2011 Fall and Winter Bridesmaid Dress Trends

For the past few years, bridesmaid dress trends have been influenced heavily by the economic downturn and its aftermath. Though the economy is looking sunnier, a lot of the trends from previous seasons have held over and evolved into what bridesmaids will be wearing this fall and winter!

Length

The biggest trend in bridesmaid dresses has been knee-length dresses. Though many brides are still putting their bridesmaids in tea and floor length gowns, shorter lengths have become increasingly popular in recent years. Knee-length, cocktail-style dresses are much more likely to be worn again, so brides who want their bridal party to be able to reuse their dresses more easily have been moving toward shorter dresses. You can never guarantee wear ability for everyone, but by keeping reuse potential in the back of your mind, you'll be doing your bridesmaids a big favor.

Neckline

The strapless dress also still holds its own, for bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses. Many, if not most, of the dresses for fall/ winter 2011 are strapless, an elegant style that emphasizes the neck and shoulders in a classically feminine way. A strapless bridesmaid dress that has been properly fitted to its wearer is one of the most flattering styles around. Just be sure to invest in a quality strapless bra!

One-shoulder dresses are also rapidly growing in popularity. The unique, asymmetrical shape of a one-shoulder bridesmaid dress suits brides who want a bridal party with a fashion-forward edge. The single shoulder strap can be delicate, for a feminine look, or bolder, for a more sassy and urban appearance.

And below are some other neckline looks I’ve seen regarding bridesmaid dresses for this year:

• More rounded sweetheart neckline
• Halter styles using pleated chiffon
• Ruffled neckline
• Bateau neckline

Embellishment

Feminine touches like lace, floral, bead, and sequin embellishment are back in a big way, as are soft chiffons. Many bridesmaid dresses for Fall 2011 are somewhat more body conscious than in recent years, using sashes, bows, and ruching in order to emphasize the natural waist for a classic and feminine look.

Many dresses are being seen with:

• Pockets – creating a more casual feel, despite perhaps a floor-length or formal design
• Asymmetrical draping on the bodice - this can give the illusion of a smaller waist.
• Belts and Sashes
• Architectural fabric details (intricate folds, cascades and pleats) combined with romantic elements such as lace and embroidery.
• Draping that appears quite Grecian-inspired
• Bows and fabric petal and flower details
• Ruffled detailing
• Pleating

Color

Popular colors for Fall/ Winter 2011 are bright like apple green, fuchsia, coral, amethyst, emerald, orange, and yellow. These vibrant colors are also balanced out with muted, soft colors like grey, navy, and chocolate brown.

Fabric

Bridesmaid dresses this year mostly feature the usual silk, satin, lace, chiffon, crinkle chiffon and taffeta.