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Courtesy of Claire Pettibone
Unique and personalized looks are a key consideration when it comes to styling your bridal party. And a super-sophisticated way to do that is to put them in a two-piece outfit instead of a traditional bridesmaid dress. We’re talking mix and match top and skirt styles, convertible or illusion dresses, and pantsuits. According to Dina Gundy, director of marketing at Jenny Yoo, this is a creative way to create a bespoke bridal party style that’s easy to wear—and re-wear—after your wedding day.
Meet the Expert
Dina Gundy is the director of marketing for the New York-based bridal wear label Jenny Yoo. The brand is loved for its bridal and bridesmaid designs which feature luxury fabrics, modern silhouettes, and inclusive sizing with many dresses available up to size 32.
“Going with a two-piece look or separates is actually a very smart style choice,” says Gundy. “We offer a range of very wearable tops and skirts which can be combined to create beautiful bridesmaid looks that flatter every body shape and size. Choosing separates is a fun way for a bride to really add personality to her bridal party.”
We’ve done the work for you and shopped for the best two-piece bridal party styles to suit every wedding, from fabulous and formal to breezy destination beach celebrations.
Best Sparkle: ASOS Design Sequin Top And Tulle Maxi Skirt
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Courtesy of ASOS
Runs: True to Size | Size: UK 4-16 | Materials: Tulle, satin, and sequins | Length: Floor length
Sequins are always a great idea and this shimmering cropped top also has a satin bowtie back. Pair it with a flowing tulle skirt for a bridesmaid style that is totally fab.
Price at time of publish: $64 for Sequin Top, $64 for Tulle Maxi Skirt
Best Lace Set: Claire Pettibone Genevieve Embroidered Top And Helena Skirt
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Courtesy of Claire Pettibone
Runs: True to size | Size: 0-18 | Materials: Lace and velvet | Length: Floor-length
If vintage is your wedding vibe, these exquisite lace and velvet separates are a perfect choice. Both pieces are timeless classics that will make a beautiful addition to every occasion dressing wardrobe.
Price at time of publish: $865 for Embroidered Top
Most Romantic: Needle & Thread Elizabeth Rose Corset Ankle Gown And Midaxi Cape
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Courtesy of Needle & Thread
Runs: True to size | Size: S/M-M/L | Material: Tulle | Length: Ankle
Bring the drama to your bridal squad with this sweeping tulle dress and cape combo. This two-piece look is perfect for an elegant, English garden-inspired party.
Price at time of publish: $809 for Corset Ankle Gown, $189 for Midaxi Cape
Best Bow: Lulus Spanish Steps Tie-Front Two-Piece Dress
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Courtesy of Lulus
Runs: True to size | Size: XS-XL | Material: Rayon | Length: Midi
This is not a season of subtleties when it comes to color (hello, lime green!) or statement details. Bows are huge for brides and bridesmaids, and this tie-front, two-piece perfectly encapsulates the trend.
Price at time of publish: $78
Best Slip Dress: Amsale Floral Sheath Dress
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Courtesy of Amsale
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-32 | Materials: Lace and silk | Length: Mini
A sleek slip dress, paired with a 3D floral cap sleeve illusion overlay, is a beautiful way to celebrate ‘90s-inspired bridesmaid trends. Also, the color white feels right for a summer garden wedding.
Price at time of publish: $2,475
Best Circle Skirt: Azazie Senela Skirt
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Courtesy of Azazie
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-30 | Materials: Matte satin | Length: Floor-length
This easy-wear skirt is available in every shade of the rainbow, from jewel tones to dusty pastels. We love the idea of pairing the skirt with a crisp white shirt (like Sharon Stone did at the 1996 Oscars) for a look that embodies relaxed elegance.
Price at time of publish: $49
Best Mock Two-Piece Dress: Alex Evenings Dress With Jacket
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Courtesy of Nordstrom
Runs: True to size | Size: 14W-24W | Material: Chiffon and sequins | Length: Midi
This jacket and sheath combo is an elegant choice for an intimate brunch wedding or a city hall elopement. We love the classic navy shade embellished with just the right amount of sparkle.
Price at time of publish: $239
Best Illusion Two-Piece Dress: Monique Lhuillier Long Sleeve Lace Midi Dress
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Courtesy of Monique Lhuillier
Runs: True to size | Size: 0-14 | Material: Lace | Length: Midi
This stunning dress looks like a two-piece thanks to the lace overlay and clever illusion detail at the waistline. The bracelet-length sleeves and scalloped hemline are also divine details we especially love.
Best Wrap Dress: Halfpenny London Taylor Cami And Ingle Skirt
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Courtesy of Halfpenny London
Runs: True to size | Size: UK 6-26 | Material: Silk satin | Length: Midi
The wrap dress is a coveted silhouette because it's comfortable and effortlessly stylish—and this cami and skirt combo make the most fashionable partners.
