What to Know About It

In the ever-changing world of wedding fashion, keeping up with the latest styles can feel like a full-time job. Between runway recaps, real wedding Instagram posts, and viral TikTok moments, new gowns and designers seem to appear almost daily. Plus, now that you can shop entirely online, it’s easier than ever to fall in love with a dress before you even set foot into a boutique.

Still, with all the noise, it’s worth remembering that bridal fashion doesn’t have to be complicated. When designs start to blur together and decision fatigue sets in, there’s one easy way to get clarity among the sea of tulle, sequins, and lace: Follow the trend that does the most with the least. And, as the new year approaches, one trend that should be at the forefront of your mind is soft glam.

Photo by Samm Blake of The Wedding Artists Co.

Table of Contents

What Is “Soft Glam?”

An evolution of the quiet luxury movement, soft glam strikes the ultimate balance between minimalism and maximalism. Think uncomplicated silhouettes enhanced by one or two thoughtful details, such as three-dimensional lace florals placed along the neckline of a simple halter gown. Selena Gomez’s Ralph Lauren ceremony dress embodied this trend perfectly, and you’ll see the same sentiment in KYHA’s newest collection, Waterlines, which pairs classic shapes with luxe detailing to create pieces that feel both elevated and effortless.

But is this another fleeting bridal moment? Is it meant for everyone? Better yet, is it for you? Ahead, we break down why soft glam is resonating with modern brides, share expert tips for shopping the trend, and highlight five KYHA wedding dresses that define the look.

Why “Soft Glam” Wedding Dresses Are Trending

Today’s brides are balancing two competing desires: They want wedding pieces that feel modern and authentic to their everyday style, but they also crave something worthy of the moment. Soft glam bridges that gap, offering the best of both worlds—a refined look with a pop of personality. (The result is wearing something that brings out every part of your identity, no theatrics required.) And while the term may feel new to some, the sentiment actually isn’t.

Brides have always wanted to express the different sides of themselves—classic yet modern, calm yet bold, understated yet unforgettable—and soft glam neatly packages all of that into one. Just look at the rise of wedding wardrobes and multiple outfit changes; individuals have fully embraced different ensembles to show off their unique styles (romantic for the ceremony, playful for the reception, and flirty for the after-party).

Though outfit changes aren’t going anywhere, brands are now creating single gowns that do it all, allowing brides-to-be to feel like every version of themselves throughout their wedding day. That’s why, as mentioned, KYHA’s Waterlines collection is a quintessential example, as it combines minimalist silhouettes with bold textures and daring add-ons. “Overall, the brand has always had that minimalist and maximalist approach to design, and it’s the aesthetic we put out into the world,” explains Kyha Scott, the founder and creative director of KYHA.

What to Know When Shopping for This Trend

Here’s the best part about this wedding fashion trend: Soft glam is endlessly versatile, making it a natural fit for nearly every type of bride. That sense of inclusivity is also what drives KYHA’s design philosophy and inspiration, notes Scott. “Our dedication is to making sure that, through our designs and experiences, all women feel represented in some way—and that when they wear [our looks], they feel like the best possible version of themselves,” adds Claire Murphy, KYHA’s CEO.

Given that this trend is a bit broad, however, here are five key things to remember when searching for soft-glam wedding attire.

1. Hone in on your personal style(s).

This should go without saying, but a trend should never dictate your look—only enhance it. So, it’s essential to determine your personal style, identify the designs and silhouettes that make you feel comfortable, and then build upon that foundation. The beauty of soft glam lies in its flexibility, and there’s a version of it for everyone, as long as you know what feels most like you.

2. Consider your fabrics carefully.

Fabric takes center stage here. Materials like silk satin, crepe, lace, or delicately beaded tulle can instantly elevate a pared-back silhouette—but too much texture or embellishment can overwhelm the gown. A good rule of thumb: If your gown has volume, keep the fabric clean and sleek (crepe, silk, and satin); if your shape is simple, introduce dimension through texture or subtle appliqué (lace, beading, and tulle).

3. Familiarize yourself with the right designers.

Not every designer leans into the nuanced balance of soft glam, so research labels known for clean aesthetics. Find brands that understand how to make “less is more” feel luxurious.

4. Research real-life style inspiration.

Since soft glam can look different from gown to gown, research photos of celebrity or real-life brides that speak to you. Then, try on dresses with similar proportions or signature details, like a sculpted corset or statement neckline, to see how the trend translates on your body.

5. Pay attention to your final styling touches.

Though this isn’t an exact shopping tip, always remember to keep accessories, hair, and makeup minimal when piecing together your final ensemble. Modern pearl studs, a sleek veil, and delicate jewelry, for instance, are ideal finishing touches. For beauty, think soft waves, dewy skin, and a glossy lip to enhance the dress without overpowering it. The key is restraint; let the gown lead.

5 KYHA Wedding Dresses to Consider for a “Soft Glam” Bridal Look

Soft glam isn’t just a fleeting moment. It’s a mood you can expect to see more of across Pinterest boards, runways, and real weddings alike. According to Scott, that’s something to celebrate, since it pushes more individuality and fresh perspectives in bridal fashion.

Below, explore five standout looks from Waterlines that define the aesthetic.