The 30 Best Modest Bridesmaid Dresses of 2021.

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bride and bridesmaids — Photo by Rachel Havel

Bridesmaid's duties come with a lot of responsibility, but one of the most enjoyable aspects is dressing up and standing alongside the happy couple as they say, "I do." Such a love-filled occasion, of course, calls for a beautiful dress — one that's most often chosen by the bride. Whether the bride's taste tends more conservative or the couple has selected a traditional venue that calls for total sophistication, a modest bridesmaid dress is undoubtedly best. Think high necklines, covered shoulders and sleeves, and longer hemlines.

As a bridesmaid, this doesn't mean you'll look frumpy or unfashionable. Quite the opposite as many modest bridesmaid dresses are sleek, timeless, and incredibly elegant — what more could you ask for in occasion attire? Even better, the latest fashion trends take inspiration from decades past, including high necklines and long puffed sleeves á la the '80s and '90s.

From pretty pastels to elegant jewel tones, flutter sleeves to trendy puffs, and knee-length, midi, and maxi lengths, keep scrolling to discover 30 beautiful modest bridesmaid dresses for every budget.

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BHLDN Leyden Satin Midi Dress

Modest doesn't always mean maxi. Case in point: this emerald green midi dress with trendy puff sleeves and ruches detailing.

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Lulus Glamour Galore Blush Pink Button Back Maxi Dress

This blush dress is beautiful for a spring or summer wedding and comes in a range of sizes, from XS to 3X. The minimal design is pretty as ever, featuring a bateau neckline, three-quarter length sleeves, a scoop back decorated with a row of covered buttons.

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Birdy Grey Kae Dress

Sweet and sophisticated, this airy chiffon dress comes in tons of colors, whether you're part of a matching bridesmaid lineup or a mix-and-match group. Fun fact: the floor-sweeping skirt features iPhone-friendly side pockets—we love to see it!

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Rhode Serena Ruffle Midi Dress

We love this lagoon-colored dress for fall or winter weddings — the elegant sheen feels perfectly festive for a holiday-timed celebration! It's ultra-romantic, too, with cascading tiers of ruffles on the skirt.

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Aura Elara Bridesmaid Dress

This wine-colored gown is so timeless, with clean lines and a straight neckline. The back elegantly dips into a mid-back scoop for a modern touch.

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Sachin & Babi Allie Gown

In an ethereal shade of green, this elegant gown channels a modern goddess vibe. The V-shaped neckline and puffed sleeves feel fresh yet sophisticated, while the subtly flared skirt flows effortlessly for easy movement.

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Diarrablu Sustainable Aysha Dress

If you're seeking out a sustainably made bridesmaid dress, look no further than this wrap style by Diarrablu. With three-quarter-length sleeves and an elasticized waistline, it's as comfortable as it is refined.

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David's Bridal 3/4-Sleeve Illusion Lace and Mesh Bridesmaid Dress

There's nothing as lovely as lace for a wedding, and when modest is the goal, a long-sleeve dress is a perfect choice. This navy style features a V-back, ribbon-defined waist, and a slit in the skirt for easy movement (don't worry, it's not too risqué).

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Rebecca Taylor Simone Fleur Dress

A floral-print bridesmaid's dress always feels fresh, whether mixed with solids or coordinating motifs. This style airs on the modest side thanks to the flutter sleeves, gathered neckline, and flowing midi skirt — a look we love for a fall or winter wedding.

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Coyan Pia Dress

You'll stun in this luxurious silk satin gown, which offers modest coverage thanks to the high neckline and cap sleeves. A side slit gives it a modern touch without feeling revealing — you'll be able to dance the night away in this number!

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Azazie Kara Bridesmaid Dress

Pretty pleats and beaded detailing gives this bridesmaid's dress stand-out quality. Whoever said modest dresses were boring, never set eyes on this number!

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Reformation Winslow Dress

This wrap dress features dramatic kimono sleeves, a flattering V-neckline, and semi-sheer toeing modern and modest lines. For more coverage, opt for a full-length slip underneath.

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ML Monique Lhuillier Lace Tiered Midi Dress

pink pleated dress — Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Lean into romance with this lace midi dress with a beautifully tiered skirt, rounded neckline, and tie waist. Though the puffed sleeves are sheer, the rest of the dress is fully lined.

