How to choose the perfect mismatched bridesmaid dresses

Bridesmaids' outfits have come a long way and those identical, shiny dresses that don’t quite fit anyone properly are long gone. Modern brides want their maids to have a dress they love, that suits their style and shape and also works beautifully with the look and feel of the day. And that’s where mismatched bridesmaid dresses come in…

Get the look

The mismatched bridesmaid dresses trend is all about mixing it up with different colours, designs and fabrics to create a selection of styles that look individual but also work well together. It also allows you to choose dresses that suit every maid’s figure, so they’re totally comfortable and feel as good as you do on the day.

However, finding the perfect mix is easier said than done. Pick the wrong dresses and you can end up with a disjointed group that doesn’t sit well together or match your wedding theme. So, we’ve picked the brains of our bridal experts to find our how to get it right. They’ve curated a gorgeous selection of dresses below, in complementary colours and styles, to help you get the perfect array of mismatched bridesmaid dresses, long with a few styling tips that will help you bring the look together even more. So, here’s six great ways to mix it up…

1. Elegant greens

The mismatched look doesn’t necessarily mean a rainbow of colours. A subtle way to try the trend is to have similar dress styles in different shades of the same colour. Here we’ve combined elegant greens, using Reece in Olive Green and Rosa in both Dark Green and Sage Green. Both designs feature stunning (and very flattering) angel sleeves with a crossover bodice and softly draped skirt. We’ve also mixed the fabrics, with Reece in soft Satin and Rosa in lightweight chiffon. Why not let your maid of honour stand out in satin while your other maids wear chiffon in complementary shades?

2. Something blue

Another easy way to get the look is to mix designs and fabrics in shades of the same colour. To tie this look together we’ve used different shades of blue, which can look as amazing at an elegant modern do as it does at a rustic countryside celebration. Try Cornflower and Midnight Blue satin with chiffon styles in Light Blue, Royal Blue and Dark Navy. The contrast between the floaty chiffon and the sleek satin is fabulous, while the selection of design styles means there’s something to suit everyone’s likes and dislikes. 

3. Springtime pinks

Here we’ve gone for a similar idea but in delicate shades of pink, from blush and dusky pink to the lightest shade of soft champagne. This is a great choice for a spring or summer wedding, plus your maids will thank you for choosing such complexion flattering colours!

4. Contemporary neutrals

If you’d like to be a bit bolder with your colour combinations, how about this striking selection of neutral tones? This is a more contemporary take on the trend and will look great at a wedding styled with modern whites and greens or at a black tie event. Combining black, greens, grey and soft champagne is a confident mix that will ensure your wedding hits a high fashion note. 

5. Autumnal rust tones 

Here we’ve blended Light Champagne silk with burnt orange and Blush Pink chiffon in completely different styles. A magical look for autumn, these shades reflect the changing scenery and are the perfect selection for a rustic barn venue or vintage-style manor house. These colours are also an amazing choice for idyllic Golden Hour photos

6. The perfect pastels

Alternatively, if you really love the idea of mismatched bridesmaid dresses, then be brave and mix it up to the max. All the colours in our Infinite Collection are designed to work in harmony, so you really can’t go wrong. Here we’ve gone for a pastel colour palette that will look dreamy in spring or summer. Sage green, Blush Pink, Cornflower Blue, Light Champagne and Light Blue chiffon really are a match made in heaven. There’s also something there to suit every skin tone and a design for every figure.

How to tie the looks together…

Once you have your dresses, you can also use your maids’ flowers, accessories and more to tie the looks together, no matter how different the designs are. For example, give your maids matching accessories, like a hair clip, belt or necklace (which also makes a great thank you gift). Ask them to wear shoes in the same style and/or colour, too. Flowers can also help pull it all together. Have the same flowers for everyone or give them all different stems of your bouquet to add to the mismatch.

Make it fun

Above all, choosing your mismatched bridesmaid dresses should be fun, so make a day of it. Get your maids to come into store with you for a try on and get their input on styles they prefer, such as strapless, with sleeves etc. There’s no need to make an appointment at wed2b, so just come whenever you like! 

You can also preselect a range of dresses that work for you, then let your maids choose their favourites, so everyone gets something they’re happy with. Lastly, ask for help. Our bridal experts are great at suggesting different colours and styles that will not only work with your wedding theme but also your dress. So, don’t be shy, ask away!

Click here to check out all our options for mismatched bridesmaid dresses, then try on your favourites at your nearest wed2b store. Here’s what to expect when you visit, too. Lastly, for more inspiration, check out our Instagram, Facebook or TikTok accounts.