Tag: black

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Beautiful bridesmaids dress styles you simply cannot go wrong with

Bridemaids

Your bridesmaids are special women—ones who deserve to be beside you when you say “I Do.” So, why not dress them up in something they actually love?

Of course this should be dresses that compliment your bridal look and are suitable for your theme. After all, your bridesmaids are also a big part of your wedding scenery. How you dress them will affect the way your wedding photos turn out. Does that sound like too many conditions to satisfy?

Do not worry, for it isn’t too difficult to find dresses you like and your bridesmaids will actually look forward to wearing. Today, I will tell you about certain dress features that are popular crowd-pleasers. Consider one or more of these factors in your bridesmaids dress choices, and your bridal party will most likely be a happy lot.

You cannot go wrong with dark neutrals like black

Why do you think every woman has a little black dress in her wardrobe? It is a universal favorite that works well on various occasions. Colors that come close to black in the spectrum also look good on most body types. They also suit women of different ages.

Although most brides no longer have issues including black in the wedding, some still try to avoid it. So, if you are looking for alternatives to black for your wedding that are just as appealing, choose navy, charcoal gray or dark brown.

The dress in this picture is a smart number from the Mori Lee collection. The modified A-line skirt and V-neckline make it naturally slimming. The shimmer of beading on lace and the cinched waistline and sash adds to the dressy effect. It is a dress your girls can all sport, irrespective of their age or shape.

Midi dresses

If you want the bridal party look to complement your style, but look distinct, here is an idea! Dress them up in midi dresses in the same fabric as your wedding gown. This will create a cohesive look, but allow you to stand out from the others.

Don’t be surprised if your bridesmaids aren’t too sure about this choice. For there is a popular misconception that you have to be tall to look good in a midi skirt. Fortunately, this won’t be a problem as long as you manage to get the hemline just right. All you have to do is make sure that the dress ends below the knees and just above the calf muscles, and you are good to go.

Take a look at this ravishing beauty in red from the Alfred Angelo collection. The length is just right to create an illusion of slender, long legs. This is something that your bridesmaids will definitely love for its beautiful details, punchy color and overall style.

Dresses with overlays in the bodice

Many common dress styles like the A-line and fit and flare draw attention to the middle. This can make your girls conscious and unhappy about wearing a fitted style. Dresses with overlays in the bodice are good choices if there are women in your bridal party who aren’t particularly happy with the width of their waistline. Cropped bodices or overlays will appear as separate from the skirt, and help to counter the issue. There is no concern about the waistline not lining up with the waist of the dress. Overlays camouflage this area and look easy. The best part is that they look good on a variety of body types.

Take a look at this dress from the Alfred Angelo collection to see what we mean. The slightly extended bodice overlay shifts attention from the waistline towards the hips and legs. The sequinned design is opulent and perfect for a wedding where your girls should look glitzy and glamorous.

Tapered dresses

Any body type can easily carry off a dress that clings beyond the waist and tapers downwards. The idea is to choose a slim but not tight fitting dress and work with the elements in the top to create a balanced look. Short bridesmaids can dress in tapered dresses with high waists that elongate the torso. Dark solid colored dresses that taper just a bit are right for pear-shaped women. Straight body shapes can wear tapered dresses with more volume in the lower half. So, keep the tapered style feature as the cohesive element in your bridal party look. Then experiment with different colors and bodice designs for an interesting effect.

 

Here is a bridesmaid dress from the Alfred Angelo collection that features a tapered lower half. The upper textured bodice balances out the lower half, and the thick waistband adds a definition to the overall shape.

The illusion neckline

The illusion neckline is a dress feature that is favored by almost everyone, and rightly so. There is something unusually attractive about an almost transparent neckline as an overlay for the bodice. When embellished with a scattering of tasteful details, it looks even more alluring. For it has an exquisite charm and is very feminine. Let this be the common feature in your bridal party dresses, and we are sure your bridesmaids won’t have a reason to complain. With illusion necklines available in a variety of design styles, it won’t be difficult to pick one that suits the body structure and style of each woman in the group.

 

How amazing is this Mori Lee bridesmaid gown with a sheer neckline studded with lace embellishments. Although it fully covers the neck and bust area, the sheer effect has a dreamy, whimsical impact. The lace appliques in the bodice continue along cap sleeves that complete the overall look with elegance. A dress like this will bowl over your bridesmaids, and it will only be a matter of time before they use it again after your wedding.

