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Gone are the days of bad bridesmaid dresses weighed down by fluffy embellishments and too-sweet color palettes. Today’s brides are moving beyond the realm of predictable pastels in favor of fashion-forward, flattering styles that don’t offend. Luckily, there’s a world of choice available, and it’s absolutely possible to find dresses that complement both your bridesmaids’ personalities and your own wedding vision. After all, everyone should feel as good as they look (not to mention, the group photos will be all the chicer for it).
The Champagne Bridesmaid Dress L'Agence Serita silk gown Jump to review $695 L'AGENCE
The Baby Blue Bridesmaid Dress Self-Portrait pleated maxi dress Jump to review $780 NET-A-PORTER
The Yellow Bridesmaid Dress Aje siren embellished dress Jump to review $660 NET-A-PORTER
The Navy Bridesmaid Dress Victoria Beckham Bela midi dress Jump to review $1,590 SHOPBOP
The Pale Pink Bridesmaid Dress Altuzarra Mitchell midi dress Jump to review $995 NET-A-PORTER
The Black Bridesmaid Dress Tove Zenaida strapless gown Jump to review $1,695 NET-A-PORTER
The Green Bridesmaid Dress Christopher John Rogers bow-crinkled dress Jump to review $1,495 NORDSTROM
The Burgundy Bridesmaid Dress Mercer Collective cowl-neck dress Jump to review $295 NORDSTROM
Whether your bridal party is a close cohort or a larger gaggle of all your favorite people, finding the best bridesmaid dresses to punctuate this momentous occasion shouldn’t be a chore. The key to a smooth search? Start by keeping varying budgets and body types in mind, and communicate any specific expectations early on. Then, settle on a color palette and decide whether you’d prefer your crew to wear coordinating designs or choose individual styles. The latter can be an especially nice option if you want everyone to have a dress they’ll wear again—perhaps even finding new life as a wedding guest outfit .
Ahead, discover our favorite designs from brands like Simkhai, Bernadette, Staud, Reformation, and more to kickstart your search for the best bridesmaid dresses—nary a frou-frou puff sleeve in sight.
Both elegant and utterly timeless, champagne bridesmaid dresses are worth toasting to. Plus, their season-less appeal makes them lovely to wear year-round—and they practically glow next to groomsmen in classic black tuxes.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Shona Joy
Featuring a lustrous satin finish, plunging V-neckline, and a removable, versatile scarf, this floor-length dress is pure evening elegance.
If you’re going for modern sophistication, a one-shoulder maxi is just the dress you’ve been looking for. The floor-length hem also makes it a smart choice for more traditional venues.
The neutral sheen here is well-suited to both silver and gold tones, so accessorize as you wish.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist L'Agence
Made from luxe silk, this slip dress is a classic that can be styled countless ways.
Why not surround yourself with your something blue? The powdery pastel is a sweet yet sophisticated hue for weddings year-round. It pairs beautifully with a light palette in spring and summer and sits just as well alongside terracotta and burnt orange tones come autumn, or deep navy and silver in winter.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Simkhai
This short-sleeve, high-neck number is ideal for the bridesmaid who desires a bit more coverage with just a peek of skin (you’ll find that in the open-back detail).
Lace appliqué, draped satin, and an asymmetrical neckline unite for a bridesmaid dress your girls will actually wear for years to come.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Self-Portrait
Inspired by 1930s silhouettes and fabrics, this gown features beautiful bias panels in a soft powder blue.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Solace London
Destined for a black-tie affair, this satin-twill gown will hold its own at even the most formal wedding.
Few colors feel as joyful as yellow, making it a cheerful choice for a celebratory occasion. Choose between uniform soft hues or a zestier saturation, or assign out a tonal palette of both for an array of citron.
The layered halter on this SIR number offers a hit of sporty sophistication.
This draped maxi in lemon yellow is a blank slate; all it needs is a great pair of heels to make the entire outfit shine.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Christopher Esber
All-over sequins and a strapless silhouette create just the right amount of sparkle.
This affordable dress is a lovely choice for a more laid-back dress code.
Universally flattering, navy blue brings a refined air to your bridal party. The deep hue lends itself well to an array of silhouettes and fabrics, so feel free to mix and match lengths and textures. It also provides a striking backdrop that lets any floral bouquet pop—pale pinks and buttery yellows will look especially vibrant.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Reformation
Made from liquid-like navy blue silk, this dress is a flattering option for any bridesmaid or maid of honor.
Short sleeves and asymmetrical draping make this piece well-suited to more modest venues.
Send your bridesmaids this long-sleeve stunner now. Its silky sheen and bodice cutout give the classic bridesmaid dress a modern twist.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Victoria Beckham
For nuptials taking place during the frigid winter months, look to this velvet midi. It’s minimalist in silhouette but rich in texture.
