Timeless and trend-led? Absolutely. Introducing the forever-cool bridesmaid dresses that will bring a touch of sartorial magic to any wedding day.
Bridesmaid dresses are rarely cool: far too often they are overly fussy with one too many flounces or you look like a overgrown peach. Either way, it isn’t good.
And while the intention of a bridesmaid dress is that it is really only to be worn for the wedding day, and to not upstage the bride, why is it that the bride’s request for you to wear said outfit is so often accompanied by the phrase: “Don’t worry, you can totally wear this again”? We’ve all seen 27 Dresses rarely does that dress get a second outing.
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10 alternative wedding dresses for non-traditional brides
The era of shapeless gowns and over the top accessories as standard bridesmaid attire is well and truly over. Modern brides are searching for bridesmaids dresses that are as flattering as they are fashion-forward, in styles that range from traditional pastels to vibrant pops of colour.
So, in the interests of bridesmaids everywhere, we’ve put together a list of super-cool dresses that you really will want to wear again. No taking-up of hems required. Not on bridesmaid duty this summer? We won’t tell if you invest in one of these chic gowns anyway.
Ganni
We’re pretty certain that it’s scientific fact that a spaghetti strap slip dress never goes out of style. This lilac floral design hits the sweet spot between trendy and traditional, and thanks to its use of a slightly heavier fabric than you’d expect from traditional slip style dresses, is suitable for more formal ceremonies.
Maggie Marilyn
Striking the perfect balance between glamorous and romantic, this ruffled silk dress will look just as stunning at the wedding as it will at evening events for years to come. Thanks to a body-skimming bias cut and its draped cowl neck, this pale green gown is one that will complement all your bridesmaids, and coordinate beautifully with blush-toned accessories.
Shop Maggie Marilyn draped ruffle dress at Net-A-Porter, £515
Self Portrait
This dreamy light blue chiffon dress is the stuff that summer weddings were made for. The lace trim detailing on the pleated skirt feels romantic, while the midi length hits the sweet spot between elegant and playful.
Shop Self Portrait lace-trimmed pleated chiffon midi dress at Matches Fashion, £340
Reiss
Planning a city wedding? Then this mini-length champagne-toned dress will be the perfect fit for your bridesmaids. Semi-sheer panelling adds just the right amount of edge to this otherwise classic occasion dress.
Rixo
Modern brides are tearing up the rule book and choosing alternative, bold styles to rival the traditional white dress. Apply the same treatment to your bridesmaids too with this fashion-forward floral print dress by Rixo.
Ghost
A bold take on the bridesmaids dress, this berry pink slip dress combines the best of a simple, streamlined cut with a vibrant shade that will look sensational in any setting.
Needle & Thread
Needle & Thread’s feminine designs have made them a favourite for bridesmaid options, and this chakra-inspired rainbow sequinned dress demonstrates exactly why modern brides love them so much. The long sleeves and intricate embellishment detailing make this gown the perfect piece for an elegant evening reception.
& Other Stories
Puff sleeves are a major trend this spring so incorporate the style into your wedding with a dress that your bridesmaids will wear again and again. Embroidered floral detail on the sleeves add romantic interest to this floaty midi dress, while semi-sheer fabric and an open back keep things fresh and not too fusty.
Shop &Other Stories sheer floral embroidered midi dress, £110
Staud
Planning a destination wedding? This backless cotton dress is the perfect piece to keep your bridesmaid cool in the heat, and she’ll look chic in this charming shade of pink.
Zara
This athletic white tank top flows into a body-skimming pleated midi skirt for a dress that will just as stunning at a boho country wedding as it will at a smart city reception.
Reformation
A simple silhouette makes the perfect canvas for a bold floral print. As environmentally conscious is it is chic, the crepe used in this dress is woven from viscose that’s been sourced from a sustainably managed forest.
Shop Reformation floral-print crepe midi dress at Net-A-Porter, £140
Monsoon
Even if your style sits firmly on the minimalist side, you can count on a wedding to bring out your inner romantic. Lean into the occasion with a floaty, embellished lilac maxi dress that feels like a real-life fashion fairytale.
De La Vali
Inspired by Ibizan nightlife, De La Vali’s designs set the tone for long, balmy nights spent dancing underneath the stars. If that isn’t the tone you want to set for your summer wedding then we don’t know what is.
Shop De La Vali halterneck silk-satin dress at Far Fetch, £440
HVN
Looking for a bridesmaids dress that stands out from the crowd? Alternative brides will fall in love with this hot pink silk gown with a quirky leopard print, while a sleek, slip dress silhouette and wide straps keeps things classic enough to work as a bridesmaids option.
Shop HVN leopard print silk-satin dress at Matches Fashion, £545
Topshop
There’s nothing quite like a floral tea dress at a country wedding, and this bold botanical print makes for a fashion-forward update on the classic style.
Red Valentino
Still searching for a bridesmaids dress that is both elegant and dramatic? This ombre tulle gown offers enough romance to qualify as marriage material in its own right.
Images: courtesy of Unsplash & brands.
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