The sheath

One of the most romantic and sexy dress-styles of all times, the sheath is a classic that looks good on most body types. It accentuates natural curves and even creates the illusion of a curvy figure, where there are few curves. It is immensely forgiving that way. Additionally, the sheath camouflages wide waistlines and thick hips when chosen appropriately. So, if your bridesmaids have different body types, go with the sheath silhouette for their bridesmaids dresses. So, you needn’t worry about finding separate dresses that flatter each of them.

This relaxed sheath silhouette features all-over shimmering details that are bound to impress. The sweetheart neckline and feminine structure of the dress instantly add a romantic touch. The soft fit looks comfortable and it balances out the extensive use of embellishments throughout this statement style dress.

Asymmetrical draping in the dress

This is one style that you should consider for your bridesmaids if you want a fashionable look. The fashion world is abuzz with asymmetrical details like ruchings, single straps and more. Asymmetrical draping that concentrates in one area of the dress is appealing.  Loosely draped ruchings are casual, while tightly gathered drapes enhance the look for a formal gown. It is possible to choose dresses with different types of asymmetrical drapes to suit different body types. Dropped waists will suit taller women in your group.  Smaller and full-figured girls can enjoy a slimming effect with draping that forms a textured bodice and highlights the length of the skirt.

Loosely gathered pleats come together at one side of the waist in this dress from the Mori Lee Bridesmaids collection. The effect of the asymmetrical draping to one side is enhanced by the ruffled layers that extend to full length. The textured look is undeniably feminine and this dress is one that will definitely be used more than just once by your bridesmaids.

Fit and flare dresses

Many women are reluctant to try on fit and flare dresses as the name is often misleading. Since the lower half flares out beyond a point, we often tend to believe that this will enhance an already bulky lower half. Fortunately, it isn’t so.

Finding the right dress that flares out to camouflage or highlight a body feature is the only tricky part. When chosen correctly, fit and flare dresses can create the illusion of curves for a rectangle body type, highlight the beauty of an hourglass figure and camouflage thick or thin thighs and hips by having the flare begin at the right point.

Here is an example. This dress which is also from the Mori Lee collection cinches at the waist, and flares out beyond. The slightly elevated waistline and extensively pleated skirt can easily camouflage a thick waist and shift focus to slender legs. This dress has a very youthful look and is perfect if you want your bridesmaids to look smart and chic.

The Modified A-line

The A-line dress looks great on women with a well-balanced figure. However, it may not look particularly good on bridesmaids who are either top or bottom heavy. However a small modification to the style gives us something that is suitable for almost all women. It is the modified A-line.

This style features a fitted style beyond the waist, and resembles a dropped waistline. It then continues into an A-line pattern from the dropped waistline. The benefit of this feature is that it doesn’t draw attention to the actual waistline, but shifts it to the top and bottom halves. It also has an elegant appeal which is different from the very casual A-line.

 

Take a look at this beautiful blue dress from the Mori Lee bridesmaids collection. The silhouette snugly fits all the way from the neckline to the waist and slightly beyond. It flares out from the hips, creating the illusion of a fuller figure. The finish in satin makes it dressy and attractive. The modest scoop neckline enhances the effect and makes this a dress that everyone in your bridal party can carry.

Now that we have seen the various dress styles that suit bridesmaids of all body types, tell us which of these features do you like best?

Finally, a word of advice. It isn’t always possible to please everyone, even if you really try to. Consider it a success, if the majority of your bridesmaids are satisfied with your choice. Here is an article on the Brides blog that tells you what to do if a bridesmaid really detests your choice. If a simple tweak or customized detail will help her tide over her discontent, it is best to accommodate it. However, if the root of the problem is something else, simply overlook it and go ahead with your plans.

All the dresses we saw today are available in our bridesmaids dress collections at Best for Bride. These designs are available in different sizes and also a range of colors. Click on the links for each dress for more details on it. Also, don’t forget to explore the various other options we have in our collection. With designer collections like Mori Lee, Alfred Angelo, Dessy bridesmaids and more, you will find a dizzying variety to choose from. Click here to visit our gallery of bridesmaids dresses and enjoy your virtual shopping experience today. Or visit us in-store and we will be happy to assist you find the dress that perfectly matches your expectations and makes your bridesmaids happy.

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Pantone colors for autumn/winter 2016 and our bridesmaids dresses in these colors

At times, we simply have to turn to the experts for advice. Where it comes to wedding colors, the dizzying variety can easily cause us to swoon. For brides who are lost for choices, what better place to turn to than to the global expert on colors, Pantone, for inspiration on what’s hot and what’s not.

