31 Best Short Bridesmaid Dresses of 2021

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Fame and Partners Floral Ruffle Tiered Dress — Courtesy of Fame and Partners

One crucial thing to know about bridesmaid dresses? They don’t have to be a long gown! Short bridesmaid dresses are an excellent option for a modern bridal party look, whether you’ve got a couple of petite girls in your lineup or you simply want a less formal option for your maids.

Not all short bridesmaid dresses are created equal, of course. There are above-the-knee silhouettes that are perfect for petite shapes; a long skirt can really overwhelm their frame, making a mini a super flattering choice. Knee-length styles are appealing on a range of body types, whether you choose a fitted sheath, fit-and-flare silhouette, or floaty and pleated style. Then, there are slightly longer versions like midi and cocktail dresses that are a more demure option if you want a shorter look; we love classic wraps, modern high-low hems, A-line shapes, and pretty tiered skirts.

From sweetheart, one-shoulder, and off-the-shoulder necklines to pastel colors, pretty prints, and rich jewel tones, here are our favorite short bridesmaid dresses for every aesthetic and budget.

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Most Romantic: BHLDN Shelley Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress

No happily ever after would be complete without the perfect bridesmaid dress. Here, a swoon-inducing silhouette is made even more exquisite by the addition of puff sleeves.

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For the Elegant Bridesmaid: Birdy Grey Lisa Satin Midi Dress Curve in Champagne

Master easy elegance in this luxe satin champagne slip dress, a flawless take for a minimalist bridesmaid look. The body-skimming silhouette includes a cowl neck design that can be dressed up or down with the right accessories.

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Best Velvet Dress: Jenny Yoo Lori V-Neck Velvet Dress

We're all in favor of having a crushed velvet moment, especially when you have a dress that packs this much drama. From the deep plunging neckline to the figure-enhancing shape and rich emerald hue, be prepared to command attention in this stunner.

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For the Timeless Bridesmaid: David's Bridal Off the Shoulder Pleated Short Bridesmaid Dress

This off-the-shoulder bridesmaid dress feels at once classic and modern. The ruched crisscross bodice perfectly highlights the waistline with a flowy and comfortable skirt.

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Best Mini-Length Dress: Reformation Floral Mini Dress

A floral bridesmaid dress is an effortless way to add some interest and dimension to a bridal party rocking the mismatched bridesmaid dresses trend. This mini from Reformation would pair nicely with solid colors in soft blush and deep red tones.

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Best Party Dress: Dress The Population Alicia Mixed Media Midi Dress

Dress The Population Mixed Media Midi Dress — Courtesy of Nordstrom

This A-line bridesmaid dress is a winner for a range of body types. The V-shaped neckline and simple bodice feel clean and modern while the lace hem adds a touch of whimsy.

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Best Budget: Boohoo Shoulder Pleated Midi Skater Bridesmaid Dress

We can picture this pastel blue bridesmaid dress on an entire bridal party in the spring or summer. We’re thinking of a cliffside wedding overlooking the ocean or for a ceremony in the sand.

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Best Floral Print: Fame and Partners Floral Ruffle Tiered Dress

This romantic and supremely sweet floral dress is a no-brainer for a spring or summer wedding. What's more, this style can be customized to your ideal length so you don't have to worry about alternations once you receive it.

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Best Slit: Dessy Collection Bustier Crepe A-Line Dress

We’re in love with this bustier-style bridesmaid dress that enhances curves and nips in at the waist. The high front slit allows for more than a flash of leg, but natural movement when the reception kicks off.

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Most Girly: Show Me Your Mumu Samantha Ruffle Wrap Dress

This luxe satin bridesmaid dress in rose gold is utterly romantic. With flirty ruffles and a high-low hem, you'll have the perfect opportunity to show off a pair of strappy stilettos. Perhaps our favorite part is the faux wrap that's secured with an elastic waist and sash.

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Best Plus-Size: ASOS DESIGN Curve Lace and Pleat Long Sleeve Midi Dress

This teal green bridesmaid dress is stunning, featuring a pleated design with long lace sleeves and unique side cutouts. It’s romantic yet sleek for a decidedly modern bridal party look.

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For a Wedding in the Countryside: Reformation Rosehip Dress

Whether you want a full line-up of floral bridesmaid dresses or need one or two to add to a mixed palette, this Reformation style is gorgeous. We love the straight neckline and fitted bodice for a clean look that perfectly tempers the bold print.

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Most Drama-Inducing: Giambattista Valli One-Sleeve Draped Silk-Georgette Dress

We love the idea of injecting a bright and bold splash of color into the bridal party look. Not only will it make for stunning wedding photos, but the bride's dress will really pop against the vibrant color

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For the Free-Spirited Bridesmaid: Dessy Bishop Sleeve Cutout Mini Dress

This fun and flirty dress features statement-making bishop sleeves, delicate ruffle trim, and skin-baring cut-outs perfect for the bridesmaid who's looking for a sophisticated dress with an edge of sexiness.

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Most Flattering: Name of Love Lola Bridesmaid Dress

Minimal and sleek, this bridesmaid dress feels both classic and modern. With wide straps and a round neckline, it flatters the upper body perfectly without feeling too bare. Even better is the full flowing skirt that features inverted front pleats for a unique look.

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Most Feminine: Plum Pretty Sugar Jesse Dress Cove Diaries

This below-the-knee dress is so romantic and modern, featuring a ruffled skirt and smocked back for a comfortable fit. If you love Plum Pretty Sugar's aesthetic, they also have tons of gorgeous bridal party robes to choose from.

