These 5 Bridesmaid Dress Trends Will Rule in 2021

The freshest colors, prints, and fabrics for a stunning lineup.

Updated on 05/12/21

If you’re saying “I do” in 2021, there’s so much to look forward to—especially if your plans were affected the past year. As with every new year, a fresh wave of wedding trends is upon us, from bridal gowns to table decor and floral arrangements. But the most important, if you’re having a wedding party, is the latest bridesmaid trends, and out the gate, we’re here to tell you: it’s all about dresses with uniqueness, be it an on-trend color, whimsical print, or a luxe fabric.

Depending on your wedding style, be it classic, bohemian, or glamorous, the choice of bridesmaid dress is a crucial element to consider for a cohesive feel, whether you’re planning for one or two maids or a more extensive lineup. The right choice will perfectly tie the details of your special day together, from the venue’s aesthetic to your ceremony attire. Even better if it feels fresh and on-point for the season, too.

For an expert take on the biggest bridesmaid trends in 2021, Lori Conley, BHLDN’s general merchandise manager, shares her top five predictions ahead. Whether you’re getting married in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, these bridesmaid dress trends will ensure a decidedly fresh look for your special day, with something to please every taste and budget.

Meet the Expert

Lori Conely is BHDLN and Anthropologie Wedding's General Merchandise Manager.

01 of 05

2021 Bridesmaid Trend: Mix, Not Match

Conley tells Brides, “Make your bridal party one worth remembering by mixing things up! We love the eclectic boho vibes that come to life when bridesmaids mix prints, fabrics, and styling to show their personality. The key to controlling the chaos? Set some boundaries on the color family to ensure that it feels cohesive.”

Reformation Juliette High Slit Sundress

reformation dress — Courtesy of Nordstrom

This sweetheart neckline is ultra-feminine and sweet. We love it mixed with shades of burgundy, blush, berry, and gold.

SHOP NOW: Nordstrom

Lulus I'm All Yours Burgundy Ruffled Maxi Dress

With flutter sleeves and a ruched bodice, this berry-colored maxi is so romantic. It pairs beautifully with shades of pink and yellow.

SHOP NOW: Lulus

NET SUSTAIN Peony Dress

Peony Wildflower Organic Cotton and Ecovero-Blend Dress, $405 — Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

This tiered floral dress is the perfect anchor to a mix of solid hues and printed motifs. It works well with a range of fabrics, too, from velvet to chiffon and satin.

SHOP NOW: Net-a-Porter

Needle & Thread Genevieve Ruffle Gown

For a black-tie wedding, this ruffled gown makes a striking statement. We love it paired with shades of pink, gold, yellow, and black.

SHOP NOW: Shopbop

02 of 05

2021 Bridesmaid Trend: Luxe Fabrics

“Velvet and charmeuse feel so rich and celebratory looking toward 2021—a year when we can’t wait to bring the party back to weddings,” Conley explains. “Charmeuse is perfect in drippy and flowy styles, like the silhouette of the moment—the slip dress—while velvet is best when featured in tailored styles and sleek silhouettes.”

Hemant and Nandita Veena Dress

This luxe velvet dress is the perfect print to tie a mixed bridesmaid palette together. We love it paired with greens, blues, pinks, and yellows.

SHOP NOW: Revolve

Birdy Grey Lisa Midi Dress

Modern and sleek, this slip dress is a versatile look for any wedding. Even better, it comes in four different colors, so you can mix and match the same dress in multiple hues or experiment with varying silhouettes.

SHOP NOW: Birdy Grey

Jenny Yoo Logan Velvet Maxi Dress

This velvet gown is the epitome of elegance, featuring clean lines and a plunging neckline and back. Try it with blush, green, and burgundy shades, and combine it with other luxe fabrics like chiffon and satin.

SHOP NOW: BHLDN

03 of 05

2021 Bridesmaid Trend: Greens & Blues

Conley tells brides, “Shades of green and blue feel like a fresh change of pace, as bridesmaids pallets have been dominated by pink hues for so long.” For spring and summer weddings, the BHLDN insider says sage, olive, and dusty blues will feel freshest. For autumn and winter? Emerald green and midnight blue are set to rule, with a seasonally appropriate mood.

