How to Mix and Match Bridesmaid Dresses: 6 Tips and Tricks

Gone are the days of bridesmaids wearing the same dress and color to a wedding—mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses are here to stay!

Featuring stunning dresses with different textures, colors, styles, and necklines, mismatched bridesmaid dresses add a lot of character and creativity to a wedding. Plus, they let you highlight the best features of your bridesmaids.

If you're planning to get mismatched dresses for your bridesmaids but don't quite know where to start, I'm here to help you out. I've got ideas you’re sure to love.

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1. Same Color, Different Dress Styles

Instead of asking everyone to wear the same dress of the same color, why not switch it up and allow some creativity with dress types?

Choose one color and fabric style from one designer and let your bridesmaids pick a style that best suits their body shape. Short or long, open or closed, form-fitting or loose—anything goes, as long as they're using one color.

If you want to add a bit of harmony to your bridesmaid's dresses, ask them to add a matching design element to the fit. For example, you could ask them to add some ruffles to the dress or wear matching shoes or jewelry.

2. Same Dress Style, Different Color

Have you found a dress you absolutely loved but still want the aesthetic of mismatched bridal gowns? I've got just the solution for you: let them wear the same dress style but give them the freedom to choose their own color.

Unless you want to go for an all-rainbow vibe, it's always best to coordinate with your bridesmaids who wears what color. That way, no two colors are the same.

Decide on the color scheme with your bridesmaids and choose several variations until you reach a final decision.

Super feminine shades like pink, purple, and lavender are never a bad idea. Plus points if you opt for a beautiful "ombré" effect with the dresses.

Neutrals are a classic—gorgeous shades of beige, cream, taupe, gray, and brown. They're flexible, match almost every skin tone, and are easy to find. These colors fit perfectly with modern, royal, and vintage wedding themes.

You can even go for bold, jewel-toned colors, like amber, ruby, sapphire, and emerald. This scheme stands out in rustic weddings, glamorous weddings, bohemian weddings, and alternative weddings.

The key here is to look for color variations that work well together. Don’t underestimate the power of color schemes.

3. Same Texture, Different Dress Styles

Another great way to mix and match bridesmaid dresses is to mix and match dresses that share the same texture.

From chiffon to silk to sparkling sequins, you decide what texture best fits your wedding theme.

Using that texture, let your bridesmaids choose whatever dress design and color they want.

Whether it's cinched-in waistlines or v-necklines, anything goes—as long as they use the texture you've provided!

4. Same Dress Style But Different Textures, Patterns, and Colors

To pull off this look, find a salon that offers an in-house stylist to help you style the dresses together. Or look for brands that offer max and match styles as part of their collection.

This way, the dresses won't look too dissimilar to each other even with the difference in texture, pattern, and color. They're all made by the same designer, after all.

This mix-and-match method is a great way of giving each bridesmaid her own look, without spending hours searching for the right dress style.

The style is there - all your friends really need to do is choose the design, color, and texture that best suits their body shape and skin tone.

5. Different Dress Styles, Colors, Textures, and Patterns

Some find the thought of bridesmaids wearing completely different dress styles, with varying colors, textures, and patterns, almost sacrilegious. What's the point of having bridesmaids if they can't be differentiated from the guests?

Well, that's the exciting part. Even with different styles, colors, and textures, you can still create a harmonious link between the dresses. The secret is to mix within the same family of hues and textures.

Color Schemes For Mix and Match Bridesmaid Dresses:

To get started, choose a color scheme or a color combo:

Pastel shades of rose, peach, pink, and lavender.
Metallic shades of champagne, gold, and rose gold.
Neutral shades of taupe, beige, and cream.
Muted shades of gray, green, and brown.
Dark shades of red, burgundy, and maroon.

Bridesmaid Dresses For Different Shapes:

Once you've chosen your preferred color scheme, choose a style that fits each of your bridesmaids' silhouettes:

If your bridesmaid has a pear or triangle-shaped body, choose a dress with a strapless top or a v-neckline.
If she's curvy with proportionate hips and bust, choose a dress with a cinched-in waistline or a form-fitting top.
If she has a rounder body type, choose a dress that draws attention to her upper body—like a swing dress or a drop-waist dress.

Finally, add in some fun details like patterns (of the same family), sequins, ruffles, trims, and the like.

And there you have it! Though the dresses don't share the same appearance, they still share some aspects that link them to each other.

6. Same Dress Style and Color, But Different Necklines

You'd be surprised just how much a neckline changes the fit and look of a dress. Some necklines are more flattering on a certain body type than others. Choosing the right neckline for your bridesmaids' body type will help accentuate their best assets and create a balanced silhouette.

Here are the best necklines according to body type:

Crew/Jewel/Round neckline - Straight, Apple, Pear, and Hourglass
V-Neck - Straight, Inverted Triangle, and Hourglass
Scoop - Works for all body types
Wrap/Surplice - Straight, Apple, Pear, and Hourglass
Halter - Straight, Hourglass, Inverted Triangle
Off-the-Shoulder - Hourglass, Pear

Be Creative With Your Bridesmaid Dresses

You don't have to stick with the traditional same color and same dress, bridesmaids dresses. Let your creativity run wild and choose mismatched bridesmaid dresses that best fit the style and silhouette of your best pals!

As long as you tie the look together with shades of the same palette, patterns of the same family, or identical accessories, you’ll achieve a cohesive aesthetic that’ll match your wedding theme.