What to Know About This Vintage-Inspired Trend

While bridal fashion trends come and go, there’s a particularly distinct silhouette currently making waves: the basque waist. Defined by a dramatic V- or U-shaped dip where the bodice meets the skirt, this vintage-inspired detail is having a major comeback in modern bridalwear. With its regal structure and undeniable romantic aesthetic, it’s the kind of silhouette that feels straight out of a fairy tale. “A basque waist extends slightly beyond the natural waistline, often incorporating a subtle peplum detail to enhance the silhouette’s structure,” says Corinne Pierre-Louis, a bridal stylist and fashion expert. The result? A cinched, corset-like effect that accentuates your curves, narrows your waist, and elongates your torso. “Basque waist styles consistently feature a fitted and structured bodice, creating a very flattering silhouette for numerous body types,” says Alexa Baker, associate designer at Revelry.

Given its historical roots, the resurgence of this silhouette isn’t necessarily a surprise. “The basque waist first gained popularity in the Basque region of Europe during the Victorian era, when femininity and elegance were defining fashion themes,” says Baker. The silhouette was favored by royalty and high society, further cementing its association with timeless sophistication. The style also saw a dramatic revival in the 1980s, when designers pulled inspiration from the Victorian era, embracing the fairy-tale aesthetic with fitted bodices, lace embellishments, and voluminous skirts. Now, it’s making a grand return with the same regal charm—but with a fresh, modern twist, the ideal choice  for brides looking to channel both romance and individuality in their gown.

Appearing in everything from full ballgowns to sleek minis, the basque waist is a vintage-inspired silhouette that still feels effortlessly fresh for today’s bride. But what’s driving this revival, and what should brides consider when choosing this style? Ahead, we break down why this trend is taking over, what to know before saying yes to a basque waist gown, and expert tips on how to style it for your big day.

Why Are Basque Waists Trending Right Now?

Fashion is inherently cyclical—what goes out of style almost always comes back, just with a modern twist. “The basque waist first emerged during the Edwardian era, when a defined waistline was the pinnacle of sophistication,” says Pierre-Louis. Later, designers like Dior reimagined the silhouette in the mid-20th century, refining it into the structured, dramatic shape we recognize today. Now, with bridal fashion leaning into all things old-world romance—cottagecore, coquettecore, regency-era aesthetics—the basque waist is having its moment once again.

Of course, this comeback isn’t just about historical inspiration. Pop culture has played a huge role in bringing hyper-feminine, vintage silhouettes back into the spotlight. “Since Bridgerton premiered in late 2020, interest in vintage-inspired silhouettes has been more popular than ever,” says Baker. And with Pinterest predicting 2025 as the year of Rococo revival—where ultra-opulence and extreme femininity take center stage—the trend shows no signs of slowing down.

But even for those who aren’t drawn to antique aesthetics, the basque waist still fits right in. Baker points out that 2023 was all about Barbie and the year of the girl, while 2024 doubled down on hyper-feminine fashion with pop culture moments like Brat. “It feels largely reminiscent of the culture of the ‘80s that brought back this trend,” she says “The themes are consistent. The girls just want to dress up, we want to be extra, we want to be feminine!” And what better way to embrace that energy than with a silhouette that feels both powerful and effortlessly romantic?

What to Know About a Wedding Dress With a Basque Waist

When choosing a wedding dress with a basque waist, fit is everything. Since this silhouette is designed to accentuate curves, precise tailoring is key to ensuring a flattering shape. “Brides should prioritize how the overall structure fits them when choosing a dress with a basque waist,” says Pierre-Louis. The right accessories and undergarments also make a difference, helping to create a smooth, polished look.

One of the standout qualities of the basque waist is its versatility. “Traditionally, this feature is seen as something exceptionally elegant and formal, referencing back to the royalty that wore it centuries ago,” says Baker. However, modern interpretations have made the style adaptable to different aesthetics. “Basque waists have recently been seen on styles ranging from sleek satin to the most voluminous taffeta gowns,” she adds. While the silhouette lends itself well to formal and black-tie weddings—especially in ball-gown designs—a streamlined A-line variation can work beautifully for cocktail or semi-formal celebrations, notes Pierre-Louis.

In addition to its regal appeal, the basque waist is known for appealing to many different body types. “Basque waist styles are incredibly flattering for a multitude of body types, drawing attention to the small of the waist and emphasizing our natural curves,” says Baker. However, brides with petite frames or shorter torsos may find the dramatic dip less proportionate. In that case, a shallower basque waist can be an excellent alternative for those who want to try the trend without overwhelming their figure.

How to Style a Dress With a Basque Waist

When styling a basque waist gown, the key is to let the silhouette shine. “Consider dainty earrings and a bracelet to add just the right amount of detail,” says Pierre-Louis. She also recommends skipping a necklace to maintain the gown’s elegance, allowing the décolletage and bodice to take center stage.

Since basque waist gowns naturally exude drama and sophistication, accessories should enhance rather than compete with the look. “We recommend accessorizing a basque waist silhouette with timeless and understated jewelry—pieces that won’t take away from the elegance of the gown,” says Baker. Classic pearl or diamond studs, delicate drop earrings, or even a subtle tiara can complement the regal aesthetic without overpowering it. For the finishing touch, a flowing cathedral-length veil or satin gloves can further enhance the drama—because why not lean into the magic of the moment?

As for the future of the trend? “I love that this design feature is trending again, and do expect it to stick around a while due to its timeless elegance and historical significance,” says Baker. As the trend continues to evolve, one thing is certain—it’s a silhouette that has, and will continue to, stand the test of time.

5 Basque Waist Wedding Dresses for Inspiration

Whether inspired by historical romance or modern luxury, the basque waist offers brides a way to embrace elegance, drama, and personal style. However, even if you love such a silhouette, you may still be stuck on the right way to incorporate it into your wedding-day look. Here, we’ve rounded up five modern-day appearances for inspiration.

A Subtle Basque Waist Styled With Gloves

This bride proves that a basque waist doesn’t have to be dramatic. For her Palm Springs nuptials, she opted to style this subtle drop-waist silhouette with an off-the-shoulder bodice, long white gloves, and a cathedral-length veil.

A Basque Waist Paired With a Dramatic Slit

Mixing a vintage-inspired bodice with a modern-forward skirt, Australian designer Coutil created the perfect old-meets-new design for this bride’s big day. Delicate handcrafted lace gloves added to the sophisticated and regal look, while the slight V-cut bodice accentuated the drop waist.

A Dramatic Drop Waist

For her outdoor wedding, this bride selected a Danielle Frankel gown for a style-forward look. She paired the dress, which featured a dramatic basque waist, V-cut neckline, thin straps, and a full skirt, with a bouquet of calla lilies and a lace-embroidered veil.

A Basque Waist Dress With a Square Neckline

Styled by Aniqua Toquero, this basque waist gown from Coutil included thin straps, a full skirt ,and a square neckline. Pairing the dress with a retro-style long pearl necklace, this bride emitted the perfect glamorous—yet laid-back—look.

A Strapless Basque Waist Gown

For her Georgia nuptials, this bride created the basque waist, silk mikado strapless gown with Designer Loft Bridal. “Every aspect of the gown was thoughtfully chosen by me,” she said. “I took elements of many dresses that I tried on; as soon as I was able to try on a full ball gown, I knew that was the direction I wanted to go.”