Photography courtesy of Lucio Andreozzi.
Fresh off the heels of our latest campaign, Danielle O’Connell, celebrity stylist, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and half of the powerhouse duo Danielle & Alix, is stepping into a new role: the bride. But make no mistake, this isn’t your typical bridal story.
As one of fashion’s most-watched stylists and a 2026 bride herself, Danielle is redefining what it means to look, feel, and dress like a modern bride.
Before co-founding Danielle & Alix, she cut her teeth in celebrity relations at global luxury fashion houses including Roberto Cavalli and Hugo Boss. After assisting on styling teams for icons like Gigi and Bella Hadid, Ariana Grande, and Lily-Rose Depp, Danielle discovered her true calling: creating iconic, personal style moments for the women shaping culture today.
Since launching Danielle & Alix, she has built a client roster spanning Lindsay Lohan, Alix Earle, Jenna Johnson, and more, earning a reputation for effortlessly cool looks that feel equally at home on a red carpet or in real life. Now she’s channeling that same instinct and insider sensibility into her own wedding journey.
Danielle’s cool-girl bridal edit is her unfiltered take on every milestone — from the “Omg yes” of the engagement to the “I can’t believe it’s over” of the after-party. Here, she shares the pieces she’s loving, wearing, and recommending to her most fluent friends.
More than a style guide, this is a playbook for reimagining how women show up, celebrate, and express themselves on life’s most memorable occasions.
Engagement
This is such an exciting look — it marks your very first bridal moment and your introduction into the world of bridal style! I’d encourage you to really consider the aesthetic and vibe of your setting. How formal is the venue? What time of year is it? These details can help shape your direction.
Since this look doesn’t carry the same pressure as your ceremony outfit, it’s the perfect opportunity to lean into trends or experiment a bit. I love how this classic Marianna Senchina blazer is styled with a lace capri moment, or pair it with lace tights for a fresh, playful twist.
This is also a great chance to explore suiting. I’m always drawn to something a little unexpected, and the Christopher Esber open-back blazer is the ultimate cool-girl uniform. The bow detail adds just the right amount of bridal charm without feeling too literal.
If you're going for something more timeless, a silky dress with refined, subtle details is always a beautiful choice — elegant, effortless, and still entirely your own.
Bachelorette
Skip the theme nights and color-coded wardrobes — I’m all about building moodboards inspired by the destination.
Hot take: we're skipping the destination wedding and doing a big joint bach trip to Mexico instead. We figured this was the perfect alternative — a fun beach getaway with our closest friends and no pressure attached!
Here’s what I’ve got my eye on for bachelorette looks when you're heading to the sun...
One super special dress moment. Obsessed with this lace number as well.
One unexpected, playful, and totally on-trend moment I’m loving: this sequin-embellished sheer midi skirt layered over mini shorts, paired with a classic white tank. Obsessed with the mix of glam and casual.
A few other options:
Christopher Esber Beach Glass Bubble Mini Skirt
Welcome Party / Rehearsal
The weekend is finally here, and your rehearsal look is basically the opening act to your wedding wardrobe. It’s the perfect excuse to wear something a little extra or finally give that dress you were low-key obsessed with (but didn’t pick for the big day) her moment in the spotlight. Think elevated, unique, and something that matches the aesthetic of your night one.
Cool-Girl Bridal Brands to Look at for Night One
KYHA — love an off-white moment for night one, and the ruffle detail on their Lotus Dress feels like a reinvention of the drop-waist trend.
Saint (The New Archangel Collection) — this collection is insane. Love how the Sienna Dress feels like a rare vintage find.
Andreatta — sheer layering is the moment. I love the way this designer layers with different materials and texture, so unique! Even add a sheer cape on top.
Getting Ready Look
You'll be in this look for a significant part of your wedding day, so take the opportunity to elevate it. Skip the basic bridal robe and go for something truly special and unique to your style. Getting-ready looks are having a moment, and 2026 is the year to go custom if you’ve been thinking about it. I love Seline Meisler for this moment — her textures, layering, and the way all her separates piece together are unmatched.
If you’re a high-fashion bride, this is your moment to feature your favorite designer. A Prada dress or a vintage Dior slip would be iconic. Or keep it pared-back and minimal to let your glam take center stage. I’m loving this dress from Toteme for that vibe.
And don’t forget the little details — add a custom makeup pouch by Abbode with your soon-to-be new last name.
Ceremony / Reception
Danielle Frankel
A wedding designer I have to mention for the fashion-forward bride who is really looking for something different, timeless, and heaven-like. Frankel brings in fresh, directional elements that feel less classic wedding dress. The Henrietta is a dream dress and I have my eye on the Arden. Add a neck scarf with these that you can remove after the ceremony.
Galia Lahav
For the main event, you truly can’t go wrong with Galia Lahav. With something for every bride, the brand has taken the world of celebrity weddings by storm — Nina Agdal, Millie Bobby Brown, I’m betting on Taylor Swift next. I love this beautifully constructed lace gown that feels so lightweight on.
Sarah Seven
Ultimate cool-girl bridal brand. Love this Sarah Seven Soft Serve simple yet detailed gown. You have to check out SEPT by Sarah Seven.
After-Party
Okay, you're in full party mode. This look can be whatever you want, as long as you can dance. Sparkle minis? Kinda been there, done that. If you want to level up, think cool-girl coded — something floaty and unexpected, a long corseted moment, or maybe this is your color moment. This is your main character after-party era — dress accordingly.
Obsessed with this Danielle Frankel mini — love that it skips the sparkle. The movement is insane and would photograph so beautifully.
This Wiederhoeft moment is such a favorite and adds the right amount of sparkle, and you can bet on this corset working overtime. If you don’t want to sacrifice the sparkle and glitter, go for this elevated May Mashiah gown.
Cult Gaia is so good for brides who want to have a cool-girl accessories moment. Whether it’s a sculptural clutch, bold earrings, or heels that double as art — you’re guaranteed something that feels fresh.
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