Category: Women’s Fashion

If a fall wedding is in your future, congratulations! Amidst the chaos of sending save-the-date cards and planning a new life with your special someone, there’s the matter of formal dress shopping for you and your besties.

To kick off that conversation, here’s a look at seven bridesmaid dress trends that are hot for 2024. For more ideas, also see my rundown of this year’s spring fashion trends.

Texture bomb

Trends have a way of remaking and recycling themselves for the better. You may not be old enough to remember, but texture was trending way back in the 1980s and 1990s. In those days, bridesmaid dresses were heavily embellished with ruffles, layers, bows, and even aggressively angular shoulders and necklines.

Worse, we wore those bulky formal dresses with teased bangs and wrist corsages. The whole effect was a little off, honestly.

Thankfully, the do-over era for texture is done right this time. You might see an oversized bow, elegant side ruching, cowl neckline, or tasteful use of sequins, velvet, or tulle. The trend leans into soft and well-balanced textural elements. The effect is striking and dramatic, in person and in photos.

Color crazy

Another trend to watch is a broader use of color. Load up your fav formal shop online and you’ll see what I mean. The color choices for bridesmaid dresses go well beyond pastels. Truly, you can paint with whatever palette you want. Elegant jewel tones, rich reds, metallics, and even corals are options.

Let your preferences guide you here. Sure, your skin tone and the coloring of your bridesmaids are factors. But your instincts won’t lead you astray.

Lavender satin

While the full rainbow is available to you, you can’t go wrong with the classic choice of lavender satin. Soothing and soft, lavender is flattering on many skin tones. Combine it with luxe satin and a dramatic drape for an effect that’s classically gorgeous, with an old Hollywood vibe. You could play up the look by encouraging your ‘maids to wear their hair in wholesome, retro styles like pin curl updos.  

“Lavender satin continues to be a popular choice for bridesmaid dresses this year. It’s elegant, flattering, and oh-so versatile. Brides can complement this color with a muted choice like gray or something bolder like a tea green.”

Kent Chopin, Buyer for Azazie bridesmaid dresses

Mix and match

Thankfully, your ‘maids don’t have to fade into anonymity by wearing the same dress. Allowing them to choose their dress generally means they’re going to look amazing and feel super confident.

The mix and match trend is a favorite of wedding expert Jennifer Allen.

“Why do I love the mix and match trend, you ask? Honey, it’s simple. It’s the ultimate celebration of individuality. Each bridesmaid gets to shine in her own right while still being part of the squad. It’s like creating a masterpiece where every brushstroke matters. Plus, it’s a surefire way to ensure your girls are feeling themselves, and when they feel good, they look good.”

Jennifer Allen, CEO, Wedding Specialist, Floral Arrangement Specialist, and Officiant at Just Elope LLC

Eco-friendly

Allen is also seeing more bridal parties opt for eco-friendly dresses. Sustainable choices include rented dresses, secondhand pieces, dresses that can be reworn or resold, and garments made of organic fabrics or deadstock.

“For the bride who’s as passionate about the planet as she is about her partner, sustainable and eco-friendly dresses are the way to go. It’s like saying “I do” to love, style, and Mother Earth all at once.”

Jennifer Allen, Just Elope LLC

Bare shoulders

One-shoulder and off-shoulder designs are also continuing their time in the spotlight this year. This is an area to let your bridesmaids weigh in, however. Some may be strongly opposed to bare shoulders because these styles can be hard to wear.

I know this from experience. I have tried on a one-shoulder dress only once in my life. It was so unflattering and awful that I swore off the style permanently. We’re talking one smashed boob and upper chest flab I didn’t know existed. Seriously, it was that bad.

Opting out

Eru Abraham, principal planner at Beles Events, shares an interesting bridesmaid trend she’s identified: no bridesmaids at all. Some of her brides, wanting to be as fiscally conservative as possible, have opted out of the bridal party concept entirely. That trims costs for the bride and her best girls.

Best advice for the bold bride

Trends aside, your bridal party’s look should align with the wedding vibe you want. It’s your day, after all. So use the trends not to guide your decision-making, but to inspire your creativity. Don’t be afraid to do your own thing.

If unique and bold is where your head’s at, Allen shares this advice:

“Darling, if you want your bridesmaids to break the mold, then it’s time to think outside the box. Embrace bold patterns, unexpected textures, and accessories that pop. Why not throw in a statement piece or two? A funky clutch, a daring shoe, or even a hat if you’re feeling adventurous. Remember, the key to standing out is not just to be different, but to be authentically you. And if Aunt Karen raises an eyebrow, just remind her that fabulousness runs in the family.”

Jennifer Allen, Just Elope LLC

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Peach Fuzz is Pantone’s Color of the Year 2024. You know what that means: It’s an invitation to work this gentle hue into your wardrobe this year, right? Here’s how to invest in the color peach so you don’t regret it next year, when another color will reign supreme.

Let’s start with the basics. The main considerations when wearing and styling peach are your skin tone, hair color, and the rest of your outfit.

