Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses: How to Nail the Look

All the ladies in the place with style + grace! And…different body types, unique style choices, a range of budgets, and individual personalities. There’s a reason mismatched bridesmaid dresses are practically taking over as the norm. We get it! There is hardly a perfect “Sisterhood of the Traveling Dress” that fits all your girls in both shape + style.

It’s helpful for your bridesmaids to choose a dress that fits them in every way and (spoiler!) it’s helpful for you, too. You put the power in their hands while taking the pressure off yourself to find something that everyone will love. At the end of the day, everyone will look + feel their best—and that’s something to celebrate on the dance floor.

How to Pull off Mismatched Bridesmaids

flowers: Shindig Chic photo: Jamie Lee English planner: Details, Darling

So, how do you accomplish a stylishly mismatched lineup and NOT a hodgepodged disaster? The line is THIN, ladies. But here are a few tips to remember when you’re laying out the options for the dresses. You’re well on your way to that Vogue-worthy bridesmaids shot!

1. Use Paint Swatches

A fun and sure-fire way to achieve the colors you’re looking for is to show AND tell. Take a trip to your local hardware store and pick the colors you envision! Then, make it fun and deliver the swatches to your ladies in a cute package when you ask them to join your bride tribe!

2. Give Specific Details

Do you care about the length of the dress? Sometimes keeping a similar length keeps everything cohesive while the dresses can vary on other factors. What about fabric—should they avoid tulle or velvet? Are patterns okay? Give your bridesmaids some ideas of what you do + don’t prefer.

3. Share the Overall Vibe

What is your wedding style? Is it a boho-chic wedding? Black-tie formal? Make sure they know the overall vibe to help inform the final dress decision.

4. Send Examples

Visuals are ALWAYS helpful…which is where we come in! Below we’ve got 20+ examples of how to do mismatched bridesmaid dresses the right way. Find your faves and share them with your girls!

There are four distinct categories for mismatched bridesmaid dresses: monochrome, complementary, patterns, and tonal. Below, we’ve got photo inspiration for each type and our purchasing tips to help you find the ones!

Monochrome Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses

Boho in White

photo: Lilly Red Creative dresses: Spell from this Byron Bay Boho Wedding

Terracotta Team

photo: Haley Rynn Ringo Photography from this Southwestern-Boho Wedding

Moody Mauve

photo: Lauren Apel Photo dresses: Free People, Show Me Your Mumu from this Moody Wildflower Wedding

Romantic White

flowers: Shindig Chic photo: Chris and Ruth planner: Sweet Emilia Jane

Divine in Dove Grey

photo: Palos Studio planning + design: Harmony Creative Studio flowers: Poppy Hill Flowers bridesmaids dresses: Show Me Your Mumu

Sequin Gold Glam

photo: Magnolia + Ember venue: Union Station Nashville

Babes in Black

photo: Jenny Smith & Co planning: Kea Thien venue: The Ruby Street florals: Walden Floral LA

Best Places to Buy Monochrome Bridesmaids Dresses

ASOS

Start with: Maxi Dress in Sage $103

Reformation

Start with: Winslow Dress $278

Show Me Your Mumu

Start with: Tuscany Maxi Slip Dress $188

Colors that Complement

Desert Rose

photo: Jenn and Pawel florist: Love Sparrows

Feeling Fall

photo: Jieru Photography dresses: Bella Bridesmaids from this Jewel-Toned Autumn Inspiration

Spring to Summer

photo: Alexandria Monette planning + design: Fawn Events florals: Joy of Blooms

Pretty Pastels

photo: Marnie Cornell dresses: Nordstrom from this Scandinavian-Inspired Wedding

All Earthy

photo: Gabriel Conover Photography planner: Simply Classic Events dresses: Free People, Nordstrom, Reformation, Bebe florals: Lazaro Floral hair: Jessica Cerna makeup: Van Nguyen

Best Places to Buy Complementing Bridesmaids Dresses

Reformation

Start with: Evelyn Dress $348

Free People

Start with: Temecula Maxi Dress $298

Anthropologie Weddings

Start with: Cali Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress $168

Patterns + Prints

Sunny Florals

photo: Ashley Goodwin Woods florals: Mandy Grace Designs

Spring for Florals

photo: Emily Magers Photography from this Pastel-Hued Wedding

Starry Night

photo: Zibetti Photo & Film dresses: Natalie Wynn Design from this Midnight Magic Inspiration

Bloom Babes

photo: Kami Olavarria

Dark + Stunning

photo: Jenny Smith & Co planner: Deanna Nash Events florals: Winston & Main

photo: Lauren Scotti dresses: GWSxMumu Blush Meadow collection see more of our bridesmaids dress collection here

Best Places to Buy Printed Bridesmaids Dresses

Spell

Start with: Sloan Soiree Dress $259

Revolve

Start with: X REVOLVE Teien Caftan $351

Show Me Your Mumu

Start with: Heather Halter Dress $178