10 fresh bridesmaids dresses your party will want to wear again
Give your girls options they'd never dream of wearing only once
Weddings are personal, so you do you… but please don't take it personally when I say the days of strictly matching bridesmaids dresses are winding down. Brides are relaxing on formality by selecting a variety of dress styles in one palette, mixing it up with patterns and bright colours, or simply allowing their bridesmaids free reign to pick whatever they please. Price, fit and wearability matters – no one should expect their closest friends and family to be stuck with a dress they won't wear again. With that in mind, I scoured popular brands and boutiques to find 10 looks that any woman would be proud to don on your big day.
This shimmering sheath would be perfect for glam wedding. The A-line cut and just-past-the-knee length is flattering to many figures, and the sequins bring the sparkle – no major accessories required. Wear it again with an oversized sweater and ankle boots.
Zara Sequin Dress, $99, zara.com
A classic bridesmaid look made affordable for the formal wedding. Pairing a peplum with a mermaid-style hem creates volume and balance, flattering both the tummy and hips. Plus, the rich red tone suits any season – and even though it's floor length, the clean lines aren't fussy. This dress will never go out of style.
Torrid Special Occasion Red Peplum Gown, $134.90, torrid.com
A brief fashion lingo lesson: soutache refers to the braided fabric appliques that create the pattern on this gorgeous, girly dress. I love this lilac version for a spring wedding, but it does come in 10 colourways in sizes 2-16, so there's plenty of choice. The long, lean silhouette opens up at the knee to end in a ruffle flounce, just one of the pretty details that make it a knockout.
JS Collections Soutache Mesh Dress, $260, nordstrom.com
Large-scale watercolour florals will always have my heart, and if you feel the same, then consider a bridal party decked out in blooms. The colour palette lends itself to a summer wedding – you could have bridesmaids wear different shades of coral, rose and purple. It's also a gorgeous *guest* dress, so you can wear it all wedding season.
Eliza J Floral Print Halter Maxi Dress, $204, nordstrom.com
This deep navy wrap dress is a more traditional silhouette that's suited for a sweet and simple celebration. The relaxed, flowing cut means comfort for all, but the deep V allows for as much (or as little) cleavage as your bridesmaids desire. It's also easily alterable – a quick hem turns it into the perfect day dress that could be worn to work.
TFNC Wrap Maxi Bridesmaid Dress with Tie Detail and Puff Sleeves, $132.46, asos.com
Beach wedding bridesmaid, any one? This gown exudes effortless cool factor, and it would look just as great the next day with white sneakers and a jean jacket. There's endless detail here for a dress under $200: tiered accordion pleats and ruffles, delicate shoulder rosettes and an open back with the most precious tiny buttons.
Topshop Ruffle Skirt Maxi Dress, $181, topshop.com
A glam, yet traditional dress for a black tie wedding can be hard to find at a reasonable price. That's why this sequinned, golden gown makes the list. It's beautifully cut with a figure-flattering flow, and I love how the draped cowl neck dips down in the back. And here's a suggestion – wouldn't a mixed metallic bridal party be lovely?
Anthropologie Francia Dress, $255, anthropologie.com
A LBM (that's Little Black Midi) with a smattering of rainbow jewels is a modern pick that has high repeat-wear factor. Pair it with barely there flats as pictured for a warm weather wedding, or go for drama with high impact heels all year round.
Mango Sparkly Appliqués Tulle Dress, $199.99, shop.mango.com
A tropical-inspired floral is a fresh take for a bridal party pick. The full skirt, ruffles at the neck and pretty criss-cross back are sweetly feminine with a slight vintage vibe. This is a dress you can wear all summer, to just about any occasion, with the right accessories.
RW & Co. Silky Crepe Maxi Dress, $139.90, rw-co.com
A deceptively simple dress for the bride who doesn't want any fuss or muss. From the back, it looks like a simple slip dress, but turn around and it's a little bit sexy and a whole lot sophisticated.
XSCAPE Spaghetti Strap Side-Wrap Dress, $249, thebay.com