31 Of the Most Unique Bridesmaid Dresses That'll Set You Apart, From Convertible and Open Back Styles to Wild Pops of Color

Whether you’re the bride-to-be who’s in the process of planning her wedding and need inspiration before you pop the question to your gal squad or you’re the lucky bridesmaid looking for an appropriate dress to wear to the occasion, deciding on a selection for the big day can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. As luck has it, there are tons of stores to peruse if you’re wondering where to buy bridesmaids dresses that carry mismatched styles for backyard weddings, linen stunners for beach weddings and everything in-between. To streamline your search, we took the liberty of finding 31 unique bridesmaid dresses for every dress code, budget and body type in mind, from a vintage-inspired Adrianna Papell beaded gown ($199) sold at Macy’s to a draw-dropping metallic slip dress ($260) from Shopbop that the trendy bride will approve of.

Of the bridesmaid dress trends that are set to take off in 2024, there are four unique styles worth highlighting. First, is metallics. ICYMI, this shimmery and oh-so shiny look is one of the hottest trends of 2024. Think: silver, gold, rose gold and bronze in sequins or a rich velvet. We expect to see many bold and fashionable brides dressing their parties in metallics. Similarly, bright colors like pistachio, red and icy blue will be another top choice for bridesmaids as we head into the spring and summer months, which is why we incorporated pops of color in the list below, from a lilac stunner ($129) from Birdy Grey to a pistachio hue seen on a gorgeous Ulla Johnson dress ($790) that’s charmingly saccharine to the core.

Lastly, we expect to see bridesmaid dresses that embrace the sheer and casual tailoring trends. Not for the faint of heart, the sheer trend, when executed right, can look extremely elegant and subtly sexy. Case in point: this semi-sheer beauty ($350) from Arcina Ori.

And whether you opt for an A-line, column, shift or empire frock, it’s important to pay attention to how the dress can be tailored to your body, focusing on your comfort first.

To find the most unique bridesmaid dresses, we carefully considered a range of things, such as preference, fit, comfortability, fabric and differentiation. We understand that what constitutes as 'unique' might be different for everyone, so we found picks that span the range of traditional, trendy, elegant, casual and so on. We also spent hours reading customer reviews, making sure to find only the best of the best while highlighting any woes. So whatever the dress code, body type or budget, we included a mix of designs, colors, patterns and cuts to browse below.

There are a ton of rules about what not to wear to a wedding, so we created an outline, below, that you’ll want to consider before you shop.

• The bride’s specifications: Did the bride-to-be send the bridal party a strict list of do's and don’ts? If so, you’ll want to abide by her rules at all costs. If she wants long metallic dresses for the big day, she’ll get long metallic dresses damnit!
• The material: It’s crucial to go with a fabric the bride chose because it’s often one that’ll complement her gown. There’s satin, velvet, chiffon, taffeta, tulle and many more, so make sure to check if the bride prefers a specific material before purchasing anything.
• The season: You don’t want to show up in a long-sleeve velvet gown at an outdoor summer wedding…trust us. When the bride sends her save-the-dates, note the time (day or night), location and season to guide your dress choice.
• The length: Length can be tricky, as it may be determined by the bride’s choice, season, dress code or all of the above, if not one. As the bridesmaid, you’re often running around, bending, standing and sitting often, so we suggest opting for a length that you’re comfortable in if able to.
• The color: From a monochromatic theme to a mismatched bridal party, narrowing down a colorway can be tough, but your best bet is to consider the bride’s wishes and determine your choice from there. Pay close attention to the description and reviews, as the colors in the photos can differ in real life.
• Budget: Weddings are expensive, so you need to carefully consider the cost of everything (hotel, flight, wedding gift, bridal shower gift, bachelorette weekend, etc.) because it can add up fast. Before you begin shopping, determine a realistic budget that you’re comfortable spending. There are plenty of budget-friendly styles that look just as luxe as designer dresses.

According to Reddit, chiffon is a universally flattering fabric choice for bridesmaids dresses. This popular material is lightweight, thin, flexible and soft, so it’s the kind of fabric that complements most bodies, shapes and sizes. Most importantly, chiffon is wrinkle-resistant and less prone to static cling than silk or satin.

Named A-line for a reason, it’s no coincidence this style of dress has the letter ‘A’ in its name. It's the most popular cut that’s proven to be universally flattering on all body types because of its slimming qualities. While every body shape is different, the A-line generally hugs most figures well, accentuating your natural curves and creating the illusion of an hourglass silhouette. This is because it gathers at the smallest part of your waist before cascading down into a fuller, flowy skirt.