What is the benefit of an overskirt?

An overskirt allows you to wear two looks on your wedding day without having to buy two dresses. Plus, you'll be able to avoid dealing with a complicated bustle, which can easily come undone once you hit the dance floor.

Are overskirts typically sold separately?

Overskirts can be sold separately or come with your wedding dress, depending on the exact design you select.

What wedding dress silhouettes pair best with an overskirt?

An overskirt generally pairs best with a more body-hugging silhouette, like mermaid, trumpet, column, or A-line. “You really want something that is slim underneath, that doesn’t already have a ton of fabric that you’re going to be competing with,” says Sabatino.

10 Overskirt Wedding Dresses Worn by Real Brides

bride posing in front of a lake — Photo by Sarah Falugo

Though you likely want to make a grand entrance for your trip down the aisle, do you really want to commit to wearing one voluminous silhouette your entire wedding day? Or, would you rather wear a dramatic train that can easily be removed once you and your partner have said "I do?" If leaning towards the latter, consider buying an overskirt wedding dress.

“An overskirt [wedding dress] gives the bride the ability to have two different looks without having to actually change her dress,” says bridal stylist and consultant Julie Sabatino. “Not only is it versatile, but it’s less expensive than buying a second dress; you can just take off the overskirt after the ceremony, or after your cocktail hour, and have a completely different look.” Overskirts also give brides the chance to sport a dramatic train (and then remove it) without having to deal with (and pay for) a bustle.

Given the popularity of this fashion design element, we put together a roundup of brides who have previously embraced this bridal gown add-on. Ahead, here are 10 overskirt wedding dress examples to help inspire your search for "the one" look.

Meet the Expert

Julie Sabatino is the owner of The Stylish Bride, a wedding styling company offering in-person, virtual, and day-of assistance and consultations.

01 of 10

An Old-Hollywood Glam Look

bride posing in an embellished wedding dress and a tulle veil — Photo by Haley Rynn Ringo Photo

If you desire an Old-Hollywood glam look, this intricately embroidered gown, worn by bride Catie, is one to know. We love how the overskirt perfectly matches the design of the dress, creating a seamless aesthetic from head to toe. "When I tried it on, I just knew," Catie shared about her Stephen Yearick Couture gown. "It was just a feeling I got!"

02 of 10

An Awe-Inspiring Creation

bride in gown with overskirt — Photo by Amy Anaiz Photography

Featuring geometric-patterned lace, statement shoulders, and a dramatic tulle overskirt, bride Khiari's custom Leah Da Gloria gown is an awe-inspiring example of an overskirt wedding dress. Replicate this look if searching for a design that will turn heads as you walk down the aisle.

03 of 10

A Spring and Summer Design

We love all the details on this Lee Petra Grebenau wedding gown worn by bride Ali. Between the three-dimensional embellishments, custom removable overskirt, and plunging neckline, this design is a striking option to consider if getting married during the spring or summer months.

04 of 10

A Dainty Add-On

bride posing in her silk organza wedding dress with ruffled sleeves and an overskirt — Photo by Leah Marie Photography

Bride Natalie's gown proves that overskirts don't always have to be a dramatic add-on to your ensemble. Sometimes, the design element can simply be a dainty piece attached to an already ethereal design. “It was more joyous and I honestly couldn’t stop smiling and just didn’t want to take the Mayfair gown off," the bride shared about her overall look.

05 of 10

A Sparkly Ensemble

Naturi Naughton posing in her sequin wedding dress in front of a purple backdrop — Photo by Stanlo Photography

For the bride who wants to embody her inner princess, look to actress Naturi Naughton's overskirt wedding dress for inspiration on what to wear. All eyes will be on you thanks to the intricate beadwork and sequins that will sparkle and shine as you walk down the aisle. "The way the dress sparkles when I move looks like my body is covered in diamonds," Naughton gushed about her look.

06 of 10

An Unforgettable Design

bride wearing a lace and tulle wedding dress with an overskirt — Photo by Kai Villanueva

Bride Holly's Galia Lahav gown is a lovely example of an overskirt's ability to enhance a look. While the long-sleeve inner dress is stunning on its own, the overskirt adds an extra touch of glam to create an unforgettable design. “The long-sleeve beaded detailing sparkled in the light, and I felt like myself. When they helped me put on the large embellished skirt, it absolutely sealed the deal. I felt authentic and beautiful," Holly shared about her look.

07 of 10

A Body-Hugging Creation

bride wearing a sparkly beaded strapless wedding dress with corset bodice and tulle overskirt — Photo by Natalie Bray

Searching for an overskirt wedding dress that's a bit sexy? Draw inspiration from the gown that bride Eva wore for her Santa Barbra, California nuptials “The moment I tried it on, I knew it was the one!” Eva shared. “It hugged my body perfectly and definitely had the wow factor the others were lacking. We added an Ines Di Santo overskirt to complete the look.”

08 of 10

A Royal-Inspired Gown

a bride walking herself down the aisle — PHOTO BY AUSTIN GROS

Ethereal, voluminous, and completely convertible, we love the versatility of bride Becky's Halfpenny London gown, which featured a removable silk overskirt and sheer organza long-sleeve top. “I told everyone I didn’t really want to feel like a princess, but wearing those pieces made me feel like grown-up royalty,” she gushed about her gown.

09 of 10

An Off-the-Shoulder Look

bride posing in an off-the-shoulder long-sleeve wedding dress — Photo by Jenny Quicksall

For those who want to highlight their shoulders, this off-the-shoulder wedding dress takes the win. We particularly love the subtle design of the overskirt, which doesn't draw any attention away from the overall aesthetic of bride Amma's gown. “I never envisioned myself as a bride. It’s not something I ever thought growing up would be for me—it felt out of reach almost,” Amma recounted. “So when I put the dress on, it was affirming. It felt like my life was wrapping me in a huge hug and calling on me to believe."

10 of 10

An Utterly Unique Dress

bride wearing a three-dimensional embellished wedding gown — Photo by Rafal Ostrowski

Though it took 800 hours to craft bride Nadine's custom Karen Sabag gown, brides-to-be can still achieve the look of this ensemble by leaning into a few design elements, like the three-dimensional appliqués, feather embellishments, and voluminous overskirt.

FAQ

What is the benefit of an overskirt?

An overskirt allows you to wear two looks on your wedding day without having to buy two dresses. Plus, you'll be able to avoid dealing with a complicated bustle, which can easily come undone once you hit the dance floor.
Are overskirts typically sold separately?

Overskirts can be sold separately or come with your wedding dress, depending on the exact design you select.
What wedding dress silhouettes pair best with an overskirt?

An overskirt generally pairs best with a more body-hugging silhouette, like mermaid, trumpet, column, or A-line. “You really want something that is slim underneath, that doesn’t already have a ton of fabric that you’re going to be competing with,” says Sabatino.

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