The Pantone color trends for Autumn/Winter 2016 brings us an unusual yet attractive mix of hues and shades from the color spectrum. This year, the theme featured is real and unreal, or absent and present. Mysterious as it sounds, the color palette is surprisingly fresh and perfect to work with.

If you are to get married in the coming months of this year, it is a great place to begin, and we suggest starting with your bridesmaids. After all, nothing highlights the color theme of your wedding, as much as the colors that your wedding party sports.

It is once again time to shuffle through our unbelievably extensive collection of bridesmaids dresses, and find out the our favorites in the most happening colors this year. So, let’s begin.

Beautiful in Black

Gone are the days, when black wasn’t an appropriate color for a wedding. Now, it is the newest “Prestige” color, and one that adds a mysterious vibe to your wedding. Perfect for the indoors, it will stand out and is great for a formal ceremony. As the ultimate neutral, you can pair it with any other color in bouquets and other accessories. And don’t overlook the fact that black is a universal favorite, so this is your go-to choice if you want your girls to use their bridesmaid dress more than once. Plus, black is refined, sophisticated and not to mention, grown-up.

Now let’s take a quick peek at our favorite dresses in black.


 

And for those of you brides who don’t want to go with black all the way, the Alfred Angelo bridesmaids collection brings you some fantastic color block beauties with black on the yoke. Here’s a sample.

Vibrant and White

More and more brides are now defying tradition, as they choose white for their bridesmaids. The modern bride knows that there is more than just one type of white, and it is impossible to confuse the bride with her bridesmaids, when her dress choice is done properly.

If you are a modern bride looking for a challenge, how about getting your bridesmaids to wear white on the most special day in your life? Just make sure that there is at least one factor that visibly sets you apart (ideally the dress hemline, the fabric or finish), and you can play all you want with other colors in your bouquets, accessories and rest of the wedding décor. White bridesmaids will complement any other décor color, and also add that necessary balance, with which you can make the rest of the colors in your palette pop. Also, a great choice if your wedding gown is not white, but a different hue. Take a closer look at the dresses featured below. Now, here are dresses that will be just fine for everyone’s taste, despite being white. Don’t you think?

And, here are these dazzling white beauties from our bridesmaids collections.


 

Glassy and gorgeous green

Unlike the mints and emeralds of the previous years, this year Pantone’s color palette draws our attention to two different types of greens—a cool,glassy green and the other a yellowish olive-like shade. Green is a beautiful color that is usually associated with spring and summer. Nevertheless, when done right, and it can intensify any other color used with it. It’s subtle but striking presence, will make a beautiful addition to your winter or autumn wedding landscape. When choosing this color, pay attention to the skin tone of your bridesmaids. Not all girls can easily sport every type of green. Nevertheless, with these two options that are in trend, you can mix and match options to find dresses that are suitable for every one of your bridesmaids. Take a look at the greens that are bound to make heads turn this year, through the dreamy bridesmaids dresses below.


 

Wow with Yellow

Yellow is a powerful, tropical color that acts like a ray of sunshine in the cold wintry weather scene. This winter, add an extra dose of joy to your winter palette with muted yellows that remind us of the serene skies and refreshing warmth of summer, that is far off. It is a color with a positive vibe to it. Nevertheless, exercise caution when adding yellow to your wedding colors, especially if you have other bold colors in your palette. Although yellow is a color that blends in with most other colors, you should be picky with the shade you choose, as not all yellows work equally well with other color combinations. Now, for some divinely, delightful yellow dresses to add sunny splendor to your wedding palette, check out what we have in store.


 

Warmth with Orange

In a welcome twist from the previously popular clementine, this year the preferred orange takes on a spicy and warm tone that is subtly sophisticated. Infused with cinnamon, camel and caramel, choose dresses with the orange shade barely there to be in line with the trend. The good thing about this twist to the tale is that these oranges blend in better with more color palettes, and do not stand out. This makes it easier to choose dresses that will work the mix ‘n’ match trend well. Plus, these colors are not too bold, and so will complement most skin tones as opposed to the characteristic brightness of the original orange shade. Here are the latest from our collection that give wings to the beautiful color.

 

Pleasantly purple

Purple has been in the limelight for quite some time, and this year is no different. With the color wheel spinning more towards the direction of muted berry colors, purple moves from bright to being a mellow and neutral shade. This is a fantastic color that yields a powerful color palette with neutrals like grey, white and black. It also livens up the atmosphere when combined with yellow, turquoise or green. While the former looks strikingly sophisticated, the latter is a pleasing palette of cheer. One of my favorite things about this color is that it is the one of the few colors that the various shades work together so perfectly, that blending or mixing various purples is a breeze. We have so many perfect purples in our collection, that it took quite a while to find out which of these will make the top list. So, here are our picks. What do you think of them?


