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

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