What Are the Best (Actually Nice-Looking) Bridesmaid Dresses? (2024)

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By Alexandra Ilyashov

What Are the Best (Actually Nice-Looking) Bridesmaid Dresses? (1)

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All too often, bridesmaid dresses are itchy and unflattering, and come with a price tag — not to mention a cost per wear — that’s nothing short of offensive. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Go-to silhouettes are shifting, and deliberate mixes of hues, patterns, or styles instead of cookie-cutter identical gowns are increasingly becoming the norm. According to Pinterest’s annual trend report, searches for “nonmatching bridesmaid dresses” increased 19 times over the past year, says Larkin Brown, Pinterest’s in-house stylist and head of core research. “Less is more when it comes to nuptials this year, from smaller gatherings to more minimalist wedding dresses,” she shares, creating a “more casual, minimalist approach” to bridesmaid dresses, too.

Whether you opt for matching or not, the options for perhaps less traditional bridesmaid dresses have never been more plentiful. With that in mind, we reached out to more than a dozen bridal pros to find out the dresses they recommend — nearly all of which you’d be thrilled to wear again. (The exception? One is returnable.)

Bridesmaid Dresses Under $100

Anna Price Olson, associate editorial director at Brides, recommends this site, which she says is a reliable source for “really romantic, floral styles” well under $100 that actually look great.

Bridgette Bartlett Royall, founder of Black Bridal Bliss, suggests non-bridal brands and retailers for bridesmaid dress options as well, like “department stores, specialty shops, even fast-fashion chains” such as ASOS, Zara, and H&M for “attire that can work beautifully for a wedding.” Olson says the ASOS Design Collection is “a particularly good option if you are looking for a super on-trend look; hello, puff sleeves!” Writer and editor Laura Lajiness, who frequently covers bridal fashion, is also fond of ASOS for bridesmaid looks, thanks to its “really strong wedding edit, with options for petite, tall, and plus sizes,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to embrace trendy silhouettes like a puff sleeve or asymmetric neckline, but I think it’s nice to balance them out with other classic or minimal silhouettes in the mix. Too many trends at once will be distracting.”

Olson also name-checked Azazie as a solid bet for affordable and size-inclusive selections of more traditional bridesmaid-y styles. This dress is available in nearly 75 different colors.

This online retailer is another reasonably priced option with “tons of affordable dresses in their wedding shop, from trendy to classic,” says Lajiness. Some styles are available in slightly extended sizing, up to a size 3X, like this sweetheart style in a thick, stretchy knit, a nice alternative to standard poly chiffons. Olson says Lulus is a bridesmaid-friendly retailer she often “recommends to friends who are looking for a dress in a particular color palette or length.” She adds that “their styles will do the job without breaking the bank.”

Lajiness likes the “fun, feminine dresses that are perfect for bridesmaids” from this widely available brand, like this lace midi. “They’re always on-trend, not too expensive, and are sold through many retailers, giving bridesmaids plenty of options when shopping,” she says.

“Watters is a great wedding retailer with a vast bridesmaid-dress assortment” across its portfolio of brands, which includes Wtoo, and some styles are offered in extensive sizes (from 00 to 26W), Lajiness says. “These definitely skew more traditional, but the brand has started incorporating trends and modern touches more frequently, and they’re perfect for weddings with a formal dress code,” Lajiness says. “A big consideration when shopping traditional bridal retailers is the time involved in ordering bridesmaid dresses, but Watters offers ready-to-ship dresses” for some styles, like this sleek high-neck halter with a low back.

The only thing worse than having to buy an unremarkable-to-ugly dress you’ll only wear for a day is shelling out hundreds of dollars for that dress. “For 20-something bridesmaids on a budget, I think what Birdy Grey is doing is genius,” says Eimear Lynch, author of The Bridesmaids: True Tales of Love, Envy, Loyalty … and Terrible Dresses. “You buy a dress for $100, and when you’re done with it, send it back so a teen in need can wear it to prom; I have never reworn a bridesmaid dress, so I would have loved it if this company was around when I was in back-to-back bridesmaid mode,” Lynch says. She also likes that the wide variety of styles that should appease even the pickiest of bridal parties: “They have a crazy amount of options, so it’s perfect for a choosy bride,” Lynch says. Olson also suggests this “very popular” brand for affordability, as well as size inclusivity and speediness (no small feat considering the monthslong lead times typical in the bridal market, bridesmaid dresses included). “These are more traditional long wedding looks, but they’ll mail you swatches for free, so it’s a great option if you’re matching or creating a certain color palette,” adds Olson.

