The Trends

Bridesmaids Fashion Trends 2006

Nearly every bride-to-be knows that bridesmaid dress designs always follow the current fashion trends.  To better understand these trends, it is helpful to know more about the basic types of dress design you have to choose from, which are:  A-line, Ball Gown, Empire, Mermaid, Princess, and Sheath.

·    A-line bridesmaids' dresses are slim fitting and have vertical seams that run from the shoulders to the hem.  They flatter all body types.

·    Ball Gown bridesmaids’ dresses have full skirts and a fitted bodice and waist.  They are most flattering on those with full figures or pear shapes, as well as on slim and tall builds.

·    Empire bridesmaids’ dresses have a small and scooped bodice, as well as a high waistline and a slender skirt.  They are best suited for women with thick waists.

·    Mermaid bridesmaids’ dresses are fitted at the knee and then flare out at the bottom.  They are best for builds that are tall and slim.

·    Princess bridesmaids’ dresses are similar to the A-line design in that they are slim-fitting and have vertical seams that run from the shoulder to the hem.  Like the A-line design, they are flattering to all body types.

·    Sheath bridesmaids’ dresses are narrow and hug the hips, waist, and bust.  They are best suited for petite figures or tall and slim builds.

When selecting your bridesmaids’ dresses, you do not necessarily want to blindly follow a trend.  After all, if a particular trend does not flatter your bridesmaids’ body type, skin color, or hair color, it is better to choose a dress that simply looks good.  At the same time, every bride wants her wedding to be gorgeous and stylish.  Therefore, it is helpful to keep the 2006 trends in mind when choosing your dresses.

The followings are the KEY silhouette and theme trends to consider when determining your bridesmaids’ dresses.

• Frocks are back.  These bridesmaids’ dresses have become intensely popular because they look great at the wedding, yet they are practical because they can be worn afterward while on a night on the town.  In addition, nearly anything goes and many of the previous “rules” for bridesmaids’ dresses are broken.  In fact, you can expect to see cap, short, three quarters, and long sleeves adorning many of the 2006 styles.

• Blush neutral tones are also big in 2006.  These tones easily match any hair and skin color, while also mixing in well with whatever your wedding color scheme may be.

• Tulip and bubble silhouettes in skirts and dresses are sassy yet elegant and usually look good on any body type, making them a great trendy choice for 2006.

• Fuller skirts, such as slouch and puffball styles are also in.  These styles can help you keep a more traditional look while also staying on top of the latest trend. 

• Hourglass waist dresses are also flattering to all body types because they help accentuate curves.  You can keep all of your bridesmaids happy and looking good with this type of dress, while still staying trendy.

• Wide deep belts and ribbon bow focus on waists are another 2006 trend.  Be careful with this one, though, because bows can be unflattering to certain figures.  Pay special attention to the size and the location of the bow to determine if it will look good on all of your bridesmaids.  If you really have your heart set on following this trend, but it won’t look good on all of your bridesmaids, you might want to consider having only your maid of honor wear this style if it will look good on her.  That way, you stay trendy, everyone looks good, and your maid of honor stands out from the rest of the bridesmaids.

• Square necks and newer cap sleeves are also trendy in 2006.  Again, watch out for body types with these styles.  Women with broad shoulders generally do not look good in dresses with square necks. 

• Exotic print wrap dresses with high or dropped waistlines are also big.  Remember to keep your color scheme in mind, as well as the décor where you will be getting married and having your reception, in order to prevent clashing exotic prints.  High and dropped waistlines are both particularly flattering on women with thick wastes.

• Volume sleeves with deeper cuffs are attractive on all body types and are another 2006 trend.  Be sure this style is fine with your bridesmaids, however, because some women do not like this look and will be uncomfortable wearing it.

• Frills and flounces provide extra beauty and a girlish charm in 2006.  With frills and flounces, you can keep the accessories minimal as the dress takes center stage.

• Belted dresses add a little flare to your 2006 wedding.  Keep in mind that belted dresses can be unflattering to women with thick waists or pear shapes.  So, choose the overall style of the dress carefully to ensure it looks good on all of your bridesmaids.

• Maxi skirts and maxi dresses are great for showing of shoes and are much easier to move in than floor-length skirts and dresses, making it a great trend for 2006.

• Oriental fusion is gaining momentum for autumn of 2006, with the colors and designs being the perfect compliment to the season.

• Wearing more volume is also big for 2006.  But, the increase the volume should be on one half of your body only.   Increasing volume on both halves is a big fashion no-no.

With so many great trends for 2006, you should have no problem finding a dress color and style that matches your wedding theme and color while still flattering your bridesmaids.  So, get shopping, secure in the knowledge that you will be able to find fashionable dresses that are perfect for you and your bridesmaids.  If you are still unsure, contact us for help.  We would be more than happy to help!