10 Bridesmaid Dresses for Every Girl in Your Gang
One of the most stressful parts of being a bridesmaid -- aside from the monetary commitment and all the responsibilities that come with it (balanced out by pride and joy a girl feels when she can stand beside her bestie and watch her say “I Do,” of course) is having to wear a dress that is more often than not not chosen by her. I’m in two weddings this year, and I can honestly say that I’ve had hesitations and anxieties about the fashion for both, especially having just had my son last year (there’s still some work to be done on my postpartum bod, but I’m trying not to freak out about it).
For my sister’s wedding, I helped her choose 4 silhouettes that I thought would be flattering to the entirety of her 11 bridesmaids - yes, huge bridal party - and thankfully, after a successful shopping trip last month, we all walked away with dresses that felt just right 👌. For my friend’s wedding, she chose a very pretty black dress to vibe with her classic black and white palette, and everyone will be wearing the same dress. Sleeveless, with a high illusion neckline. Something that I might not have picked out myself, but nonetheless something I think I can wear. Her bridal party is much smaller in the amount of people, and I think we all have similar body shapes, but inevitably, the dress is going to look better on some of the girls over others. Probs less amazing on me (because I was #blessed / #cursed with big boobs - and I’m not crazy about my shoulders, sigh).
Anyway, it really is a daunting thing to accept a friend/sister/cousin’s ask for you to be a bridesmaid and then have to worry about looking good at the altar, if you’re not feeling 100 percent about how the dress is fitting. So, if you’re the bride, help your squad by selecting something or thing(s) that they’ll feel comfortable and confident in. Yes, you’re the bride, but you’re a friend/sister/cousin first, so treating your tribe right is only reasonable.
((Especially important if your sibling has been showing their support all along))
Whether the crew you roll with is all tall, all short, a mixed bag, some pregnant, some junior, you can do everyone a solid by:
Choosing a hue you’re hot for and then letting your group get their own dresses (pending your ultimate approval, of course)
Choosing a designer, color, and fabric that’s the same across the board, but giving your girls the freedom to find a silhouette they love best
Choosing a silhouette that is universally flattering (no, not one size fits all, just with features that highlight every one of your lady’s best parts or can be worn/styled in a variety of ways to best fit their body)
To help you out, we’ve rounded up some of the best bridesmaids styles to suit all the sizes and shapes you have in your ‘I Do’ inner circle. Swipe along!!
Curves.
Also. We are DYING over this dress, which is sooo perfect for bridesmaids with curves. The shirred strapless bodice + a sweetheart neckline is universally flattering, and the convertible panels can be raised and manipulated to create alternate necklines and skirt details. All to celebrate and accentuate each girls' shape. The detachable tulle sash, too, helps create definition around the waist and finish the look!
View Post: @jennyyoonyc
Photo Source: @thesophiepton
Photo Source: @brookebarrows
Shop Now: Annabelle dress in Cinnamon Rose
Hourglass.
We love a dress with an elastic waist to accentuate an hourglass figure. This one (on the right) features double front side slits and relaxed fix that's adjustable at the top.
View Post: @plumprettysugar
Photo Source: @miramarphoto
Shop Now: Ashley dress in Kiss Mix
Smaller bust.
For girls with smaller busts, it's okay to go strapless, leaving your upper chest and shoulders bare. You don’t have to worry about what to wear under your dress since a strapless dress usually offers enough support for a small bust. And the draped bodice helps create volume around the chest (so you don't need to go with heavily padded undergarments).View Post: @dessygroup
Shop Now: Style 8159 in Dahlia
Universally flattering.
A dress like this soft chiffon multiway style is sooo good for really every bridesmaid. Designed with a sweetheart-pleated bodice with inbuilt corset bustier, bra cups and boning for extra support, it feels super secure. And the chiffon straps can be wrapped as many ways as you can imagine - so you can create cinched detail as you want it!
View Portfolio: Goddess By Nature
Shop Now: Boho chiffon dress in Pastel Pink
Petite.
For your petite girls, a style that highlights their tiny frame is ideal. We love this halter neckline shortcut style, which shows off their shoulders and decolletage. It's also a super flattering hemline to show some leg.
View Post: @amsalebridesmaids
Photo Source: @ashleystathes
Shop Now: Sissy dress in Wheat Silver
Tall.
For your tall girls, it's all about accentuating long, clean, lean lines. Something like this streamlined column-style gown is phenomenal for just this shape. The banding at the waist brings attention to this narrow area too.
View Post: @iheartazazie
Photo Source: @musicsourcemedia
Shop Now: Iman dress in Ink Blue
Apple shaped.
For girls who might carry more weight in their tummies, a blouson style top is great for camoflauging. Something like this A-line style is also super flattering with a loose tie belt that can adjusted + tightened as much as you want.
View Post: @billlevkoff
Photo Source: @kallimatthies
Shop Now: Style 1267 in Violet
Pregnant and proud.
When you have a maid who is extra preggo, she should be showing off that bump and celebrating the little one-to-be. A style like this off the shoulder silhouette is AH-MAZE. We love the lightweight, soft, flowy chiffon fabric and the empire waist is a classic maternity favorite. Reminds us of Kate Middleton's goddess dress.
View Post: @hayleypaigeoccasions
Shop Now: Style 5820 in Indigo
Pear shaped.
For your girls who might be small up top, with some curves on the bottom, this A-line style with a plunging neckline is perfection. The tulle skirt - especially with the stars hides any problem areas, and the deep v neck helps balance things out - to create an overall hourglass shape.
View Post: @joannaaugust
Photo Source: @carolinetran
Photo Source: Michelle dress (long) in Star Tulle Black
Celebrating everyone.
And like we said before, sometimes going with a color story and then letting your girls choose something that works best for them is the BEST way to go. Separates are a sublime idea for this... Mixing and matching offers just the right customizability for the occasion!
View Post: @shoprevelry
Photo Source: @brandiallysephoto
Shop Now: Various separates