Sure, you want to make a grand entrance for your trip down the aisle, but do you really want to commit to one look for the rest of the evening? Many brides opt for an outfit change somewhere in-between the after-ceremony photographs and reception dinner, but getting out of the gown can be a hassle (not to mention purchasing a second dress can be pricey). Enter in the appeal of the overskirt.
“An overskirt 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 co*cktail hour, and have a completely different look.”
But what actually is an overskirt? In short, it’s a separate skirt that attaches over your wedding dress to give it more volume, and when detached, it reveals a simpler, slimmer silhouette. Shopping for two looks in one can be a bit more complicated, since you want to make sure both styles complement each other and don’t overwhelm you. With this in mind, we spoke to bridal stylists for their advice on what to look for in an overskirt wedding dress and how to style it. Thanks to their advice, we researched the best overskirt wedding dresses in a range of prices, styles, and size ranges.
Best Budget: Watters Danbury Tulle Overskirt
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“If you’re looking for something that is a little bit more budget-friendly, on Anthropologie you can find a Watters overskirt in tulle that is lovely,” says Sabatino. But if you can’t find your size, you can also order directly from the designer here. Featuring soft tulle in a flattering A-line design, it can be paired with a variety of dress styles and cuts, including mermaid silhouettes, lace gowns, and minimalist designs for extra volume.
Price at time of publish: $250
Size: 00-26W | Materials: Tulle | Color: Ivory
Best Plus-Size: Bridal by ELOQUII Sequin Gown With Detachable Skirt
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We love all the details on this wedding gown from Eloquii. The embellished straps add some extra sparkle to your shoulder while the entire gown is covered in a pattern of sequins. The overskirt has layers of tulle for extra volume while underneath you will find a curve-hugging trumpet gown. A middle slit allows for a leg moment and better mobility.
Price at time of publish: $599
Size: 14-28 | Materials: Nylon| Color: Off White
Best Jumpsuit: Alexia María Convertible Bow-Embellished Silk Faille Jumpsuit
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As part of her versatile Convertible Collection, which reflects a timeless feminine aesthetic, this jumpsuit features cigarette-style trousers and gorgeous bow detailing at the back waist level. Handmade with silk faille, the removable overskirt will take you from the ceremony to the dance floor with ease (your guests will think it’s an entirely new look). The best part is, the transitional overskirt, dubbed Convertible Skirt, comes in 10 colors and was designed with the intention to be worn more than once (you can also purchase it separately here). So once the wedding is over, you can mix it up with an array of other styles, including co*cktail or mini dresses.
Price at time of publish: $1,475
Size: 0-16 | Materials: Silk Faille | Colors:10
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Best One-Shoulder: Galina Signature One-Shoulder Beaded Wedding Dress
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For the bride who wants to embody her inner-princess, this one-shoulder gown by Galina is perfect. The dress's beaded detailing accentuates its sparkle and sophistication. All eyes will be on the bride on her wedding day thanks to the intricate beadwork that will sparkle and shine.
Price at time of publish: $1,699
Size: 0-30 | Materials: Polyester | Color: Ivory
Best Floral: Oleg Cassini Tiered Floral Ball Gown Wedding Dress
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Oleg Cassini is known for creating elegant and sophisticated designs, and this gown may reflect that aesthetic. We’re big fans of the tiered floral layers that create a romantic and ethereal look, which many brides find appealing. The dress features intricate details, such as delicate floral patterns or embellishments, that add to its overall charm.
Price at time of publish: $1,599
Size: 0-30 | Materials: Polyester | Color: Ivory
Best Wrap: Loho Bride A La Robe Pas de Deux Wrap Skirt
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Ethereal and voluminous, we love the versatility of this silk organza wrap skirt that features a raw edge hem and wide ties. Designer Elizabeth Soljak of A La Robe is a favorite among stylists and fashionistas, and known for her dramatic overskirts and custom-cut gowns handmade in France. “She has beautiful overskirts that we use for our clients,” says Sabatino.
Price at time of publish: $1,320
Size: Made-To-Order | Materials: Silk| Color: Ivory
Best Strapless: Alexia Maria Silk Faille Strapless Column Gown with Bow Convertible Skirt
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For those that want to highlight their shoulders, this strapless column gown by Alexia Maria takes the win. We’re loving the subtle sheen of this silk faille material, as well as the detachable, full overskirt complete with a sleek front bow. It gives off a polished look and an elegant silhouette, making it a great choice for formal weddings. And for those who want an alternative to an all-white wedding, you can try the nine other colors for a modern, colorpop approach.
