You’ve been asked to be a bridesmaid—yay! Now, the big question is: what color dress should you wear? Don’t panic about pastel swatches.
Take a deep breath. This choice can be fun if you know what to consider.
I’ve been in five weddings (not that I’m counting 🙃), so I’ve seen it all.
From classic chic to “why are we wearing neon green?” moments, I have tips to help you with this dress color choice.
Let’s break it down together.
Why Dress Color Actually Matters (Yes, It’s a Big Deal)
Ever wonder why brides get weirdly specific about the dress color?
Spoiler: it sets the entire wedding vibe. Like, imagine a romantic beach wedding and then boom—someone shows up in burgundy velvet. Yikes.
The dress color affects:
- Photos (nobody wants to be the awkward pop of color)
- The overall theme and aesthetic
- How confident you feel walking down that aisle
So yeah, picking the right color = major key.
Check the Bride’s Vision (AKA Rule #1)
First things first: what does the bride want?
Because if she has a vision board, a Pinterest obsession, or a Google Doc labeled Bridesmaid Aesthetic Vibes, you need to start there.
IMO, this isn’t just about keeping her happy—it’s about making sure the whole crew looks like a cohesive, photo-ready squad.
Ask these questions:
- Is there a set color or palette?
- Are you allowed to choose your own shade within a color family?
- What are the wedding theme and season?
If the bride’s like, “Wear whatever you want!”—pause. That’s code for “Please wear something nice that doesn’t clash,” not “Go wild in zebra print.” 🙂
Match the Season, Babe 🌸❄️🌞🍁
Let’s be honest—some colors just don’t make sense in certain seasons. Picture yourself in heavy navy satin…in the middle of a July heatwave. No thanks.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help:
Spring Weddings
Go for soft, romantic hues:
- Blush pink
- Lavender
- Sage green
- Sky blue
These feel light, fresh, and totally appropriate when the flowers are blooming and the sun’s making a comeback.
Summer Weddings
Think bright, bold, or breezy:
- Coral
- Turquoise
- Lemon yellow
- Peach
This is your chance to shine (and not sweat to death in black velvet 😅).
Fall Weddings
Rich, earthy tones are your BFF:
- Rust
- Burgundy
- Olive green
- Terracotta
Fall colors are super flattering and photograph beautifully against golden leaves and moody skies.
Winter Weddings
Go deep and dramatic:
- Emerald green
- Navy blue
- Plum
- Charcoal
Bonus points if your dress has a bit of velvet or shimmer. Winter glam? Yes, please.
Think About Your Skin Tone (Because Not Every Color Loves You Back)
Let’s get real—not every color looks good on everyone, and that’s okay.
Picking something that flatters your skin tone will make you feel way more confident. And isn’t that what we all want?
Fair Skin
Stick with cooler tones:
- Dusty rose
- Slate blue
- Mauve
Avoid anything too pale or bright—you don’t want to look washed out or like a popsicle.
Medium/Olive Skin
You’ve got options galore, lucky you:
- Coral
- Emerald
- Bronze
Warm tones really pop without overpowering your natural glow.
Dark Skin
Hello, vibrant queen:
- Jewel tones (ruby, sapphire, amethyst)
- Mustard yellow
- Hot pink
These colors sing on deeper skin. Don’t be afraid to go bold—it looks 🔥.
Don’t Forget the Venue (Yes, It Matters More Than You Think)
Wearing champagne satin to a beach wedding? Might as well wave goodbye to your dress after the first sea breeze. 😬
Let’s pair venue vibes with dress tones:
- Beach: Light, airy pastels or vibrant tropicals (think ocean-inspired colors)
- Garden: Romantic, floral-inspired shades like dusty blue, blush, or sage
- Ballroom: Go glam with navy, black, or metallics (bring the drama!)
- Barn/Rustic: Earth tones like terracotta, forest green, and burnt orange are chef’s kiss
Match the mood of the place, and you’ll blend in like a pro.
One Color Doesn’t Fit All: Mismatched Dresses 101
Mismatched bridesmaid dresses are having a moment right now—and I am so here for it.
It’s chic, modern, and low-key perfect for bridal parties with diverse body types and personalities. But it can go sideways real quick if there’s no coordination.
How to Do It Right:
- Stick to a color palette, like “shades of blue” or “earthy neutrals”
- Keep fabric types similar (all chiffon or all satin, not a weird combo)
- Vary shades slightly—don’t pick 12 completely unrelated colors unless chaos is the goal
IMO, this is one of the easiest ways to make everyone feel comfortable AND stylish. Win-win.
Trends vs. Timeless: What Should You Choose?
Ah, the eternal question: Do you go trendy or timeless?
Here’s the deal—wedding photos last forever.
So, unless you want to cringe in 10 years when neon orange makes its comeback (again), you might want to balance trendy with classic.
Trendy Right Now:
- Terracotta and rust tones
- Mix-and-match palettes
- Sage green everything
- Soft neutrals like champagne, taupe, and dove gray
Timeless Favorites:
- Navy blue
- Blush
- Emerald
- Burgundy
Pro tip: If in doubt, pick something that looks great on you and aligns with the bride’s vision. You can’t go wrong with that combo.
Let’s Talk Black Dresses (Yes, It’s Totally a Thing Now)
Once upon a time, wearing black to a wedding was basically illegal.
But now? Black bridesmaid dresses are chic AF. They’re slimming, classic, and perfect for almost any setting (except, maybe, a super casual backyard wedding).
Why black works:
- Flattering on literally everyone
- Pairs easily with any bouquet or accessory
- Can be worn again (finally, a dress that won’t rot in your closet)
So, if the bride says yes to black? Run, don’t walk.
When in Doubt, Ask for Swatches (Yes, Really)
Ordering online? Don’t guess. Just don’t. Get a swatch or color sample first.
Colors look completely different on screen vs. in real life. I once thought I ordered a dusty rose dress—it came out straight-up hot pink. Not cute.
Final Tips Before You Hit “Buy Now”
Here’s your bridesmaid dress checklist:
- ✅ Matches the bride’s color scheme
- ✅ Flattering on your skin tone
- ✅ Appropriate for the season + venue
- ✅ Feels like you (within reason)
- ✅ Won’t make you cry when you see the photos
Oh—and check with the rest of the bridal party so you’re not the one person who missed the group chat.
The Final Word: Wear the Color That Works for Everyone
So, what color bridesmaid dress should you wear? The short answer: the one that fits the bride’s vision, flatters you, and works with the vibe of the day.
The long answer? Everything we just covered above.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to lose your style in the process.
With a little planning (and maybe a group Pinterest board or two), you can find a color that keeps the bride happy and makes you feel like the goddess you are.
Now go rock that aisle like the confident queen you were born to be. 💁♀️✨
FYI: Just don’t wear white. Ever. That’s not even a debate.
