Monday, June 6, 2022

The Cool Girl’s Guide To Bridesmaid Dresses

Why is it that, when it comes to shopping for a special occasion, the available options seem to be way slimmer and less stylish than usual? Finding an evening gown that suits your personality (and personal style) isn't always an easy feat — and the hunt for an equally cool bridesmaid dress is no different. You want a dazzling gown that fits in your friend's required color scheme and can effortlessly match your eye-catching handbag. However, with a lack of variety, it's easy to fall into a cookie-cutter trap with an expected and "safe" (read: boring) option. Well, it's time to not take that route.

Wedding season is in high gear and we're here to raise the bar when it comes to bridesmaid dress shopping — because why shouldn't the women standing next to the bride feel just as on-point as she does? From elegant but bold prints to unexpected fabrics and silhouettes, we've rounded up 26 not-so-average options that will make all those group photos frame-worthy stunners.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.



Reformation Westerly Dress, $, available at Reformation


Revelry Rosalie Tulle Convertible Dress, $, available at Revelry


Mango Lyocell Shirt Dress, $, available at Mango


BHLDN Ira Dress, $, available at Anthropologie


& Other Stories Strappy Tiered Maxi Dress, $, available at & Other Stories


LoveShackFancy Marinette Ruffled Floral-Print Maxi Dress, $, available at Net-A-Porter


Eloquii Satin Maxi Dress, $, available at Eloquii


Batsheva Sunset Taffeta Mini Prairie Dress, $, available at Frances May


Wray Tracy Dress, $, available at Wray


Selkie | Free People Selkie The Ritz Dress, $, available at Free People


Vera Wang Bride Manuella Tulle Cape Back Gown, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue


Show Me Your Mumu Claire Midi Dress, $, available at Show Me Your Mumu


Saylor Myrtle Dress, $, available at Saylor


Topshop Bridesmaid Heart Jacquard Slip Dress, $, available at ASOS


BHLDN Leila Satin Charmeuse Maxi Dress, $, available at BHLDN


Lulus All About Love Maxi Dress, $, available at Lulus


Farm Rio Farm x Anthropologie Halter Maxi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie


Jenny Yoo Liana, $, available at Jenny Yoo


Anthropologie One-Shoulder Silk Midi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie


Watters Asher, $, available at Watters


David's Bridal One Shoulder Satin A-Line Bridesmaid Dress, $, available at David's Bridal


Silk Maison Lime Halter Cocktail Silk Maxi Dress, $, available at Silk Maison


Social Bridesmaid Strapless Draped Bodice Maxi Dress with Front Slits, $, available at Verishop


Sachin + Babi Jessica Gown, $, available at Sachin & Babi


Acler Indiannah Cowl-Neck Draped Maxi Dress by Acler, $, available at Moda Operandi


LoveShackFancy Tara Dress, $, available at loveshackfancy


City Chic Sweet Jewel Maxi Dress, $, available at City Chic


ASOS Lace Cami Midi Dress, $, available at ASOS


Alex Evenings Long A-Line Rosette Dress, $, available at Zappos


Self-Portrait Chiffon Maxi Dress, $, available at mytheresa


Miranda Bennett Everyday Dress, $, available at Miranda Bennett


Adrianna Papell Blouson Beaded Gown, $, available at Amazon


Parker Lorelei Dress, $, available at 11 Honoré


Farrow Mila Dot Dress, $, available at Need Supply


Raquel Allegra Flutter Midi Dress in Lilac, $, available at Covet and Lou


Eloquii Printed Wrap Dress, $, available at Eloquii


Lane Bryant 3/4 Sleeve Scuba Fit & Flare Dress with Mesh, $, available at Lane Bryant


Emily and Fin Keener Postures A-Line Dress, $, available at ModCloth


BHLDN Cleo Top & Chateau Skirt, $, available at BHLDN


Soallure Long Silver Dress, $, available at Yoox


COS A-Line Pleated Dress with Drape, $, available at COS


Fame and Partners Empire Ball Gown, $, available at Fame and Partners


For Love & Lemons Temecula Maxi Dress, $, available at Free People


Aidan Mattox flared sheer-panel midi dress, $, available at Farfetch


Kiyonna Cara Velvet Wrap Dress, $, available at Kiyonna


Norma Kamali Boxy Top Fishtail Gown, $, available at Shopbop


Kate Spade New York Poplin Ruffle Tiered Dress, $, available at Kate Spade New York


Ganni Heavy Satin Slip Dress, $, available at Fivestory


Rixo London Monet ruffled floral-print cotton and silk-blend dress, $, available at Net-A-Porter

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

18 Under-$100 Dresses For All Your Fancy Parties