Bridesmaid Dresses that aren't too bridesmaidy!

Orlee

Hey guys,

I've posted this here rather than in the weddings forum because to me it relates more to fashion than weddings and I'm looking for some inspiration from you fashionistas!

I'm getting married next year and have 4 bridesmaids. I don't want to go buying bridesmaid dresses from a bridal shop - we are really trying to steer away from the traditional full length pastel chiffon etc which work out quite expensive. Ideally I'd like something a bit "cool" (how naff does that sound!) under €100 each. I'm leaning towards shorter dresses, not too fussed about colour and they don't all need to be matchy matchy!

I've trawled through asos and boohoo but nothing really caught my eye. (Is it just me or is asos no as awesome as it used to be?!) Any and all suggestions are so very welcome!

My current inspiration photos are

miss no stars

Coast have some lovely stuff. It's probably a bit over budget at the moment but if you drag them into the sale after Christmas I'd say you'd easily get something for under 100 each.

As an idea, some of the stuff I saw (plus genuinely could be used again afterwards):
http://www.coast-stores.com/allure-short-dress/dresses/coast/fcp-product/2224665703
http://www.coast-stores.com/tillia-short-dress/dresses/coast/fcp-product/2224798820
http://www.coast-stores.com/goddess-short-dress/dresses/coast/fcp-product/2334354803
http://www.coast-stores.com/natalie-short-dress/dresses/coast/fcp-product/2143423122
I know they're all over budget but sales can be wonderful.

I'd try Arnotts (who also have a coast concession) and BTs in the sales, I've often gotten nice dresses in the sale there for good value.

The Cool

OP, if you're around Dublin you could try Retro in Georges Arcade? They have lots of short dresses that'd be under budget, a lot of them are kind of 50s style if that'd be your thing. They're becoming quite popular now for the likes of bridesmaid dresses, the lady in the shop told me. Other than that, just try the high street, you never know what you'll find in the likes of Dunnes etc; I know then you run the risk of having a guest wearing the same dress, but you could customise them by adding ribbon in your wedding colour scheme, a brooch... get creative! Try Debenhams as well actually, their sales are usually pretty good.

Orlee

miss no stars wrote: »

http://www.coast-stores.com/natalie-short-dress/dresses/coast/fcp-product/2143423122

This one is lovely! To be honest I didn't even think of Coast as they're are out of budget but you're right about the sales. Is there one in Kildare Outlet?

miss no stars

Their website says there is, I hadn't thought of that at all. Sometimes Kildare Village run special discounts, like at the moment there's 20% off until the 18th as long as you register (registration closed now tho) so if you kept your eye out for that as well.

Vooice

Have you had a look through Modcloth? Lots of bridesmaid appropriate dresses on there and not too pricey:


http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/syzygy-golly-dress

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/classic-stunner-dress-in-brocade

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/linger-a-little-longer-dress-in-violet

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/almandite-if-i-might-dress

Toto Wolfcastle

Modcloth is great, and they add new things everyday so keep checking it. Read the reviews though if there are any because the quality and fit of some of the stuff they sell is not great.

rainbow kirby

If you like more retro dresses - Vivien of Holloway?

Orlee

I'm in love with these!

http://www.vivienofholloway.com/en/category/Halterneck%20Pencil%20Dress/halterneck-pencil-dress/101/

Pity you have to buy the petticoat separately for the circle skirts - that'd be upping the price pretty swift!

The ones on ModCloth are nice but I'm not feeling it

Nickibaby*

Lightinthebox.com do lovely occasion dresses at really good prices. Even the long chiffon dresses are well under the 100 (just bear in mind you have to pay taxes on top of the price as they come in from USA). They have a great range of colours in each dress too.

Some examples:

http://www.lightinthebox.com/A-line-One-Shoulder-Short--Mini-Chiffon-Cocktail-Dress_p169421.html

http://www.lightinthebox.com/a-line-v-neck-knee-length-chiffon-cocktail-dress_p204266.html


http://www.lightinthebox.com/2011-Style-Empire-Strapless-Floor-length-Chiffon-Over-Satin-Bridesmaid-Dress_p118927.html (this is long but I really like it)

Orlee

Light in the Box have some lovely stuff but I'd be wary of quality and customs

I've had a search for some reviews and they are mixed ...

The long one is lovely and simple

Ziegfeldgirl27

Had a Vivien of Holloway dress once myself, if you go for them be aware of sizes. I am a size 6 or 8 and got the size 10 from them. It was so tight, very hard to get zipped up, and once I was in the dress (although very beautiful and I loved wearing it), I couldn't take a deep breath and it left me with big welts on my hips and under my arms, which I still have the scars of!
So just to let you know their sizes must be funny!

edit: just realised you linked the pencil dress. mine was the full circle dress with the petticoat.

rainbow kirby

Ziegfeldgirl27 wrote: »

Had a Vivien of Holloway dress once myself, if you go for them be aware of sizes. I am a size 6 or 8 and got the size 10 from them. It was so tight, very hard to get zipped up, and once I was in the dress (although very beautiful and I loved wearing it), I couldn't take a deep breath and it left me with big welts on my hips and under my arms, which I still have the scars of!
So just to let you know their sizes must be funny!

edit: just realised you linked the pencil dress. mine was the full circle dress with the petticoat.

They use vintage sizing. I'm normally a 12, and I'm either a 14 or 16 in their sizing. The measurements on the size chart are relatively accurate.

Dolbert

rainbow kirby wrote: »

They use vintage sizing. I'm normally a 12, and I'm either a 14 or 16 in their sizing. The measurements on the size chart are relatively accurate.

Yep, it's 50s sizing. In fairness they make it pretty clear on the website. Just goes to show how much vanity sizing has increased :eek:

xtinataguba

your inspirations are nice. go for it!! may you have a lovely wedding.