist. Just a heads up, the made-to-order design will take 20 weeks to ship out.
Size Range: 00–32 | Material: Lace | Delivery: 20 weeks | Return Policy: Final sale
Best Trumpet Skirt
Anne Barge Lamar Strapless Gown
A strapless sweetheart neckline is a classic pick every bride should consider, as it's at once timeless and flattering. We love this gorgeous mikado scuba gown, with its dramatic trumpet skirt and fitted bodice. For a timeless bridal look, consider wearing it with shoulder-grazing earrings, and keep other accessories minimal.
Size Range: 0–22 | Material: Mikado scuba | Delivery: 5–7 business days | Return Policy: Within 7 days
Best Formal
Sareh Nouri Blaine Gown
Planning a black-tie wedding or an otherwise formal affair? Make a statement that’ll last a lifetime in this bold gown that features an off-the-shoulder neckline and a classic A-line silhouette. The glamorous full skirt adds some drama, while the structured bodice keeps things flattering and comfortable.
Size Range: 0–30 | Material: Italian stretch mikado | Delivery: Free ground shipping | Return Policy: Final sale
For the Romantic Bride
Reformation Ronda Silk Dress
Give old Hollywood glamor in this effortlessly elegant silk gown from Reformation. The sumptuously smooth, liquid-like material adds dimension while the off-the-shoulder neckline adds a touch of sexiness. Perfect for the romantic bride, this gown is perfect for a formal black tie affair.
Size Range: 0–12 | Material: Silk | Delivery: Free shipping | Return Policy: Within 30 days
Best Off-the-Shoulder
Amsale Salem Gown
Off-the-shoulder wedding dresses flatter the upper body, and you won't have to worry about the style going out of fashion. The understated elegance of these sheer sleeves makes the whole gown feel ultra-chic. It's the perfect pick for the modern bride who still wants to stay true to classic styles and silhouettes.
Size Range: Custom | Material: Radzimir silk, tulle | Delivery: Free ground shipping | Return Policy: Final sale
What to Look For in a Classic Wedding Dress
Timeless Style
If you think your decision about a wedding dress might be steered by the latest trends, ask yourself if you'd still be happy to wear the dress in a few years. Furthermore, will you look back at your wedding photos and cringe or hesitate to pass it down to future generations? If so, you might want to browse a more timeless dress style, like the Galvan Hampshire Satin-Crepe Gown.
Silhouette and Materials
Classic wedding dresses are designed to never go out of style. Timeless silhouettes like streamlined sheaths and columns or romantic A-lines and ball gowns have proven their enduring appeal. Case in point: the Jenny Yoo Lawrence Square-Neck Open-Back Taffeta Wedding Gown.
If you're a bride-to-be with traditional tastes, opt for crisp and structured silks, like the Sareh Nouri Blaine Gown, or dresses in all-over lace, like the Jenny Yoo Adrienne Gown. For brides with a more daring aesthetic, sexy slip dresses (such as the Lela Rose Foley Gown) and slim, body-hugging designs (like the Alex Perry Eliza Gown) are always a striking choice. Remember: The beauty is in the details—or lack thereof.
Details and Embellishments
If you're looking for subtle or statement-making touches, consider eye-catching open backs, rich beading, or exquisite seaming that aligns with the look's more elegant vibe. Not a fan of embellishments? You can never go wrong with a simple design, like the Anna October Snowdrop Asymmetric Cotton-Blend Maxi Dress.
Why Trust Brides
Brides contributor Nicole Kliest is a freelance fashion and travel writer with over 11 years of experience reporting on the latest trends.