As much as I love to talk etiquette, fashion is really what interest me. Bridesmaids fashion is always a topic of conversation at weddings; And usually the conversation goes one of two ways: Yay or Nay.
Like bridal fashion, bridesmaids apparel is always changing and evolving. Years ago it was taboo for brides to choose black dresses for her wedding party, and now its seems as though 9 out of 10 weddings features black bridesmaids dresses. Of course trends are constantly changing. If you went to a wedding during 2009 or 2010, you probably saw a lot of navy blue bridesmaids dresses. Navy has become a huge wedding staple in most weddings. It's a nice neutral alternative to a stark black or brown, especially for a spring or summer wedding. As American brides started to simplify their weddings for economic reasons, which influenced trends in bridesmaids dresses. Brides started to stray from tradition and let their bridesmaids choose their own unique style of dress, so they'd be more comfortable and flattering.
(Also, the $200 plus investment wouldn't hurt so bad.) One dress may be taffeta and one shouldered and the bridesmaid next to her maybe in a strapless silk organza. Stores like J. Crew and Ann Taylor make this vision for effortless bridesmaid apparel easy as can be. Block colors and patterns on dresses started becoming a trend, as well which complimented outside wedding ceremonies by giving them more color. Another changing fashion trend, which is one of my favorites, is a varying the color scheme of bridesmaids dresses. Lets say you the bride give the guideline for green dresses, and then let each girl pick out a shade that fits their skin tone. You can have a great color scheme of green: jewel toned emerald, lime green, kelly green, etc.
Mainstream retailers like Ann Taylor and J.Crew are leading the way in affordable bridal fashion. These are some of the most popular choices for brides and bridesmaids. Now Anthropologie with their BHLDN line is getting into the mix.
And I couldn't be more thrilled! In addition to mainstream retailers, fashion labels like Amsale and Jim Hjelm are great resources for bridesmaid fashions. They offer the same resources as a J.Crew found at bridal salons. Department stores like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom also have bridal departments that carry great fashion lines, sure to please the bridal party. But don't forget about other labels like Lilly Pulitzer, who also has amazing bridesmaid fashion available... and, we'll look into that a few scrolls down!
Now I love to look at photos.... they're so pretty and a great way to draw inspiration. So, hows about some {real wedding} inspirations:
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| Photo: Mark Shale |
Now, J.Crew and Ann Taylor are wonderful collections, but you've seen it before, right? Lets branch! To those of you who have not yet seen the wonderful world of Lilly Pulitzer bridesmaids dresses, let me be the first to show you heaven in the form of a dress. Now as a Southern girl, I have a special place in my heart for all things Lilly. That being said, big prints are not really my thing. But I love love love Lilly clothes! So imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon their bridesmaids collection and found tons and tons of fabulous dresses-- some without big prints! For those of you who yearn for the big flower patterns, fear not, they are included in the collection as well. So without further adieu....
A-mazing, right??
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