Back in the Middle Ages, dressing exactly like the bride was the norm among bridesmaids. And in Victorian times, bridesmaids got their own veils. We hit the 1980s, and it’s all about puffy sleeves. So, what’s en vogue for bridesmaids today? While it primarily comes down to the wedding theme (bridesmaid attire for rustic weddings will look a lot different from black-tie gowns), fashion always has its trends. Here’s what’s in for 2025.
The luxury of choice is coming to wedding town too. Gone are the days of squeezing everyone into the same dresses no matter their body type and skin tone. Instead, brides are becoming more relaxed and giving their leading ladies the chance to wear something they feel comfortable in.
While the mix-and-match dresses option was technically always there, it took off after the pandemic. Back then, access to infinite bridesmaid dress options, for example, became limited, and you sometimes had to take what you could get. Pair that with small lockdown weddings, and voila, a whole new type of bridal party.
In 2025, this trend will reach full maturity, with dozens of brides skipping the matchy-matchy altogether. For those who still want some order, giving your bridesmaids a color palette or style guide to work with is another winning option.
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Purple has dominated fashion lately, and we’re looking forward to seeing lilac bridesmaid dresses for spring 2025. Last year, dusty lilac and chambray blue were two of Pantone’s top colors to watch from New York Fashion Week. Vogue reports that spring/summer ‘25 will bring even more success for pastel colors. As this trend trickles into wedding lookbooks, light purple will win the hearts of many brides-to-be.
And you are spoilt for choice with this color family. There’s lilac, lavender, orchid, mauve, and, of course, periwinkle, iris, and powdery light blues to match. The fabric and style you choose will marry (pun intended) your purple gowns to the theme of your wedding. Light and airy chiffons with full skirts say, “It’s spring, and we’re feeling romantic!” while body-hugging satin slips champion a slick modern style.
Speaking of satin slips, this year will bring a new era of simplicity. Back in the days of puffy sleeves, bridesmaid dresses were instantly assigned the role of relic after the wedding, stuffed in a closet and never worn again. Today’s brides and their maids are saying no to this impracticality. Instead, we’re saying bridesmaid dresses should be enjoyed more than once.
This type of thinking has given rise to the wearable bridesmaid dress. We’re talking evening-wear adjacent gowns of simple silhouette and practical color. Now, you can repurpose dresses from burgundy-themed weddings into holiday party looks, turn navy blue gowns into awards evening attire, and the list goes on. This love for wearable dresses comes at a time when fashion waste is on everyone’s minds.
You can’t wear black to a wedding, right? Wrong! Brides are turning their weddings into all-black parties with stunning results. Black bridesmaid dresses are here to stay, and in 2025, they will make even more of an impact. Black for a wedding is bold, but it’s also so easy to style. It’s a color pretty much everyone is comfortable wearing, and its ability to flatter all body types is unrivaled.
Black is also naturally formal, so it doesn’t matter which dress style you choose. This trend makes black bridesmaid dresses all the more versatile and, of course, re-wearable. They are especially suitable for fall and winter weddings or sultry black-tie receptions. Don’t rule them out for spring and summer, though! A good black slip dress will bring the heat for warm weather weddings.
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Being a girly girl is back in style, and we’re seeing it everywhere—including weddings. Dollcore, coquette, cottage core, soft girl, ballet core… the list goes on. These are just some of the feminine aesthetics that will take the wedding world by storm in 2025. That means bows, ribbons, pastels, ruffles, puffy sleeves, baby doll shoes, and pink!
A look like this might sound maximalist, but it doesn’t have to be. Brides might try hinting at the girly aesthetic with an understated yet feminine look to keep the wedding classy. Bridesmaid dresses with subtle soft touches like flowy capped sleeves will do it, as will a pair of pastel pink kitten heels. Either way, the goal is the same—making your bridesmaids look sweet and romantic.
Bohemian is back in 2025! It’s called Earth Girl this time, but there’s not much difference. Neutrals are exciting again, and bridesmaid dresses in colors like beige, taupe, ivory, and sage green will be big in spring and summer. This look is all about being natural and earthy and pairs well with rustic country weddings. Linen is an interesting fabric choice to explore here if you are so bold.
And, of course, dressing your leading ladies in au-natural colors must come with au-natural necklines. Look for simple square shapes and spaghetti straps to keep things super simple. Now’s the time to bring in loose waves and flower crowns!
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Many of the bridesmaid trends in 2025 have a common denominator—florals. This year, flowery dresses for bridesmaids will remain a strong choice. They’re earthy, feminine, and highly re-wearable, combining many ideas into the ultimate super dress. Look for floral fabrics in your wedding colors to bring your theme together.
Florals are also fun to mix and match, allowing for a more playful and vibrant bridal party look. Chiffon and soft silk are obvious choices for flowy floral dresses, but don’t be afraid to explore structured gowns and silky slips, too. Unexpected silhouettes and fabric textures can elevate the floral bridesmaid dress and make it black-tie-worthy.