Grace Kelly has inspired the likes of Kate Middleton
It’s hardly rare for a celebrity to inspire a little change in the fashion world and/or our wardrobes. But bridal trends work a little differently: with a fairly historic preference for a limited palette of whites and creams it’s no wonder that wedding dress trends come around again and again. It takes for a very special someone to make it into the wedding dress hall of fame but once said pioneer has done so, their mould-shattering looks will appear down aisles for years and years to come. Go a little untraditional – but by no means un-trialled – and adopt one of the seven A-list inspired bridal looks that are on sale right now.
1. Jane Birkin
Let's start with the epitome of '60s cool: the insouciant Jane Birkin. What could be sexier that a low-cut ribbed don't-give-a-damn crochet frock? Must be worn with attitude. Pick from a fabulous array of boho (and budget-friendly) brilliance at the fabulous Free People site. This 'Mi Amore' dress would look seriously chic on the beach.
From left: Jane Birkin; Free People 'Mi Amore' dress £228
2. Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy
The queen of '90s American minimalism, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy married JFK Jr in 1996 and was an incredibly cool bride. The former publicist for Calvin Klein (can't you just tell?) looked impossibly simple and chic in a silk slip gown designed by Narciso Rodriguez for Cerruti. You can't have failed to notice the huge trend for '90s minimalism right now, and true-to-form, the bridal industry has followed suit. Her sheer gloves are a dreamy touch too.
From left: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Elizabeth Fillmore 'Lola' dress at Browns; Minna 'Mia' dress £1200
3. Claudia Schiffer
Scandi-chic perfection came in the shape of the beautiful Claudia Schiffer on her wedding day, surprisingly. Clean cut off-the-shoulder lace is incredibly flattering as it shows off your best assets - collar bone and shoulders. A Lily Of The Valley crown and boucquet add crisp, clean wonderousness too.
From left: Claudia Schiffer, Marchesa at Net-a-porter £5660; Reem Acra 'Charlotte dress' at Browns Bride
An all-time wedding classic has had a slight update of late. A prim Victorian collar and oodles of lace meet an empire-line worthy of the Princess of Monaco. But choose a trim silhouette or even a sexy splice up the skirt and you can take this fantasy ceremonial look into the modern day. Try Hermione De Paula for her exquisite and slim-line lace confections for a bit of a rock-chick take on the trend.
From left: Grace Kelly; Hermione De Paula; Lover dress at Net-a-porter £1665
5. Kate Moss
We may not all have access to John Galliano's designs and Mario Testino's lens on our wedding day. But her simple bias-cut silk satin gown is easily translated into real-life. Many a v-neck slip has entered the bridal market and we love this Kate inspired veil from Minna.
* Kate Moss, Temperley 'Gloriana' dress; Minna Veil £140*
6. Keira Knightley
Keira couldn't have played her nuptials with any less cool than this. She re-wore a shimmering mini dress from Chanel for her wedding to Klaxons band-member James Righton and teamed it with a mini boucle jacket and sunnies. Should you want to invest in an utterly re-wearable - and not to mention adorable - dress for your wedding day, look no further than this fluttery feather number from J Crew or a Bubble skirt from Lanvin.
Keira Knightley; J Crew 'Feather Flutter Dress' £1995; Lanvin 'Bubble' dress at Net-a-porter £2395
7. Mia Farrow*
Inimitable chic that still works today comes via the marvelous Mia Farrow and her perfect pixie crop. For a timeless look, choose a simple a-line shift with a wee cropped jacket. These will never go out of style.
Mia Farrow (and Frank Sinatra); Brock Collection dress $1220 at Farfetch; Max Mara jacket £320 at House of Fraser