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Bad bridesmaid dresses are something of a cultural cliché, with fluffy embellishments and too-sweet color palettes reinforcing the stereotype. So it’s no wonder brides are eager to steer away from the realm of bad pastel lore toward modern styles that don’t offend. Luckily, there’s a world of choice, and it’s absolutely possible to find bridesmaids’ dresses that complement both their personalities and your own wedding vision. After all, everyone should feel as good as they look (not to mention, the group photos will turn out far chicer).
Whether your bridal party is a close cohort of besties or a larger gaggle of your favorite people, finding the best bridesmaid dresses to punctuate this momentous occasion shouldn’t be a chore. As a bride, it’s always best practice to be mindful of varying budgets and body types, and if you have specific expectations, it’s up to you to communicate them. Begin with a color palette and decide whether you want to uniformly dress your bridesmaids in coordinating designs or have each wear an individual style. (The latter can be an especially nice choice to ensure they’ll wear their bridesmaid dress again for years to come, giving it new life as wedding guest outfit.)
Ahead, discover some of our favorite designs from brands like Khaite, Bernadette, Staud, Reformation, and more to kickstart your search for the best bridesmaid dresses—nary a fluffy chiffon tulle gown in sight.
Floral Bridesmaid Dresses
A romantic floral pattern is not just for spring or summer nuptials; the right palette can make all the difference. Go for ditsy florals in pastel hues for a subdued approach, or choose a bolder, livelier hand-drawn print. If you’re going for a mixed variety, keep an eye on diversifying the scale of each print in order to balance your bouquet of bridesmaids.
This large-scale baby blue floral taffeta dress is as cheerful as can be. The streamlined silhouette balances the print, while the slight gathering of the skirt adds just the right touch of femininity.
This silk satin halterneck is as well-suited for fall as it is spring and summer. The illustrated daisy print on a chic taupe background is incredibly modern, ready to be worn again and again.
For a truly romantic, vintage-inspired bridesmaid dress, look no further than this satin number. Done up in ditsy floral with an elegant draped neckline and a plunging, draped back, it’s demure and daring all at once.
Grounded on a bold, black background, this bold floral is a stunning choice for autumnal affairs. The cap sleeve and maxi length both provide a bit of extra coverage for more modest venues.
Champagne Bridesmaid Dresses
Both elegant and utterly timeless, a champagne-hued bridesmaid dress is worth toasting to. Plus, their season-less appeal makes them a lovely pick to wear year-round and practically glows next to the groomsmen in classic black tuxes.
Does it get more polished than this tailored satin gown topped off with two petite bows? This neutral champagne sheen is well-suited to both silver and gold tones, so accessorize as you wish.
For a dress that’s ready to hit the dance floor as soon as the vows are said, may we suggest Mango’s champagne sequin shift? It’s just as sophisticated as it is shimmery, and sure to become a go-to party dress for years to come.
Made from luxurious silk, this slip dress is a classic that offers an effortlessly chic vibe.
Powder Blue Bridesmaid Dresses
Why not surround yourself with your something blue? The powdery pastel is a sweet yet sophisticated color choice for weddings year-round; it sits beautifully with terracotta and burnt orange tones in the fall, takes on a silvery sheen in winter, and of course pairs perfectly with a light palette for the spring/summer season.
Proenza Schouler has mastered the art of draped dresses, and this powder blue number in double crepe is no exception. The bodice features a deep side slit for a secret peek of skin.
In an elegant ice blue, this satin gown by Simkhai features a halter neck and deep draped back, with a thin strap across the lower back that adds a modern touch to a timeless design.
Inspired by 1930’s silhouettes and fabrics, Bode’s silk-crepon slip dress features gently cascading ruffles and a subtle geometric pattern destined for a breezy garden affair.
Little details can make all the difference: Case in point, a draping scarf to top off this minimalist sheath in ice blue. Opt for uniform styling or let your bridesmaids dress up this versatile option any way they like.
Yellow Bridesmaid Dresses
Butter yellow is trending in fashion, but it’s also a timeless choice in the world of bridesmaid dresses. A step up from champagne or ivory, it’s a cheery burst of sunshine for celebratory occasions. Choose between uniform soft hues or a zestier saturation, or assign out a tonal palette of both for an array of yellows.
It doesn’t get more delicious than hammered satin in butter yellow. Long sleeves make this dress well-suited for chillier wedding dates, while the figure-flattering cut is formal and elegant.
An ever-so-subtle white floral pattern adds just enough dimension to this lustrous silk-satin dress by Dôen. Inspired by vintage dresses of the 1930s, it’s a silhouette that won’t soon go out of style.