 

Brilliant in blue

Blue is the eternal winter favorite, and this color works its way into almost every winter party. If not through the dresses, blue makes its presence felt in the rest of the décor. It could be how the color is synonymous with the cool gray weather of autumn and winter, or how a slight change in the shade can change the entire ambiance. This year’s Pantone’s blues however are submerged in greys and greens to create spell-binding colors that are unique and form excellent combinations with metallic colors. So, if your palette focuses on the metallic trend that is in vogue, check out how these bridesmaids dresses in exciting blues can work for your palette. We have two distinct looks, that are unique in their own way. Which of these will you be adopting at your wedding?


 

Don’t frown on brown

Warm and soft, the brown Pantone spectrum ranges from the rich red wine browns to the tan and spicy nutmeg shades. Brown has an overpowering presence, and it is a color that can work by itself or go well with various other colors in your palette. A dark neutral, that has a serious magnificent personality, it is perfect for a winter wedding where you want to warm up the wintry ambiance with a suitable choice of color. The darker the brown, the more formal the effect. It blends beautifully with muted pastels like peach and dusty pink, and can also work well with creams and milky white. Add a touch of silver as your metallic accent for sophistication, while gold gives it a dazzling dreamy finish.

Take a look a our wonderful brown dresses at Best for Bride, and choose the one that you think is best.


 

Richly regal in red

Red is a tried and tested color, that is effective with an almost explosive effect. Although the spectrum of red includes hues ranging from brightest to the serious and dull brown-reds, the most popular choice for winter and autumn remains cherry reds. These are, after all, synonymous with the holiday season. Nowadays, the combinations with red are unusual, thus breathing more life into this versatile and dramatic color. While red and gold have been the eternal holiday favorites, we can find red and navy, red and cream and red and pastels as the hot and happening combinations. To add fervor, joy and pops of color to your wedding palette, here are the reds that your bridesmaids would love to dress in.


 

Pretty in pastels

Ever since pastels entered the wedding scene, they have been a continuing trend. They are still in style this year, but this time take on bolder and more visible hues, in stark contrast with the muted, barely there look that was the characteristic feature of last year’s color palette. The pleasant thing about pastels is that you can choose any color in a pastel shade, and it will never be too overwhelming. Hence you can blend pastels into your palette, whether you want to mix it with another color or colors, or let it be by itself. The serene and calming composure of these colors work well in the cool weather, and generate a cool, but cosy ambiance. At Best for Bride, you can find bridesmaids dresses in every pastel shade you can possibly imagine. Due to space restrictions, we have narrowed down our choices to those featured here. But, these are just the tip of the iceberg, check out our gallery for many many more dresses in perfect pastels.


The shimmer of metal

Metallics are another trend that we will be revisiting this year. They add instant textural finesse to every outfit, and are a unique standalone element that cannot be compared to any other color. We can expect to see metallics in every color, beside the traditional gold, silver and copper that have been on the scene for sometime now. Whether done entirely or limited to a section of the dress, metallics add a signature style to any bridesmaid dress. This trend is in fact not restricted to our fashion choices for bridesmaids. Many brides are also opting for gold and silver dresses in place of the traditional white. The sheen of a metallic dress is glamorous and this instantly uplifts the style quotient of the entire party. Plus it is an option that blends well with any other color. Need I say more? Here are our favorite metallic bridesmaids dresses for this season.


That brings us to the end of the discussion on Pantone’s colors for autumn and winter 2016. We hope you had fun browsing through the beautiful bridesmaids dresses we featured here.

This and several hundred more options await you at our all our Best for Bride stores. If you have shortlisted any of these designs, or need to see more to make your final decision, continue on to our bridesmaids dress collections here. You will find an inexhaustible variety of designer dresses with every feature you can imagine. Available in a range of sizes, price ranges and from top designer labels in wedding dress collections, you will have no difficulty finding your choice, however specific it may be.  So, have fun picking the dresses for your wedding party from our collection.

For more wedding tips, advice and shopping information, continue visiting us on Best for Bride.

 

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Trendy mix and match dress ideas for your bridesmaids

The current trend in bridesmaids dresses is to mix and match various aspects of their outfits to create more visual interest. You can be more adventurous than go with the popular (read as safe!) option of mixing hues of a single shade, while keeping hemlines constant. Find the latest trends with these tips that we bring you, and try the ones that appeal to you. So, read on!

