As the wedding bells ring for some lucky girl, her closest friends get busy finding the best bridesmaid dresses for her biggest day. Weddings are extremely important days, and you need only the best dresses to live up to the occasion. Becoming a bridesmaid is a rare opportunity, and there are too many choices to overpower your mind.
Below, we provide complete information about the best types of bridesmaid dresses and where you can buy them.
1. A-Line Bridesmaid Dresses
A-lines are one of the best styles of bridesmaid dresses. These dresses are fitted at the top and flare out gently from the waist. This dress creates an A-shape when you wear it, from which it gets the name. These are generally comfortable for all body types.
Pros
- Looks good on everyone, irrespective of body types.
- Quite comfortable to wear and move around.
- Works great for traditional weddings.
- Provides nice waist-to-hip balance.
Cons
- Don’t create that ‘dramatic’ impact.
- Not quite eye-catching at times.
- Might not work for trendy or fancy weddings.
2. Wrap Dresses
These dresses wrap around the body and ties at the waist. There are very versatile and flexible. They are great for weddings as they are easier to wear and can be quite flattering. You can find form-fitting or more relaxed version of the dress. They are also available with V-neck designs and waist-ties.
Pros
- Fits all body types.
- Adjustable with ties for a perfect fit.
- Flattering design suitable for most body shapes
Cons
- These may need to be pinned to stay in place.
- Fabric can bunch up on certain figures.
3. Slip Dresses
These are sleek, minimalist dresses that typically skim the body and have thin straps. Slip dresses are typically lightweight and silky gowns. They are great for weddings with their retro 90’s chic look with a fair bit of elegance. They are so light that it feels like you’re wearing nothing.
Pros
- Offers a smooth, silky silhouette.
- Can be very versatile
- Very lightweight and comfortable
- Can be layered under other outfits
- Trendy and modern
Cons
- Shows more curves—may not suit all body types.
- Can be uncomfortable for bigger body types.
- Often requires shapewear to perfect the look.
4. Strapless Dresses
Strapless dresses can really add some serious flair to weddings. These dresses come without shoulder straps, emphasizing the neckline and shoulders. They can be truly special dress choices for bridesmaids. They are great choices for beach weddings.
Pros
- Looks very clean, elegant, and modern.
- Great for both summer or formal weddings.
- Goes extremely well with statement necklaces or earrings.
- Keeps you cool and comfortable
Cons
- Sometimes requires strong support.
- Requires the right shapewear to stay in place.
- Can slide down if not worn properly
5. Off-the-Shoulder
Off-the-shoulder dresses have sleeves or bands that sit just below the shoulders, exposing the collarbones while covering part of the upper arms. They are great for bridesmaids as they are romantic. These dresses are very comfortable and work great for different wedding styles like ormal, casual, daytime or evening.
Pros
- Romantic and fashionable.
- Flattering on arms and neckline.
- Suits boho, garden, or beach weddings.
Cons
- Arm movement can be slightly restricted
- Special undergarments can be required
- Proper sizing is needed
- Might require special undergarments.
6. Convertible or Multi-way
These are modern and trendy dresses for bridesmaids. The best thing about them is that they can be styled in many different ways—halter, strapless, one-shoulder, to name a few. Sometimes, they are called infinity dresses due to the unlimited looks you can create. Often, they stretch over the bust and tie at the waist, so one size can fit many body types.
Pros
- Exceptionally flexible and durable.
- Can be transformed into dozens of silhouettes.
- Can be long-lasting and reusable.
- Generally budget-friendly.
Cons
- Can be difficult to wear.
- Requires creativity or tutorials to style well.
- Can look inconsistent if not styled properly.
Where to Buy Bridesmaid Dresses Online?
You can easily buy these dresses online from retailers like Nordstrom, David’s Bridal , ASOS, Lulus, and Amazon. Other online sites like BHLDN offer great collections.
There are other affordable but good quality options like Azazie, Birdy Grey, or emerging independent brands like A.W Bridal.
Many of these online stores provide online ‘try-on’ options. Some of them also offer complete online customization options. You can provide custom measurements to make that perfectly fitting bridesmaid outfit.
Conclusion
Dresses for bridesmaids are not much less important than bridal dresses. A-line, wrap dresses, off-the-shoulders, strapless, slip, or convertible all have their pros and cons when it comes to wearing. However, these are also some of the best dresses when you consider style, versatility, comfort, and impact.
A good dress for a special day requires the right fit with the right measurements. In the end, it’s about what suits the occasion best. May you always find the right dress for standing beside the bride.