Price at time of publish: $1,925
Size: 0-16 (made to order) | Materials: Silk, Polyester | Colors: 10
Best for Winter: Alexia Maria Silk and Wool Convertible Skirt
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If you already have a dress in mind for a winter ceremony, this full-length, lined, silk and wool overskirt is a good option as an add-on. Plus it’s made-to-order and has side slit pockets (yes, please and thank you) with a concealed back zipper. We’re feeling the classic ballroom vibe of this piece, especially as you’re entering or leaving the reception for the night.
Price at time of publish: $750
Size: 0-16 | Materials: Silk, Wool, Polyester | Color: White
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Best Mini: Alexia Maria Olivia Dress with Convertible Skirt
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While most of the options on this list are for full-length gowns, mini dresses are definitely trending this season for brides. Plus the ruffled, Mexican-inspired sleeves of this mini are just too good to overlook, and the overall length is great for showing off a little leg. With the convertible skirt, you can easily go from the ceremony to co*cktail hour and then the dance floor in style, and even wear the mini dress again after the wedding!
Price at time of publish: $1,945
Size: 0-16 | Materials: Silk, Polyester | Color: White
Best Beaded: Ines di Santo Sonetto Gown with Detachable Pleated Tiered Overskirt
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For extra texture and dimension, consider pairing an intricately beaded sheath dress with a multi-tiered overskirt, like this one by Ines Di Santo. We’re loving the ruffles and the long train combo, which will make for an extra special, dramatic “transition” from ceremony to reception.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Size: Custom | Materials: Inquire | Colors: White
Best Luxe: Sophia Tolli Première in MONET #ST613
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There’s so much to say about this dramatic, magical, and dare we say mysterious ball gown from Sophia Tolli. Featuring a beaded schiffli lace appliqué that cascades down the length of the dress, it’s giving regal, ocean goddess vibes. We’re loving the modern scooped neckline and of course, the detachable, tulle overskirt, which is included in the look. Unlike other overskirts, this one is made with a beaded belt!
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Size: 0 - 32 | Materials: Beaded Schiffli Lace Appliqué, Glitter Tulle, Misty Tulle, Stretch Jersey | Colors: Ivory, Ivory/Nude
Best Ethereal: Galia Lahav Style: G-507
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Recommended by wedding planner Aimee Monihan, Galia Lahav’s G-507 style is a feathery, “free-spirited” design made with hand-embroidered lace and an optional sheer overskirt that cinches at the waist. We love the daring neckline, fitted style, and how the overskirt adds a touch of sheer volume to the mermaid silhouette.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Size: Made-to-Order| Materials: Not available | Colors: Not available
Best Formal: Ines di Santo Harmony Gown
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This structured gown with a sophisticated, detachable overskirt that cinches at the natural waistline is part of Ines Di Santo collection. Complete the look with a long, bow train (which can be attached at the waist or upper back) for an ultra-regal effect on your walk down the aisle.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Size: Request an appointment| Materials: Not listed | Color: Ivory
Best Classic: Anne Barge Newport Overskirt
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Designed by Anne Bargee, the subtle sheen of this detachable overskirt with an extra-long train is too elegant to pass up. Made with pleated, mikado material (a textured, slightly thicker compared to regular silk or satin), the skirt attaches at the back using a series of curved buttons for a formal look.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Size: 0-22 and 16SP-24SP| Materials: Mikado | Colors: Silk White, Pearl, Steel Blue
Best Glamorous: Pronovias Premiere Collection Cathy Dress
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The billowing effect of this deep V-neck, mermaid wedding dress in embroidered tulle will certainly make a statement down the aisle. The simplistic, court train that cinches at the natural waistline looks fabulous against the scooped back and embroidery of the fitted bodice.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Size: Request an appointment | Materials: Tulle | Color: White
Best for Versatility: A La Robe Pirouette
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Another stunner from the French label A La Robe recommended by Sabatino, this dreamy silk organza overskirt features silk satin ties and a long, billowy train. But the best part is that it can be worn two ways: over the gown (tied at the neck) or cinched at the waist.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Size: Made-To-Order | Materials: Silk | Color: Ivory
Best Textured: Rita Vinieris Rivini Collection Brinley Dress
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Sometimes it’s all about the details and the Brinley dress from Rita Vinieris’ fall 2023 collection has it all. Complete with exposed boning detail at the back, the faux overskirt is made with silk jacquard to add subtle texture and beautifully complements the corset bodice.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Size: Request | Materials: Silk textured jacquard | Color: Ivory
Best Elegant: Peter Langner Caroline Wedding Dress
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We’re loving the juxtaposition of intricate, guipure lace of this column gown with the draped tulle overskirt in the Caroline dress from Paul Langener’s 2023 collection. From the sheer back with buttons, high-neck bodice, and flowy, tulle overskirt, it’s a dreamy look made of lace and whimsy.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Size: Custom | Materials: Guipure lace and tulle | Color: White
Best Romantic: Anne Barge Walton Overskirt
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For a dreamy look that flawlessly transitions from the ceremony to reception, try this gorgeous illusion tulle overskirt with velvet embroidered lace. It comes in nude and silk white hues, as well as plus-sizes.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Size: 0-22 and 16SP-24SP | Materials: Tulle overskirt with Alençon lace velvet | Color: Nude, White
Best Traditional: Peter Langner Vichy Wedding Dress
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Typically overskirts are made with lightweight material like lace or breezy tulle, but for a more structured look, try this A-line gown with an overskirt in faille fabric. It drapes beautifully as a full skirt and will complement a minimalistic aesthetic.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Size: Request | Materials: Faille | Color: White
Meet the Expert
- Julie Sabatino, celebrity stylist and founder of The Stylish Bride, is an expert in wedding-related fashion and shopping in New York City. With more than 20 years of experience, she arranges customized, luxurious looks for her clients from around the world.
