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Bad bridesmaid dresses are something of a cultural cliché, with fluffy embellishments and too-sweet color palettes cementing the stereotype. But for brides eager to step away from this commonplace approach and pivot toward more modern styles, there’s a world of choice. Having your bridesmaids wear dresses that complement both their personalities and your own wedding gown is a win-win situation, with everyone feeling their most confident. Not to mention that the group photos will turn out far chicer.
Vogue’s Favorite Bridesmaid Dresses:
- The Floral Bridesmaid Dress: Agua by Agua Bendita Infinito Perla maxi dress, $810
- The Champagne Bridesmaid Dress: Retrofête Emery crystal-embellished satin gown, $700
- The Navy Bridesmaid Dress: Hill House Home The Jacqueline Dress, $228
- The Yellow Bridesmaid Dress: Dôen Florencia floral-print silk-blend midi dress, $398
- The Pale Pink Bridesmaid Dress: Staud Marlowe cotton-blend grosgrain gown, $595
- The Powder Blue Bridesmaid Dress: & Other Stories tiered sleeveless midi dress, $199
- The Black Black Bridesmaid Dress: Norma Kamali Maria gown, $325
- The Green Bridesmaid Dress: Third Form tie-back satin strapless maxi slip dress, $320
- The Burgundy Bridesmaid Dress: Reformation Suvi floral dress, $198
- The Lilac Bridesmaid Dress: Self-Portrait tiered pleated floral-print chiffon midi dress, $510
Whether your bridal party is on the smaller or larger side, finding the best bridesmaid dresses that punctuate this momentous occasion shouldn’t be a chore. Begin with a color scheme 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 for ensuring they’ll wear their wedding guest dress again for years to come.
Ahead, discover some of our favorite designs from brands like Agua by Agua Bendita, Bernadette, Markarian, Reformation, and more to kickstart your search for the best bridesmaid dresses, with nary a fluffy tulle gown in sight.
Floral Bridesmaid Dresses
Ideal for spring and summer ceremonies, a romantic floral pattern gives the sense your bridal party is like a lovely bouquet. Go for delicate pastel hues or something with a lively hand-drawn print.
Champagne Bridesmaid Dresses
Both elegant and flattering, a champagne-hued bridesmaid dress is worth toasting to. Plus, its seasonless appeal makes it a lovely pick to wear year-round.
Navy Bridesmaid Dresses
A traditional color that can splash out in silhouette and detailing, navy bridesmaid dresses are a classic pick. This deep hue will also pair beautifully with any type of floral bouquet.
Yellow Bridesmaid Dresses
A cheery palette for a celebratory occasion, yellow bridesmaid dresses are like a burst of sunshine—especially for garden weddings. Go for faint hues or those with a zestier saturation (or both, for an array of yellows).
Pale Pink Bridesmaid Dresses
From dusty rose to faint blush, the range of pale pinks is well-suited for bridal parties. Unlike their saturated counterparts like fuchsia, these hues have a gentle effect, so you can play around with more exaggerated silhouettes like statement necklines or textural fabrics.
Powder Blue Bridesmaid Dresses
Have your bridesmaids embody the cool tones of spring and summer in a powder blue pick. Whether they opt for something silky and sumptuous or fabulously fashion-forward, it’s a flattering hue they’ll look back on fondly for years to come.
Black Bridesmaid Dresses
A timeless classic for a reason, black always feels right. It’s also the perfect palette for brides who want to let their bridesmaids choose their own dresses, as it still comes across as uniform when assembled together.
Green Bridesmaid Dresses
Mimic the ethereal hues of the forest with a sage green. Bridesmaid dresses in this scheme will pair especially beautifully with a farm or backyard wedding.
Burgundy Bridesmaid Dresses
Burgundy-colored bridesmaid dresses feel sophisticated and romantic thanks to their deep hue. Pair it with white florals for a lovely contrast.
Lilac Bridesmaid Dresses
For brides wanting to eschew the expected, dress your bridesmaids in a delicate shade of lilac. It looks great in photographs, and they’ll be sure to rewear the unique dress to other upcoming occasions.
