29 best simple wedding dresses that will *always* look chic
Choosing the right bridal look for you – whether that be a full hoop skirt and tulle layers or one of the best simple wedding dresses – is 100% your decision, no matter how many people's opinions are thrown at you along the way. There are thousands of options on the market these days, however, which is quite headache-inducing, so if you want to forget the stress, sometimes less is best.
Pared back and chic, the true epitome of elegance; a simple wedding dress is where you should set your sights if you’re a fan of minimal style (or are a convert to quiet luxury).
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, the late queen of Nineties minimalism, is the Pinterest poster girl for simple wedding dresses. Her satin slip dress from when she married John F Kennedy Jr in 1996 had a tiny draped cowl neckline and was designed by Narciso Rodriquez during his time at Cerrutti… beyond chic and so, so simple. Since then, her bridal style has inspired a legion of women who want the focus to be on them instead of a frou-frou dress.
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Of course, you will still want a frock that makes you feel like a million dollar bill, and sometimes a lace wedding dress, or one with ruffles and jewels, is exactly what you crave (which is totally fine, FYI), but swishy crepe, smooth silk or slinky satin cut into a simple silhouette can do all that and more, without the need for all the added fuss.
If you’re a bride on a budget (so, basically, every bride-to-be, right?) you'll also be able to make your money go further by choosing a simple wedding dress. Without extra expenditure on embellishment and detailed overlays you could even upgrade to a designer gown, as more ‘classic’ looks take less of a hefty financial investment than those with lace, beading or sequin details. It’s, er, simple!
If you do want to bring in some detail, consider a contrasting texture on your veil or add playful details on your shoes or bouquet. Think of these simple wedding dresses as a blank canvas for your true style to shine…
Ahead: the 29 best simple wedding dresses for the minimalist bride in 2024.
Why we love it: Looking for a princess dress that isn't too fussy? Consider it found. This one is fitted at the bodice and flares out at the skirt, so you'll still get a swish on the dance floor, but there's no tulle in sight.
Fabric: Deadstock 85% polyester, 15% rayon.
Size range: UK 4-16.
Y.A.S Bridal Blend Satin Cami Maxi Dress In White
Why we love it: There's a subtle cowl neckline but we love the absolute ease of this classic cami-style dress.
Fabric: 97% polyester, 3% elastane.
Size range: UK 6-16.
Save when you shop for the best simple wedding dresses with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
Safiyaa Ginevra Cape-Effect Embellished Stretch-Crepe Gown
Why we love it: If you're a hard ‘no’ to veils, you should definitely consider a cape. They're less fiddly but they still provide the dramatic effect – and this dress demonstrates that perfectly.
Fabric: 92% polyester, 8% elastane; Lining: 97% polyester, 3% LYCRA®.
Size range: FR 34-46.
Ivory Satin Bardot Gaia Maxi Dress
Why we love it: You'd be forgiven for thinking this cold shoulder maxi dress was over £1000, but it's actually less than £150. Technically labelled a bridesmaid dress, we think this deserves more of the spotlight.
Fabric: 50% lenzing™ ecovero™ viscose, 50% viscose.
Size range: 4-18.
Why we love it: The deep cutaway back is sexy while the train brings some drama because there's no rule that says simple wedding dresses have to be boring. The textured satin also has a dreamy feel that glides over your body, thanks in part to the slinky bias-cut, too.
Fabric: 100% polyester.
Size range: XS-XXXL.
Halfpenny London Pleated Taffeta Gown
Why we love it: Handmade in the label's London-based atelier, this ball gown is cut from crisp taffeta with a plunging bodice and finely pleated A-line skirt, yet after all that, it still remains minimalist.
Fabric: 100% polyester.
Size range: 0-5.
Save when you shop for the best simple wedding dresses with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Delphine Satin Maxi Dress Ivory
Why we love it: Vintage-like in silhouette and style, the Delphine maxi dress from Ghost is simple yet not to be missed. Cut into a gentle V-neck, its button-through front gives way to a split to create movement whilst walking and to showcase your choice of shoes – so make them a good pair.
