We’re still talking fashion but today we’re focusing on the bridesmaid end of the equation. I think when it comes to your girls you have two options – you can go for something that’s more classic and traditional, or you can have a little more fun and pick something on-trend. And yes, if you go for the second option, it’s going to look dated at some point – but then, don’t we all love looking at those pics from our parents and grandparents’ eras and checking out the fashion of the day? Of course, some brides manage to find their balance somewhere in the middle, by picking the more classic-looking of current styles. Whichever way yo go, it’s always worth keeping an eye on the runways in the years leading up to your big day, to get a sense of the cuts and textures and colours that will be available off-the-rack – and you may just fall in love with one of them! So with that in mind, I’ve rounded up ten of the trends that have already begun to make their way into our everyday fashion vocabulary, and that are sure to be the key new bridesmaid looks for 2017 – as well as some of my fave shopping links to get you started.
Top image: Aglow Photography/Alana van Heerden on SouthBound Bride

Bridesmaid Separates

Separates are big in bridal world, but there’s no reason why brides should have all the fun! Long skirts, short skirts, crop tops or camis, and let’s not forget convertibles (where a long formal church gown gets a dancefloor makeover into a cocktail length dress thanks to a removable skirt) – anything goes, so just pick your favourite style!
Image credit: Sarah Kate, Photographer/Mac & B Events/Shopbop/Dillards via Style Me Pretty

Tea-length Tulle

Let’s be honest: tea length tulle is so stinkin’ cute! Whether you choose it as a separate, or as part of a dress, and whether you opt for a single or multiple layers of tulle, this is a look that’s been blowing up recently and I LOVE it. Why not mix and match in every colour? Plus – this is one trend I really feel your girls will wear again, which is an extra reason to say yes to this dress.
Image credit: Cassi Claire/Hanalulu Co./Alexandra Grecco via 100 Layer Cake

Standout MOH

We love a good mismatch and one of our favourite looks is having a single dress in a print or a full sequin or even an embellished pattern to contrast with the rest of the dresses. It’s the perfect way to make your MOH stand out a little more (and to include on splurgey dress if you can’t afford to kit the whole party out in your dream dresses). This year, MOHs are having their moment.
Image credit: Vue Photography/Sara Renee Events/Amsale via Weddings Unveiled

Back Detail

This is another look that brides have been enjoying for a while, with illusion and statement backs a big favourite at the moment. The style is a little subtler and sweeter for bridesmaids – cutouts, bows, pretty fabrics, unusual cuts. It’s a great way to make a simple dress really pop with that special something that makes your maids feel like a million bucks.
Image credit: Justin DeMutiis Photography/Williams and Co. Events via Glamour & Grace

Velvet

My time machine works! It’s 1992! But seriously, with the current ’90s revival in fashion and trends, it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that velvet has started to make a reappearance. And just in case you’re too young to remember the ’90s let me tell you – velvet dresses were big. They actually work pretty well for bridesmaid dresses in a classic, wintery way, and the colours are rich, from emerald to sapphire to ruby to classic black. I’m still not convinced about crushed velvet, but that’s another story ;)
Image credit: Troy Grover Photographers via Green Wedding Shoes

Bold Brights

Don’t get me wrong, I’ll never get tired of pastels and muted shades… but how FAB are these brights! I love this summery look, whether you choose to pack a punch with every one of your ladies, or just throw in a bright among the other colours for some mismatched magic.
Image credit: Eric Kelley/Lora Elaine/Lula Kate/Coren Moore on Southern Weddings

Mixed Metallics

Sequins continue to be beloved by the bridal crowd for 2017, with a couple of twists. Mixed metallics are one of the most gorgeous options – after all, why just have gold when you can have gold and silver and rose gold and copper and… So pretty.
Image credit: Cory & Jackie Wedding Photographers/Plum & Poppy/Adrianna Papell via Glamour & Grace

Coloured Sequins

Another sequin option is to veer off from metallics altogether and pick a pretty jewel tone instead. Navy, red, emerald, deep purple… they all work beautifully. Be sure to match them with fabulous florals that pop against the shiny sequins!
Image credit: onelove photography/Jesi Haack Design/Badgley Mischka via Wedding Party

Flutter Sleeves

Flutter sleeves are definitely the sleeve du jour for both brides and bridesmaids. Pretty, feminine and flattering, they’re a great complement to laid-back boho style. I’m absolutely LOVING the options I’m seeing in shops at the moment with this look, many of them in the prettiest shades of pastel.
Image credit: Steve Steinhardt Photography/Merren Events via Style Me Pretty

Crop Tops

This is another spin on the two-piece trend, although if your girls aren’t up for full tummy baring separates, you’ll find lots of examples at the moment of dresses with crop details, so you get the best of both worlds. It’s a fun, fresh, young look, one that contrasts to perfection with a bride’s gown!
Image credit: Levi Stolove Photography via The Lane

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