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For a Wedding Under the Stars: Twobirds Mini Dress

This cap-sleeve bridesmaid dress in emerald green is beyond stunning. The crisscross detailing on the open back is even better from the back.

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Most Ethereal: Nouvelle Amsale India Bridesmaid Dress

Nouvelle Amsale India Bridesmaid Dress $160

This V-neck halter dress is so dreamy in an icy blue shade. It’s a beautiful uniform choice on a few bridesmaids or in a mixed palette of blues and prints.

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For the Classic Bridesmaid: Azazie Heidi Bridesmaid Dress

We love a sweetheart neckline for a romantic bridesmaid look, and this strapless style is a timeless take that feels simple, yet fresh. With varying heights in mind, this gown is designed with extra length so you can easily alter it for a perfect fit.

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For a Summer Wedding: Faithfull the Brand Jaclyn Dress Rocha Floral

Courtesy of Faithfull the Brand

For daytime casual nuptials by the bay, we recommend a subtle floral print that's equal parts sweet and feminine. This mini dress features a V-neckline and wrap-front style that laidback bridesmaids will appreciate. Add a pair of espadrille sandals to elevate your look or go barefoot in the sand.

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Most Frilly: Needle & Thread Arwen Midaxi Dress

Get ready to make magic: This frilly knee-length bridesmaid dress is practically made for a garden party wedding. With embroidered flowers, short flutter sleeves, and an ultra-flattering A-line silhouette, it's a bonafide showstopper.

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For a Beach Wedding: Farm Rio Hudson Floral Mini Dress

Headed to a tropical destination wedding? This mini dress exudes a carefree summery vibe perfect for a warm-weather ceremony. With flouncy ruffles, beaded tassels, and a flowerful print, it's as panache-packed as it gets.

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For a Black-Tie Wedding: Altress Jessica Strapless Bridesmaid Dress

Give them something to remember with this red strapless number featuring a corseted top and just the right amount of stretch. The knee-length pencil skirt makes for an easy transition from a black-tie ceremony to cocktail hour.

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For a Spring Wedding: Wtoo by Watters Short Bobbinet Dress

This lavender-hued bridesmaid dress is perfect for brides in favor of a spring wedding palette. The shirred waistband cinches in perfectly at the waist while the swingy skirt allows for ample movement (especially on the dance floor).

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For the Contemporary Bridesmaid: Babaton '90s Slit Dress

Searching for a bridesmaid dress that you'll look forward to wearing let alone wear again can be challenging, but this drapey high-slit number is about to become your new obsession. It's made from a stretchy matte satin and comes in a variety of muted pastel colorways, including this dusty pink hue.

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Best Colorway: David's Bridal Short Crinkle Chiffon Dress with Front Cascade

It's not often you find a strapless silhouette that flatters in all the right places, but this flowy chiffon dress manages to do just that. In addition to a sweetheart neckline, the short hemline and minty fresh hue make it perfect for a spring or summer wedding.

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Most Versatile: DB Studio Velvet Flutter Sleeve Midi Dress with Tie Waist

This faux-wrap dress is another silhouette that looks great on a range of body types. While the tie-waist accentuates your waist, flutter sleeves and a lavish velvet material err on the romantic side. Bonus: The tulip skirt and midi length allow movement.

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For the Petite Bridesmaid: TFNC Petite Bridesmaid Satin Long Sleeve Wrap Front Mini Dress

With long sleeves and a carefree wrap front design, this petite-sized satin bridesmaid dress is the bee's knees. Pair it with a coordinating bouquet and metallic sandals for a flawless look.

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Most Bohemian: Fame and Partners Smocked Front Dress

For a good twirl, look no further than this smocked front dress featuring puff sleeves and a gathered skirt. The dusty lilac color and breathable linen material make it appropriate for a late spring or early summer wedding.

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Best Slip Dress: Jenny Yoo Collins English Garden Print Dress

Live out your cottagecore dreams with this garden party-esque slip dress that's both captivating and elegant at the same time. A cowl neckline is accompanied by spaghetti tie straps and a blossoming floral print that calls to mind a wedding in the English countryside.

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Best Splurge: Brandon Maxwell Strapless Midi Cocktail Dress

Roll out the red carpet: This vibrant celery-hued cocktail dress by Brandon Maxwell will make you feel like a million bucks. A fitted bodice and back slit lend an air of sophistication that modern bridemaids will love.

Shopping FAQs

Considering short dresses for your bridal party? We've answered three common questions about short bridesmaid dresses.

Can bridesmaids wear short dresses? Always check with the bride first, but yes, short-length dresses are definitely an option for bridesmaids.
What are some short bridesmaid dress lengths to consider? There's no shortage of short dress lengths to take into consideration when bridesmaid dress shopping. Keep it playful with a mini or err on the side of tradition with a knee-length frock. Calf-grazing midis and tea-length dresses also come in a variety of styles and silhouettes. Looking to make a statement? Slits and high-low hemlines are an easy way to add some pizazz to your dress without adding length.
What are some factors to consider when deciding on the length of your bridesmaid dress? As a rule of thumb, the formality and dress code of the ceremony are a good place to start. Additionally, the location and weather conditions may influence the length of your dress. For an outdoor summer wedding or a destination wedding in an exotic locale, shorter dresses are more likely to keep you cool. Depending on your height, the length of your dress (mini versus midi) may also come into play. This especially rings true if you plan on showing off your shoes.

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