Fabric: 53% lenzing™ ecovero™ viscose, 47% viscose.
Size range: XS-XXXL.
Why we love it: We think the Eve halterneck dress is destined for laid-back beach weddings, but its simplicity means its versatile to other locations too. There's a finger loop to the train, too, so you can hold it up while you boogie.
Fabric: 100% silk; Lining: 100% viscose.
Size range: 6-16.
Halfpenny London Double-Breasted Satin-Mikado Mini Dress
Why we love it: This sophisticated blazer dress is minimalist, but in the best way. It's not boring, far from it, but the fact it's fuss free means you can dedicate more focus to accessories, even if that's just a beautiful bouquet.
Fabric: 100% polyester.
Size range: 0-5.
ASOS EDITION Eden Crepe Square Neck Cami Wedding Dress In Ivory
Why we love it: The square neckline is one of 2023's favourites, thanks to Nicola Peltz Beckham's big day look. It brings an edge to this otherwise simple crepe wedding dress.
Fabric: 94% polyester, 6% elastane; Shell: 100% polyester.
Size range: UK 4-18.
Galvan Mayfair Halterneck Asymmetric Satin Gown
Why we love it: Halternecks are such a sleek silhouette and perfectly show off your shoulders. The neck has a long sash tie which will drape down your back for added drama. While this white satin dress looks completely modern, it's also utterly timeless.
Fabric: 80% triacetate, 20% polyester; Lining: 94% silk, 6% elastane.
Size range: FR 34-44.
Save when you shop for the best simple wedding dresses with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Why we love it: The silk fabric has a tiny amount of stretch for ease of movement and we love to see a simple wedding dress with sleeves. This gown proves that you don’t have to go glitzy to wow on your big day.
Fabric: 95% silk, 5% spandex.
Size range: XS-XXXL.
Alex Perry Eliza Satin-Crepe Gown
Why we love it: Sometimes the simplest silhouettes can have the most impact – and Alex Perry's minimal 'Eliza' gown is guaranteed to look elegant from every angle.
Fabric: 82% triacetate, 18% polyester.
Size range: UK 4-18.
Save when you shop for the best simple wedding dresses with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Vila Curve Bridal Satin Tie Shoulder Cami Maxi Dress In Cream
Why we love it: Curve brides can wear simple wedding dresses too - this simple slip style is devastatingly chic with sweet ties at the shoulder - they give the minimal mood a cute lift.
Fabric: 100% polyester.
Size range: UK 18-26.
Save when you shop for the best simple wedding dresses with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
16ARLINGTON Sina Cape-Effect Crepe Gown
Why we love it: While the focal point of this dress is definitely its plunging neckline, the wide straps lend a more polished finished – one that doesn't detract from the rest of the silhouette – making it our favourite feature.
Fabric: 100% polyester.
Size range: UK 6-18.
Save when you shop for the best simple wedding dresses with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Jackson Strapless Asymmetric Duchesse-Satin Gown
Why we love it: The duchesse satin fabric may be unadorned with sequins or beading but you can still add magic with the silhouette of a simple wedding dress. This high-low hemline will show off statement shoes while the train will look seriously dramatic as you walk down the aisle.
Fabric: 100% polyester.
Size range: UK 0-16.
Save when you shop for the best simple wedding dresses with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
ASOS EDITION Beatrice Bardot Drape Wrap Wedding Dress
Why we love it: An off the shoulder shape with draped detail was a favourite with Sabrina Elba on her big day. We love the way this neckline frames your bridal beauty look. This style ticks the trend at an incredible price point.
Fabric: 100% polyester.
Size range: UK 4-18.
Norma Kamali Maria Draped Satin Gown
Why we love it: Beautifully minimalist, the only detail is the draped cowl neckline. The dress is slim fitting and pools on the floor. It's also bias-cut to skim over your body with a fluid feel.
Fabric: 100% polyester.
Size range: XXS-XL.
