Belle Époque Nostalgia: Romantic Silhouettes We’ve Spotted on the Runways
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Time to read 5 min
If you’ve been keeping an eye on what’s going on in the runways recently, you may have already noticed a common denominator — runways turning into poetic stages of romance and grandeur, reminiscent of the Edwardian era in the 1800s. The ethereal fabrics and dreamy details have taken center stage, further demonstrating the return of the Belle Époque aesthetic in today’s fashion scene.
The Belle Époque era is marked by opulence through intricate craftsmanship and dramatic silhouettes that celebrated femininity and elegance at that time. If you’ve been wanting to embrace this nostalgic aesthetic, this year is the best time to go for it, as it’s been making waves in haute couture lately. Let’s talk about the most romantic silhouettes that we spotted on the runway recently and be transported straight to a gilded lace-laden past, but in 2025/2026’s language.
Ethereal Drapes and Structures
Image: Zuhair Murad
Zuhair Murad is one of the designer brands to lead the majestic comeback of the Belle Époque fashion, as seen on their runway this year. There's this neoclassical draping that immediately makes everyone swoon; beautifully soft, sheer, and divine.
Back to Zuhair Murad's collection, the jeweled chiffon gown with a prominent shoulder structure embraces the Belle Époque aesthetics' diaphanous overlays and fluid drapes, making the contrast very magical. It's not exactly a reproduction of the early 1900s, but rather a reimagined version of the style's most notable features.
Here are some dresses that have a similar feel:
The Grandeur Mermaid Gown Reimagined
The mermaid silhouette has made its way back to the runway, and it seems to come in a more modernized version that makes Belle Époque so “today”. Today’s version is way bolder, more structured, and definitely deliberate. It’s familiar, yes, but also unexpected. True enough, the mermaid silhouette is the kind of shape that plays with nostalgia, not repeats it.
In the past, the volume of the flare was carefully calculated, often confined below the waist in an almost mathematical fashion. But fast forward today, and we’re seeing something that’s less restrained and inarguably more expressive. Designers aren’t just referencing the past with the mermaid silhouette; rather, they’re bending it and twisting traditional lines into fresh, sculptural drama. High-sheen satins, embroidered bodices, textures you want to reach out and touch — this is where history meets edge.
You might’ve already seen Elie Saab’s interpretation: a stormy silver gown that flares in full drama mid-thigh. It doesn’t just nod to Belle Époque — it rewrites it, softly but with purpose.
Check out more of these reimagined Belle Époque mermaid-style pieces:
Reliving the Romantic Corset
Of all the silhouettes making a comeback, none feels quite as timeless or as redefined as the corseted waist. It’s just very nostalgic. But then, back in the Edwardian times, corsets meant rigidity, a tightly laced ideal of beauty. But we’re in 2025, and we refuse to limit our fashion options, so corsets are now less about constraint and more about confidence. Structure with purpose — a shape that doesn’t just hug the body, but celebrates it.
You’ve seen it redefined on the runway, just like Tony Ward’s blush-toned dream, where the corset is sharp and the tulle flows like fog. It’s past and present in a delicate push and pull, soft and strong all at once.
Get that corseted look on with these dresses:
Image: Tony Ward
Runway Mystery in Lace and Flare
Not everything about the Belle Époque was all pastels and perfume. So we’re going to take a break from all the soft and romantic silhouettes and dive into the mysteries beneath the ruffles and romance. Something dark and sultry — a fondness for lace so intricate that it’s just simply bewitching. That obsidian mood is still very much alive and well today, especially in those bold, gothic-tinged gowns sweeping across the runway.
Dolce & Gabbana’s interpretation nailed it like no other at their Alta Moda Roma show. That black lace corset, sculpted to perfection, with a sheer flared skirt and royal jewels at the throat? That’s more than just an outfit, but dark fashion drama at full throttle. It was Belle Époque elegance that’s sharpened and styled for the woman who leads the room, not waits to be invited in.
Captivate everyone with these sultry pieces:
Image: Dolce & Gabbana
The Wrap Up
Without a doubt, the Belle Époque revival isn’t about dressing like it’s 1905, but about borrowing the best parts of a romantic era and blending them with the fashion versions we have today. We’ve seen it on the runway, with designers embracing classic silhouettes like corsets, mermaid cuts, soft drapes, and lace — not to recreate the past, but to reinterpret it with modern ease and intention.
There’s something very refreshing about the way fashion is leaning into beauty with thoughtfulness again. Whether you’re drawn to softness, structure, or a touch of mystery, these runway looks remind us that history still has plenty to offer — especially when it’s reimagined with a fresh point of view.
Romantic Revival: Runways embraced Belle Époque elegance with dreamy fabrics and poetic silhouettes.
Draped Drama: Designers reimagined soft, sheer gowns with modern neoclassical structure.
Modern Mermaid: The mermaid cut returns with bolder flare, luxe textures, and sculpted details.
Corset Comeback: Corseted waists are now about confidence and couture-level craftsmanship.
Lace & Mystery: Gothic lace gowns add dark glamour to an otherwise soft, romantic season.
What is the Belle Époque aesthetic in fashion?
It’s an opulent, romantic style from the late 1800s–early 1900s, known for elegant silhouettes, intricate lace, corsetry, and flowing drapes.
Why are Belle Époque silhouettes trending now?
Designers are revisiting nostalgic silhouettes to blend history with modern artistry, offering thoughtful, romantic fashion with strong shape.
Are corsets still restrictive in modern couture?
Not at all. Today’s corsets celebrate form without limiting movement—they’re structured but wearable, meant to empower, not confine.
How can I wear the Belle Époque look today?
You can channel the aesthetic by choosing gowns with corseted waists, soft drapes, or intricate lace in modern silhouettes. For something truly special, consider a custom bespoke gown tailored to your body and vision—ideal for capturing that timeless, romantic feel with a perfect fit and personal flair.
Andrea Centeno
Andrea Centeno, Editorial Lead for Ellie Belle, brings over a decade of experience as a writer and editor specializing in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. Beyond her professional role, she curates and styles clothing for personal fashion clients, teaches English to young children during school breaks, and creates handmade jewelry in her mini craft corner. Andrea also shares her passion for beauty, travel, and skincare on her personal blog, shimmerjjang.com, where she writes about her favorite lipsticks, eyeshadows, solo adventures, and her ongoing skincare journey.
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