Fashion

8 of the Best Long Sleeve Wedding Dresses for the Elegant Bride

Ahead of wedding season, L'OFFICIEL rounds up the most elegant long sleeve wedding dresses for the day you'll remember forever. 

long sleeve wedding dresses: Rainier III, Prince of Monaco and Grace Kelly.
Rainier III, Prince of Monaco and Grace Kelly. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

As wedding season approaches, brides-to-be are faced with the exciting task of finding the perfect gown to walk down the aisle in. Though many brides have been thinking about their wedding dresses ever since they were kids fantasizing about their special day, it's still no easy task finding the gown that will mark the commencement of the rest of their lives with their forever partners. Of course, it's all about choosing whichever dress you feel most radiant. Sometimes, the wedding dress chooses you. But it might be difficult narrowing down the plethora of equally beautiful options.

While traditional sleeveless or strapless dresses have long been a favorite among brides, long sleeve wedding dresses exude a certain elegance and sophistication that no other style can compare. From delicate lace designs to sleek and modern silhouettes, long sleeve wedding dresses offer both style and practicality for brides seeking a chic and modest look on their special day. Though they never go out of style, there's also a growing trend towards long sleeve wedding dresses. Don't believe us? Take a look at some of our favorite celebrity brides over the years, from Grace Kelly and Princess Diana to Hailey Bieber and Sophie Turner.

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Elizabeth Taylor and Conrad Hilton Jr. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Rainier III, Prince of Monaco and Grace Kelly. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Princess Diana. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Diana Ross. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Kate Middleton. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. Photo courtesy of Instagram/@kimkardashian.
Ashlee Simpson Ross and Evan Ross. Photo courtesy of Instagram/@ashleesimpsonross.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Jack Brooksbank and Princess Eugenie. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas. Photo courtesy of Instagram/@priyankachopra.
Hailey Bieber. Photo courtesy of Instagram/@haileybieber.
Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas. Photo courtesy of Instagram/@sophiet.
Paris Hilton. Photo courtesy of Instagram/@parishilton.
Joe Biden, Naomi Biden, Peter Neal, and Jill Biden. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Now that you've seen some of the best long sleeve wedding dresses of all time, it's time to consider the style for your big day. Ahead of wedding season, L'OFFICIEL rounds up the most elegant long sleeve wedding dresses for the day you'll remember forever. 

Galia Lahav

Just because a dress is long-sleeved doesn't mean it can't be sexy. Take a look at this Galia Lahav wedding dress, for instance. Made with a satin fabric, this bridal gown's low neckline and high slit add a touch of allure and sensuality. It's the perfect option for brides who are looking for something more mature yet still glamorous. 

Galia Lahav Long-Sleeve Satin Wedding Dress, $2,600, Galia Lahav

long sleeve wedding dresses: Galia Lahav Long-Sleeve Satin Wedding Dress
Markarian

As much as long sleeve wedding dresses are timeless, we understand that committing to a fully-sleeved ensemble may not be for everyone. Enter the Markarian Circe Bow Arm Gown. This stunning piece blends the sexy aura of a traditional sleeveless gown with the sophisticated, feminine charm of a long sleeve design, thanks to its tie sleeve detail. Plus, for those seeking a touch of whimsy, the dress features intricate floral detailing that adds a romantic flourish to the overall look.

Markarian Circe Bow Arm Gown, $3,800, Markarian

long sleeve wedding dresses: Markarian Circe Bow Arm Gown
Safiyaa

Whoever claimed modesty equated to a lack of style clearly hasn't seen this two-piece ensemble from Safiyaa. It stands as one of the most distinctive designs for long sleeve wedding dresses. The cape boasts a high neckline and a sleek, elongated silhouette, while the dress showcases a full-length, strapless silhouette with a fitted bodice. Crafted from heavy crepe fabric, both pieces exude luxury and sophistication, offering a modern twist on traditional bridal attire. You might be hesitant to consider two-piece ensembles for your wedding, but it does offer the advantage of eliminating the need for a reception outfit change. Simply remove the cape, and you'll effortlessly achieve a fresher, less formal look. 

Safiyaa Manore Ivory Harness and Soshin Ivory Strapless Dress, $1,400 and $1,255, Safiyaa

long sleeve wedding dresses: Safiyaa Manore Ivory Harness
Viktor & Rolf

There's no denying the iconic status of Meghan Markle's boatneck long sleeve wedding dress. It was every bit as elegant as she is. While that particular Givenchy dress was custom-designed for her by the Maison's then-artistic director, Clare Waight Keller, brides seeking a similar look can turn to Viktor & Rolf. Though not directly inspired by the Duchess of Sussex's wedding dress, Viktor & Rolf's Sculpted Column Gown offers a comparable style, distinguished by their specialty fabric, geometrical cut-outs, and signature bow detail adorning the back. 

Viktor & Rolf VRM378 Sculpted Column Gown, Viktor & Rolf

long sleeve wedding dresses: Viktor & Rolf VRM378 Sculpted Column Gown
Azazie

Maybe you want something simpler and more affordable for your reception. L'OFFICIEL has you covered on another stunning piece similar to Meghan Markle's wedding dress. Though this Azazie dress is technically an off-the-shoulder long sleeve wedding dress, it has a few things the Viktor & Rolf's option doesn't offer: a cathedral train, satin fabric, and minimal ruched embellishment. It may still be on the modest side, but it's surely remarkable enough to make an impact on your wedding day. 

Azazie Bridal Mermaid Off the Shoulder Satin Cathedral Train Dress in Diamond White, $449, Azazie

long sleeve wedding dresses: Azazie Bridal Mermaid Off the Shoulder Satin Cathedral Train Dress in Diamond White
Katie May

Simple does not necessarily mean boring or basic. This long sleeve wedding dress from Katie May proves just that. Though it features a casual bateau neckline, the open draped back gives it a sense of modernity and allure. Plus, it's fitted silhouette ensures a flattering fit for any bride. 

Katie May X Noel and Jean Wasson Gown in Ivory, $815, REVOLVE

long sleeve wedding dresses: Katie May X Noel and Jean Wasson Gown in Ivory
Lulus

This one's for all the Hailey Bieber fans out there who dream of emulating her iconic lace long sleeve wedding dress designed by the late Virgil Abloh. Thankfully, achieving that dream is now within reach, thanks to Lulus' collection of affordable, high-quality pieces. While this white lace dress may not boast the same ten-foot-long train as Bieber's, it does capture the essence of her off-the-shoulder look. Featuring delicate lace detailing and a figure-flattering silhouette, it's the perfect choice for brides seeking a timelessly elegant yet glamorous look on their special day.

Lulus Romance Dreamer White Lace Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress, $150, Lulus

long sleeve wedding dresses: Lulus Romance Dreamer White Lace Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress
Oscar de la Renta

There is no wedding dress roundup without a piece from Oscar de la Renta. Known for his iconic bridal gowns, Oscar de la Renta's legacy continues to captivate with exquisite designs that exude feminine sophistication. This long sleeve wedding dress, in particular, features intricate gardenia lace detailing distinctive of the brand. The bodice and sleeves boast a flawless fit, complemented by an elegantly open back. Whether you opt for this particular long sleeve dress or another Oscar de la Renta design, there's no doubt that each bridal piece from the label will make every bride feel like a true princess on her special day. 

Oscar de la Renta Gardenia Lace Open Back Gown, $6,300, Oscar de la Renta

long sleeve wedding dresses: Oscar de la Renta Gardenia Lace Open Back Gown

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