The Row Guinever Silk-Satin Maxi Dress
Why we love it: Suspended from thin straps, The Row's Guinever dress gently skims your frame before falling to a floor-length hem. Accessorise it with dangling earrings to enhance it even more.
Fabric: 100% silk.
Size range: XS-L.
Save when you shop for the best simple wedding dresses with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Solace London Edda Off-The-Shoulder Faille Mini Dress
Why we love it: Haven't you heard? Short wedding dresses are all the rage right now, and we think this one is up there with the best in terms of simplicity and elegance.
Fabric: 100% polyester; Lining: 95% polyester, 5% elastane.
Size range: UK 4-16.
Save when you shop for the best simple wedding dresses with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Naeem Khan Virginia Draped Silk-Satin Gown
Why we love it: With clever ruching and draping, this gown flatters every curve. It features a high leg slit, mind, so you will flash some skin as you walk through tables of guests.
Fabric: 100% silk.
Size range: US 2-10.
ASOS EDITION Etta Crepe Sculpted Bandeau Maxi Wedding Dress In Ivory
Why we love it: The sculpted bodice detail looks way more expensive than it is while the minimal detail make this dress feel designer. We love the full-length fishtail skirt that balances out the corseted top half. Chic.
Fabric: 94% polyester, 6% elastane; Shell: 100% polyester.
Size range: UK 4-18.
Save when you shop for the best simple wedding dresses with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
16 Arlington Solaria Stretch-Crepe Maxi Dress
Why we love it: One of our favourite brands for going out out dresses, glamorous brides will love the keyhole cutout neckline and slinky cut. Ideal for evening ceremonies or city nuptials, we’re here for the mix of modern elegance and simple luxury.
Fabric: 64% viscose, 33% nylon, 3% polyurethane; Lining: 92% polyester, 8% elastane.
Size range: UK 4-16.
Khaite Uma Off-The-Shoulder Melton Wool-Blend Midi Dress
Why we love it: As one of the hottest fashion brands around (Khaite was responsible for Katie Holmes viral bra-digan moment) we couldn’t resist this dress. The off-the-shoulder detail is reminiscent of Meghan Markle’s simple boatneck wedding dress and we love the modern midi length, ideal for civil ceremonies.
Fabric: 75% wool, 25% polyamide.
Size range: US 0-12.
ASOS EDITION Annalise Satin Plunge Maxi Wedding Dress With Split Front And Cross Back In Ivory
Why we love it: The thigh split on this simple wedding dress makes it easy to swish around the dance floor in (as well as looking pretty damn sexy.) The glossy fabric is silky smooth and shiny.
Fabric: 100% polyester.
Size range: UK 4-18.
Alex Perry Callan Strapless Crepe Midi Dress
Why we love it: The joy of such a simple dress is that you can make it perfect for you by styling it with your preferred accessories - whether you want to add some structure, go metallic or bring in bling-y jewels… A strapless dress will always look timeless in your photos, too.
Fabric: 63% polyester, 37% acetate.
Size range: UK 4-18.
Save when you shop for the best simple wedding dresses with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Gabriela Hearst Sloane Off-The-Shoulder Wool and Silk-Blend Maxi Dress
Why we love it: With hints of nostalgia to its bardot silhouette, the Sloane dress from Gabriela Hearst is understated and spot on for pared-back weddings.
Fabric: 73% wool, 27% silk; Trim: 86% polyamide, 14% elastane; Lining: 100% silk.
Size range: IT 36-48.
ASOS DESIGN Curve Constance Satin Wrap Front Cami Wedding Dress with Low Back
Why we love it: There's nothing more flattering than a wrap dress, and while this one's definitely glamorous, it's still super simple and chic.
Fabric: 100% polyester, Main: 100% polyester.
Size range: UK 16-30.
Save when you shop for the best simple wedding dresses with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
Why we love it: The Jeany dress from Reformation is a relatively new addition but it's constantly selling out due to its simplicity and elegance. The low back lends a sexy and flattering finish to the otherwise unpretentious shape.
Fabric: 100% silk charmeuse.
Size range: XS-XL.
