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.
It looks great on you the color, the style, love your hair up and your choice of accessories!
I never had one I could wear again. thats great
from the link up
please stop by, jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com/
What a beautiful dress! Love your accessories as well!
xo, Jane
http://www.fitfabfunmom.com
The dress is beautiful! And your makeup is flawless, girl! -xx
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
Such a cute look!! xo, Hayley http://www.dailydoseofdarling.com
That blue color is amazing and I love the jewelry!
That’s a lovely dress, and you look gorgeous! Never been a bridesmaid, but would don this any time in summer!!
Rosa
Styleyourselfinstyle.blogspot.com
This dress is gorgeous and love the jewelry too! They are perfect!
Xo
Ro
http://www.twentyeightvia.blogspot.com
This dress & color look stunning on you!
michellespaige.blogspot.com
Wow, love this dress. You look absolutely beautiful. I am looking forward to Thursday to see how you will style it. Kiss, Mel
http://www.livingoncloude9.com
Love how you styled this – and your hair is perfect! Can’t wait to see round 2.
Lisa @ Daily Style Finds
Gorgeous dress! I can’t wait to see Thursday’s look!
Love these pictures!!!
🙂
Valentina
http://fashionneed09.blogspot.it/2015/01/discounts-for-you-on-lastpriceit-winit.html
Not only have I heard “you can totally wear this again” but I’ve SAID that to my bridesmaids! LOL!
As I said on IG, this dress is absolutely gorgeous on you! The cap sleeves, the pockets and the beautiful cut and fit is perfect on you!
You are so chic! Lovely dress and jewelry!!!
Keep smiling!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Facebook
Oh gorgeous! I would be thrilled if I were a bridesmaid and THAT was the pick. You really could wear that again, it’s so elegant but not to frou-frou.
Love your dress!!
http://fashionwalkinbrussels.blogspot.com/
This dress is perfect on you! I love the color, too. Great choice to wear it with tights, it definitely dresses it up. Can’t wait for the next round!
Really a great dress, so chic!
Kisses
NEW POST
http://www.angelswearheels.com
You look so beautiful!! I have connected with you only after the onset of winters and it’s good to see you shedding all those layers for a change.
Hugs,
Tanya
http://tanyaanurag.blogspot.com/
Girl this dress is so amazing on you!
You look stunning in this.
You look beautiful here, Ashley! I totally would’ve though a professional shot you as part of a wedding party! 😀
I love this! I especially love this because I’m getting married in July and I refused to pick out a dress unless they promised it would be something they could wear again. Great series. 🙂
I love this look, Ashley! I am so excited to see what you put together for the more casual look!
You are beyond gorgeous!
And you did such a great job with this dress- it’s so pretty! I love the way you wore it! I could see this totally working over the holidays, or for a dressier shower. Great job!
Love this navy colour! The cut of the dress is so flattering and pretty xx
http://www.lulabelloves.com/blog
Cute dress!! I love that it has pockets!!
pinkandnavystripes.com
What a cute bridesmaid you are making right here, I love the color! Happy tuesday chica!
xo
Michaela
http://michaelajeanblog.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MichaelaJeanArt
My best friend is getting married in June and her bridesmaid dresses are so similar. Really the only difference is that ours have embellishment along the collar. We do have pockets and I was siked about that! Even the color is the same. I’m so excited to wear it and I know it will be worn again. (:
This dress is so elegant and chic – absolutely adorable!
Lu | http://www.balgarka.co.uk
Your earrings with that outfit looks amazing. Loving the color as well
K. of Pure & Complex
http://www.purecomplex.com
Love it! Seems like the fabric is high quality and so sleek. I could totally see this as being used for more than a wedding!
Chelsea
Chowing Down by the Bay
Ah! Gorgeous! Really perfect for the occasion! You look so divine!
♘ http://www.sugarpopfashion.com ♘
Love this! I could totally see this dress worn more that once!
xo,
Jacqueline
Stylin In St. Louis
You look stunning! The style and the color fit you so well! I would love to buy this as a bridesmaid. LOL
Edwige | http://www.hypnozglam.com
love that shade of blue x
http://only4feet9.blogspot.com
Love the dress, it fits you perfectly! The jewelry is gorgeous too!
xx
This is such a beautiful dress…I love the color!
OMG> You look amazing! This dress is gorgeous. Love how it has pockets, too! <3
– StyledByBlondie.com
Yeah I use to work at a bridal magazine and this trend has been around for a while and it is great. Bridesmaid dresses really have come a long way. LOVE your choice!
Allie of ALLIE NYC
allienyc.com
That’s the perfect bridesmaid dress. The best part is the back! Super sexy, but classy at the same time.
Gorgeous styling!
xo Pam
http://www.thegirlfrompanama.com
Oh Ashley you look so pretty! I love this dress and the way it is cut, super flattering dress!
Xo,’
Rachel Ashley
I adore the back of the dress and color on you! So chic!
xo | The Fashion Forecast
Wow, your dress is amazing, perfect look. *__*
Lovely greets Nessa
Hi sweetie
this dress looks amazing on you.
I love it
kisses
Maggie D.
Fashion Blog Maggie Dallospedale fashion diary
The dress you chose is very pretty and I love how you styled it. I can definitely see it working in a number of formal events.
You look so darling! I’m on the hunt to find the perfect bridesmaid dresses for my girls right now! 🙂
xo Jen
Skirt The Rules
How gorgeous is this dress?!! I love how you dressed it up, but I can’t wait to see it a little more casual. I tried to pick a bridesmaid dress for my wedding that people could wear again, but it does seem like everyone says that 🙂
xo,
Angela
You picked the perfect color for you! I am also digging your high bun..very chic look!
http://www.dressed2dnines.com