Bridesmaid Dresses Under $200

You get so much look for the price tag,” Olson says of WAYF’s dresses. “They have particularly fun floral prints that are perfect for spring and summer,” and while her favorite of the moment — the long, ruffled Campbell dress — is sold out, consider this V-neck rose-festooned option with a breezy slit. “If you’re mixing florals, it looks most cohesive when you have a decent-sized bridal party of at least four or five people, because it allows there to be a little overlap in terms of size and scale of print,” says celebrity and bridal stylist Micaela Erlanger. Think along the lines of what Emma Roberts wore to her longtime stylist and close pal Brit Smith Hines’ 2019 wedding, which had a “California Formal” dress code: “All the girls were the prettiest floral prints, and they were all different,” Erlanger says.

If you want to go the traditional bridal route, it doesn’t get better than BHLDN,” Lajiness says of the Anthropologie wedding offshoot. “The retailer carries a great mix of established and emerging labels that suit all types of weddings,” she adds. As for silhouettes, Lajiness loves a “timeless” slip dress because it’s “the most versatile bridesmaid dress style, hands down,” she says. “A slip dress feels like a modern wardrobe addition most women would be happy to buy and wear many times after being a bridesmaid.” This is BHLDN general merchandise manager Lori Conley’s personal favorite because of its “sleek ’90s inspired midi” shape and flattering cut. “The fabric is draped on the bias, which means it hugs your curves perfectly,” she adds.

For petite bridesmaids, Conley likes this empire-waisted style “to help create the illusion of extra height and an elongated torso,” she says. She suggests avoiding “full voluminous skirted styles,” which “can overwhelm a petite frame.”

Stretch crepe and jersey fabrics are flattering on all body types, but especially for plus,” Conley says. This style is her “go-to suggestion” for plus size bridesmaid options because “it has beautiful coverage, super flattering draping, and it’s so comfortable on.”

Olson likes the “satin dresses in a range of colors” from Show Me Your Mumu. “The new square neckline is an updated look for bridesmaids in this price range,” Olson says of the Claire Midi style, since most sub-$200 bridesmaid dresses are riffs on the same two or three necklines. She also likes the maxi-length, shoulder-flaunting Jasmine dress with its “especially flattering” halter neckline.

“If someone is petite or has a figure where they are proportionately different on the top than the bottom, let them try some separates,” suggests Carrie Goldberg, digital weddings and travel director at Harper’s Bazaar, like this swingy set that allows for some customization (on things like fabric, color, neckline, and length). Lajiness likes this made-to-order online brand for “everything from black-tie-worthy gowns to trendy silhouettes and more casual dresses for laidback celebrations.”

Bridesmaid Dresses Under $300

For mix-and-match bridal parties, Olson recommends Fashion Bunker for “all the cool up-and-coming Australian brands, like Keepsake and C/MEO Collective,” she says. It’s a good place to find multiple styles in a cohesive colorway, like this sculptural, solid-hued one-shoulder pick, which would work great with the floral, puff-sleeved and patterned Parallel minidress in the same fiery shade. Writer Kaitlin Menza says she’s spotted a shift towards color codes instead of dress codes, like this wedding in Mexico she wrote about for the Cut: “The bride memorably directed her friends to dress like Aperol spritzes, which resulted in a range of materials, silhouettes, patterns, even a shirt and pants that was so organic and cool,” Menza says.

“One-shoulder styles are back, and this length makes it perfect for a casual garden wedding, or dressed up with a pair of shoes for something more formal,” Olson says of this structured C/MEO style, which was another Fashion Bunker find. Or, go with a pleated, bold-shouldered style from the Aussie label, which she suggests for “great prices for the look you get,” she says.

Amsale does really sleek and modern bridesmaid dresses in the main line,” says Lajiness of the structured satin and crepe dresses like this sophisticated cowl-neck gown with a slit, which are well suited to formal nuptials. The brand’s Nouvelle line has a slightly more casual bridesmaid selection in lighter weight, less-luxe chiffon at a lower price point of $190 a pop.

I’m super into this brand right now,” Olson says of Bec + Bridge. “These are definitely more statement pieces that could work great for more of a fashion-forward” bride and wedding, replete with details like cutouts and draping that feel more elevated than standard bridesmaid look.