Contrasting colors that compliment each other

While choosing a single color palette for all your bridesmaids dresses is interesting, you can also opt to have them in complimentary shades. Take a look at the color wheel and choose sets of colors that fall opposite to each other, to find the shades that are complimentary. You can throw in a few doses of neutrals like grey or navy if you want to balance out the look. This however is purely optional.

rainbow-colors-154569_1280

Glitter and gems

via Best for Bride

Add more glitz and glamour to your wedding by dressing up your bridesmaids in dresses that are embellished with glitter and sparkles. Stick to a single palette of colors or a similar pattern, so the look is cohesive. Since the dresses will itself be elaborate and striking, make sure that the accessories are simple.

Patterns and prints

via Best for Bride

Forget the plain bridesmaids dresses and opt for ones with brilliant patterns and prints instead. To unify the look, consider picking dresses with similar patterns or hemlines from the same collection. Or keep the prints similar, and vary the colors. You can either go with elaborate prints, or simple geometric, polka dots and chevron. This is perfect for an outdoor garden or beach wedding. Printed dresses have a casual and cheery vibe, that will uplift the mood at your wedding and make everything more pleasant. The other great factor about this choice is that your bridesmaids will be able to use the dresses again. Other prints that are trending this year include animal prints and graphic 3D prints.

Brilliant in black

via Best for Bride

Now, here is an unusual but interesting color for your bridesmaids. Black is a shade that adds sophistication to any palette. So, you can employ it to your advantage, especially if you have a colorful wedding theme going. Consider having your bridesmaids in different designs in black. This is one color that suits almost any skin tone, and a black dress can definitely be worn more than once. If you are worried about whether the pictures will be boring without any color, consider adding brilliant pops of color through accessories like shoes, waistbands or headpieces.

Color block dresses

via Best for Bride

The latest trend on the fashion runways, use color blocking in your wedding for a spectacular effect. You can either set the stage by having all your bridesmaids in just two colors, or mix and match various colors for each outfit to create a stunning palette.

At Best for Bride, we have bridesmaids dress collections that fall into all these categories. Whether you want a traditional selection, or a bold and trendy one, this is the place to look at. Visit us today and find the perfect attire for your favorite girlfriends.

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Universally flattering colors to satisfy all your bridesmaids

As the bride, you are in charge of deciding the color, style and design of your bridesmaids dresses. Although your main concern is to choose dresses that blend with the wedding palette, remember that these girls are your best friends. You want them to look and feel fantastic on your big day, and what they wear plays a huge role in this.

While it is impossible to make everyone happy when you choose a wedding dress, you can still aim for a choice that will not have any of your maids feeling miserable. When you choose a color like bright pink or orange, it is likely that one or more of your bridesmaids may be unhappy, since it makes her look sick or fat.

So, what is the solution? Choose different dresses for your bridesmaids, so each one of them is happy, or go with a universally flattering color that looks good on almost anyone. Let us look at what colors make this list.

Gun metal and pewter

via Best for Bride

While these colors will look good on any skin tone, these aren’t super fantastic either. The good thing is that you won’t catch any of your bridesmaids complaining about a ghastly color you chose. These will easily blend into any color palette, and so you needn’t worry about it matching your wedding theme.

Navy and black

via Best for Bride

Black works with any color theme, and navy with almost every one. The general rule is that the darker a color, the more likely will suit every skin tone. If you are worried about these colors being boring, you can step up the drama by pairing it with brightly colored accessories like belts or shoes, and obtain and entirely different effect.

Purple and burgundy

via Best for Bride

When you want colors that really stand out, your choices are purple and burgundy. However, don’t choose the lighter shades, as they may clash with certain skin tones. Go with the darkest shade you can find, and your bridesmaids will look ravishing. It may not be easy incorporating these colors into every wedding theme, so consider this factor before choosing them.

Teal and baby blue

via Best for Bride

Blue is a color that is vibrant, energizing and suitable for almost anyone. The blue palette has another advantage—the various shades work together to create a very cohesive look. Since there is a blue for everyone, you can have your bridesmaids dressed in various shades of the same color, and not worry about it coming together. And, not to forget that your wedding gown in white will pop against a background of blue. So, imagine how stunning your wedding photographs will be!

While we are talking about colors, let us also take a quick look at those that you should stay away from, if you want to dress all your girls in a single color.

Beware of pink and peach. Few women look good in these colors, and unless you choose individual shades for each woman, stay away from it. Pastels are another no-no, as they add the illusion of extra pounds and can make your girls look pale.

Check out the bridesmaids dress collections at Best for Bride, for inspiration and select the right dress to have your bridesmaids satisfied and feeling fantastic, at your wedding!