While we’ve been over here swooning over Beyonce’s Met Gala dress, bridal designers have taken to the runway to show off their jaw-dropping takes on sheer wedding dresses, optical illusion necklines, and nude underlays. From sheer bodices, to lustrous long sleeves, to that “WOW” dress that takes everyone’s breath away, we think that there is a way for every style-savvy bride to pull off this fabulous 2017 bridal trend.

Sheer Wedding Dresses: How to Make it Work for Everyone

Too risqué? We say no way! There are two main ways to execute this fabulous trend: optical illusion tops and nude underlays. The key is finding a balance. Keep it PG-13 by choosing one over the other, or release your inner daredevil and go all in for your big day! Opting for a gown with sheer fabric provides a variety of options for your bridesmaids, as well! If you’re going for a tank-style gown with delicate lace atop of illusion fabric, try finding a fabulous bridesmaid gown to complement it! (We recommend Kennedy Blue “Harper” or “Hazel.”) Headed toward a sexier look? Try simple strapless chiffon gowns to avoid clashing with your sultry neckline. So to help you channel your inner Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian, we’ve compiled a list of elegant dresses ranging from subtly sexy to dreamy demure.

Lustrous Long Sleeves

Timeless, elegant, and sophisticated, you can’t go wrong with a long sleeve gown accented by sheer illusion fabric. Opt for a sexy slim see-through gown, or keep it PG-13 with lace complements and a high neckline!

1. Maggie Sottero Inga

  Kate Middleton, Maggie Sottero’s “Inga” is here to give you a run for your money! This delicate dress flawlessly combines romance and sophistication to provide a timeless look as you sashay down the aisle. Execute the sheer trend with the high illusion neckline, lace adorned sleeves, and a plunging sweetheart neckline for a sexy twist on a modern piece. BRIDESMAID PAIRING TIP: Choose something soft and feminine to complement this romantic gown. We love the idea of pairing it with something flowy and ethereal, such as Bari Jay EN-1555 or Bari Jay EN-1623!

2. Willowby by Watters Amelia

  “Amelia” from Willowby by Watters is the perfect combination of two of this season’s hottest trends: sheer fabric and 3D floral appliques. The 3D fernlike flowers accompany the A-line silhouette to give you a lustrous and amorous look that is sure to have your groom swooning!

Transparent Top

Sheer bodices are soft, romantic, feminine, and everything you’re looking for. Straight from the runway to the aisle, this lustrous look is perfect for the style savvy bride!

3. Tara Keely TK2510

  Corset tops are everything, and this fabulous Tara Keely is no exception. The sweetheart neckline provides a sweet and romantic look, while the corset lining and see-through fabric gives you that edgy twist that is sure to make a statement!

4. Willowby by Watters Vanu

  “Vanu” showcases a unique way to implement the sheer dress trend. Heavy beadwork adorns illusion fabric to create depth and dimension for a stunning look. Hop aboard two trends at once with this breathtaking dress by pairing it with a high-waisted skirt! BRIDESMAID PAIRING TIP: Pair this fabulous ensemble with lace bridesmaid dresses to tie the look together! Check out Christina Wu 22695 for a unique and sophisticated look, or Kennedy Blue “Nova” for a classic ensemble with timeless appeal.

5. Willowby Pearl Tank Unlined

  Flirty and romantic, the Willowby Pearl Tank is the perfect transparent top for your big day. Unlined English Net fabric is accented by intricate beadwork on a bloused bodice in a draping pattern, making this the ideal dress for the bride looking for something romantic and out-of-the-box.

“Did you see the back of that dress?”

One of the easiest ways to do the sheer bridal gown trend is to don a one-of-a-kind piece featuring a dramatic back. Choose a dress that makes your grand entrance just as beautiful as your entrance!

