Wedding Bells

Modern Maids

Say goodbye to bad bridesmaid clichés and dress your best girls in stylish, up-to-date threads. By Nicole Keen

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For those of you who have seen the movie 27 Dresses, you’ll recall the priceless scene when Katherine Heigl’s character shows off a seemingly endless array of awful bridesmaids’ dresses. These terrible outfits vividly demonstrate all that’s wrong with the bridesmaids’ styles of the past: too costume-y, too bright, too big, too loud…just too much, in general! In order to make your best girls feel their most beautiful on your big day, it’s important to scale things back. Keep things modern by following these tips about what to choose and what to avoid!

Then: Full-length prom-worthy ballgowns.

Now: Chic cocktail-length dresses. This style is flattering, flirty and versatile, and your girls are much more likely to wear it again.

Then: Big, poufy shoulders.

Now: Delicate cap sleeves. Providing a bit more coverage than strapless, but with way less bulk, these sleeves are a great option for many different body types.

Then: Washed-out pastels.

Now: Bold, vibrant jewel tones. Outfit your girls in colours such as purple, chocolate brown and turquoise―the richer, the better.

Then: Shiny taffeta.

Now: Silky charmeuse. This fluid, form-fitting fabric is highly glamorous, hugging the body in all the right places.

Then: Dyed-to-match shoes.

Now: Super-hot metallics. Sexy strappy sandals or peep-toe pumps in shades of silver, gold and bronze complement dresses of any colour.