When Bridesmaids Dresses Get Ugly
The most important question to ask when shopping for bridesmaid dresses is will I be able to wear this again after the wedding or is this a one time use item? If the bride has chosen an unusual color scheme and insists you wear lime green, tangerine orange or some other outspoken color that you’re not likely to get much use out of, consider a less expensive option, assuming you can choose the style. Wear-again fashion dresses, such as tea-length and semi-formal bridesmaids dresses are at the height of fashion, especially in these warm summer months. On that same subject, summer weddings are hot, and dancing works up a sweat. If at all possible, make sure your dress is made from a breathable material that will allow you to move. There is nothing more embarrassing than getting up from a complicated dance move with a split down the back of your gown.
When things get ugly, a sense of humor helps: Many women are finding the best thing to do with their unattractive bridesmaid dresses is have a good laugh. Women all over the country ban together at Ugly Dress Parties, where they commiserate with friends and strangers all wearing their horror story dresses. Partygoers eat and laugh while sharing stories about runway embarrassment and other now comical events.
But remember, even if you don’t get the dress you were hoping for, a competent seamstress can do wonders for a doomed dress. Floor length gowns can be shortened to trendy above the knee fashions, and dresses can be taken in, added on, and built up as necessary. Color is a little more of an obstacle, but even an unflattering or loud color can be tamed with a sophisticated black sash, shawl or a little bit of creativity.