During the inevitable, “Will you be my bridesmaid?” speeches of your twenties, the topic of repeat wearability will surface. “What I love about the bridesmaid dresses I picked are you can totally wear them again!” brides will squeal, as they pull fabric swatches from their purses or call up dress screenshots on their smartphones.
This is a lovely sentiment, indeed– because no one really wants to drop some serious coin on a dress they can never wear again. But is it possible? Can you actually wear a bridesmaid dress again?
I joined forces with Sorella Vita to find out. They were kind enough to let me choose from their gorgeous bridesmaid dresses with the idea of styling a dress both for wedding and non-wedding events.
Having the perfect formal occasion dress in your closet is a must– when you’re in your teens and early twenties, it’s about proms, homecomings, and maybe a Greek formal here and there. As you move into proper adulthood, those events become weddings, fancy New Year’s Eve parties, and the occasional dressy work event. Having a formal dress in your closet is super convenient and means you’re always ready for the next ribbon-wrapped invitation in the mail.
Right away, I loved the classic cut of this navy bridesmaid dress; a boat neck, cap sleeves, pockets, and an easy length. A deep v in the back meant showing a bit of skin, but not so much you need to shop for a special bra (praise). This particular navy had more midnight in it than most, with a touch of teal in certain lighting– all done up in heavy satin that held its shape. (No flimsy fabric here.)
To wear it the traditionally (ie, as part of a wedding party), I immediately pictured the dress with a topknot (to show off that great neckline) and statement earrings. Tights + black pumps to let the dress shine, with a neutral pink lip.
The result? A dress that works for both your friend’s wedding (as a maid or a guest), an anniversary dinner, or a dressy birthday celebration.
Shop the look:
Want to see how I wore this same navy number for something not quite as formal? Check back Thursday for round 2!
Linking up with Style Elixir, Walking in Memphis in High Heels + The Fashion Canvas, I Do DeClaire, Bless Her Heart Y’all + 2 Cats & Chloe, Bloggers Who Budget, Induffinitely Me, Mama and More, Sew Crafty Angel, Get Your Pretty On, Because Shanna Said So, Design Life Diaries + Posh Pair, Pumps and Push Ups, The Mummy Chronicles, and The Pleated Poppy.
*Sorella Vita sponsored this post, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Blue is definitely your color! You look stunning!
Jill
Doused In Pink
this dress is gorgeous you look fantastic I love the backand the material of the dress!
You look gorgeous and so classic here. I love the color of dress you chose, so so pretty! I can’t wait to see how you make this look more casual. 😀
I really like it !!! 🙂
http://www.aishettina.blogspot.it
Ashley you styled this look perfectly!
It’s the statement that every bride says “oh you can wear it again.” I let my girls pick their own so hopefully they can wear it again. Love this little navy dress, it’s very wearable!
Xoxo,
Whitney & Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
That neck line is really pretty on you! I love that it has pockets, too! What a great feature.
Now this is a dress that can definitely be worn again!!! I love the back on the dress -it looks great on you!! xo, Biana – BlovedBoston
This dress is very classic but still modern! I love it on you! Great jewelry too- your Baublebar collection is amazing!
I love this outfit.
Your hair looks gorgeous up and I love how you have accessorised. .
Jennifer Jayne xx
jenniferjayne.blogspot.co.uk
This is a cute little dress and I love the back.
xo
PinkSole
What a beautiful and classic dress! Now THIS is a dress that bridesmaids would wear again and again and keep in their closets forever!
lovejoanna.com
Hmmm I’m still a bit skeptical- I’ve got about four in my closet that say it can’t be done, but the dress is great and you look beautiful!
http://www.hollandsreverie.blogspot.com
We’ll see if I can pull it off on Thursday! 🙂
The fit of this dress is so flattering on you! And the color is beautiful!
You look gorgeous & this is one of the prettiest bridesmaids dressed I’ve ever seen because it’s simple and so chic!! It can be worn for any formal event really.