6. Maggie Melanie

  You will hear a collective “wow” as you walk down the aisle in Maggie Sottero’s “Melanie,” a fabulous gown with a low-cut illusion back. Lace adorns the sheer illusion fabric to create depth and dimension while providing a romantic and elegant flare that is perfect for a summer soirée or grandiose chapel wedding.

7. Wtoo Naomi

  You will be floating on an ethereal cloud of tulle, lace, and Swarovski crystals in this piece from Wtoo Bridal. “Naomi” features a high illusion neckline and a full sheer back, giving you a romantic and feminine look that is sure to have your handsome groom swooning!

8. Willowby by Watters Cristales

  For an amorous look with a 1920s-esque twist, look no further than Willowby by Watters “Cristales.” This dazzling dress flawlessly combines delicate beadwork and an opaque sheer back for a stunning look that will awe your guests from every angle. TIP: Worried about not having enough coverage? There are plenty of options for that, as well. Many brides opt to have bra cups sown into their gowns, eliminating the need for a strappy bra that may show through the illusion fabric.

Whimsical and Romantic

When it comes down to it, a wedding is all about romance. So take his breath away with a whimsical and ethereal bridal gown that epitomizes just that! Lace and soft fabrics combine to create these flawless beauties:

9. Tara Keely TK2502

  Full coverage with illusion fabric, Tara Keely TK2502 is fun, flirty, and romantic. The best part? A detachable see-through overlay skirt so that you can flawlessly transition from the chapel to the dance floor!

10. Watters Penelope

  “Penelope” is what dreams are made of! This fantastic dress features delicate lacework atop sheer illusion fabric, slightly scalloping into the netting to provide depth and drama as you sashay down the aisle toward your dashing groom. The nude underlay gives you a unique runway-ready look that won’t disappoint!

11. Tara Keely TK2557

  We are head over heels for this illusion bodice. Classic, yet sultry. Romantic, yet flirty. Does it get better than that? BRIDESMAID PAIRING TIP: Style this fairytale-inspired gown with like-minded bridesmaid dresses! Mix-and-match Wtoo 853i, Wtoo 142, and Wtoo 650i for an exquisite and airy impression that will photograph flawlessly at a woodsy outdoor soiree.

Sleek and sexy

Otherwise known as the “WOW!” dress. Showcase your unique personal style by combining sleek elements with illusion openings for a breathtaking ensemble!

12. Willowby Watters Cora

  It doesn’t get sexier than “Cora.” This dazzling gown allows you to bear some skin while maintaining a classy and sophisticated look. The focal point of this piece is the sparkling lace atop sheer fabric, shimmering with every movement you make on the dance floor.

13. Willowby Watters Caracas

  You are sure to turn heads in “Caracas,” a stunning ensemble from Willowby by Watters. This fabulous piece mixes romantic lace with sexy open sheer fabric to create a striking look that is uniquely yours!

The Showstopper

It’s what every bride wants: that gown that will sweep him off of his feet and wow every eye on her. The one that commands “Ahhs” and “Ohhs” from the crowd. You got it! It’s “The One.”

14. Tara Keely TK2609

  Dazzling beadwork, delicate illusion fabric, and a dramatic skirt. What more could a girl ask for?! BRIDESMAID PAIRING TIP: If you’re looking to bring out the delicate lace details in this flawless ensemble, try styling it with Bari Jay 1612 or Bari Jay 1466. Going for a subtly romantic look? Pair it with Kennedy Blue “Scarlett” or “Abigail!”

15. Hayley Paige Dori

  If you’re looking to make a princess-like statement on your big day, “Dori” is your go-to gal! The nude fabric underlay on the bodice makes the dazzling beadwork truly shine and stand out. So if you’re on the fence about the sheer bridal gown trend, we say go for it! Because there are so many routes to take with illusion fabrics, you’re sure to find the best look to suit your body type and style. Have something in mind that you don't see here? Book an appointment and browse our in-store selection with our expert consultants! Happy shopping, ladies! You may also like...