When you signed on to be a bridesmaid [1], you knew you were giving up control: after all, this is your friend's/sister's/family member's big day [2], 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 [3]
Statement Earrings
So maybe your bride won't budge on shoe or jacket choice, but if she hasn't gifted you some jewels [4] for the ceremony, go big and bold. This is one part of your look when you can really have fun — so do so!
BaubelBar Crystal Dandelion Drops [5] ($34)
Elizabeth Cole Eyelet Earrings [6] ($168)
Loft Cast Crystal Statement Earrings [7] ($30)
Dannijo Brianna Crystal Statement Earrings [8] ($495)
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.
Free People Longing for Vegan Leather Jacket [9] ($198)
Nasty Gal After Party Vintage Total Stud Denim [10] ($198)
Madewell Lycée Drapey Blazer [11] ($148)
H&M Sequined Jacket [12] ($60)
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.
Kate Spade New York Open Toe Evening Sandals [13] ($350)
Miss KG Freya Black Multi Strap Heeled Sandals [14] ($126)
Badgley Mischka Lavendar Pumps [15] ($245)
Topshop Geneva Strappy Court Shoes [16] ($85)
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.
Express Triple Stripe Pave Cuff Bracelet [17] ($25)
Spring Street Mesh & Crystal Bracelet Set (Set of 3) [18] ($28)
Diane von Furstenberg Gemma Interlocking Bangle Bracelet [19] ($128)
Nina Peony Ivory Glass Pearl and Crystal Bracelet [20] ($95)
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 [21] ($97)
Cilla Collection Chevron Belt in Black [22] ($15)
Boohoo Alice Metallic Cut Work Plaque Belt [23] ($16)
White House Black Market Crystal Buckle Silvertone Belt [24] ($64)
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.
Givenchy Silver-Tone Crystal Statement Necklace [25] ($195)
Kendra Scott Jill Statement Necklace [26] ($195)
Tory Burch Dipped Evie Statement Necklace [27] ($295)
Robert Rose Stone Cluster Tiered Statement Necklace [28] ($62)
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.
Kate Spade New York Wedding Belle Emanuelle Clutch [29] ($328)
Menbur Leopard Print Minaudiere [30] ($58)
BCBG Maz Azria Minna Cage Clutch Evening Bag [31] ($128)
Loeffler Randall Small Perforated Pouch [32] ($125)