Royall loves Pantora Bridal for bridesmaid dresses. “Designer Andrea Pitter Campbell makes the experience of selecting bridesmaid dresses in her chic Brooklyn studio accessible and fun for all involved,” Royall says. “Her bridesmaids dresses are inclusive of a range of sizes and price points. There is truly something for everyone,” even if your bridal party’s sizes and heights “might range from two to 22, and petite to over six feet tall,” she says. This halter style is a current favorite of Royall’s because it’s “universally figure flattering — the front ruching helps hide love handles — and it’s actually something most bridesmaids will want to wear again.”

Olson suggests bridal brand Grace Loves Lace if you’re on the hunt for “dresses that cater to more minimalist aesthetics,” like this slinky bias-cut recycled satin dress with a cowl neckline. Color-wise, Conley is seeing many bridal parties going with green lately, “whether that’s a deep rich tones like emerald” for a fall event or a “perfect, dusty pastel” sage — like this dress that almost appears silver in some lighting — for spring and summer nuptials.

For brides “after a more uniform look,” Goldberg likes Jenny Yoo’s “super wide range of styles, textures, and prints,” while Conley praises that the designer’s dresses are “incredibly tailored and fit like a dream.” “I love a luxe charmeuse or velvet for a more formal event,” Conley says. Brown says Pinterest searches for “rich earth tones” are booming, specifically “terra cotta,” for which searches increased 13x from 2020 to 2021, and “jade” (9x increase in searches). “Some of the colors trending for bridesmaid dresses feel a little unexpected,” Brown says of these subdued hues that are a far cry from Easter egg pastels of weddings past.

Olson likes For Love and Lemons as “a fun brand for mix-and-match” bridesmaid dresses, like this floral pick. “Corset styles are hot right now, and this dress is romantic and not-too-sexy,” Olson says. “I love the button detailing, too.”

Bridesmaid Dresses Under $500

Marchesa Notte Off Shoulder Tulle Dress

$325

$325

“A bride feels special in Marchesa, and the same goes for a bridesmaid in Marchesa Notte,” Olson says of the brand’s ethereal options, like this floaty floral maxi that “feels very bridal in the most fashionable way.”

$325 at Verishop Buy

For full busts, Conley recommends sticking with “dresses that allow for support or can be paired with a bra” and steering clear of “deep plunging necklines that can feel too showy for most fuller busts, or high necklines that can lack definition.” This Jenny Yoo dress’s “scoop neckline is the perfect in-between option” for bigger boobs.

British brand Rixo, beloved for its prints, comes recommended by both Lajiness and Olson. The brand just launched a bridesmaid collection in late April, unique for its “sustainable fabrics, versatile colors, and neckline options,” Olson says. The silhouettes “just feel fresh and exciting,” she adds, like this high-neck halter with a fluttering midi hem.

“If you want something with a fashion-forward bent and a slim fit, Reformation is a great starting point,” says Goldberg; Olson is also a fan of the brand’s “sustainable materials and of-the-moment pieces,” like this tube dress with removable straps and a thigh-high slit.

As for bridesmaid options above a size 14, Lajiness likes 11 Honoré’s “fantastic edit of occasion dresses, all offered in plus sizes,” including Mara Hoffman, one of her go-to brands for dressy looks “with a modern feel, and they all work well for bridesmaids.”

Lynch raves about Whistles, “a high street English brand that has a smaller presence” stateside, though they do ship to the U.S. “I never buy things I plan on wearing just once, and my price per wear for everything Whistles is so low: I have a black Whistles jumpsuit I’ve worn to a wedding, a baptism, dinners, the list goes on,” Lynch says. She suggests first combing through Whistles’ dress section for options, and there’s also a bridesmaid section to choose from.

Erlanger and Caroline Maguire, Shopbop’s fashion director, both recommend Jonathan Simkhai for not-boring bridesmaid looks like this sequined number. “Depending on the season, I would opt for either a long-sleeve or spaghetti strap style,” Maguire says. Sparkly getups can work surprisingly well in a more subdued palette, Lynch notes. “For my brother’s wedding, my sister-in-law asked us bridesmaids to wear whatever we wanted within the category of ‘festive neutrals,’” she says, meaning anything from gold to champagne to bronze. “Everyone found something easily.”

Erlanger likes LoveShackFancy for great floral prints, as does bridal stylist Gabrielle Hurwitz and Morgan Curtis, designer of lingerie brand Morgan Lane. “I absolutely love the fun pinks and girly vibes of LSF and I think they work perfectly for a summer wedding,” Curtis says. The label is a great example of a non-bridal-specific brand that lends a fresh touch to a bridal party look, per Hurwitz. “I love when brides and grooms think outside the box and look to ready-to-wear designers for their bridesmaid dresses,” she says. “Some of my favorite bridesmaids dresses haven’t been bridesmaids dresses at all,” from brands like LoveShackFancy, Markarian, or Self-Portrait.