Marta
http://www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com
What a cute dress. It’s simple and classic and can easily be made dressier/formal with gorgeous jewelry. Love it.
http://www.stylegonerogue.com (new post)
Very elegant look! So cute smile)
mary-tur.ru
You look so beautiful <3
http://www.theeche.com
Absolutely LOVE that dress! So cute with the tights and top knot!
xx, Leah / Eat Pray Wear Love
Wow…you look so chic…love that color on you!
http://www.fashionpumpkin.com
I am in two weddings this fall. I told the brides point blank, stop pretending your dress is the best. It’s not but I will wear it. Thankfully, they all get me and why know why I said it. Now, this dress… I would wear again!
This is a beautiful dress! I love the colour and the neckline. And I can totally see it being worn again. I think one of the keys is being able to choose a shorter dress OR have a longer one hemmed. I think that helps to make it more versatile!
https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com
So gorgeous girl! Love a bridesmaid dress that you can always wear again! This one is so beautiful
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
What a great dress – and definitely wearable beyond a bridesmaid a dress. That surprise dip in the back totally makes it for me. That and the pockets!
Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines
Amazing look and accessories! Beautiful makeup too! 🙂
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xoxo,
Jessica
This is such an amazing dress on you! I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a color like that- it’s definitely a navy and teal combination and it’s so pretty!
I’m LOL-ing at your rendition of brides sharing how you can wear the dress again. Too true!! But I have to say, this style looks very sophisticated and like it would work for all of those proper, grown-up events!
Gina – On the Daily Express
This is very cute on you!!
Kristina does the Internets
Wow, your look is amazing. I adore the dress!
Alessia
THECHILICOOL
FACEBOOK
Kiss
What a beautiful bridesmaid dress! You look great in that hair style!
~Tatiana
We Shop in Heels
You look great! Love everything about this look – from the hair to the heels!!
xo Emily & Elizabeth
http://www.fashioncolumntwins.com
Love this bridesmaid dress. Excellent choice! It would be perfect for a cocktail party as well!
This dress 100% works outside of a wedding! I think it’s gorgeous and that color is perfect on you!
Jacy
http://www.lovelenore.com
What a great classic look! You look fantastic!
dress is so gorgeous and I love that it have pockets, I think any dress & skirt should come with pockets.
xoxo
Ramona
http://www.ramona-strikeapose.blogspot.ie
Super cute!! I have reworn a bridesmaid dress before to a wedding! I think depending on fabric you can really make it work. PS. Are you going to the KC Blogger Event next Friday? Hope I will get to see ya!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
Ohhh this is a great dress! Totally perfect for any formal event, yet also a great bridesmaid dress. I love the sleeves and the v back. That is the perfect touch! You look gorg as usual my friend!
Amy Ann
The Real Arnolds
Gorgeous dress Ashley! I think night blue is the most elegant color!
Don’t Call Me Fashion Blogger
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Hello sweetie, I want to invite you to join my giveaway, you can win a lovely necklace! 🙂 I hope you join and I hope you win, good luck! By the way Love this post!
Fashion gets Fierce Giveaway.
So elegant! I am loving the color, too.
The classic pumps really work with such a cute dress like this- and I am absolutely love the jewelry you wore with it!
Love this dress! I’m in the process of looking at bridesmaid styles for my own wedding. I can’t decide the color though!
This is a gorgeous dress and I totally think it will be easy to re-wear! So far, I have only reworn one of my bridesmaid dresses haha!
I mean it has pockets! That back V on that dress is stunning!
That color is stunning on you!! There are so many less than desirable bridesmaid dresses out there!
xx,
La Joie de Vivre
Such a pretty dress! Love the v-back and you look gorgeous as always!
xo Southern Style
Girl I love how you styled it and I do think you could totally rock this to a wedding as a guest or a maid! What a cool concept!
xo,
Cait
http://www.sophisticaited.com
You look so pretty! I think certain dresses can be worn again and you picked a great one! I love everything about this outfit, especially your adorable hair style!
~~Megan~~
http://www.poshprime.com
You look gorgeous! Such a pretty dress and love the colour. x
http://www.beyondthevelvet.blogspot.co.uk
This color looks amazing on you!
http://www.girlinahotcity.com