potential bridesmaids dresses

for my two bridesmaids, who are my sisters. They are both shorter/skinnier than me (ETA: also both younger than me). My wedding colors are plum/leaf green, and I think we are going to do plum for the dresses. Wedding is outdoors and my dress is not super formal, so I don't want anything too fancy for bridesmaids either.

1. J Crew Lucienne dress in spiced wine. Is the one shoulder thing weird? Also kind of expensive. There's other styles in the same collection, is there one you guys like better?
http://www.jcrew.com/wedding/W...../47995.jsp

2. Ann Taylor silk dress in Damson. On sale.
http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....Color=1463

3. Hailey by Adrianna Papell in eggplant. I feel like this looks good on the model but might be too bombshell IRL. I know on me it would be. I think my sisters might prefer chiffon. The price is great though.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....sultback=0

Any other suggestions?

ETA: added an image with the wedding colors.

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12 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

Are your sisters hourglassy and shortwaisted like you? I like #1 a lot because it does not have the wide banded waist. The strap placement could possibly make a bra more difficult... This one is kind of like #2 but without the big band in the middle.
http://www.jcrew.com/wedding/W...../47993.jsp

I like how the layers and straps on #3 kind of mirror your dress... but then at the same time it is bombshelly and IDK I think I'd prefer for the bride's dress to stand out and be different.

Amy

Have you asked them what they'd prefer to wear?

I like the look of the first two. The third looks fussy to me. I would be concerned about what sort of bra to wear with #1. I hate wearing strapless bras. I think I like #2 best. I just wish the color weren't quite that dark.

Diana

I think they like the first two. Actually one of them initially sent me a different J Crew dress that was strapless and looked way too prom to me. =P Both of them are skinnier and straighter than me, but both are also shorter than me. I like that the JC and AT both come in petites.

ETA: Rae, I looked at that JC dress too but I actually have a very visceral poison reaction to that type of center front seam so it's a definite no for me.

rachylou

The J. Crew one kind of appeals to me, but I think the AT dress may be an easier dress in general to wear. Easier to throw a sweater over, etc. etc.

Kristin L

I like both #1 and #2. Which one do you think your sisters will get more wear out of later?

Anonymous

Do they have to match? I would just allow them to pick, within the same color tone. It looks fresher that way.
ETA: Sorry, I did not give my preference. I like #1 a lot but #2 is more universally flattering.

MsMary

Oh, wow. I love, love love your wedding colors!

If I were a bridesmaid I would have a strong preference for #2. It seems much less fussy than the others.

christieanne

I like Zap's idea unless you really want them to match - in similar colors they will coordinate but their personality will show through. Of the three dresses, I like #2 - it is simpler and seems less "cocktail" than the others which would be good for outdoor wedding.

amiable

I vote #2 - the color is great, and it doesn't scream "bridesmaid", so it might get more wear, plus it seems perfect for an outdoor, not-too-fussy affair.

Sona

another #2 fan!

Glory

Another vote for 2 but I also like 1 quite a bit. Will 2 be too low cut? that is my only concern on a small frame, but you mentioned they might come in petite.

#2.

Thistle

Have you asked your sisters?

Me, personally, I would prefer #2. No need for special bras and such, and it looks like it would require less care throughout the event.

I also think #2 is more universally flattering.

Love your wedding colors, btw!

I like 2 also!

OK, so #3 is definitely out.

They have said that they like both #1 and #2. I think I might just let them choose. As Zap says, there is no need for them to be wearing the same dress if they don't want to

On a related note, do the colors of #1 and #2 go together?

Oh, I definitely think 1 and 2 go together color-wise. I like that they're not exactly the same. One's brighter, one's more subdued.

Do you think they'll choose the same one?

Yes, they go. It will look really good. I actually like to use different tones of the same color for the events I have planned. It makes for a much more interesting composition, rather than if I use the exact same shade throughout. You can even pick a bit of the two colors for their bouquets, along with the ivories and the greens, if you want to unify them somehow.

ETA: I just noticed your design vignette. That's exactly what I'm talking about.

Ooh, yes, one of each would be fun! Just like in your collage, the different shades seem like they will be harmonious and also add a little depth and artistic flair.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

The colours in #1 and #2 totally work together! And I'm glad that you asked your sisters what they want to wear. Gorgeously Grecian!

Suz

Lovely colours!! And I also love the idea of letting them pick within these choices. This way they can try on -- maybe what works for one won't work for the other, or maybe they'd just like to look different!

lyn*

I'm so glad - both #1 and #2 are quite lovely!

Thanks everyone for your opinions. They've both ordered #2, which seemed to be the favorite here as well. With the flash sale last night it came out to only $80 each! Hope they work out.
We are thinking nude shoes, since they both have them already.

Great news, that was an awesome price too.
I like the choice of color for shoes too.

jess

Member

all of these dresses are lovely, good choices! but number 2 is my favorite, for all body shapes, as the others could become unflattering on different body shapes.

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