Skin tones and the color peach

I once bought a lip color while hungover. It was an orange-y, peachy tone that looked great in the after-haze of overindulgence. Sadly, the next day, it was a truly awful choice. Either the hangover changed my skin tone, or it clouded my judgment.

So from personal experience, I know peach can be challenging for some skin tones. Fortunately, Pantone’s Peach Fuzz is not a harsh and aggressive color. It’s way more forgiving than the lipstick I bought. Even so, you’ll want to verify that this softer peach won’t clash with your natural coloring.

Cool undertones

If you have cool undertones, you may not love the way Peach Fuzz looks on you. The warmth of the color can clash with natural pink and blue elements of cool-toned skin. It may leave you looking sallow.

To check your undertones, take a close look at the veins in your wrist. If they’re more bluish than greenish, you likely have cool undertones. Another test is in your preference for jewelry and colors. Cool-toned fashionistas are often drawn to pinks, pastels, and silver jewelry.

You can also do a comparison test. Swipe a cool mauve lipstick on your wrist, then a warm orange. Your instinct will tell you which looks better. If it’s the mauve, you probably have cool undertones. If you prefer the orange, your skin is on the warmer side.

There’s also the chance both colors look equally nice on you. In that case, you have neutral undertones. Lucky you! You can wear a wide range of colors without getting that washed-out look.

Warm undertones

If your skin has a yellow, peachy, or golden element to it, you can dive right into the Peach Fuzz color trend, especially with makeup. This applies whether you have fair, medium, or dark skin.

Peach and your hair color

Your hair color, too, will influence how confident you feel wearing peach. As you might guess, peach pairs well with warmer hair colors, including:

• Blonde with light caramel or golden highlights
• Brunette with red or gold highlights
• Coppery redheads
• Black hair with fair skin

Peach is less reliable on cool-toned redheads and those with ash brown hair. If you’re in one of those categories, try on peach clothes or makeup in a store before you buy. Opt for the softest peach tones you can find to see if they work for you.

Colors to pair with Peach Fuzz

The next challenge is in selecting complementary colors to wear with peach. If you’re color-challenged, the safest bet is to pair peach with neutrals and whites. Browns and golds are also good choices.

You can also create more interesting color palettes with some experimentation. Sages and mints, deep purples, or very soft blues can look stunning against a peach blouse, for example. Or opt for a dark coral top, complemented with a Peach Fuzz pendant.

Below are three inspiring peach color combos, courtesy of the Coolors palette maker.

Peach clothes and accessories to shop now

Finally, to incorporate peach into your wardrobe this year, you may need some inspiration on what to buy. Below are 10 budget-friendly peach picks I like for spring and summer. Most of them are available on Amazon.

Peach beauty

A peach nail polish makes for a soft entry into this trending color. Also, the price tag is minimal and you can keep using peach polish long after the Peach Fuzz buzz dies down.

Try Essie Expressie, a quick-dry vegan polish that’s priced below $10.

A multi-use color stick is another wallet-friendly option. Elf’s Glistening Peach color stick retails for about $5 and you can use it on your eyes, cheeks, and lips. Like all Elf products, it’s also cruelty-free and vegan.

Peach accessories

If you’re not sure peach works for you, a sheer scarf is a nice way to incorporate the trend gently. Tie it at your wrist or neck. Or, wear the scarf in your hair or tied to your handbag.

A pretty stone pendant in peach can update almost every casual-day outfit you own. Natural gemstones are always conversation starters, too. This one, according to the product description, may have some chakra-clearing powers as well.

You can make a bigger peach statement with a set of stone drop earrings. Wear them subtly with your hair down or tie your hair back to show them off.

Peach tops and dresses

This loose cotton button-down is so versatile. Wear the traditional way, as a top. Or shake things up and use it as a light outer layer or as a cool-girl swim cover-up. Shopper say it runs large, so choose your size accordingly.

Ruffles are also trending this year, so why not combine two trends in one easy garment? You’ll reach for a top like this one again and again on your low-key days. It will wear beautifully with jeans, shorts, or a casual skirt.

Remember, too, that you don’t have to go full peach. An easier option is a floral featuring peach tones. A pretty rayon-spandex top like this one from Bestbee can take you to work and play.

Milumia’s adorable dress is super flattering and eye-catching. It also demonstrates how well peach can coordinate with other colors.

Going bold with peach

If you’re really set to make a statement, try peach swimwear. A peach-forward swimsuit will be especially stunning on olive-skinned fashionistas.

A cropped peach jacket adds loads of freshness to your spring and summer wardrobe. Wear it over a floral sundress or with a white t-shirt and taupe crop pants for a smart look. Shop this denim jacket at Old Navy.

Levi’s makes a snazzy peach corduroy pant that’s sure to make a statement. I’d pair these with a rich brown leather belt, breezy white blouse, and a neutral mule. Add a silver cuff bracelet for extra shine and contrast.

Peachy keen this year and beyond

Pantone’s Color of the Year is a great excuse to add something new in your style rotation. Try this warm, gentle flavor of peach as an accessory or to be the headliner of your outfit. Just remember the usual advice: Don’t spend too much on this trend because there’s always another one heading your way.

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