Have you ever been in a bridal party and hated the bridesmaid dress you were forced to wear? Now, as a bride, it’s your chance to let your bridesmaids shine in flattering attire they’ll love. Luckily, this year’s bridesmaid dress trends are super flexible with so many styles that will look great for your Big Day and afterward, too.

The latest bridesmaid fashion begs you to break tradition, from separates to whimsical details and ‘90s throwbacks. Don’t be shy about skipping the matching dresses, shoes, and hairstyles and opting for something more original. These days, it’s common for brides to offer various options in terms of colors or patterns, necklines, or overall silhouettes that complement one another.

While you can’t make everyone happy (it’s tough during wedding planning!), giving your bride squad the flexibility to choose what works best for their bodies is always a plus. And no matter what they wear, nothing will look as good as seeing your besties smiling and happy on your wedding day.

Before you head to bridal shops, here are our favorite 2022 bridesmaid trends you’ll want to check out, along with some of the best places to shop for these amazing styles.

Photo Credit: Asdrubal Luna, Unsplash

1. 90’s Throwback

Scroll through your feed, and it won’t take long before you notice ‘90s fashion is back in a big way! This year’s hottest bridesmaid look will be those iconic satin slip dresses in mood-boosting colors like bubblegum pink. Mix up this minimalist style with various necklines from square to cowl neck, spaghetti straps, and cut-out or lace-up backs.

These lightweight dresses are perfect for a spring or summer wedding and can be worn with long or mid-length hemlines. Despite its slim appearance, it compliments many body types due to its bias-cut silhouette that drapes just right.

Cowl necks and slip dresses aren’t the only ‘90s trends making an appearance; look out for one-shoulder dresses too. One-shoulder dresses are the perfect black-tie option for more formal, evening weddings.

2. Styling Separates

Dresses are no longer your only option when it comes to your bridesmaids. Feel free to throw some separates into the mix, like a lacy top and ankle-length chiffon skirt or pantsuit. The best thing about this look is the endless options to mix and match. Separates are also easy to wear again post-wedding. Play around with different shades and fabrics to find what works best for you and your crew.

Photo Credit: Photos by Lanty, Unsplash

3. Prints Galore

Who said bridesmaid dresses have to be solid colors? 2022 is all about prints, from romantic florals to bold polka-dots. Give your bridal party photos some depth by adding printed dresses into the mix. Large, attention-getting patterns work well for contemporary or industrial weddings, while more whimsical watercolor prints are a great choice for boho or garden weddings.

Mixing prints on prints is also encouraged. Think clusters of small and large floral patterns in your wedding colors or ocean blues in an array of different ikat or tie-dye prints. Keep it cohesive by grabbing fabric swatches or photographing the dresses together before making a final decision.

4. Vintage Romance

If you watched Netflix’s hit show, Bridgerton, you were probably swooning hard over the romantic Victorian looks. Add some regal vibes to your bridesmaid attire with shades of Bridgerton blue, soft ruffles, billowy sleeves, or long white gloves.

Prefer a less opulent, more charming Cottagecore look? That’s another bridesmaid trend being seen all over TikTok this year. Think flowy florals or gingham, layers of watercolor tulle, and embroidered detailing inspired by the English countryside.

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5. Perfectly Neutral

For 2022, neutral means chic, not boring. Get inspired by nude makeup palettes and highlight your bridal party in shades from champagne to gray, sand to pale corals, and subdued chocolates. This year, white is another popular neutral as brides look to share this traditional color with their bridesmaids.

These nude hues work for any season and are perfect for wearing again and again. Opt for light, airy fabrics or go glamorous with sequin or satin gowns. Truly, there’s no wrong way to wear this trend.

6. Whimsical Details

Forget colored ribbon waistbands of the past. There are so many fun, new details available for bridesmaid dresses now, from ruffles and embroidery to 3D floral appliques, feathers, beads and crystals, sequins, and more. Combine these whimsical details with an array of popular colors like coral, dove gray, pale green, Pantone’s Color of the Year, Very Peri, or hand-painted fabrics and prints.

Just be sure to consider your bridesmaids’ budgets if you have your heart set on these options. The more intricate details, the higher the cost of the dresses.

Photo Credit: Trung Nguyen, Pexels

7. Mix It Up

This year is all about variety rather than cookie-cutter dresses. Let your bridesmaids express their individuality while keeping in line with your overall wedding vibe and palette. Skip the matching solids and mix them with different prints and varying styles instead. Don’t limit yourself to just dresses either; think separates, pantsuits, or jumpsuits too. This fresh take on bridesmaid looks is way better than the “tradition” of forcing everyone into the same dress, which may not fit their body type.