- Aimee Monihan is the CEO and founder of Mountain Occasions, a Colorado-based wedding design and planning company. Prior to her Denver business, Monihan was a premiere wedding planner in Costa Rica and her sister company, Tropical Occasions, still plans events in the some of the most beautiful tropical destinations around the globe, including destination weddings, corporate affairs and social soirees.
- Alexia Maria, a Mexican fashion designer and CEO of her namesake luxury evening wear brand, is known for her signature bows and dramatic, large-scale flowers made of silk faille. Inspired by the golden age of film and fashion, Alexia María romanticizes a classic era with the purpose of reigniting the art of dressing up.
What to Look for in an Overskirt Wedding Dress
Fabric
“The best fabric and style for an overskirt really depends on the look that you are going for. I’ve done a lot of overskirts in the past that are sheer and made out of either tulle or some sort of netting, so that you can see the silhouette of the dress underneath but it still gives you the feeling of having a fuller skirt. The other way of doing it is to have it so that it looks like the skirt is made out of the same fabric as the wedding dress and looks like it’s actually part of the dress itself,” says Sabatino.
Monihan also recommends chiffon and satin for an overskirt: “Something that adds body, so when removed, you have a sleek dress under it, creating a contrast that is enough for your guests to feel like the bride wore two completely different styles,” says Monihan.
Fashion designer Alexia Maria recommends silk as her personal favorite: “I work with silk faille and silk and wool. I think it gives the silhouette of the overskirt structure and the sheen of the fabric adds a beautiful touch of understated elegance,” says Maria.
Length
While overskirts tend to be full length, you want to consider your train and bustle, too: “If you’re going to keep the train underneath the main base wedding dress, then the overskirt needs to be longer than that,” says Sabatino. “But a lot of times, what an overskirt allows you to do is to not even have a train on the base wedding dress, and therefore you don't have to bustle it. When you decide to take off the overskirt, the dress is now floor length and you don't have a big bulky bustle in the back. So, it all depends on what’s underneath.”
Style
“You have to consider what fabric you want, how important the quality of it is, and whether or not you want any details on it. The more intricate and elaborate the skirt, the more expensive it’s going to be, so it’s really up to each bride about what the focus is,” recommends Sabatino. “Does she just want something over her dress that gives it a different look and it’s ok that it’s not something that is very expensive, or does she really want it to look like it matches the dress and has the same lace and applique? Making those decisions is really going to depend on the type of wedding dress that the bride chooses and what her budget is."
FAQ
What is the benefit of an overskirt?
“The overskirt is the perfect solution for a bride who wants a different look, but doesn’t love the idea of having a full outfit change for both timing and budgetary reasons,” says Monihan. “Plus, there’s no need to leave the reception once the party gets started to change.”Another benefit is avoiding 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 the dress. Monihan points out that overskirts can often be added to an existing design as well.
What wedding dress silhouettes pair best with an overskirt?
Our experts agree that it’s best to pair an overskirt 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.
Why Trust Brides
Amber C. Snider is a NYC-based journalist specializing in lifestyle, travel, and design with bylines in the New York Times, Architectural Digest, Fodor’s Travel, Teen Vogue, Refinery29, Elle Décor, Town & Country, HuffPost, and more. Chances are, she’s probably buying a new bridesmaid dress for another wedding as you read this. You can read more of her work here.
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