We just returned from our biannual buying trip to Chicago Bridal Market, and our cheeks hurt from smiling sooo much! Don’t get us wrong, we still very much love our minimalist dresses (and brides), but who doesn’t love a fairy tale? And that’s exactly what we were walking through at market day after day. And it wasn’t just a princess or two here or there; it was runway after runway full of princess brides from just about every genre you can dream up. There were warrior princesses with armor-like corsets, fairy princesses dressed in flowers, and even homages to real-life princesses of today, like Kate. These new gowns will be arriving in-store beginning in January, but we won’t keep you in suspense until then. Here are the specific trends we saw on the runway and what you can expect to see more of for 2026.

Exaggerated Hips

You know we love an hourglass silhouette here at Savvi, and this season, designers are taking it to the extreme! With playfully exaggerated hips on corsets and strategic fullness in the skirts, do these hippy silhouettes remind you of any particular royal? Marie Antoinette, perhaps?

Basque Waist

We saw this trend trickling in last season, and this year it’s still going strong—accounting for about 80% of the waistlines we saw on the runway. And for good reason! Just look how flattering it is on every body type.

Capes

Now, at first, this one came out of left field for us, but then we remembered our romantasy brides. For all you medieval princesses, a cape is a must, and the longer, the better! The best part is that for most of the caped gowns, the cape part is detachable, so you can wear it for the ceremony and switch things up with a different look for the reception.

High Necklines

Nothing says elegance and grace like a high neckline. From mock-neck lace bodices with fitted sleeves to sophisticated bateau necklines (a la Meghan Markle Sussex), these dresses are perfect for a bride who has always dreamed of starring in their very own royal wedding.

Long Sleeves

We’ve always loved the elegance of a long-sleeved gown, and this season there are plenty of gorgeous options to choose from! Most of the sleeves we’re seeing are made of sheer lace, but they come in all different shapes and sizes. From barely there to sculpted and even off-the-shoulder.

Sculpted Draping

We realize that not every bride dreams of being a princess on their wedding day (and thankfully so do our designers). So, we were happy to see these refreshingly modern silhouettes that played into trends like the basque waist or exaggerated hourglass silhouettes—and what did they all have in common? Sculptural draping. It’s giving orchid arrangements, gallery or rooftop wedding vibes, and sleek, clean girl hair and makeup. Don’t worry, babe, we see you too—and we love!