Best Retro Style: Reformation Orzo Linen Two-Piece Set
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Courtesy of Reformation
Runs: True to size | Size: 0-12 | Material: Linen | Length: Midi
This halter-top skirt set feels like something out of a classic 1950s Audrey Hepburn film like Roman Holiday. It comes in three color options, including a high-contrast black and white check, but this fuchsia shade is pure fun.
Price at time of publish: $248
Best Asymmetric: Dessy Loop Convertible Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of Dessy
Runs: True to size | Size: XS-3X | Material: Jersey knit | Length: Floor-length
This column gown has the most statuesque and striking silhouette which can effortlessly be converted into 13 different looks. Use the gown’s matching eternity scarf to create custom necklines and sleeves.
Price at time of publish: $149
Best Bejeweled: David’s Bridal Embellished Spaghetti Strap Top And Tulle Midi Skirt
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Courtesy of David's Bridal
Runs: True to size | Size: 0-14 | Material: Pearls and tulle | Length: Midi
A bejeweled spaghetti strap top is the perfect match for a voluminous tulle midi skirt. Picture this look on a sparkling white sand beach...perfection!
Price at time of publish: $200 for Embellished Spaghetti Strap Top, $120 for Tulle Midi Skirt
Best Watercolor Print: Jenny Yoo Hampton Print Skirt And Emerson Camisole
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Courtesy of Jenny Yoo
Runs: True to size | Size: 00-32 | Material: Chiffon | Length: Floor length
If you are looking to incorporate print into your bridal party, this is a subtle and beautiful style choice. The skirt is available in six pastel color options, and we love it best when worn with a simple white cami.
Best Boho: Lulus Transcoso Dusty Blue Two-Piece Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of Lulus
Runs: True to size | Size: XXS-XL | Material: Rayon | Length: Ankle
Ruffled sleeve details, smocking, and a flowing maxi skirt give this dress a breezy, bohemian vibe. Make this style a top choice for a tropical celebration.
Price at time of publish: $67
Best Toile: V. Chapman Luna Dress
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Courtesy of BHLDN
Runs: True to size | Size: 0-14 | Material: Linen | Length: Midi
This striking floral fabric is always a top choice for bridesmaids, and this flirty midi dress is a fresh, modern style. While this look is not technically two pieces, strategically placed cutouts give the beautiful illusion that it is.
Best Black Suit: The Tailory New York X BHLDN Westlake Suit Jacket And Pant
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Courtesy of BHLDN
Runs: True to size | Size: 0-16 | Material: Rayon | Length: Ankle
A classic black pantsuit is a very fashion-forward selection for your bridal party—and is one of the most stylish and re-wearable choices out there. The slim-cut and tapered ankle-length pants create a super chic suit silhouette.
Price at time of publish: $450
Best Puff Sleeves: Reformation Yucca Linen Two-Piece Set
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Courtesy of Reformation
Runs: True to size | Size: 0-12 | Material: Linen | Length: Midi
We love these elbow-length pouf sleeves because they have just the right amount of volume, and do not overpower the look. The top also features a smocked back bodice which is simple yet striking design detail.
Price at time of publish: $298
Best Palazzo Pants: Morilee by Madeline Gardner Two-Piece Chiffon Pantsuit
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Courtesy of Morilee
Runs: True to size | Size: 0-24 | Material: Linen | Length: Floor-length
This effortless ‘70s-inspired style pantsuit has the most incredible draped wide-leg pants. We love that it’s available in over 30 shades and a wonderfully inclusive size range.
Best Lace Tuxedo: Narces Matilda Tuxedo
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Courtesy of Narces
Runs: True to size | Size: 2-12 | Material: Lace | Length: Ankle
The classic tuxedo gets a Haute upgrade when made from silk chiffon lace. This tux is a modern and unique bridal party style choice, and a knockout fashion pick for an urban chic formal affair.
Price at time of publish: $2,226
Best Bodysuit Combo: David’s Bridal Jersey Tank Bodysuit And Tulle A-Line Skirt
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Courtesy of Davidâs Bridal
Runs: True to size | Size: XS-3X-12 | Material: Jersey and tulle | Length: Floor
A classic tank bodysuit and tulle skirt are one of the easiest bridesmaid styles to wear, and loads of fun to accessorize. Let your bridesmaids choose their perfect style: big, bold statement pieces, or delicate layers of fine jewelry.
Price at time of publish: $60
What to Look for in Bridesmaid Separates
Looking stylish and feeling comfortable is always a key consideration when it comes to your bridal party, and a two-piece style delivers on both fronts. For many, separates are something your crew will feel more at ease in because they're an elevated version of our everyday. Also, separates can help achieve a more exact fit. If someone is smaller on the top than the bottom (or vice-versa), they can choose pieces in the exact size needed in order to fit and flatter their body.
About the Author
Alison McGill is an award-winning editor, writer, creative producer, media personality, and brand strategist. She was the Editor-in-Chief of Weddingbells for two decades, a role which also included being the Editorial Director of Weddingbells' sister publication Mariage Quebec. Her work has appeared in The Kit, Fashion, Hello! Canada, The Toronto Star, and more.