As engagement season nears, many brides-to-be are beginning to dream in lace, as visions of ruffles, trains and headbands start swirling through their minds. Now is the perfect time to take a look at the top emerging trends from the recent NY Bridal Fashion Week (Oct 3-8). From cascading tiered skirts to bare shoulders and pantsuits, there is much to look forward to when wedding season begins in 2020.

TIERED SKIRT

Clockwise from upper left – @ViktorandRolf, @TheiaCouture, Assael LaFuille South Sea Pearl and Marquise Diamond Necklace & Earrings, Amsale

Almost every fashion reporter at New York Bridal Fashion Week from The Knot to The Zoe Report agreed that dramatic tiered skirts will be a huge hit for Fall 2020. According to The New York Times, “Boho brides now have more options as designers used ready-to-wear influence in their bridal collections. The comfortable, yet chic tiered skirt has become a favorite streetwear look, making it a win for bridal.” The tiers at Theia Couture, Viktor & Rolf and Amsale are being created with taffeta, pleating and/or ruching. The look is flouncy and fun with a regal feel to it. With such fullness at the bottom, opt for simple, chic accessories up top, like a pearl choker necklace or demure pearl pendant and/or a pair of pearl and diamond earrings.

BARE SHOULDERS

Clockwise from upper left – Zac Posen for @whiteonebridal, @inbaldrorofficial, Assael South Sea Pearl and Aquamarine Fan Drop Earrings, @isabellearmstrongnewyork

Whether it’s “Shoulder Baring Sleeves” (stylecaster.com), “off the shoulder” looks (thezoereport.com), “one-shoulder necklines” (theknot.com) or “regal ruffled necklines” (nytimes.com), designers like Inbal Dror, Isabelle Armstrong and Zac Posen for White One Bridal are freeing up and baring the shoulders. The look is very feminine, and it opens up the neckline and décolletage, making pearls the perfect accessory. Try a long dramatic drop earring with elegant updos or a dainty pearl pendant worn on a short chain for long flowing hair. Sparkling headbands were also all over the runways, as well as fabulous pearl barrettes.

BRIDAL PANTS

Clockwise from upper left – @CarolineCastigliano, @TheiaCouture, @pronovias, South Sea and Akoya Pearl Bubble Bangle by Sean Gilson for Assael, Assael South Sea Pearl and Diamond Lariat Necklace

Some brides will be shunning the ball gown next season in favor of all-white pants and bridal separates from Pronovias and Caroline Castigliano. Shelley Brown, editor at The Knot notes “These sleek dress alternatives are comfortable, figure flattering and totally of the moment. Bonus: It’s basically impossible to put on one of these tailored ensembles and not feel like a badass.” Metallic beading, crystal embellishments and corset tops gave bridal pantsuits a modern edge. These looks call for strong statement accessories – a bold cuff bracelet and statement earring, an opera-length power pearl necklace or a dramatic single pearl lariat.

BIG BOWS, SHEERS & FLORAL BRIDAL PRINTS

Clockwise from upper left – Assael Angel Skin Coral, Diamond and Pink Tourmaline Earrings, @moniquelhuillier, Amsale, @pronovias, Assael “Uplighting” Detachable South Sea Pearl and Diamond Earrings

Other trends include puffy sleeves, tons of pink ruffles and “exaggerated bows” (NY Times) at Carolina Herrera, Pronovias and Berta. “Sheer dressing” (stylecaster.com) or lacey looks from designers like Inbal Dror and Oscar De La Renta were also plentiful. Galia Lahav showed a little skin with peek-a-boo cut-outs, while Danielle Frankel opted for an open torso. Clearly modern bridal designers are ditching the demure in favor of more sensual looks.

White is also going by the wayside as floral print fabrics showed up on many bridal runways like Ines Di Santo and Monique Lhuillier. Last year’s “blush” hues have now become “dusty pinks” (Glamour). For the skin-baring or colorful bride, accessorize with the subtle pink hues of Angel Skin Coral. Simple, chic strands or elegant drop earrings will keep the look from getting too busy or too sexy pre-honeymoon.

Stay tuned for more Pearl and Angel Skin Coral designs as Assael continues to launch new pieces in The Colors 2020 collection. Check assael.com or follow @assaelpearls for frequent updates to help find the perfect accessories for the bride and/or the entire bridal party.