Bridesmaid Dresses To Wear Beyond The Big Day

The non-negotiable rule when attending a wedding is don’t wear white (unless requested by the couple, of course). However, the sartorial standard for bridesmaid dresses has changed drastically over the years. While it’s up to the bride to decide what’s best for her big day, the tradition of investing in identical dresses for the bridal party is shifting: now, more maids than ever are wearing different styles in a complementary palette, or opting for completely individual looks entirely. With sustainability at the forefront of the fashion conversation, demand for designs that can be effortlessly re-worn for decades to come has risen, too – making the search for timeless looks even more important to planet-conscious brides.

Finding a dress that suits the theme of the wedding is a popular starting point, and while black has traditionally been a ‘no-go’ color for nuptials, this elegant, perennially stylish shade is fast becoming a popular choice for bridesmaids with future formal occasions in mind. Take Khaite’s ‘Bruna’ gown, for example. Cut from a stretch-jersey fabric that comfortably hugs your silhouette, its off-the-shoulder neckline offers a sultry, sophisticated feel that will stand the test of time.

If the dress code is less black tie, more garden party, consider Erdem’s ethereal SS23 collection instead. Our pick? The ‘Melora’ dress. Inspired by lingerie and paintings from the Victorian era, it’s crafted from delicate, recycled lace and comes with a corset-style bodice that’s undeniably romantic. For a more streamlined profile, look to Christopher Esber. The brand’s peach-pink strapless maxi is part of a bridal capsule available exclusively at NET-A-PORTER, and the column design has a sleek ’90s neckline that’s ideal for showing off sentimental jewels.

When dressing for a country wedding, Cortana’s ‘Martina’ maxi is perfect, and forms part of our NET SUSTAIN edit of consciously crafted styles. Its whimsical flutter sleeves in forest green look divine against a foliage-rich backdrop, and each piece is made from pure silk at the brand’s small atelier in Barcelona. Meanwhile, for a bridal party that loves to make a statement, dresses in a vibrant color palette are ideal for summer weddings. Markarian’s zesty, tangerine-orange ‘Anthea’ gown is straight off the brand’s SS23 runway, and the bold, sunset-inspired hue is perfect for golden hour – simply pair with gilded accessories or strappy black sandals and a string of diamonds.