8. Pops of Color

Wondering what colors are trending beyond the ones we’ve already mentioned? Brides this year are obsessed with sunshine shades from bright lemon and bold chartreuse to pale yellow and marigold. Moody jewel tones are another big hit and not just for winter weddings. Think emeralds, sapphires, and rubies for late summer or fall too. Last year’s dusty rose and rust shades are also still going strong. These would look perfect in trendy satin dresses or rich velvets later in the year.

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9. Beyond Dresses

Chic jumpsuits or contemporary pantsuits started trending for brides in recent years. Now, this is moving into bridesmaid attire too. It’s a versatile, fashion-forward, and comfortable option offered in many fabrics and styles. Considering that bridal parties in 2022 with “bridesmen” and “groomswomen” are growing in popularity, this is an excellent choice for more inclusive weddings.

10. Chic in Black

Okay, we’re not sure black dresses ever went away, but it is making waves as a bridesmaid trend this year. Who knew a classic color could make such a statement?! This chic choice will look great on everyone and can even be pulled from your bridesmaid’s own closets. Just be sure to photograph the dresses together since there are actually several shades of black. This is the exception where you want the colors to match so that it won’t look like a mistake.

Photo Credit: Asdrubal Luna, Unsplash

Our Favorite Places to Shop

Now that you’ve heard the trends and narrowed down your bridesmaid style, you’re ready to shop. While more and more retailers are offering ship-ready options, aim to select bridesmaid dresses no later than six months before your wedding date since most are still made-to-order. To help, here are some of our favorite designers and stores that are always up to date on the hottest looks:

• Birdy Grey:

  Birdy Grey makes it easy to shop with mood boards, plus-size and maternity selections, and mix + match recommendations. Plus, it’s one of the most affordable options for bridesmaids with dresses at $99 or less and three free fabric swatches. Check out their newer prints, satin dresses, and women’s tuxedos too.

• BHLDN:

  If you love Anthropologie, you have to visit their bridal shop BHLDN. It’s full of ethereal, feminine dresses that are anything but typical. You can shop by fabric or color, but our favorite way is using their helpful mix and match guides. They carry several designers, have inclusive sizing, and, best of all, are known to run frequent sales. We’re swooning over their V. Chapman collection, which is perfectly on-trend.

• Jenny Yoo:

  Jenny Yoo was one of the first designers to embrace floral gowns. Her collections are full of trending colors and romantic prints in a wide range of styles and sizes. Filter your selections by fabric, color, neckline, or silhouettes to find what you are looking for. We especially love her embroidered floral dresses, and luxe velvet looks.

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• Needle & Thread:

  Obsessed with the whimsical details trend? Needle & Thread is the brand you need. No one does detailed craftsmanship quite like they do, from embroidering to beading and ruffles. Their ethereal styles are full of dreamy, floral prints and trending colors like nude or Bridgerton blue. Sort through the collections by color, size, sleeve, or length. Get inspired by the unique bridesmaid dresses and new spring arrivals.

• Amsale:

  Looking for the perfect ‘90s satin dress? Amsale has plenty, from spaghetti straps to more structured silhouettes. Their sophisticated designs can be ordered in-store or online from their ready-to-ship dresses. We can’t get enough of their Amsale x You collection, which lets your bridesmaids create completely customized styles.

• Show Me Your Mumu:

  This affordable shop is perfect for brides who love to stay organized and on budget. Their online showroom makes it easy to envision your bridal party’s attire together, which is super helpful for mismatched options. Check out their new satin line with trendy cowl neck and wrap dresses in the season’s hottest colors.

• Reformation:

  From billowy Cottagecore looks to simple, elegant styles, Reformation is full of dresses that can be worn long past your wedding day. Shop here if you are looking for chic, patterned bridesmaid dresses. If sustainability is part of your wedding vision, you’ll appreciate that it is also one of their core business values. Best of all, they offer in-store pick-ups and overnight shipping.

No matter where you shop, ask your bridesmaids to keep an open mind when trying on dresses and give them some options to choose from. If none of these trends speak to you, don’t worry. Develop your own bridesmaid style that is uniquely yours. 2022 is all about bucking tradition and letting your individuality and love story shine through. We know you and your bridesmaids are going to look fabulous on your wedding day!

Photo Credit: EmmaLee Couturier, Unsplash