It’s always flattering to be asked to be a bridesmaid, but no matter how excited you may be, it’s only natural to immediately think (and worry) about the dress. Whether the bride is your sister, your old college roommate, or your best friend since birth, it’s her day and she’s likely to put you in the dress she wants you to wear. But there’s one thing that brides and ‘maids everywhere are agreeing on these days—we all love the look of mismatched bridesmaid dresses! The mixed and matched trend shows the bride’s unique sense of style and offers each ‘maid the option to wear a dress that is truly flattering to her.
Brian Bossany Photography
Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses: 5 Ways to Pull Off the Trend!
If you’re shopping for the perfect dresses, the mismatched trend is one that women everywhere are embracing—and for good reason. It’s all about flexibility, versatility, and making your ‘maids look and feel amazing.
The petite ‘maid who’s small on top doesn’t want to wear a strapless gown that’s she’ll have to tug on to keep in place all day. Busty ‘maids don’t want to wear skinny spaghetti straps—they need some support! And all the bridesmaids in between—well, everyone has their own sense of style and their own preference when it comes to cut and silhouette.
Whether you’re having a destination beach wedding, a boho-chic garden party, or a glamorous black-tie event, it’s easy to mix and match bridesmaid dresses if you know what you’re doing. There are a few good ways you can capture the trend without feeling overwhelmed, and we’ve ranked our ideas from easiest to hardest in order to show you how to pair mismatched bridesmaid dresses and still create a chic, cohesive look.
Level One: Same Fabric, Same Color, Same Designer… Different Silhouettes
The easiest way to pair mismatched bridesmaid dresses is to pick one color in one fabric from one designer, then outfit each girl in a different silhouette. Kennedy Blue makes it easy to pull off this look! This designer offers a wide range of styles that can be paired together and also has a convenient and fun at home try-on service that lets you try on sample dresses from the comfort of home! The designs shown below feature similar silhouettes with the same pleated and ruched details—together, they create a cohesive look yet still let each ‘maid feel comfortable in her favorite neckline.
Laura Ivanova Photography
Sydney
This strapless chiffon dress features a sweetheart neckline with a ruched bodice and a figure-flattering A-line silhouette.
Chloe
With a V-neck and V-back, this chiffon design features gently ruched details and a timeless A-line silhouette.
Quinn
We love this style for its scooped neckline and crisscross pleated bodice. The shirred A-line skirt gives it versatile appeal!
Level Two: Same Color, Same Designer…Similar Silhouettes
Whether you’re going for all-out glitz or want your ‘maids to look chic and ladylike in lace, many designers offer a variety of gowns with similar components that can be easily paired together. The sequin collection from Bari Jay is a perfect example of this—some ‘maids can wear head-to-toe sequins while others can opt for sequined tops or sequined bottoms. It’s a chic and easy way to give each ‘maid a slightly different look!
Jeannine Marie Photography
Bari Jay 1668
With a sequin bodice and an A-line chiffon skirt, this gown is perfect for the woman who wants a subtle touch of sparkle.
Bari Jay 1677
With a chiffon bodice and a sequin skirt, this gown offers timeless glamour without the head-to-toe glitz.
Bari Jay 1624
This one’s for the woman who’s not afraid to sparkle and shine from top to bottom. In a blouson silhouette with a gathered waistband, it pairs perfectly other sequin designs from Bari Jay.
Level Three: Same Fabric, Varied Silhouettes…Different Colors
We’re calling this level of difficulty number three, but it’s still really easy to pull off! The trick to remember here is this: when you’re pairing different colors together, stick to colors that have the same overall vibe and feel. In other words, don’t mix vibrant brights with dusty hues. Your colors don’t have to match, but they should complement one another in terms of tone and mood.
Gina Zeidler Photography
Kennedy Blue Anna
With a simple V-neck bodice and an A-line skirt, this slate blue gown pairs perfectly with shades that are slightly darker and slightly lighter.
Dessy 2988
In a cloudy blue hue, this gown is easy to pair with similar shades of slate blue, mist, and light grey.
Wtoo 203
Shades of grey pair beautifully with pale and dusty blue hues, but make sure you look for cool greys that have subtle blue undertones rather than green undertones. The best way to ensure that you’re mixing and matching the right tones is to view the colors (or color swatches) in natural sunlight.
Level Four: Similar Colors and Similar Silhouettes….in Different Textures and Fabrics
Here’s where mixing and matching starts to get a little bit tricky. But if you know what to look for, it’s not as hard as it seems. Your wedding photos will look amazing and your guests (especially the fashionistas) are sure to be impressed that you managed to pull these looks together!
Mad Chicken Studio
Here, it’s about combining subtle variations in color with slight variations in texture, subtle distinctions in silhouettes, and the opportunity to select dresses from different designers. There’s no need to commit to one designer if you don’t need your dresses to be the exact same hue. Think about mixing shades of blush pink and champagne with slightly deeper hues of taupe and latte. It’s the subtle and easy color palette to pull together!
Mori Lee 20478
In blush, taupe, or champagne, this gown features a dazzling sequin pattern that offers just the right amount of texture and shine.
Adrianna Pappell 091866700
In blush or taupe, this beaded gown is the perfect complement to a contrasting sequin design in a complementary hue. When you’re doing this much mixing and matching, it’s always a smart idea to keep dress lengths the same and silhouettes similar.
Allure 1514
This shimmer knit offers contrast against beading and sequins, yet adds that subtle metallic element that ties it all together. In dusty rose, it contrasts beautifully against blush pink sequins or champagne-hued beadwork.
Level Five: Go Crazy! Mix Colors, Patterns, Textures, Silhouettes, and Prints
We’re about to get really creative. Consider yourself warned—this is not for every bride! It takes a certain level of know-how and an unapologetic sense of style to pull this look together, but with the right ideas in mind, you can do it!
One One Photography
Jenny Yoo JY533
In soft chiffon with an allover floral print, this strapless gown is the perfect focal piece for any mixed and matched bridal party look.
Wtoo 192
In a light blue hue that complements our favorite floral print, this lace gown offers rich texture and romantic charm.
Jenny Yoo JY520
Flutter sleeves add ethereal charm to this gorgeous lace gown. The slender tie and bateau neckline offer timeless, feminine appeal.
Jenny Yoo JYT530/JYS529
These Jenny Yoo separates are available in lace and chiffon, so depending on how many ‘maids you have, you can balance out the look as you see fit. If you have three ‘maids, one chiffon print and two lace gowns will look amazing. If you have four ‘maids, one chiffon print, a set of chiffon separates, and two lace gowns will look more balanced.
When it comes to mismatched bridesmaid dresses, there is only one rule you need to remember: your ‘maids should look like they’re going to the same event at the same time and place. It’s more about the feel and vibe than anything else, and the Wedding Shoppe always has stylists and consultants on hand to steer you in the right direction and help you make your final decisions. Get inspired and get creative by shopping hundreds of styles at the Wedding Shoppe now!
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