Tag: modified A-line

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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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Mistakes to avoid when you choose your bridesmaids dresses

If there is a task that levels up to the challenges of choosing your wedding dress, it has to be selecting your bridesmaids dresses. And if you have many bridesmaids, it is even more difficult to choose dresses that suit all of them, go well together and satisfy the women who are to wear them.

The current trend of mixing and matching bridesmaids dresses is a good one on many accounts. Not only can you choose different dresses to suit each bridesmaid, it looks splendid when done properly. This article on the Huff Post proves our point. Take a look at it for some flawlessly executed mix ‘n’ match bridal parties.

The mix ‘n’ match trend also gives you the opportunity to experiment with options till you find one that you like most. Having said this, we cannot overlook the fact that it can be just as daunting, when you have to ensure that all the dresses come together in a cohesive manner.

Whether you go with this trend, or choose the exact same dress for all your bridesmaids, you should avoid certain common mistakes that brides make when they choose bridesmaids outfits. Let us take a look at the list of these likely issues and how you can avoid them.

1.Not clearly communicating the budget

Your bridesmaids know that they have to pay for a new dress when they sign up for the role. However, this doesn’t mean that you can pick an expensive dress and expect them to happily bear the bill. Be considerate of individual circumstances when making a decision. Check with each of them in advance on what they can afford to spend. Do this before you start your research, so you can plan the shopping accordingly. If one of them is in a tight spot, you can think of footing the extra amount on her behalf, but only if you want to. However, if most of them think your budget is on the higher side, it may be better for you to rethink your decision and pick other dresses that fit their budget.

2.Not consulting your bridesmaids about their preferences

It is impossible to make everyone happy when choosing your bridesmaids dresses. However this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask. Rather than focus on the features that each of them would like to have in their dresses, pay attention to the factors that they would rather not have. Certain colors can make certain women to look pale or sickly. Or there may be unflattering dress silhouettes that some of your bridesmaids dread wearing. It could also be that at least some of your girls wouldn’t be comfortable in dresses that are too short or those that expose too much skin. Check with your bridesmaids to find out what they would not like to wear, instead of what they would like to wear. This will help you eliminate dresses with any of these factors and narrow down your choices.

3.Giving your girls free rein

With the mix and match trend continuing to be a hit, many brides allow their bridesmaids to pick out their dresses themselves. However, do this wisely. Unless you provide at least few guidelines to abide by, it is possible that you will end up with bridesmaids looking entirely different and with no cohesion whatsoever. The issue arises when the parameters you set are vague. If you were to ask your ladies to pick green dresses, you could end up with a set of dresses varying from mint green to turquoise, and entirely different in finishes. The result would be disastrous. So, be very specific with the guiding factors. Try to fix at least two or three focal aspects of the dress such as the color, neckline and hemline that will make the group look cohesive. If you fix a color palette, allot specific shades to each of the girls and make sure they stick to the same color.

4.Not considering each woman separately

Every woman in your bridal party will be different in her own way. There will be differences in build, complexion and style. So a dress that looks good on one of your bridesmaids may be a terrible choice for another. Although you cannot perfectly match dresses to each lady, it is best if you consider their individuality when choosing dresses. Find dresses that they can connect to and they will appreciate your consideration. Be flexible with options and creative with your choices to pick dresses that will satisfy all your girls. If you decide to go with very similar dresses for all the ladies, zero in on a neutral that suits most complexions and a silhouette that will flatter almost any body type. Colors to consider include navy, brown and black, while the modified A-line silhouette looks good on most women.

5.Not doing your research first

Just like with your wedding dress, you have hundreds of options in bridesmaids dresses. While this is a good thing as it gives you enough variety to choose from, it can also make the whole process very tedious. So arm yourself with a general idea of what you want, before you go shopping. Look online and in bridal magazines to identify pictures that you like. Explore your options and make note of your specific requirements. Create a list of dress features and ideas that would be right for your wedding. Use this as your starting point when you actually go shopping.

6.Not giving due thought to length

Very short and too long bridesmaids dresses are simply not practical. On your wedding day, expect your bridesmaids to be very busy as they handle a range of tasks. Small dresses can make it uncomfortable for them to move around, and also make them very conscious when they have to pose for pictures. Long dresses are accident-prone, and if your venue involves a staircase, it is an invitation for trouble. Another problem with really short dresses is that they look quite cheap, and rarely flatter anyone unless they have an amazing body structure. Go with dresses that hit between knee-length and ankle-length and there shouldn’t be any issues. Also go for well-structured dresses and longer hemlines when the wedding is held outdoors in windy weather, to avoid embarrassments.

