5 Simple Wedding Dresses For Chic Brides

DressesReal Weddings | April 22, 2022

How would you describe your style? Minimalist? Elegant? Grace Kelly-inspired? If it’s any (or all) of these inspirations, then you’ll probably swoon over our collection of simple wedding dresses that our Real Brides have loved.

From sweet, simplistic veils, daring diamond chokers, and modern pearl embellishes, keep reading to be inspired by five of our beautiful Real Brides and how they styled their fashionable simple wedding dresses.

Take other notes from these Real brides by taking our Style Quiz and finding an Authorized Retailer near you to find your dream simple wedding dress.

Make sure to also sign up for our exclusive text messages for more tips and tricks and #Maggie Inspiration for your big day!

What Defines a Simple Wedding Dress?

Sometimes, the simplest things in life are the sweetest – and that is especially true for simple wedding dresses. Simple wedding gowns are typically designed with sophisticated or classic silhouettes covered by elegant fabrics like crepe, satin, silk, Mikado, or tulle. Acting as a blank canvas, brides can style these simple wedding dresses in any fashion that fits their fancy as well!

To have a sweet, minimalist wedding look, consider pairing your bridal gown with soft florals, organic greenery, and a cottage-core-inspired theme to go with your A-line, or sheath simple wedding dress.

If you’re more of a bride who wants to make a sexy statement on their big day, then play up the high-end minimalist fabrics with a high-end silhouette instead of a dramatic mermaid style or stunning ballgown. Continue the wedding look drama by adding a bold red lip with equally bold heels.

Lastly, nothing says “timeless” like a simple wedding dress. If you’re a bride who wants to channel Audrey Hepburn, Kate Middleton, Emma Watson, or Meryl Streep, consider a classic silhouette for your simple wedding dress (soft A-line, fit-and-flare, ballgown), and add vintage flairs to your look with buttons down the back of your gown. A cathedral length veil, traditional venue, and something borrowed are also bonuses in this look.

Don’t just take it from us though! Keep reading for inspiration from some of our Real Brides in their dream simple styles.

Simple Wedding Dresses: Real Bride Leah Tolisano wearing Fatima by Maggie Sottero

PC: Sarah Joy Photography

Up first on our list of Real Brides is world traveler, Leah Tolisano wearing Fatima by Maggie Sottero. This beautiful bride and her partner had a romantic and intimate ceremony in Rome, Italy followed by an adventure of the Eternal City and a dream-inspired rooftop dinner.

What made you choose your Maggie Gown, Fatima by Maggie Sottero, and what were your favorite aspects of it?

“I absolutely fell in love with the Fatima dress from when I first laid eyes on it hanging among many other dresses in the boutique! When I tried it on, I instantly knew this was my dress. It was perfect in so many ways. My wedding dress style is classy, elegant, and a little bit of fun and Fatima nailed it!”

How would you describe “the vibe” of your wedding and the inspiration behind your big day, and how did you accessorize your gown?

“The vibe of our wedding was simply ‘classy Rome.’ Our inspiration was a long emotional road, but it ultimately led us to elope in Rome. I had no idea how perfect my dress would be for Italy on the day I said yes to the dress, and I styled it based on my wedding vision. I felt like the dress was perfect on its own, so I didn’t use any other accessories other than small stud earrings and a very small veil.” 

PC: Sarah Joy Photography

Do you have any other information you’d like to share with us about your wedding dress shopping experience and the big day?

“My wedding dress shopping day was amazing, it will always be one of my favorite days. The White Magnolia Bridal Collection in Jacksonville, FL made my day extra special. My mom, grandma, and sisters were all there. I will never forget that day. Just a few months later I lost my mom very unexpectedly, so I was so lucky she saw me in my dress. I will never forget that day.”

Leah + Fatima are practically a match made in heaven. If you love this dress as much as our Real Bride, but are looking to make it a little bit more you, personalize it for your love story by adding long-fitted sleeves or a detachable beaded belt! Don’t forget to explore its Sister Style, Fatima Lynette by Maggie Sottero, as well.

Simple Wedding Dresses: Real Bride Ashton Rowan wearing Fernanda by Maggie Sottero

PC: Danielle Pilatic

When our Real Bride, Ashton, fell in love with their partner it felt like fate, and it was the same feeling when they tried on our simple wedding dress Fernanda by Maggie Sottero!

How would you describe your wedding dress style, and what drew you to picking a simple wedding dress?

“I went wedding shopping with an open mind, not limiting myself to a certain fit or fabric. I had tried on about 3 or 4 gowns before Fernanda and nothing felt quite right… Too much detailing, uncomfortable fabric, etc. As soon as I put on Fernanda I felt comfortable and beautiful. Sometimes less is more and that’s totally what I felt when I put on the gown. The buttons down the back and the train were two of my favorite features of the gown and the fabric was so soft and comfortable!”

How did you accessorize your gown?

“I wore a pair of stud diamond earrings and my veil for accessories, I am truly a simple kind of girl. I would also consider my bouquet an accessory, it was so beautiful!”

PC: Danielle Pilatic

How would you describe “the vibe” of your wedding, and what was some of your inspiration behind your big day?

“We got married in October on the patio of a small-town coffee shop with the reception taking place inside. Our decor was simple including greenery and burnt orange detailing. We sat family-style all at one big table for dinner with our 18 guests that were all immediate family. Although it was not the day we originally envisioned and plans changed due to the pandemic, it turned out perfectly.”

Do you have any advice for brides-to-be planning their wedding and going dress shopping?

“Enjoy the process. While it can be stressful planning a wedding it is such an exciting time as well! Take the time to sit back and remember that! You’ll look back and wonder how it all went by so quickly!”