Bridesmaid Dresses Over $500

“Khaite is all about statement sleeves, through and through,” Erlanger says; she also suggests Miu Miu and Danielle Frankel for excellent exaggerated sleeves. “The best bridesmaid dresses I’ve seen are unexpected, like voluminous sleeves, or loose but still flattering fits,” says Brenna Simmons, founder and creative director of new bridal line Nordeen. “Looks that make you gasp, but still help highlight the bride.”

“The biggest misconception is thinking that bridesmaid dresses are supposed to be subdued and simple so that the bride can shine on her day,” Maguire says. “I actually think this is quite the opposite! You want your group to look stunning while standing up there with you,” she says, like this lustrous green silk dress from one of Maguire’s favorite designers for bridesmaid-worthy looks.

For bigger budgets, Goldberg, Olson, and Erlanger all name-check this Aussie brand. “Zimmermann is a brand that does florals really well,” Erlanger says. And though the price points are steep, “if you’re having a select few bridesmaids, I think that can merit a really special dress, even if the bride gives it as a gift that can be worn again and again,” Olson says.

I love a midi-length dress because it works on all different heights” of bridesmaids, and it’s a length that’s a lot more re-wearable post-wedding than a traditional gown, says Maguire. The Vampire’s Wife is one of her top recommendations for “amazing designers creating beautiful cocktail dresses or gowns that can double up as bridesmaid dresses,” along with Azeeza, Jonathan Simkhai, Self Portrait, and Saloni. (This particular print is only available in a size ten, but the Vampires Wife Falconetti dress comes in loads of other others and patterns.)

Erlanger likes “bridal parties that feel authentic, really personal, and maybe even a little unexpected. A trend that we’re seeing a lot right now is mixed patterns, whether that’s floral or otherwise. It gives personality to your wedding, when done correctly and artfully, and gives rare dimension to the photos. It can be done really beautifully, though it takes a certain level of skill and taste and curation,” like Italian stylist Erica Pelosini’s 2014 wedding in Capri, where her bridesmaids wore vibrant floral Mary Katrantzou minidresses (as one of multiple bridal party looks). “That wedding is an example of how you can match, but still make it really chic and fashion forward; throw a funky shoe in the mix,” Erlanger says. “It was perfect: for her, who she is, for who her friends are, and was perfect for Italy.”

“You can count on them for beautiful floral prints, season after season,” Erlanger says of Brock Collection. The brand is also high on Goldberg’s list “when searching for investment pieces that make great bridesmaids dresses,” along with Johanna Oritz, Zimmerman, and Markarian.

“Think outside the box: You can wear a jumpsuit, a tuxedo, a short asymmetric dress. It doesn’t have to be some horrible chiffon or jersey wrap, multi-way long dress,” Erlanger says, adding that “Galvan has amazing jumpsuits.” (While owning one will run you four figures, you can borrow this similar slinky wrap version for the weekend from Rent the Runway for a lot less.)

Markarian is another “tried and true” favorite of Erlanger’s for floral bridesmaid options. She loves the brand’s “great puff sleeve,” featured on this one-shouldered showstopper. “If you’re working with a big budget or have bridesmaids willing to splurge, Markarian and Brock Collection are my two favorites — their designs are so dreamy and romantic,” Lajiness says, who suggests checking on The RealReal for more wallet-friendly prices on these brands.We get quite a few inquiries on how to properly approach choosing dresses for bridesmaids,” says Markarian designer Alexandra O’Neill. “One of my favorite ways to go about it is to pick two or three different fabrics depending on the number of bridesmaids and have the girls choose their own silhouettes; everyone has a different body type, so I think it is nice to let the girls choose something that they feel most confident in and will also want the wear again.”

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What Are the Best Actually Nice-Looking Bridesmaid Dresses?
What Are the Best (Actually Nice-Looking) Bridesmaid Dresses? (2024)

FAQs

What are the most flattering bridesmaid dresses? ›

We're rounding up the 10 most flattering dress styles for every body type, along with links to make it easy to shop the look.
  • The Illusion Neckline. ...
  • The A-line Silhouette. ...
  • The Off The Shoulder. ...
  • The Detailed Sleeve. ...
  • The Short Sleeve. ...
  • The Supportive Bust. ...
  • The Wrap Dress. REFORMATION The Winslow Dress.
  • The Midi Skirt.

