Fabulous and affordable bridesmaid dresses you will want to wear again
Mention the words "bridesmaid dress" to anyone and I can guarantee visions of taffeta, ruffles, beads, and bows will flood their mind. Bridesmaid dresses are notoriously ugly and almost always end up donated immediately following the wedding in which they were featured. Why has the hideous and disposable bridesmaid dress become the societal norm? If we get down to brass tacks, we know that the bride doesn't want anyone to outshine her, so is she solely responsible for this parade of polyester atrocities? I hope not. I would think a bride would want her wedding party to look and feel beautiful as she choose them to celebrate her most special day by her side. Brides and bridesmaids-- let's band together and put an end to ugly bridesmaid dresses!
Here are a few of my favorite chic, wedding-worthy, and affordable dresses that bridesmaids can wear time and time again.
Coralie Beatrix "Octopus Infinity Dress"- Starting at $80
When I was planning my own wedding I did not have bridesmaids, but I had a select group of sisters and friends that I wanted to differentiate from other guests. I knew I wanted my special ladies to look beautiful, feel comfortable, and have the ability to re-purpose the dresses worn to my wedding. After tons of research I found the CoralieBeatrix Etsy.com store!
Why I love it: Each dress is handmade and can be worn in multitudes of styles. I gave my gals a color story and let them choose the length and fabric that they liked. On my wedding day they were able twist the straps to a style that made them feel fabulous. I even ordered a dress for myself! The shop owner, Katie, is very helpful and communicative, and when the dresses arrived they were more gorgeous than I expected!
Free People French Courtship Slip - $98
This slip is breathtaking in person. I own it in several colors, and every time I wear it people stop me and ask where they can buy it.
Why I love it: Free People creates their "Intimates" with such quality and care that I buy the collection exclusively to wear as dresses. The French Courtship design is romantic, bohemian, and can definitely be worn long after a bridesmaid's duties are over.
Keep in mind that this is a slip, so something must be purchased to wear underneath. The French Courtship Slip comes in comes in nine different colors that would be lovely at any wedding. Pair it with heels or ballet flats on the big day and then wear it again ( and again) with tights, boots and a Levi's denim jacket.
ModCloth Dinner and Romancing Dress - $89.99
ModCloth does pages and pages of adorable wedding-appropriate dresses and they have a wide range of styles and sizes. I found quite a few affordable dresses and some designs could even double as wedding dresses!
Why I love it: Most brides want their "maids" to look classy and timeless and this delectable little number is just that. The nipped-in waist and A-line skirt is flattering on all body types and the cut is conservative enough that once the bubbly pops and dancing ensues, no one will be in danger of anything "popping out".
Milanoo Mint Green Pleated Chiffon Asymmetrical Dress - $90 (Extra $14.99 for a tailor made option)
This simple and feminine dress is perfectly suited for a wedding and many other occasions. The delicate chiffon pleating and mega-flattering asymmetrical skirt is just lovely.
Why I love it: I'm a sucker for this frothy mint shade! I actually used it as one of my wedding colors. If mint isn't your cup of tea, this floor length dress is also available in 27 additonal shades, including a beautiful champagne.
It's available in sizes 2-26W and can be paired with a beaded belt or sash to glam it up or leather sandals for a more casual wedding.
Ladies Night Chiffon Jumpsuit- $39
Not all bridesmaids are into dresses, and I think a flowy jumpsuit is a fashion-forward option that is still feminine and wedding appropriate.
Why I love it: I am a huge fan of jumpsuits! You get the girly feel of a maxi dress and the mobility of pants-- it's a winning situation for a gal like me who loves to dance the night away.
For the ceremony I would pair this jumpsuit with heels and maybe even a flower crown. Once the wedding is over, I would toughen it up with a leather jacket, booties and a statement necklace.
Adrianna Papell Bow-Back Party Dress - $42
This precious little number is business in the front and party in the back! The flirty back detail is begging to be paired with an intricate up-do or trendy braided hairstyle.
Why I love it: Obviously the star feature of this dress is the cutout back and the charming bow. The front is a simple v-neck with thick straps and an empire waist, so if you're looking to minimize cleavage, this is a good choice.
Another selling point for me is that this dress has pockets! Perfect for stowing away a lip gloss to touch up your lips and the bride's as the night goes on. If the openness of the back scares you and you cannot fathom the idea of going braless, take this dress to a seamstress and have a bra sewn right into it.
Lulu's "Follow Your Heart" Gown - $99
This peach gown is gorgeous and any gal would love to wear it in a wedding, to an event, or while riding a white horse as her tresses flow in the wind.
Why I love it: This Lulu's dress is just dreamy. The sweetheart neckline and flowing peach chiffon is the epitome of romantic.
This dress would be complimentary on many body shapes and can be styled with flat sandals for a beachy wedding or heels for a formal affair. After the I do's, I could see myself wearing this to a picnic with flats and a cropped dark denim jacket.
BB Dakota "Rhianna" Lace Dress- $88
You can't beat a vibrant pink lace dress to compliment a spring or garden wedding. This version features a semi-sheer lace top and delicate cap sleeves.
Why I love it: In addition to be being a darling bridesmaid dress, this is a perfect date-night or first date dress! Just covered up enough to be modest, but sheer and lacy enough to be flirty.
Pop on a bold pink lip like Wet N' Wild "Smokin Hot Pink" and dust your cheeks with Benefit Cosmetics Hervana blush for a perfectly ladylike look, down the aisle, and beyond.
Geo Jacquard Sleeveless Pleated Dress- $168
While black may not be a traditional color choice for bridesmaids or wedding guests, it is definitely a color that your guests will be able to wear again. This vintage yet modern dress is dainty without sacrificing it's edginess.
Why I love it: The silhouette of a tailored top and flared out at the waist is always flattering. Bridesmaids could almost certainly wear shoes they already own (because they will never wear those specially dyed lavender heels again!) and they can also accessorize the look based on their own personal style. Some might opt for tights, chandelier earrings or how cute would this be with a little fascinator!
The bottom line is that weddings can be expensive for everyone involved. It is considerate to give your bridesmaids affordable, flattering, and fashionable dress choices that they can wear more than once. Just think, you can be that cool bride that picked bridesmaid dresses that didn't end up at the local charity shop!
What's the worst bridesmaids dress you've seen or worn? Let us know by sending a tweet to @yahooshopping or by leaving a comment below.
