mismatched bridesmaids part three

I threw my bridesmaid guidelines out the window and went instead and dressed these bridesmaids like a girl band. I think it's because a couple of these dresses remind me of the early days of The Supremes. The idea, essentially, is just variations on a theme. Sequined bodices and flowy skirts, metallics and beiges. The main thing I tried to do was keep a similar amount of sequins on each dress, regardless of color. I tried to keep the shoes neutral, but coordinated with each respective dress. With this much glitz going on, I didn't pick any jewelry, but a unified pair of earrings might tie this whole group together, if forgoing jewelry for chest glitz doesn't do it for you.

Dresses (l to r): one shoulder, tiered ruffles, midi length, taupe skirt, green bodice
Pumps (1 to r): gold, platform, ankle strap, platinum, blush

mismatched bridesmaids part two

For blogger's block, I wanted to have a styling challenge I could always come back to. I've decided to revisit my coordinated bridesmaid guidelines (it probably won't be the last time :) First blue chiffon, now sunset colored laces. The textures are varied-- a different lace for each lady-- but they are grounded in similar colors and accessories. I've kept the bracelets and earrings simple to avoid competing with the lace details each of these dresses has. Finally, I had to take advantage of all these  kicky coral and beige shoes on the market, though simpler gold shoes would also finish the look nicely. 

bangles, earrings
dresses (left to right): tank dress, cap sleeve dress, short sleeved dress,
long sleeved dress, short sleeved sweetheart dress
shoes (left to right): wedge sandal, heeled sandal, platform t-strap, slingback, wedges

mismatched bridesmaids

I really like the trend in the past few years of having a variety of dress styles for bridesmaids. I am of the opinion that you love your friends for different reasons, and the more individuality they get to retain, the better. 

First look: dress, necklace, belt, peep toes
Second look: dress, earrings, belt, pumps
Third look: dress, peter pan collar, belt, sandals
Fourth look: dress, earrings, belt, wedges

If you try this approach, a few guidelines can be helpful:

• Pick a color range you like. If you are letting bridesmaids pick their own dresses (and forgoing actual bridesmaid dress companies), the probability that you are going to pick one color blue and everyone will find that color is low. Think more in terms of a paint color sample card. It usually has 4 to 5 similar shades of the same hue, and those colors tend to go well together. 
• Choose a fabric for all dresses. This approach can obviously work with a combination of fabrics, but one texture (in the case above, I chose chiffon), can make this mix-and-match idea a little more unified. 
• Stick to one accent color. Whether you go with a metallic or some bright pop of color, a single accent color can pull the variety of dress colors together. 
• Have a comparable amount of accessories on each bridesmaid. Maybe you love that your friend Suzy wears an armful of bangles all the time. Balance that out by making sure other friends are wearing a similar amount of bling (perhaps a statement necklace or earrings). A costume designer once told me that if you squint, and everything doesn't blur together, the item that isn't blurring will pull focus. 

This can be a tricky balance to strike, but it is a really nice, unique look if you have the time and patience (or just really trust your friends to take care of it). Another reward-- all of these dresses are under $100. Your bridesmaids will thank you for that.