How to Style Your Bridesmaid Dress
Fix Your Bad Bridesmaid Dress With These 7 Tips
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When you signed on to be a bridesmaid, you knew you were giving up control: after all, this is your friend's/sister's/family member's big day, not your own. But upon seeing your dress — that unflattering gown in a hideous shade — you had second thoughts. Is this really her choice? And you're expected to wear this? In public?!
Don't fret: there's nothing a bit of expert styling can't fix. Keep reading to see how you can take your less-than-spectacular look up a notch with a few accessories, then plot your revenge for after she's hitched. We're sensing a bit of babysitting duty or something slightly obnoxious for your own nuptials in her future.
Source: Universal Pictures
1 Statement Earrings
So maybe your bride won't budge on shoe or jacket choice, but if she hasn't gifted you some jewels for the ceremony, go big and bold. This is one part of your look when you can really have fun — so do so!
2 An Unexpected Jacket
Whether or not you love your dress, at some point you'll probably get cold. Skip the shawl and persuade the bride to let you wear a more fashionable jacket instead. Leather, denim, a menswear-inspired blazer: the possibilities are endless.
Madewell Lycée Drapey Blazer ($148)
H&M Sequined Jacket ($60)
3 Not-So-Simple Shoes
Typically, a bride will have a color scheme in mind and let her girls pick out their own heels. If this is the case, go wild! And if you've got a lot of friends, it's your excuse to splurge: there's bound to be a wedding or two in the future (even as a guest) where you'll wear these babies again.
4 Arm Candy
Such a teeny tiny detail can still have a big impact. Stack on those bangles or opt for a cool cuff to add a bit of pizazz to your bridesmaid look.
5 A Waist-Defining Belt
There's nothing worse than an unforgiving, unflattering dress. Define you waist by adding a belt to your look, and thus adding a bit of your personal style as well.
Luv AJ The Ramone Belt ($97)
6 Statement Necklace
Just like the bracelet, a fun necklace choice can really take your gown from blah to bam. If you can't wear it during the ceremony, hold it in your bag and add it to your look later. An eye-catching addition like that may be the confidence-booster you need to really kill it on the dance floor.
7 A Standout Clutch
A clutch isn't really part of your wedding ensemble (you'll most likely trade it in for a bouquet at some point), but it still doesn't hurt to keep your essentials in something cute. Patterns, sparkles, or metallics are all excellent choices that will go well with your dress and help elevate your look.
