One of the most iconic scenes of the movie 27 Dresses is when Jane shows off her collection of bridesmaid dresses. While some are downright comical, others are just universally unflattering. Bridesmaid dresses get a bad rep, which we think is unfair. Your best friends deserve to feel confident and beautiful on your wedding day – especially if they're going to help you celebrate on the dance floor afterward! The most flattering bridesmaid dresses are ones with hues that look good on any skin tone and shapes that flatter a variety of body types.

Closeup of bridal bouquets with bride in the middle and bridesmaids on the sides.

The Most Flattering Bridesmaid Dresses

Flattering Colors

Let's talk about color. Everyone's skin tone is made up of different undertones and colors. Certain colors flatter all skin tones because they don't clash with skin undertones and shades. We encourage you to consider jewel tones if you're searching for a color that will look good on a diverse group of girls: 

  • Navy: There's a reason this color is a common school uniform. Navy looks good with nearly any other color. Just think about how many tops you can pair well with navy blue jeans.
  • Eggplant: If you prefer hues of purple over pink and blue, meet in the middle and go with the color eggplant. This color is a little bit warmer than traditional violet, and darker shades of eggplant almost look neutral.
  • Red: Red looks good on nearly anyone, but if you want to choose this bold color for your bridesmaid dresses, go with a true red rather than an orange-red or blue-red. Burgundy and maroon are also excellent choices.

No matter what your bridesmaids' skin tones and hair colors, you can't go wrong with navy, eggplant, or red. You also might consider emerald, teal/turquoise, coral, plum, or even black. In addition, remember that you could always choose a hue and let your bridesmaids pick a dress in a shade of that hue. For example, if you chose purple, your bridesmaids could pick dresses that were periwinkle, mauve, violet, plum, or eggplant. This provides some flexibility while letting you maintain your wedding's color palette.

Flattering Cuts

Finding just the right dress shape to flatter all of your bridesmaids isn't easy. If you're running into some challenges trying to find one dress that looks good on all of your bridesmaids, consider adding some variety to the cuts of the dresses. You could select a few different styles with varying shapes, necklines, and hems and then let each bridesmaid pick her favorite. However, make sure to stick to the same color family so your bridal party looks cohesive. 

If your creative vision of your wedding favors consistency over variety, you can't go wrong with these cuts and style features:

  • Illusion and Sweetheart Necklines: Both of these necklines are elegant and delicate. You won't have to worry about them being too revealing on some girls while looking loose and baggy on others.
  • A-line Dresses: This classic cut seems to flatter every body shape by cinching at the waist and then flaring out. It shows off the curves of an hourglass figure, gives athletic and straight figures more va-va-voom, and provides coverage for those who are self-conscious about their tummies. Plus, it offers comfort and coverage. 
  • Sleeves or Straps: Not everyone can pull off a strapless dress. If you want to play it on the safe side, choose a dress with some sort of sleeve or strap to avoid having any of your bridesmaids feel uncomfortable. 
  • Ruching Details: Look for dresses with ruching or pleating, especially around the waist and bust. They're extremely flattering and will enhance the dress's comfort.

_____

Now that you've learned about the most flattering bridesmaid dresses, are you ready to start shopping? Normans Bridal is here to help. We have a wide selection of dresses from designers like Sorella Vita, Christina Wu, and Mori Lee. And if you need help selecting the most flattering bridesmaid dresses for the uniquely awesome girls in your wedding party, our consultants can offer personalized advice and recommendations. 

Once you select your dress (or dresses), we will add the information to your file. Your bridesmaids can stop by our bridal salon in downtown Springfield to get measured and order their dress. Or if they live out of town, they can get professionally measured in their hometown and send us their measurements online, and then we will contact them to discuss which size to order. RSVP for an appointment by calling at 417-720-2162 or contact us through our website