Call it blush or bashful; either way, pastel pink is a quintessential bridal party palette that brides have favored for decades. Whether opting for draped maxis with an open back or bias-cut satin slips that evoke Old Hollywood glamour, rosy bridesmaid dresses are a lovely complement to bridal white.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Altuzarra
The scarf neckline and open back on this design are ideal for a fashion-forward bridal party.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Norma Kamali
Norma Kamali’s draped satin maxi dress in a beautiful ballet pink is both sweet and sultry.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Simkhai
Far from a single-wear piece, this dress is as classic as they come, with a flattering cowl neckline and subtle side slit.
This satin maxi brings a quiet elegance to any bridal party. Its high-sheen finish catches the light beautifully—making it especially perfect for an evening reception.
A bridal party dressed in black makes for a dramatic (and ever so slightly subversive) statement. It’s also a wonderful color assignment for brides who want to let their bridesmaids choose their own dresses—after all, black is the easiest shade to match across brands.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Veronica Beard
An asymmetric draped silhouette, a mock neckline, and a handkerchief hem come together for a truly show-stopping midi.
Staud’s Joy A-line gown is a top pick for anyone who wants a dress to rewear at future formal events. (Best of all, it comes with pockets.)
Compliments are all but guaranteed in this popular style by Tove, made for the bridesmaid who loves to make an entrance.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist & Other Stories
Black, velvet, and utterly polished, this dress is sure to stand out in photos in the best way.
Whether you choose soft sage, olive, or emerald, green is a dynamic choice that suits any wedding setting, from quaint backyard affairs to church ceremonies and grand venues . If you’re after a uniform look, be sure to give your bridesmaids a clear color reference, as greens can vary widely between cool and warm undertones.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Christopher John Rogers
A bright pistachio hue and an oversized back bow make for a playful bridesmaid look. Style it with strappy kitten heels and a tennis bracelet and you’re all set.
Minimalist bridesmaids will appreciate the clean lines and soft draping of this dress that will look just as elegant at the ceremony as it does on the dance floor.
Look no further than this Tibi maxi for a dress that’ll photograph beautifully from every angle, sans embellishments.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Reformation
When it comes to bridesmaid dresses, Reformation rarely misses, and the Ofelia is among its best.
Romantic and elegant, burgundy bridesmaid dresses are a natural fit for fall and winter weddings—though with the right styling, they work just as well in warmer months. Pair them with bouquets and accessories in pale pink and ivory for a lovely, soft contrast.
Equal parts classic and sultry, Rixo’s Losanna is a gorgeous, timeless gown they might even be able to wear again for future black-tie parties.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Mercer Collective
A high cowl neck and sleek column cut give this satin maxi a high-end finish for under $300.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Marella
In a rich burgundy, this dress feels modern with a gathered waist and a fluttering hem made for dancing.
Fluid silk and a covered décolletage turn this piece into something quietly luxurious for the minimalist bridesmaid.
If you’re hoping to infuse your wedding with an air of romance, lilac is the way to go. Softer than a true purple yet more grounded than a classic pastel, this delicate shade offers a feminine touch and pairs well with both muted neutrals and richer accents.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Colleen Allen
Modesty up front, drama in the back. This Colleen Allen gown saves its best surprise for the walk back up the aisle—a striking open back.
Set the stage for a dreamy ceremony by sending your bridesmaids down the aisle in this stunning, soft lavender gown.
Pay homage to Y2K style with a flirty slip made for sipping cosmos and celebrating.
The all-over beading on this Staud number keeps things whimsical but grounded. The best part? A built-in mesh corset means your bridesmaid can skip the strapless bra.
A romantic floral pattern works beautifully year-round, provided the color palette suits the season. Opt for ditsy prints in lighter hues for spring and summer, or turn to deeper shades for the fall and winter months. If you’re opting for a mixed variety, keep an eye on diversifying the scale of each print in order to balance your bouquet of bridesmaids.
With large-scale florals, ruffles, and flutter sleeves, this 1930s-inspired dress was made for the romantic in your bridal party.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Bernadette
Florals on satin are always a safe bet for formal ceremonies. The moody, evergreen palette makes this one especially fitting for a winter wedding.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Ulla Johnson
With long sleeves and watercolor florals set against a black canvas, this dress strikes a dramatic, romantic note.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Cara Cara
A playful fringe hem gives this floral midi a little extra movement—the right fit for the bridesmaid with a bold personality.
When Should You Order Your Bridesmaid Dresses?
When it comes to putting together your bridal party, there’s no such thing as starting too early. Once your friends and kin are in, clearly share your vision for their dresses as soon as you’ve settled on it. We recommend starting the process around 5-7 months before the wedding as you’re highly likely to encounter at least one hiccup, whether you’re having each look custom-made (which requires multiple fittings) or letting your party choose a favorite off-the-rack option (cue shipping times, sizing snafus, and tailoring needs).
If you do need to tailor a dress to perfection, alterations should begin 6-8 weeks in advance as tailors require time to do their best work—and no one wants a rush fee. In the final two weeks, take a moment to either get the group together or check in on everyone individually, in order to ensure each girl has what she needs and you’re happy with the result. If you’re a long distance bridesmaid who won’t arrive until days before, communication is key. Send lots of pics to avoid last-minute surprises.
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Source: Lifestyle
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