7.Choosing the wrong fabric

The fabric for your bridesmaids dresses should not only have the right texture, it should also be practical. The fabric choice should depend on the look you wish to achieve. While fabrics like silk and chiffon have a formal look, others like crepe are casual. If your wedding is held outdoors, the fabric shouldn’t show sweat. Choose light fabrics and cotton blends for warm weather, while opting for heavier fabric for the cooler months. It is also a good idea to choose similar fabric for the bridesmaids dress as for your wedding dress, as this will create a delightfully cohesive effect.

8.Shopping at the wrong time

As with everything wedding-related, don’t wait till the last minute to do your wedding shopping. It can take time to find the perfect dress and few more weeks to have them delivered and altered to the right sizes. So, factor this in when you start your bridesmaid dress shopping. You may come across attractive discounts in certain seasons. Make the most of these when available and your bridesmaids will appreciate your thoughtfulness. However, don’t shop too early either. Many things can change over time especially if you have a long engagement. You may find your girls grow in size, lose pounds or even announce they are pregnant. All these factors will affect your dress choices. So, don’t go shopping earlier than 6 months before the wedding.

9.Making just one appointment

It is a big mistake to go for your bridesmaids dress appointment with all the girls at once. This can cause chaos and confusion. The chances of making the wrong decision are very high when this happens. The better approach is to first go shopping with just one or two bridesmaids. Look at your options and narrow down the dress choices to a select few. Bring your bridal party in for another appointment and have them choose their dresses from the ones you had previously short-listed. This will make the entire task a lot easier and get rid of any possible confusion in the process.

10.Forgetting the accessories

Don’t be so caught up with dress research and shopping, that you forget all about your bridesmaids accessories. The jewelry and footwear they wear on your wedding day will have an impact on the overall look. So, give due thought to these aspects before you make a final decision. Instead of just planning the dress, think of the overall picture and plan from there. Also think of how practical a choice will be for the venue and weather, when selecting footwear. Aim for a balance between the dress choice and the accessories, so the overall look is neither too cluttered nor too simple.

11.Not prioritizing comfort

Even the most stylish dress will not look good if the woman wearing it finds it uncomfortable. So, make comfort a priority when choosing your bridesmaids dresses. Avoid patterns that are too tight, too revealing or short. When the dress fits correctly and doesn’t make them overly conscious, your bridesmaids will be able to focus their attention on you and their wedding-related duties. There are also better chances for them to reuse a dress that they are comfortable in. So, focus on this factor and you will help them get more value for the money they spend.

12.Not thinking of how it will photograph

Certain dress colors, details and designs don’t look as good in photos as they do in person. Bright shades of pink and orange look entirely different on camera, and can take on an entirely different appearance from what you planned. Embellishments may look cheap or may not be noticeable at all, in certain combinations and colors. Consider these factors when you choose your bridesmaids dresses. Think of how the colors will go with the bridesmaids bouquets and rest of the accessories like shoes and jewelry. Take sample photos to make sure it doesn’t clash with the complexion or hair colors of the girls. This will save you from being disappointed when the colors in your wedding album don’t match the ideas in your mind.

13.Compromising on your vision

It is important to give due thought to your bridesmaids opinions when choosing their dress However, this shouldn’t be at the expense of compromising on your wedding vision. Always keep your ideas and priorities in mind when planning their look. Be flexible, open to suggestions and listen to your bridesmaids suggestions. Nevertheless, the dresses you choose should match your wedding theme and colors, and be appropriate for the type of wedding you have in mind. It should be a reflection of your personal style and taste. As your bridesmaids will feature with you in many photographs and will be a big part of the overall wedding scenery, you shouldn’t take this decision too lightly. Don’t give in to any amount of coaxing, or sway too much from your personal vision. After all, it is your special day.

At Best for Bride, we have an impressive collection of bridesmaids dresses in all sizes, styles and designs. Whether your wedding is held indoors or outdoors, is in summer or winter and whether your bridesmaids are all the same height or look totally different from each other, we have the solution for all your needs. Take a look at our online bridesmaids gallery to view our collection. You can also find attractive discounts and the current deals in bridesmaids dresses in our special offers and clearance sections. For more details about the rest of our services and the stock we carry, visit our Best for Bride website.