A Guide to… Bridesmaid Fashion (Part Two)

So a couple of weeks ago I announced my pride at (finally) being a Bridesmaid! I also then followed this by announcing myself as somewhat of a connoisseur with regards to all things Maiden… *ahem*

You see, I’ve now experienced this topic from both sides – as the Bride wanting her girls to shine and as the Maid, wanting to please my fabulous Bride-to-be. So, if you didn’t read my guide to shopping for said Bridesmaid attire then check it out here! I promise it’s a plethora of top tips my friends!

But today, oh today… It’s all about the fashion.

From Boho to City through to Vintage – I’m covering all six Coco Style categories to give you a little inspiration for your chosen wedding style.

Ready…?

Come on girls…

Quite possibly my favourite style… Bohemian Beats.

Wait, hang on. It’s too early to cash my chips isn’t it!

But look, just look… Pretty yes…?

For your Boho babe think floaty, sheer and feminine – albeit with an edge. Fabrics should be unstructured and all about the texture – from lace, to crochet to girly Broderie Anglais. Think fresh whites, dusky greys and soft peach – all perfectly appropriate for your woodland nymphs. This is without doubt the style to go hell for leather on floral crowns – think oversized, voluptuous and dramatic. Or for something different why not try feathers braided into loose flowing locks.

I like this style. A lot.

Top Row Left: Image via Hello May. Top Row Right: Image by Logan Cole. Second Row Left: Image via Pinterest. Second Row Right: Image via Pinterest. Bottom Row Left: Image by Hawes Photography. Bottom Row Right: Image via Stylishells. 

I’ve said it once but I’ll say it again, for me the City Chic wedding pushes the boundaries of traditional.

With a wide scope of options – from the fun to the super chic – you and your city girls can add a dash of individuality to the Bridesmaid attire.

Why not go for short and sassy in colourful brights such as these coral beauties below, or maybe a dash of cool elegance in a slick black number. How about fun and flirty in tulle – I think this über girly fabric looks incredible juxtaposed against an industrial venue! Or maybe opt for full on fashionista in a metallic leather maxi skirt or bejewelled statement bib.

Your girls will most definitely be thanking you…

Top Row Left: Image by Esther Sun Photography. Top Row Right: Image via Etsy. Second Row Left: Image by Craig + Kate Photography. Second Row Right: Image via BHLDN. Bottom Row Left: Image via Flickr. Bottom Row Right: Image The Glamourai.

My heart literally skips at the idea of a Coastal Cool wedding… Because let’s face it, Mermaids rock.

For me, I’ve always been drawn to the romantic, windswept and moody elements of a seaside wedding and it’s this that forms the inspiration behind this particular Bridesmaid edit…

Look to a palette of soft seafoam greens, pale seashell pinks and greying blues… For a touch of embellishment why not let your girls glisten in pearl encrusted gowns, or to emulate the waves look for ruffles and billowing silks.

I lust after a bouquet of wispy Astilbe… The perfect companion, don’t you think…?

Top Row Left: Image by Austin Gros Photography. Top Row Right: Image by Tec Petaja. Second Row Left: Image by Jose Villa. Second Row Right: Image via Two Birds on a Branch Tumblr. Bottom Row Left: Image via Pinterest. Bottom Row Right: Image by Jose Villa. 

A thoroughly modern miss with just a touch of vintage flair… That’s your Modern Vintage maid.

From ’30’s elegance in silks and ostrich feathers, to ’40s full skirted proms dresses, through to the ever so sexy ’50s style wiggle numbers – pattern and print is your friend. Think polka dots and florals with mismatching accessories. If you want to go subtle how about focusing on hair and makeup – a bold red lip and a beautiful soft pinned curl is enough for an up-to-date vintage look.

But me…? I’m personally loving these beautiful Jackie-O-esque jackets worn by the Bride and her Maid.

Far. Too. Cool.

Top Row Left: Image by Dan O’Day. Top Row Right: Image via Wedding Chicks. Second Row Left: Image by Lara Hotz Photography. Second Row Right: Image by Shell De Mar. Bottom Row Left: Image by Christopher Currie. Bottom Row Left: Image by Photos by Zoe.

This girl is the Princess of Classic Elegance…

Think simple and chic chignons, or side-swept tresses in glossy curls. Classic details such as perfectly placed bows, delicate lace sleeves and structured fitted bodices. Your Classic Elegance Maid will be a detail fiend, coveting beautifully manicured nails and flawless dewy makeup, and accessories will be refined such as polished pearls or dazzling diamonds.

Yep, this is one gorgeous gal and the epitome of the graceful, traditional bridesmaid…

Top Row Left: Image by Odalys Mendez. Top Row Right: Image by AngelWorx. Second Row Left: Image by Katie Lopez Photography. Second Row Right: Image by Jen Huang. Bottom Row Left: Image by Verve Photo Co. Bottom Row Right: Image by Austin Warnock Photography.

The Rustic Romance fashion is all about mirroring the seasons and the surrounding nature…

Play with your palettes – use bright corals and sky blues to reflect hazy summer days, or a opt for a stunning array of jewelled jades and deep berries for an autumnal twist. Bouquets should have a handpicked feel and be influenced by the seasonal blooms on offer… Fancy stepping away from the traditional…? Then how about beautiful wrist corsages instead, a look chosen for my own fair Maids. If you want to step up the fashion element then the mismatched trend has been key and it’s not going away for 2014! But look for new ways to shake it up – I’m loving the two-piece option of a maxi skirt and silken camisole.

Naturally beautiful… don’t you think…?

Top Row Left: Image via Brides of Adelaide. Top Row Right: Image by Elisa Bricker. Second Row Left: Image by Jose Villa. Second Row Right: Image by Edyta Photography. Bottom Row Left: Image by We Not Me Collective. Bottom Row Right: Image by Lili Durkin.

So there you have it… My Bridesmaid fashion picks.

Which style are you and your girls going for…?

Have you started the shopping yet…?

Is your venue influencing your maiden attire…?

I’d of course love to know!

For even more Bridesmaid fashion hop across to the Coco Pinterest, here you will also find beautiful inspiration for each of the six Coco Styles!

Lots of love…