Trends for 2012

The Trend: Illusion Necklines

Lots of unique necklines this season, but "most spotted" goes to the illusion style, in which a sheer, delicate, and often embellished layer of fabric veils skin that would otherwise be exposed. (Think of illusion as "strapless, with coverage," noting its power to transform a sassy, "look at my boobs" situation into something soft, elegant, and romantic.)

 Gown by Carolina Herrera

 Gown by Alfred Angelo 

Gown by Monique Lhuillier

The Trend: Two-Tiered Skirts

Last season in skirts, three-dimensional florals hit critical mass. This season, designers focused on hemlines, creating skirts with two distinct tiers. Call it an exaggerated form of the peplum detail from previous seasons, and this time, it's superflattering—the top tier is a genius way to camouflage wier hips.

Gown by Christos

Gown by Anna Maier/Ulla-Maija Couture 

Gown by Junko Yoshioka

The Trend: Horsehair Trim

Don't worry, animal rights activists, horsehair does not come from our equine friends; it's a synthetic fabric often used on the underskirts of gowns to create a cleaner shape and a crisper hemline. Continuing with the trend of turning dresses inside-out (see last season's corsets), designers are now exposing this underlay fabrication, either as a visible hemline treatment or a lavishly looped sash or bodice detail. It works to create incredible volume and dimension on ballgowns and also provides a unique, frothy-yet-modern textural element.

Gown by Vera Wang

  Gown by Rivini

The Trend: Blush

Wearing a wedding gown in a non-white or ivory hue was, until recently, considered a pretty radical move. Then, a few seasons ago, we began seeing subtle pops of color—from the faintest hint of silver or lilac to bright lettuce green—but color was still the exception rather than the rule. This season, however, blush and pink shades appeared on dozens of runways, marking its official debut as an expected—not quirky—wedding gown hue. Perhaps this has something to do with Reese Witherspoon's blush Monique Lhuillier wedding gown. If Reese, a paean to traditional, conservative dressing, chooses pink, it's clearly time to give it a try.

Dress by Wtoo Brides

Gown by Monique Lhuillier

Gown by Rivini

The Trend: Lace Sleeves

Since April bridal market fell just a few weeks before the Royal Wedding, several designers were inspired by Kate Middleton and what she might wear. For a great majority, this meant lace sleeves—a sleeker, more contemporary version of the voluminous sleeves that engulfed the young Princess Diana so many years ago. Turns out the recently dubbed Duchess of Cambridge did end up wearing lace sleeves to her wedding, and it's only a matter of time before this regal look catches on in a big way. We can't wait.

Gown by Legends by Romona Keveza

Gown by Monique Lhuillier 

Gown by Wtoo Bride