always shopping

12 Bridesmaid Dresses That Are Not Ugly

Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Retailers

For more of the Cut’s favorite fashion, beauty, and home finds, sign up for the weekly Cut Shop newsletter.

As someone who spent most of 2024 planning a wedding, I know from experience that finding bridesmaid dresses that are not completely atrocious-looking is one of the most daunting tasks of all. It’s hard to find one decent bridesmaid dress, much less three or four or five. Honestly, I can think of only a handful of bridesmaid dresses I have seen at weddings over the years that I have actually liked.

So before my own wedding, I spent weeks on end finding the perfect maid-of-honor dress for my sister: this Reiss Satin Cape Dress in black. Even though it is no longer available, I found so many other options that don’t scream bridesmaid in the process. Listed below are the best bridesmaid dresses to save you time and effort.

So you’re looking for the best bridesmaid dresses?

Our top picks
More tried-and-true options

.

Our top picks

This dress is giving Bridgerton in the best way. Even though it did not match the fall vibe of my wedding, I think it is absolutely perfect for a backyard-garden wedding. And it will fit your bridesmaids like a glove thanks to the corset bodice and adjustable lace-up back.

The iridescent rose-gold color alone is to die for, but the funnel neckline and faux-cape effect take this dress to the next level. It’s perfect for a summer wedding or beachside nuptials.

I fell in love with the Antwerp-based label Bernadette while planning my wedding. The bridal shop is beautiful and definitely worth a look, but the brand also has so many dresses for bridesmaids, mother-of-the-brides, and mother-of-the-grooms. This whimsical silk chiffon one that features a hand-embroidered tulip bouquet is a standout.

.

More tried-and-true options

Planning a wedding is ridiculously expensive, so don’t blow your budget on bridesmaid dresses. This $130 long-sleeved dress is so chic and affordable. Plus the brand makes several similar options that would match it, like this one or this one.

More to Come Sidney Dress
$46
$46

If you want to incorporate prints, check out Revolve’s selection of bridesmaid dresses. It has some affordable gems, such as this summery style that features adjustable shoulder straps and a slim fit.

ASOS also has so many affordable options. The website has an entire bridesmaid-dresses section organized by color, which makes the shopping process so much easier if you want everyone in your wedding party to wear the same color but in different styles.

There is something about the shape of this strapless maxi that feels unique, unexpected, and much cooler than traditional bridesmaid dresses. The lustrous fabric will catch the light beautifully in photos, and the flowy fit will create nice movement as your bridesmaids walk down the aisle. It also features a built-in, structured bustier for maximum support.

If you are a 2025 bride, you are probably already very familiar with Reformation’s bridal shop; it has everything you need for the big day and the events leading up to it, including bridesmaid dresses. This 100-percent-silk halter neck is a great option because it’s neutral-toned but not boring. Reformation also offers this color and print in other silhouettes, so your bridesmaids can coordinate without all wearing the same dress.

If you are really struggling to make up your mind, consider the always-chic silky black slip dress. This one is floor length and cut on the bias, so it is formal enough for a wedding and has a flattering drape that your bridesmaids will appreciate.

A black-tie wedding calls for a fancy ball-gown skirt, and I love this one by V. Chapman that features a side slit and pockets to store lip gloss, powder, tissues, and anything else your bridesmaids will need on your big day. The jewel-toned green will work well for any winter wedding.

This dress is simple yet impactful thanks to the figure-hugging silhouette and unexpected swoop neckline. It’s fully lined and features a corset top, so your bridesmaids will feel snatched and secure as they walk down the aisle.

For bridesmaid dresses with dramatic silhouettes, look no further than Solace London. The brand has so many options that have that wow factor and will impress your guests — from gowns with voluminous sleeves and asymmetric necklines to gowns with trains and much more.

12 Bridesmaid Dresses That Are Not Ugly