Why is it that when it comes to shopping for a special occasion, the available options seem to be way slimmer and less stylish than usual? Finding an evening gown that suits your personality (and personal style) isn't always an easy feat — and the hunt for an equally-as-cool bridesmaid dress is no different. With a lack of variety, it's easy to fall into a cookie-cutter trap with an expected, universally flattering, and "safe" (read: boring) option. Well, it's time to not take that route.Before wedding season kicks into high gear, we're here to raise the bar when it comes to bridesmaid dress shopping — because why shouldn't the women standing next to the bride feel just as on-point as she does? From elegant but bold prints to unexpected fabrics and silhouettes, we've rounded up 30 not-so-average options that will make all those group photos frame-worthy stunners.
Every bridesmaid will stun in this shockingly simple strapless number.
Tibi Structured Crape Strapless Drape Dress, $425, available at Tibi.
Blush is a hue that's hard to hate.
AQ/AQ Hiza Column Style Open Back Maxi Dress, $233, available at AQ/AQ.
A bold pattern can work just as well as a solid hue.
H&M Patterned Maxi Dress, $149 $79.99, available at H&M.
These aren't the type of ruffles you're used to seeing.
TY-LR Philo Silk Dress, $530, available at TY-LR.
A bridesmaid dress you won't find at any run-of-the-mill boutique.
Stone Cold Fox Alabama Gown, $555, available at Stone Cold Fox.
A happy compromise for the conservative and daring alike.
Whistles Ivy Twist Dress, $300 $90, available at Whistles.
The epitome of modern elegance.
Venus & Mars Plexus Dress, $689, available at Venus & Mars.
There's no shame in the mod game.
Red Valentino Cotton-Blend Shift Dress, $505, available at StyleBop.
A dress that's black and white and red all over.
151Luwolt Neoprene Frill Dress, $731, available at 151Luwolt.
Perfect for a hot, midsummer bash.
Aritzia Trompette Dress, $125 $110, available at Artizia.
This off-the-shoulder piece is made for dancing.
MILLY Italian Cady Selena Slit Dress, $485, available at MILLY.
Why not experiment with sheer panels and artsy prints?
Rachel Comey New Miramar Dress, $782 $391, available at Rachel Comey.
Shake up an understated shape with a bright color and shiny fabric.
Halston Heritage Cap Sleeve Structured Dress, $445, available at Shopbop.
A futuristic number that still feels very now.
Sandro Paris Renza Dress, $470 $329, available at Sandro Paris.
A navy stunner with a thigh-high slit is sexy done right.
Reformation Escala Dress, $278, available at Reformation.
Proof you can wear pastel without looking like an Easter egg.
Lavish Alice Bandeau Bodycon Midi Dress, $88.96, available at ASOS.
An off-the-shoulder number that still feels classy.
Pixie Market Burgundy Stretch Off The Shoulder Skater Dress, $99, available at Pixie Market.
A bold option that isn't too out there.
Forever 21 M-slit Maxi Dress, $24.90, available at Forever 21.
Frills that are less girly, more badass.
Giambattista Valli Silk-Blend Dress, $2,152 $1,291, available at MyTheresa.
Because your bridesmaids deserve to shine too.
Mango Metallic Gown, $64.99, available at Mango.
An effortless, midi silhouette flatters a range of shapes and sizes.
Cos Long V-neck Silk Dress, $225, available at Cos.
Who says denim is off-limits? Why not opt for a mini-dress that bridesmaids can actually wear after the big day.
Farrow Narita Dress, $89, available at Need Supply.
A warm weather-ready dress that's seriously hot.
C/MEO Collective Stand Still Dress, $259, available at Urban Outfitters.
Make a stylish statement instead of a shy one.
Topshop Off Shoulder Dress By Boutique, $280 $100, available at Topshop.
An embroidered skirt is an exciting-but-subtle addition to any party dress.
Maje Embroidery Flowers Ball Dress, $510, available at Maje.
Go for a metallic velvet that gives off major Great Gatsby vibes.
Front Row Shop Silver Evening Dress, $212 $180.20, available at Front Row Shop.
Business on the bottom, party on the top.
Three Floor Carbon Copy Dress, $329, available at Three Floor.
Let your bridesmaids be visions in red.
Zara Dress With Chain Neckline, $99.90 $29.90, available at Zara.
Put some fringe on it.
Jonathan Simkhai Multimedia Fringe Dress, $675, available at Jonathan Simkhai.
For the wedding that will look like it's straight out of an Anthropologie catalogue.
Valentino Bird and Floral Print Evening Dress, $7,990, available at Farfetch.
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