BHLDN Tansy Satin Maxi Dress

This timeless gown is perfect for a classic wedding, with a touch of femininity via the ruffled neckline. The flowing length will beautifully sway all night long from the walk down the aisle to the dance floor.

SHOP NOW: BHLDN

DB Studio Ruffle Spaghetti-Strap Chiffon Dress with Slit

This mint-green gown will strike a chord on any bridesmaid as the cascading ruffles gracefully detail the neckline and hem. The thigh-high slit allows for easy movement, too, making small steps and spins entirely effortless.

SHOP NOW: David's Bridal

Amsale Kaia Bridesmaid Dress

This satin gown is perfect for a modern bridesmaid look—we instantly picture it for a black-tie city wedding. Available in a rainbow of shades, it’s an elegant choice, any time of year.

SHOP NOW: Amsale

Jenny Yoo Jamie Dress

Voluminous off-the-shoulder sleeves bring a trendy touch to this timeless and romantic bridesmaid dress. We love it mixed with floral prints and various pastel shades.

SHOP NOW: BHLDN

04 of 05

2021 Bridesmaid Trend: Neutrals

“The absence of bold color can make a statement all its own,” Conley says of neutral bridesmaid dresses for 2021. “Muted tones like champagne, nude, and even ivory can feel clean, crisp, and super modern.”

Birdy Grey Ash Cowl Neck Crepe Dress

birdy grey neutrals — Courtesy of Birdy Grey

Channel your inner '90s nostalgia in this gorgeous cowl-necked maxi dress. This dress makes a statement while still being minimal and neutral enough to be part of a mix-and-match bridesmaid look.

SHOP NOW: Birdy Grey

Self-Portrait Sequined Tulle Midi Dress

Your bridesmaids will be thrilled to wear this fanciful illusion midi dress, featuring sequin floral detailing and grosgrain ribbon straps. It’s perfect in the mix with shades of nude and ivory for a blended neutral palette.

SHOP NOW: MyTheresa

Staud Lilia Dress

This polka dot nude gown is an ultra-fresh take on bridesmaid attire with an ethereal feel. Mix it with various neutral shades in the spring, or sprinkle it in with black dresses for fall.

SHOP NOW: Amazon

Dress The Population Sandra Plunge Crepe Trumpet Gown

This nude gown is perfect for a minimalist bridesmaid look, featuring clean lines and a sweeping skirt. The plunging neckline and slit are indeed alluring, but not in an improper way.

SHOP NOW: Nordstrom

Azazie Mathilda Bridesmaid Dress

This one-shoulder bridesmaid dress is made for dancing, featuring a high-low hemline in swishy chiffon. With padding and boning throughout the design, it’s as flattering as it is comfortable for hours on end.

SHOP NOW: Azazie

05 of 05

2021 Bridesmaid Trend: Print

Prints on prints on prints are the trend for a personality-filled bridesmaid lineup in 2021, according to Conley. “Printed bridesmaid dresses bring so much personality and whimsy to a bridal party,” the merchandising manager explains. “Watercolor-inspired prints can be super dreamy feeling, while a bold graphic print can read very modern.”

Zimmermann Brighton Floral Cotton Midi Dress

This antique floral-print midi dress is perfect for a spring or summer wedding. We love it mixed with smaller floral prints and softer colors like blush and lilac.

SHOP NOW: MyTheresa

Prabal Gurung Tadia V-Neck Plissé Gown

For a bold summer bridesmaid look, this hand-dyed yellow gown is utterly striking. We like this gown best for a smaller lineup of two or three maids mixed with another color or subtle print.

SHOP NOW: The Outnet

White by Vera Wang Printed Asymmetric Ruffle Bridesmaid Dress

This sweet floral print gown is idyllic for a spring wedding, mixed with various motifs or soft solid shades. Dreamy shades of sage, burgundy, and rose will make for a beautiful combination.

SHOP NOW: David's Bridal

Hutch Alden Dress

This abstract pattern is a subtle way to approach print and versatile in combination with other motifs and textures. In deep emerald green, it’s one of our favorites for a fall bridesmaid lineup.

SHOP NOW: BHLDN