Tag Archives: patterned bridesmaid dresses

Our 13 Favorite Bridesmaid Trends of the Year

Modern brides continue to move away from traditional bridesmaid dress choices. While matching pastel chiffon frocks are still the norm rather than the exception, we love it when brides take bold style risks with their bridesmaid attire choices. We’ve seen vibrant colors and patterns, once-taboo white as a popular choice and new silhouettes, like maxis, jumpsuits and even pants. 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).

Tulle Skirts

Feminine, light, flirty…tulle is having a moment. Tulle skirts can be paired with just about anything, from bold silk blouses to patterned button-ups to neutral tanks.
01 tulle skirts

Photo via Green Wedding Shoes.

Patterned Dresses

Patterned dresses continue to be an unexpected and striking choice. When it comes to choosing a pattern, the bolder the better. While florals are the most common choice, look to stripes, polka-dots and other geometric motifs for statement-making gowns. Pro tip: For the biggest impact, this is a time to have all your maids in the same dress. If you want to try the mismatched look with patterns, choose different textured fabrics or tone-on-tone designs in the one shade to keep things from getting too busy. 02 patterned

Photo via Junebug Weddings.

Statement Pants

The first time I saw this look I was like mind = blown. Flowing floral pants are just the perfect choice for a modern bride. The silky fabric keeps the look elegant, while the billowing style is very of the moment.
03 statement pants

Photo via Green Wedding Shoes.

Boots

Let’s face it: Heels and grass do not mix. Boots are absolutely perfect for an outdoor wedding, especially in the fall when they feel seasonally appropriate. Practical meets pretty in this style trend. 04 zip back and boots

Photo via Ruffled.

All in White

White isn’t just for the bride anymore. This trend started a few years back and is still going strong. While some brides have even embraced long white dresses for their maids, Ultimate Bridesmaid still firmly suggests the short white dress if you want an all-white wedding—that way, there’s never any confusion on just whose wedding this is.

white dresses

Photo via Style Me Pretty.

Contrasting Dresses

Can’t decide on one bridesmaid look? Have two! This bride chose both a bold, neon patterned dress and a neutral sheath as well. The key to pulling off this look is to make sure the dresses have some common element—in this case it’s their geometric patterns and pops of gold, plus the matching shoes. The result is a look that seems purposeful and considered, rather than haphazard. Stylish to the extreme. 05 geometric contrasting looks

Photo via Ruffled.

Metallics

Metallic bridesmaid dresses are here to stay. The trend really picked up steam over the last few years and is still one of our favorites. What can we say? We like to sparkle!

metallics

Photo via 100 Layer Cake.

This Dress

Yep, this Adrianna Papell dress has exploded onto the bridesmaid scene and quickly become one of the “it” dresses of the wedding world. And why shouldn’t it be? It has a flattering fit, a timeless deco pattern, a hint of sparkle and though we are seeing it pop up in wedding after wedding, it still feels fresh each time. Originally available only in nude, you’ll now find it in a range of soft hues, including this stunning mint.

adrianna papell 3

Photos via Style Me Pretty and Elizabeth Anne Designs.

Ombre

Multicolored bridesmaids go to the next level with this subtle ombre effect. You’ll need to choose a dress retailer that carries an extensive range of colors to truly pull this off. The more subtle the color shift, the better. Having two bridesmaids in each shade is also a smart choice—it’s what creates an ombre effect rather than a rainbow one.

06 ombre

Photo via Junebug Weddings.

Creative Cover-ups

Truth: Sometimes bridesmaids get cold. Especially in the winter. Taking that fact of life into consideration and choosing a striking cover-up is both thoughtful and pays off in style points. We love leather jackets, faux fur wraps, plaid scarves and and even patterned blanket shawls, like this one. 07 pretty cover ups

Photo via Ruffled.

Maxis

Sure, floor-length bridesmaid gowns have been around. But the maxi is a bit different. The style is loose and more casual (dare we use the word mumu?) and the result is boho chic. We love this neutral pleated version. The silhouette says “beach” but the subtle sparkle says “style.”

maxis

Photo via Style Me Pretty.

Classic in black

The LBD gets its own acronym for a reason: it just never goes out of style. Black is the perfect choice for a formal wedding and also the color choice your bridesmaids are most likely to incorporate into their regular wardrobe. We love modern black sheaths like these for a sophisticated yet timeless look.

classic LBD

Photo via 100 Layer Cake.

Bold separates

There’s nothing we love more than a bride not afraid to make a bold style choice: like these turquoise floral pencil skirts paired with maroon silk tunics. Selecting vibrant separates like this isn’t for every bride—but when it works, it’s just wow08 Ruffled separates

Photo via Ruffled.

Fashion Friday

Trina Turk at Banana Republic? Yes, please! I did a bit of a double take when I found this mini collection. Trina Turk’s Palm Springs-inspired neon-patterned dresses usually run in the $350 range, so at half the price these are a steal. Her clothing has a very specific resort feel, but it would be perfect for an oceanside destination wedding in Miami, the Caribbean, or Costa Rica.

This is my favorite, and I know what you’re going to say. Caitlin, it’s white. Yes, yes, I noticed. But only partially white! Just picture it! All the girls lined up on the beach, tanned skin, the bride in sparkling clean white flanked by her bridesmaids in pops of neon, perhaps holding bouquets of coral and yellow flowers.

Can’t get past the white? I offer you this alternative. I love the band at the natural waist and the very slight sweetheart neckline. The seaglass blues and sunset yellows are perfect for a seaside nuptial.

Too much pattern for you or not planning a beach wedding? Let me direct you to the accessories. The bangles and rings would be a perfect bridesmaid favor.

Or, how about this adorable makeup bag? It strikes me as the perfect container for a bridesmaid survival kit.

Fashion Thursday

Fashion Friday is coming one day early since, surprise surprise, I’m in a wedding this weekend! Lots of post-wedding posts to come. In the meantime, I bring you Modcloth, a great resource for offbeat bridesmaid dresses, especially if you’re interested in patterns, florals or a more casual look. The dresses are also generally a lot more inexpensive than traditional bridesmaid offerings: prices range from $50 to $100. Be sure that all the maids purchase quickly and together after you make your choice though. Styles do sell out and turn over seasonally and new styles are added almost daily. Here are a few of my favorite summer offerings.

Melon Love with a Dress

The Details: Perfect for summer BBQs or strolls in the park, machine washable and in fashion-forward watermelon hue, this dress will get plenty of wear after the big day. The peekaboo lace at the bottom fancies it up a bit for the ceremony and the flowing A-line skirt and empire waist will flatter any figure.

Fabric: Cotton

Price: $72.99


Bayou Blue Dress

The Details: Recipe for style: Add a subtle pop of orange to a cornflower blue swirling geometric print and style with a demure V-neck and flattering band at the natural waist.

Fabric: Did I mention it’s 100% organic fair trade cotton?

Price: $93.99

Afternoon at the Arboretum Dress

The Details: This pretty floral in cream, rose and blue is delicate and feminine, but the cinched-waist silhouette keeps this dress looking utterly modern. The included belt adds a needed touch of hardware and the navy Peter Pan collar brings attention to the face.

Fabric: Polyester

Price: $49.99

Elegant Engravings Dress

The Details: It’s floral, it’s cutout, it’s coral—what more could you want? I adore the intricate cutout design and the sash at the waist. The touch of silk in this fabric gives it a beautiful drape and the creamsicle color will pop in pictures.

Fabric: Cotton/silk

Price: $84.99