PC: Danielle Pilatic

Ashton wearing Fernanda by Maggie Sottero is truly the epitome is “the best things in life are the sweetest.” Personalize this look for your love story, by adding long-fitted sleeves. Or, shop its Sister Style, Fernanda Lynette by Maggie Sottero.

PC: Alyssa Cates

Who said a simple wedding dress couldn’t have a little bit of rock n’ roll?! Take some simple wedding dress inspo from our Real Bride, Leigh Hatzmann wearing Aston by Sottero and Midgley. After seeing her rock this unique simple bridal gown, you’ll see why she fell in love with this gown just as deeply as she fell in love with her partner!

What made you choose your Maggie Gown, Aston by Sottero and Midgley, and what were your favorite aspects of it?

“My mom, aunt, and I had gone to Bridal Boutique Lewisville and met with an associate – Danielle – who listened to me ramble off various things I wanted in my gown. Danielle pulled a few options that were all beautiful but didn’t make me feel as though any of them were “the one”. Then, Danielle brings me, Aston, by Sottero and Midgley and before I even slipped it on, I knew it was what I had to be married in. When I walked out of the dressing room in this exquisite gown, I looked in the mirror and can’t explain my feelings other than I felt beautiful, and confident and could see the entire look come together in my head.”

PC: Alyssa Cates

How did you accessorize your gown?

“After trying on Aston, everything else just fell into place for the concept I had in mind. I knew I wanted a unique, yet timeless, look with statement pieces that wouldn’t take away from the beauty of the dress. For my hair, I chose to go with a high-pony with pearl pins in various sizes; A family friend made me a pair of custom, statement earrings; I wore a beautiful pearl necklace that had been worn by my grandmother-in-law, my mother-in-law, and sister-in-law on their wedding days; Instead of a traditional veil, I went with a gorgeous, cathedral-length, pearl cape veil that draped down perfectly to showcase the back of the dress; and, lastly, finished off the look with a pair of sparkly, Badgley Mischka heels!”

PC: Alyssa Cates

Are you as obsessed with this pearl-inspired, Quick Ship, simple bridal look as we are?! If so, make sure to read our blog on the pearl-core trend for some bridal inspo.

Classic Simple Wedding Dresses: Tara Helmrich wearing Josie by Rebecca Ingram

PC: Lauren Carroll Photography

Here are three of our favorite things in the world: true love, off-the-shoulder wedding dresses, and a simple, satin look. Thankfully, Real Bride, Tara, gave us all three when she walked down the aisle in Josie by Rebecca Ingram!

What made you choose your Maggie Gown, Josie by Rebecca Ingram, and what were your favorite aspects of it?

“I had been looking online at many Maggie Gowns and loved the look of them. Once I put it on, I knew it was the dress; the quality and the simplicity were perfect! My favorite aspects are the simple button detail down the back of the dress and the sweetheart neckline.”

How did you accessorize your gown?

“I wore my Grandmothers’ necklace (my something borrowed), and a gift from my husband diamond stud earrings. I also paired it with Angela Nuran’s off-white silk heels.”

PC: Lauren Carroll Photography

How would you describe “the vibe” of your wedding, and what was some of your inspiration behind your big day? 

“I would describe the vibe as ‘Simple Chic Rooftop Wedding.’ The New Orleans skyline was my inspiration. It is so beautiful in the Spring, so I went with minimal white and green decor.”

Do you have any advice for brides-to-be planning their wedding and going dress shopping?

“Start shopping for a dress as early as possible and be open-minded to trying new things. Take it from me because this ‘Maggie Girl’ had the best day ever!”

Simple Elegant Wedding Dresses: Brielle Musgrove wearing Selena by Maggie Sottero

PC: Eliza Jade Photography

We don’t know about you, but we always dreamed of being a princess when we grew up. That’s why are obsessed with Real Bride Brielle wearing Selena by Maggie Sottero! She made our dreams come true with this simple A-line wedding dress that she got from our Authorized Retailer Brides of Beecroft. Keep reading to know why she fell in love with this classic, yet modern style!

How would you describe your wedding dress style, and what drew you to picking a simple wedding dress?

“I feel like the dress was a timeless, elegant but modern style dress. The Mikado fabric was beautiful. It was a moment of less is more where I just felt like a simple style was what suited me the best. I also really wanted to have statement pieces like my earrings and the sleeves! So simple was stunning in this situation and made me feel like it was a ‘me’ kind of dress.”

How did you accessorize your gown?

• I added custom chiffon sleeves by my dressmaker.
• Ivory veil.
• Pearl earrings by Amilee and George.
• Pearl hairpins.
• Satin Ivory block heels from JJ House.

PC: Eliza Jade Photography

What was your favorite part of your wedding?

“Before the ceremony, I was so nervous walking down the aisle. As soon as I saw Adam though I just relaxed and had the biggest smile on my face. I got to stand next hand in hand with my husband and listen to his vows for the first time, have our beautiful celebrant tell Our Story, and be able to turn and look at all my friend’s and families’ faces. Everyone looked so happy! I feel like I will remember looking out and seeing everyone who we love so much be there for us.”

Didn’t we tell you that Brielle made all our dreams come true?! She’s not the only one though. Become on of our dreamy Real Brides by submitting your #MaggieBride wedding photos on our website to inspire us and future brides as well!

Lastly, if you loved these simple wedding dresses, make sure to Pin these gowns for later! As always, good luck brides! The world (and your wedding) is your oyster – especially when you choose one of our simple wedding dresses!

Explore our blogs on other wedding styles:

5 Romantic Wedding Dresses Our Real Curvy Brides Love

Customized Wedding Dresses & Personalizations With Maggie Sottero

10 Beautiful Wedding Venue Ideas For The Romantic Bride