(Image credit: @anthropologie)
If "bridesmaid dress grievances"were a Family Feudquestion, the topfive survey responses wouldinclude cashing out only to never wear the dressagain, an unflatteringfit, and having no say in the matter.It’s safe to say thateveryone hasfinallyreceived the memo that one-size-fits-all bridesmaid dresses do not need to be the normand that our friends simply deserve more.
To get the lowdown on better options for brides and their best friends, I spoke with Bhldn’s general merchandising manager, Lori Conley, to get her expert opinion on the bridesmaid dress trends that we'reactually excited towear in 2022. The continuous thread running through all the trends is more consideration forbridesmaids'budgets and individual styles on the big day.We all want to still be friends after this!
Keep scrolling for the bridesmaid dress trends that willassureyour best friends you have their back, along with my favorite picks from Bhldn and others across the internet.
'90s Redux
Some say the '90sare back; I say they never left. "There's nothing to make your maids look sleeker than a grouping of your closest girls in satin dresses," says Conley."Think Posh Spice in her heyday."
Plus, "satin charmeuse, especially when cut on the bias, is figure-flattering, especially when styled in clean, modern silhouettes like the iconic '90s slip dress," she adds. Make your bridesmaids feel comfortable by letting them customize their look withminimalist details like "square necklines, spaghetti straps, and lace-up backs."
Shop my BHLDN picks:
BHLDN
Cali Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress
These photos will be fire in 20 years.
Jenny Yoo
Rory Velvet Dress
It's the crushed-velvet flowers for me.
Shop more '90s-inspired dresses:
ASOS Design
Cami Maxi Slip Dress
The extra-long, fitted cut makes this look so luxe.
Lulus
One Last Glance Satin Evening Gown
Simply timeless.
Katie May
Surreal Gown
Sunset hour will love you.
Elliatt
Aisle Satin Slipdress
The extra fabric on the bottom half of the dress leaves enough room to dance your heart out.
Ruffles
Pop culture's undeniable influence on fashion has manifested in romantic ruffles and Victorian-inspired styles that will be everywhere this spring.Conley cites last year's cultural obsession with Bridgerton as a key influence, adding that this trend will "run the gamut of soft and romantic to structured and architectural, ensuring that your maids get to have a fashion moment of their own."
Shop my BHLDN picks:
Mac Duggal
Indy Chiffon Dress
I'm crying already.
V. Chapman
Lily Dress
Perfect for a daytime wedding.
Shop more ruffle dresses:
Lovers and Friends
Urgonia Gown
So romantic.
NBD
Lori Gown
A little flirty high-low action never hurt anybody.
Elliatt
Reception Cascade Ruffle Dress
This dress feel old and new at the same time.
Eloquii
Ruffle Satin Dress
The wrap dress will fit everyone so well.
Mix Not Match
After years of solid dresses walking down the aisle, one of Conley'sfavorite trends that brides are embracing is the mix-not-match trend.Conley suggests pairing "prints and solids in a complementary palette" to create a cohesive look among your bridesmaids. High on her list of prints are "grand millennial-inspired wallpaper prints in sleek modern bodies. Think Versailles-meets-flirty fitted midi columns for the freshest take on the trend."
Shop my BHLDN picks:
BHLDN
Beckett Satin Charmeuse Maxi Dress
Can't go wrong with this one.
BHLDN
Beatrice Organza Maxi Dress
Keep the sleeves up for the ceremony and push them down your shoulders for the reception.
Shop more mix-not-match dresses:
Sequins, but make it understated.
Lulus
Radiant Refinement Satin Jacquard Maxi Dress
A monochromaticprintis a great way to add a pattern without introducing new colors.
Marchesa Notte Bridesmaids
Sora Floral-Print Strappy Dress
Dreamy.
Lulus
Valhalla Sequin Lace-Up Maxi Dress
Look. It's Arielwalkingout of the ocean.
Neutrals
One of Conley's favorite trends is neutrals because "they work in any location and season, giving you the ultimate flexibility should your plans change." Afteryears of wearing traditional bright and bold bridesmaid dress colors that we'll never be able to wear again, "champagnes, grays, and especially our newest shade, Sand Dune, feel like a breath of fresh air," says Conley.
Shop my BHLDN picks:
BHLDN
Ruby Satin Charmeuse Dress
This Sand Dune dress would look beautiful in the desert.
Adrianna Papell
Rosie Dress
I'd wear this withadarkberrylipstick.
Shop more neutral dresses:
Nicholas
Aline Dress
For the Samantha in the group.
La Femme
Stretch Satin Trumpet Gown
Addyourown jewelry to makethis dress feel more tailored toyourstyle.
ASOS Design
Satin Batwing Bias Cut Maxi Dress
I love a long-sleeve formal dress.
Tularosa
Austin Gown
This would go so well with the Nicholas dress above.
All Black Everything
I am apprehensive calling this one a trend because, well, it is the mostevergreen bridesmaid dress option I'm aware of. If you decide to go this route, I suggest cross-checking the black dresses with each other to make sure they photograph well together.One shade of black that is slightlydifferent than the rest can ruin the vibe.
Shop my BHLDN picks:
BHLDN
Leila Satin Charmeuse Maxi Dress
This high-cut dress will make your torso and legs look super long.
Tadashi Shoji
Marie Dress
The drama of it all!
Shop more black dresses:
LIKELY
Desi Embellished Strapless Gown
Give it to me.
Nicholas
Chloe Asymmetrical Satin Midi Dress
This feels very Solange.
16 Arlington
Esteli Satin Dress
We love a built-in corset.
Nookie
Treasure Gown
Hot!
Next up,If You Too Are Meeting the Family Over the Holidays, Stick With These 7 Outfits
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