Photo above: “They really bring the drama,” says Caroline of Nicole & Felicia looks at the recent New York Bridal Fashion Week. Trends spotted here include long beaded gowns, drop waists, and full volume. Image by Aisleglam.
Caroline Thorpe Goldberg, bridal stylist and founder of Little White Looks, happily mines the latest trends so that clients in the whirl of planning don’t have to. Her tagline? “I’ll do the digging.”
A former pediatric oncology nurse, Caroline (who is also, full disclosure, the niece of The B’s publisher, Michelle Thorpe Petricca) got her start in bridal styling after her own wedding. “I was so busy during our engagement, and I didn’t have time to explore fun, unique pieces,” she says. Wishing she’d had someone to help, and feeling a bit burned out on nursing post-COVID, she decided to shift gears. She struck a chord: Her following on Instagram grew quickly (she’s now at 146,000). What she does is part inspiration—sharing bridal finds on social media—and part personal styling. Clients can meet for shopping in New York City or Boston; opt for a package that includes one wedding look or several; have a virtual consult; or just peek at her Instagram for her latest picks. No matter how they dip in, brides, ’maids, MOBs and MOGs, and even guests appreciate Caroline’s impeccable eye.
She shared a few of the trends she’s seeing right now:
1 Modern drama
Designers and brides are going for the big fashion statement. Think volume, pleated silks, corsets, and lace. But with structure. “This is not a frou-frou cupcake bride,” says Caroline. “The look is very modern, elegant, and chic.” KYHA Studios, Alexandra Grecco, and Australia-based FLOURE Studio are some designers offering these looks this season.
2 Beyond the ceremony
Gone are the days, says Caroline, when brides pour all their fashion dollars into one gown and call it a night. More are changing out of their ceremony gowns sooner for equally special reception looks and seeking out investment pieces for their other bridal events.
3 What’s old is new
Caroline is seeing a boom in brides requesting something truly unique—something no one else has. That’s where vintage comes in, and in-person shopping really becomes a must. “A lot of bridal vintage shops are popping up,” she says. “And that’s great because ordering a vintage piece online is hard. The fit is so different.”
4 Elegant MOB styles
More structured silhouettes and fewer busy patterns are on display this season. Capes and capelets are also having a moment. Caroline acknowledges that bridal designers don’t always give MOBs a lot of love. Her best advice? “Try higher-end websites (like NET-A-PORTER, Moda Operandi, and Mytheresa), and search evening gown, not mother of the bride.” —Laura Wallis
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