The ‘It Girl’ Wedding Dresses of 2026: Drop & Basque Waist Wedding Dresses

From Kim Kardashian to Alex Cooper -- the basque waist wedding dress has been an iconic choice for celebrity weddings for years. Before that, this style was popular among aristocrats and royalty in Europe for centuries. Basque waists are trending for 2025 and 2026 weddings. If you’re looking to stand out in a stylish and classy way, this waistline is a great choice. Check out some of our favorite Basque waist and drop waist wedding dresses below!

Strapless Floral Drop Waist Wedding Dress: Sottero & Midgley Aberdeen

Sottero & Midgley Aberdeen Wedding Dress

Basque waistlines are in and so is being true to your personal style as a bride. The Aberdeen wedding dress by Sottero & Midgley stands out from the crowd with sexy cutouts, an elongated basque waist, and a colored floral pattern on the fabric.

Timeless Ball Gown Basque Waist Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero Derrick

Maggie Sottero Derrick Marie Wedding Dress 

Maggie Sottero’s Derrick Marie wedding dress is subtle yet surprising. The Jacquard fabric evokes Victorian elegance while the illusion plunge neckline adds a sexy touch. It’s also available in 3 different colors to fit different wedding aesthetics.

Jacquard Fabric Drop Waist Corset Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero Fortune Marie

Maggie Sottero Fortune Marie Wedding Dress 

If you want to feel like royalty on your wedding day, the Maggie Sottero Fortune Marie has everything you need. The jacquard fabric, elongated v-shaped basque waist, and dramatic ballgown skirt create a regal and romantic look.

Satin Drop Waist Ball Gown Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero Fortune

Maggie Sottero Fortune Wedding Dress

Maggie Sottero’s Fortune wedding dress is a minimalist approach to the Basque waist trend. The head to toe satin fabric is simply elegant combined with the gorgeous silhouette.

Dramatic Drop Waist Wedding Dress: Watters Cordell

Watters Cordell Wedding Dress 

A drop waist dress can elongate your torso and accentuate your curves, which is perfect for a petite bride. The Watters Cordell wedding gown is one of our most unique silhouettes. It has an eye-catching ultra-low drop waistline that leads to a dreamy ball gown. 

Fit & Flare Basque Waist Wedding Dress: Rebecca Ingram Kailani

Rebecca Ingram Kailani Wedding Dress 

Sophisticated and sexy, Rebecca Ingram’s Kailani wedding dress combines a basque waist with a fully fitted silhouette. The thigh high slit and open back design will have you feeling like a classic Hollywood starlet.

Strapless Ballgown Basque Waist Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero Derrick

Maggie Sottero Derrick Wedding Dress

A strapless ballgown is a classic choice for your wedding and adding a basque waistline will elevate your look. Maggie Sottero’s Derrick provides all that plus a plunging illusion neckline and stunning exposed boning.

What Is A Basque Waist Wedding Dress?

A basque waist wedding dress is fitted throughout the bodice and dips into a v below the waist. This shape elongates the torso by extending past the natural waistline. This style also often features a corset that cinches the waist. The v shape of the bodice curves up and around the hips to create an hourglass effect.

Rebecca Ingram Kailani Wedding Dress

The Basque waistline has been trending recently in everyday fashion as well as wedding dresses. Celebrities have been wearing the style on the red carpet and at their weddings -- a convincing sign that this style is becoming more popular again. 

What Is A Drop Waist Wedding Dress?

A basque waist is a type of drop waist. A drop waist wedding dress is fitted throughout the torso to the hips or even slightly below the top of the hips. This style is inspired by 1920s fashion. Because the drop waist bodice stays fitted to the hips it elongates the look of the torso. This style is often paired with a ball gown skirt to contrast with the slim bodice.

Watters Cordell Wedding Dress

History of Basque Waist Wedding Dresses: Where Did the Style Get Its Start?

Basque waistlines are named from the region they originated. Basque country is an area that overlaps parts of France and Spain with its own ethnic group and culture. Traditional garments from Basque country are known for featuring their namesake waistline.

Maggie Sottero Fortune Wedding Dress

During the 17th and 18th centuries the basque waistline was popular throughout Europe, especially for aristocrats. Even today, the style is reminiscent of royalty and poise. In the Victorian era, royals often wore this style with elaborate fabrics and trims. By the 19th century it became popular in wedding fashion for bridal gowns.

Feel Like Royalty in Your Basque Waist Wedding Dress

The basque waist has been making women feel like queens for centuries. The fitted bodice leading to a lowered waistline snatches your waist and accentuates your hips. Your fabric options are endless from detailed Jacquard to minimalist satin. Start shopping early and try on a few options to find the right dress for you and your wedding!

Looking for more up-and-coming wedding dress styles? Check out our favorite new wedding dress trends!

Top 2025 Wedding Dresses & Trends Every Bride Needs To See