Each season, we love to see what’s new in bridesmaid style…and what’s stayed the same. Certain timeless styles will always be in the mix—but we also love seeing how brides step outside the norm and incorporate their personal style into their bridesmaid looks. This year hemlines got longer, mixing and matching got bolder and new fabrics (like velvet) and silhouettes (like jumpsuits) arrived on the bridesmaid scene. Here, our favorite bridesmaid trends of the year (plus, the one dress that gets its very own entry—because it’s just that big right now).
Pretty Pastels
This year we saw pastels everywhere! While soft blues and pinks have always been popular bridesmaid colors, they really had a resurgence this year and became the most popular color palette for bridesmaid looks in all seasons.
Photo via Style Me Pretty
Total Freedom to Mix and Match
It takes a bold bride (and some stylish maids) to go completely off script and let your bridesmaids have total freedom in picking their dresses, but we love seeing a mix and match bridesmaid look come together. You don’t even need to worry about selecting a specific shade! These bridesmaid chose dresses in shades of orange that ranged from soft peach to vibrant coral, and patterns that included lace, florals and stripes. The result? Spectacular.
Photo via 100 Layer Cake
Unique Fabrics like Velvet!
We love the soft, romantic feeling of these tea-length velvet dresses. An uncommon bridesmaid dress fabric, velvet is perfect for a winter wedding. Your maids will stay warm and look hot.
Photo via Green Wedding Shoes
Wedding White
When the tradition of incorporating bridesmaids in a wedding first began, all bridesmaids wore white to match the bride. For awhile, wearing white at a wedding became a taboo, but white bridesmaid dresses are back and here to stay. We love short styles that let the bride stand out in her long gown.
Photo via Style Me Pretty
Florals
A killer floral makes an amazing statement and brings color and pattern into the wedding palette. We love vibrant floral frocks like these for spring and summer weddings.
Photo via Style Me Pretty
This “It” Brand
Every year, a dress comes along that captures the hearts of brides everywhere. This year, it’s these floor-length floral maxi dresses from Show Us Your Mumu. This breakout brand has popped up everywhere, with light and flowy gowns that are perfect for beach weddings. They also carry adorable robes and rompers perfect for getting ready with your girls.
Photo via Green Wedding Shoes
Casual Skirt and Top
For an intimate, casual wedding, this bride chose a green corduroy skirt and asked her bridesmaids to add a lacy white top. This look is the ultimate in bridesmaid style that you will be able to wear again.
Photo via Green Wedding Shoes
Floor Length Stunners
Long dresses are it right now. There’s just something about a floor-length stunner that adds a special touch to the occasion. Makes a lady feel fancy! Plus, the movement and flowy drape of the skirts makes for some gorgeous pictures.
Photo via Style Me Pretty
Patterned Skirts
Party on the bottom, business on top (well, sort of). A patterned skirt makes for a standout bridesmaid look, especially when paired with a neutral top. This palm print is perfect for a beach wedding, but try any pattern to fit your theme!
Photo via Style Me Pretty
Jumpsuits!
Bridesmaid #goals. To all my ladies rocking a bridesmaid jumpsuit, you are everything. I applaud you.
Photo via 100 Layer Cake
