Brides of 2018, start taking notes. If the future Duchess’ fashion-forward Ralph & Russo engagement gown was anything to go by, her wedding dress will be setting the zeitgeist for brides this year and the next. We round up the best bridal fashion trends of 2018 that we might be seeing during the royal wedding in May.

1. Capes

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Above Photo: Courtesy of <a href="https://www.moniquelhuillier.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Monique Lhuillier</a>, available at <a href="https://www.theproposal.com.sg/index.php/main/collection/38" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Proposal</a>

Capes and capelets have been making their appearance on the bridal runway for a few seasons now, especially in spring/summer 2018. Designers like Elie Saab and Monique Lhuillier went for sheer and airy capes for an otherworldly touch. Besides, what could be more fitting for a royal wedding than capes?

2. Jumpsuits and pants

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Above Photo: Courtesy of <a href="https://naeemkhan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Naeem Khan</a>, available at <a href="https://www.poisboutique.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pois boutique</a>

We’re not sure how this will sit with the traditional royal family, but given Markle’s modern style choices, a bridal jumpsuit might just make its way into the Duchess-to-be’s wardrobe. Naeem Khan styled a lace jumpsuit with a tulle overskirt for its spring 2018 collection, while Barcelona-based label Pronovias was recently commissioned by model Cristi Pedroche to create a seductive mesh jumpsuit embellished with lace and over 200 crystals.

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Vera Wang, available at <a href="https://www.verawang.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vera Wang Bride</a>

Jackets

Moto jackets and blazers made their way onto the 2018 bridal runways, a refreshing change from the fluttery tulle and lace embroidery we are used to. Vera Wang and Inbal Dror—one of the contenders for Markle's wedding dress—went for a draped blazer and peplum jackets respectively. We think Markle’s Rachel Zane (Suits) would appreciate this power-dressing move.

3. Sheer everything

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Above Photo: Courtesy of <a href="http://www.marchesa.com/bridal" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Marchesa</a>, available at <a href="https://www.theproposal.com.sg/index.php/main/collection/38" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Proposal</a>

From sleeves, bodices, to entirely sheer dresses, brides are becoming increasingly comfortable with their sensuality and in their skin—it is 2018, after all. While we are not expecting overtly provocative for the royal wedding, Markle’s engagement shoot dress from Ralph & Russo featured a sheer bodice with floral appliqués, and the royal-to-be was also seen in a lacy Self-Portrait dress for Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, suggesting her taste for the sheer details.

4. Statement sleeves

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Above Photo: Courtesy of <a href="https://www.victoriakyriakides.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Victoria Kyriakides</a>

Sleeves are taking the spotlight in 2018, from cold-shoulder designs, flutter sleeves, to the detachable variety. The detachable, billowing sleeves from couture label Victoria Kyriakides’ autumn 2018 collection reminds us of Princess Diana’s iconic gown by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, which boasted dramatic, puffed sleeves in woven silk taffeta and antique lace. It has been speculated that Markle will be wearing Princess Diana’s Spencer tiara—the same one she wore for her wedding to Prince Charles—so perhaps a tribute to the late princess is likely.

Featured image courtesy of Kensington Palace

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