A perfect blank slate in sunshine yellow, Favorite Daughter’s A-line strapless linen midi is the perfect canvas for an embellished belt or ribbon, but holds it own with more minimal styling as well.
Navy Bridesmaid Dresses
Universally flattering, navy blue offers a sophisticated air to your bridal party. The deep hue lends itself well to an array of silhouettes, if you’d like to let your bridesmaids take their pick, and provides a perfect backdrop for every floral bouquet to pop.
The knotted neckline and back details of J.Crew’s halter slip dress add a modern touch to a classic hue and traditional shape. Perfect for fall and winter, and yet an unexpectedly stunning option for a beach wedding.
An ethereal dress featuring sheer organza fabric, a voluminous silhouette, and a delicate, structured bodice. The high neck makes it a modern and elegant choice for a bridesmaid look.
In a stunning blue hue, this dress features a low back and a slit for added oomph. It’s a sophisticated and versatile choice that will be worn again and again.
Pale Pink Bridesmaid Dresses
Call it blush or bashful, pale pink is a quintessential bridal party palette that has been favored by brides for decades. Via demure column gowns with simple bow details or bias-cut satin slips that evoke old Hollywood glamour, pale pink bridesmaid dresses are a lovely complement to bridal white.
Channel Audrey-Hepburn-chic in a lustrous pink column gown by The New Arrivals. The tailored shape perfectly balances the sweetness of a giant bow at the bust.
The lived-in feel of Tove’s blush-colored linen midi dress makes it a perfect choice for intimate affairs, and yet the traditional shape and bow detail is elevated enough for grander gatherings too.
Norma Kamali’s draped satin maxi dress screams old Hollywood siren in a nearly nude peach hue.
Black Bridesmaid Dresses
A classic for a reason, a bridal party in black makes for a dramatic and elegant statement. It’s also the perfect color assignment for brides who want to let their bridesmaids choose their own dresses—after all, it’s the most foolproof hue to match across brands.
For a mid-length option, Staud presents a draped silk-blend dress in an inky black hue. The artfully draped bodice with an asymmetrical off-the-shoulder neckline makes for a modern classic.
Green Bridesmaid Dresses
From soft sage to olive and emerald, green is a dynamic choice that can fit into any wedding scenario, from quaint backyard affairs to church ceremonies and grand venues. If you’re after a uniform look, you may want to give your bridesmaids a clear color reference as greens can vary widely between cool and warm undertones.
Garden-ready in green, Reformation’s Anaiis dress features peachy flowers sprinkled all over a sage silk maxi silhouette. The back reveals crossed straps and a delicate tie at the waist.
Green isn’t only meant for gardens—Go super glam in Rotate’s embellished column gown, which has sheer sequins arranged in a geometric pattern from top to toe.
Picture-perfect for a formal fall or winter wedding, Simkhai’s satin gown in a lustrous emerald green features a full-length draped cape for a little extra coverage and a lot of sophisticated flair.
Burgundy Bridesmaid Dresses
Ideal for fall and winter weddings (but also not off-limits for warmer months, with the right styling) burgundy-colored bridesmaid dresses are romantic and warm. Accessories and florals in pale pinks and ivories create a lovely soft contrast.
Nili Lotan’s signature cami slip gown is a fashion staple, and in deep burgundy it makes for the ultimate bridesmaid dress. Keep accessories as delicate as the dreamy silk itself.
Play with texture by way of Esse Studios’ silk-satin midi dress. A sheer organza layer adds a bit of length (with a peek of leg), while the boatneck gives way to a dramatic draped back.
Float all day long in this fluttering maxi dress by Banana Republic, done in a rich burgundy georgette fabric and featuring a long trailing neck scarf.
Lilac Bridesmaid Dresses
For brides wanting to eschew the expected, dress your bridesmaids in a delicate shade of lilac. Softer than a true purple but more grounded than a pastel, lilac gives a feminine air to your bridal party and pairs well with both soft tones and rich accents.
In a sophisticated mauve, the minimalist lines of Solace London’s off-the-shoulder stretch crepe gown lend a truly modern touch to a timeless silhouette (which has a matching wide belt at waist).
Made from satin with delicate floral appliqué details, and featuring a flattering, cinched waist and a flowy silhouette, this purple dress is flirty and fabulous.
When Should You Order Your Bridesmaid Dresses?
When it comes to putting together a picture-perfect bridal party, there’s no such thing as starting too early. Once your besties and kin are in, 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 everyone has what they need 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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