Top 5 Bridesmaid Dress Trends

I'm addicted to finding fabulous couture options for my bridesmaids. I've asked four girls to celebrate my big day: My best friend from childhood, my older sister, my future sister-in-law, and my cousin. A few years ago, when I originally chose them, the dress styles were very limited. Sure, there were some nice options, but never any that were full-on stylish.

To make matters even more complicated, they all had their own agenda of what they wanted to wear. The mismatched dress trend hadn't been born yet, and it's the one I'm officially crushing on for my Italian nuptials in 2014. Forget boring taffeta and horrid shades of pea green—the dresses below are incredibly chic!

1. One-Shoulder Dresses

The latest craze is a bridal party with asymmetrical details, and this soft neutral is perfection.

bridesmaid dresses
Photo Credit: JLM Couture

Black dresses are purely chic, but do try pops of color on your bouquet to make a bold statement.

bridesmaid dresses
Photo Credit: JLM Couture

If you want a dramatic color but you don’t want to commit to a dark shade, try gunmetal for an elegant option.

bridesmaid dresses
Photo Credit: JLM Couture

If you are going to pick the same dress style for each girl, do let your girls pick out their own shoe choices to let their personality shine.

Photo Credit: Jane Hammond Events

Navy is the new black. It’s classic but with a pop of color in the shoes, it’s beyond fabulous!


Photo Credit: Archetype Studio Inc

2. Bold and Vibrant Hues

I am currently crushing on bold hues, and this stunning shade is sassy.

bridesmaid dresses
Photo Credit: JLM Couture

Go monochromatic with a plum jewel tone and pair it with a lighter shade of bouquets.

bridesmaid dresses
Photo Credit: R.E.M. Video and Photography

I think this has to be the biggest dose of sunshine in any bridal party. They rocked this color!

bridesmaid dresses
Photo Credit: Amanda Wilcher Photographers via MagnetStreet

3. Mismatched Gowns

For a mismatched bridal party, use one color in different hues, like these gorgeous leading ladies.


Photo Credit: KT Merry Photography

Words cannot even describe how in love I am with these Marchesa and Carolina Herrera dresses!


Photo Credit: Sunkissed by Jenni

This is my favorite of all the looks—classy and downright sassy.

bridesmaid dresses
Photo Credit: Vogue via Glafki’s Dolce Vita

I love how this bridal party has different shades of neutrals, a pattern, and different necklines.

bridesmaid dresses
Photo Credit: Todd Pellowe via Great Expectations

Sequins? Oh. My. Word. This is a must for any girl that suffers from shiny object syndrome.


Photo Credit: Jarvie Digital Photography

4. Short and Sassy

The sweetest shade of blush on the shortest dresses ever. Could your girls rock this look?


Photo Credit: Jose Villa Photography

Shades of coral and poppy are so on-trend at the moment, and these girls look amazing.


Photo Credit: The Short and Sweet of It

I can’t figure out what I adore more: Their little gray dresses or their fun, natural poses.


Photo Credit: Christian Oth Studio

The ultimate proof that your leading ladies’ dresses need their own photo op!

bridesmaid dresses
Photo Credit: Katie Vowels for Annie McElwain Photography

It doesn’t get any more stylish than well-dressed bridesmaids in skirts with prints.

bridesmaid dresses
Photo Credit: Christian Oth via Belle the Magazine

5. Pastels

These mismatched bridesmaids wearing the sweetest pastel shades epitomize a springtime soirée.

bridesmaid dresses
Photo Credit: Allure Bridals via Wedding Insprirasi

These gorgeous bouquets and equally stunning flowy gowns are making me swoon.

bridesmaid dresses
Photo Credit: Jose Villa via OnceWed

Bohemian glam is one of my favorite styles. I am crushing hard on these dresses!

bridesmaid dresses
Photo Credit: Skyla Walton via Green Wedding Shoes

Tell us: Which dress is your favorite?

— Angelica Bragg

the bridal detective
Angelica Bragg is a real bride and the blog maven of The Bridal Detective. She and her fiancé, Edwin Mirzayans (a published author), are planning a destination wedding at the Italian Lakes in Summer 2014. With a stunning backdrop and "la dolce vita" attitude, the couple's soirée will be intimate and romantic, all while celebrating two cultures. When the couple returns from their Italian road trip honeymoon, they will throw a glam after-party with all of their loved ones back home in Jacksonville, Florida.