What is the most flattering bridesmaid dress for an apple shape? ›

Apple body shapes tend to have fuller busts, carry weight around their middle, and little waist definition. We recommend an empire waist or A-Line bridal party gown to glide over your midsection for an instantly flattering effect.

How do you make a bridesmaid dress look good? ›

5 Ways to De-Uglify Your Bridesmaid Dress
  1. Wear Your Favorite Shoes. If the bride is lax about what kind of shoes you can wear underneath your dress, pick a pair that show off your personality and style. ...
  2. Add On Some Jewels. ...
  3. Get a Bold and Bright Purse. ...
  4. Alter It Just a Bit. ...
  5. Find the Right Bra.
Jun 20, 2016

What style of dress is most slimming? ›

In general, A-line dresses, empire waist dresses, and wrap dresses are the most flattering. And remember…you can always add a belt to create the shape you want!

How to choose a bridesmaid dress for your body type? ›

Not all bridesmaids will have the same body shape, so choosing dresses that will flatter everyone is essential. A-line dresses and empire waist dresses are typically flattering on all body types. Also, consider dresses with wrap or V-necklines, as they elongate the body and create a slimming effect.

What is the most popular color for bridesmaid dresses? ›

Certain bridesmaid dress colors have stood the test of time. Blush pink, a perennial favorite, continues to be a top choice for its romantic and universally flattering appeal. Elegant and versatile, navy blue is another classic that complements a variety of wedding themes.

How to pick a bridesmaid dress style? ›

Share Some Dress Details, Not Every Detail

Before choosing the right bridesmaid outfit, make sure the colour complements your bridal outfit. Also, if you're wearing a lace wedding dress, it would be great for your attendants to wear bridesmaid separates with lace tops to complement your dress without being too 'samey'.

Who is supposed to buy the bridesmaid dresses? ›

Who Pays for Bridesmaids Dresses in the US? In the US, the tradition is for the bridesmaids to each pay for their own dress, regardless of who is making the final call on what the dresses will look like.

What is an appropriate bridesmaid dress? ›

Your bridesmaid dresses should always match the formality of your gown. If you're wearing a ball gown wedding dress, your squad will look out of place wearing boho bridesmaid dresses that are better suited for a desert-chic wedding. To keep the formality the same, start by considering the length of the dresses.

What is best to wear under a bridesmaid dress? ›

Shapewear or Spanx

The best undergarment for such a dress is shapewear or Spanx. Such dresses fit at the top, the body, and the hips.

What hair should bridesmaids have? ›

Loose wavy hairstyles for bridesmaids

From boho chic to polished and formal, loose wavy hairstyles feel effortless and romantic. Long loose waves suits all bridesmaid dress necklines and frames all face shapes beautifully. Your bridesmaids don't need to have long hair to pull off this look either.

What not to do as a bridesmaid? ›

10 Things a Bridesmaid Should Never Do-But Always Unknowingly...
  • Complain about how she looks on the wedding day. ...
  • Drink too much. ...
  • Forego sunscreen. ...
  • Harp about costs. ...
  • Buy a size-too-small bridesmaid dress because she's sure she'll lose weight. ...
  • Play the martyr. ...
  • Weigh in on wedding decisions.
May 26, 2014

How far in advance should you look for bridesmaid dresses? ›

In general, you should shop about six months out to allow for the order to arrive and any alterations needed. If you have a shorter timeline, shop our ready-to-ship bridesmaid dresses that will ship to you in just a few days!

Should bridesmaid dresses touch the floor? ›

Visualize them as curtains: Some bridesmaids prefer a length that sits 1 inch above the floor, while others like the dress to gracefully touch the floor. Alternatively, you can go for a slight puddle effect. While all three lengths are acceptable, a couple of factors come into play.

What kind of wedding dress is slimming? ›

An A-line gown hugs the waist area, creating a slimmer waistline while flattering the bust,” he says. “It can make a petite bride look taller with its overall slimming effect.”

Who should pick the bridesmaid dresses? ›

Typically, the bride is in charge of choosing the bridesmaids dresses, but we definitely encourage bridesmaids to have their say too on what colours they like and how they feel in a dress as at the end of the day, how the bridesmaids look is a big part of how brides feel on their day.

What color bridesmaids should everyone wear? ›

Navy blue is another timeless classic. Like black, navy blue looks good on everyone. We especially love this bridesmaid dress color at a winter wedding paired with metallic accessories.

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