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Wayf The Bea Faux Wrap V-Neck Dress

With puffed sleeves and a faux-wrap design, this dress is at once timeless and modern. The full-length satin silhouette is perfectly elegant for a wedding while being versatile for many more events down the line.

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DB Studio T-Shirt Sleeve Stretch Crepe Dress with Slit

Simple, yet so elegant, this cap-sleeve gown is a classic stunner. The luxe stretch crepe fabric is wildly comfortable, while the scooped back and slit modernize the overall look.

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Mumu Weddings Emily Empire Maxi Dress

This emerald green gown is stunning for a fall or winter wedding, featuring a comfortable empire waist and sheer flutter sleeves. It also comes in a range of colors from pretty pastels to other jewel tones, even black and white!

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ASOS DESIGN Curve Maxi Dress

This under-$100 dress epitomized modern elegance, featuring a round neckline, batwing sleeves, and a wrap-waist design. Style yours with silver for a black-tie wedding, and don't forget the jewels!

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Eloquii Flare Sleeve Wrap Dress

For a daytime wedding in the spring or summer, this frilled wrap dress is spot on. The cascading ruffles and high-low hemline feel utterly fresh, while the midi silhouette and sleeves ensure total sophistication.

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Tove Ines Cowl Buttermilk Cupro Dress

For a minimalist wedding, this high-neck dress is exquisite as a bridesmaid dress. The clean lines are impeccable, while the cowl shape is fluid and feminine — the perfect mix of details for a one-of-a-kind look.

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Amsale Marie Dress

With a cowl neckline dress and cap sleeves, this A-line dress is so elegant in liquid satin. Even better is the pretty shade of slate, which works well in any season.

The Ultimate Guide to Bridesmaid Dress Shopping

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Khloe Jaymes Caitlyn Bridesmaid Dress

Minimal yet feminine, this column dress is totally timeless. The asymmetrical double ruffles perfectly offset the A-line skirt for a modern touch, while the cap sleeves and V-neckline appear classic as ever.

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Watters Jay Dress

For a luxe look in fall and winter, it doesn't get more exquisite than sumptuous velvet. This dress features a high neckline and cap sleeves with a back cut-out for an unexpected touch.

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Marchesa Notte Ruffled Multi-Option Sleeve Bridesmaid Dress

Deeply romantic, this floral-print dress is a gorgeous all and winter bridesmaid look. It also comes in lighter hues for warmer seasons. Or! You can embrace a mixed bridesmaid look by combining a few at once.

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Needle & Thread x Jasmine Hemsley Yellow Dress

Needle & Thread x Jasmine Hemsley Earth Garden Lace-Trimmed Embroidered Tulle Midi Dress $475 — Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

If intricate details are your taste, look no further than this embroidered tulle midi dress in buttercup yellow. When you look closely, you'll notice the palm leaves and blooms, made from recycled fibers.

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David's Bridal Mesh Illusion Long Sleeve Bridesmaid Dress

This full-length gown is plenty modest, but long sheer sleeves bring a freshness to it that feels entirely modern for any bridesmaid. This number also comes in a rainbow of colors from pastels to jewel tones and neutral shade.

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Jenny Packham Flutter Sleeve Open Back Chiffon Cocktail Dress

A modest bridesmaid dress doesn't have to be floor-grazing, as proven by this knee-length silhouette by Jenny Packham. The high neckline and defined waist are elegantly offset by the open back — a lovely option for a day or evening wedding in any season.

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Jenny Yoo Gia Dress

Sleek and minimal, this gown proves that a sleeveless silhouette can still appear modest. Unique touches include an elegant diamond-shaped open back and a fitted bodice for a flattering shape.

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A.L.C. Isabella Dress

Modest, but make it fashion-forward in this stretch satin midi dress. With a mock neck, long, puffed sleeves, and ruched detailing, you'll stand out in the distinctive but still-demure design.

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Joanna August Kimberly Dress

Delicately puffed cap sleeves give this high-neck dress a whimsical touch. We love the side slit that allows for easy movement without an on-display feel.

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English Factory Swiss Dot Smocked Maxi Dress

This sweet swiss dot frock is utterly romantic for a garden or backyard wedding. Wear yours with simple strappy block heels to round out this effortlessly chic look.