It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a woman in possession of an engagement ring, must be in want of a great wedding dress. For some, the search barely has to start as the dress was designed in childhood, while others will want in on the trends that will define the contemporary wedding aesthetic of the year they choose to marry in — even if it's more of a nod than a full sweeping homage.
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For those yet to choose what they'll wear to say 'I do' in, whether it be later this year or come spring or summer of 2026, there's a bubbling trend to consider: Jane Austen dressing.
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The fashions that dominated that era, and so too Austen's writing from Emma to Pride & Prejudice, are back and primed for a contemporary romance. And like all trends that come from specific eras in time, much of what constitutes as 'Jane Austen dressing' falls to a defining silhouette. In the case of the early 1800s it is the Empire style, which refers to the period of the First French Empire that ended the year after Pride & Prejudice's first release.
As per The Met's catalogue, the style is defined by its high waist that emphasises the bosom 'with a deliberate rather than an ancillary effect of the corset's displacement of flesh,' meaning that while offering less support, they are universally more wearable and comfortable for most brides-to-be. An Empire line falls straight from the bust and falls to the floor without clinging to the body.
The silhouette has permeated the catwalk and the red carpet of late, making it a prime choice to find its way into stores and especially bridal ones at that. Chloé's take was typically bohemian, while McQueen's subversive in its sheerness.
The McQueen gown was first lifted from the runway to be worn by Emma Corrin, who will also play into this trend quite literally as they're set to star and produce a new generation's take on Pride and Prejudice for Netflix. Jennifer Lawrence wore a vintage Empire line Givenchy gown from its Alexander McQueen period (the English designer often turned to the silhouette for his namesake collections and the legacy continues in Sean McGirr's hands) to an Oscars after party and Ariana Grande wore one to The Golden Globes, too.
Tracing the influence of the 1800s Regency period in contemporary culture also circles back to Bridgerton. The goings on in the Ton take place in the same time period as Austen was writing and so it also offers a way to take on the tropes of the era.
With the next series also anticipated for 2026, it will no doubt once again offer inspiration for wedding trends for the year to come.
How To Wear The Jane Austen Wedding Dress Trend
If you're keen to dive into this catwalk and culture-approved trend than know that accessorising an Empire line dress needs gentle consideration. These dresses don't work so well in contrast and so a bridal day line up should keep to the same aesthetic, but with contemporary lines that stop it from venturing into anything too costumey. Consider pointed slingback shoes to cut through the frothy hems, asymmetric earrings for a fresh twist and veils that add to the romantic allure, like this scalloped-hem option by Bode.
Saie SuperSuede™ Baked Powder Blush in Bella
Completedworks Asymmetric Pearl 18kt Gold Vermeil Earrings
Bode Scalloped Veil
Manolo Blahnik Carolyne Bridal 50 Satin Pumps
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