How to Wear Bridesmaids Dresses Again: Styling Tips and Transformations

One of the most common concerns for bridesmaids is the fear that their dress will never see the light of day after the wedding. But here’s the good news: bridesmaids dresses can absolutely be worn again! With a little creativity and a few styling tricks, you can transform your formal bridesmaid look into something versatile, fun, and chic for any occasion.

From adjusting the length of the dress to experimenting with accessories, here are some clever ways to restyle your bridesmaid dress so it doesn’t gather dust in the back of your closet.

1. Shorten the Dress to Make it Less Formal

One of the easiest ways to make a bridesmaid dress more wearable is to have it altered. Taking your dress to a seamstress and having it shortened to a midi length can completely transform the look and feel of the garment. A floor-length gown can feel too formal for most occasions, but once it's cut to a more casual length, it opens up a world of styling possibilities.

A midi-length dress is perfect for cocktail parties, semi-formal dinners, or even brunch. The shorter length is less formal but still elegant, and you can easily dress it up or down depending on the event. Plus, having a professional tailor make the alteration ensures that the dress retains its original structure and fit while giving it a new life.

2. Add Casual Accessories

If you’re looking to style your bridesmaid dress without making permanent alterations, accessories are your best friend. The key to making a formal dress more casual lies in what you pair it with.

• Leather Jacket: Throwing a leather jacket over a satin or chiffon bridesmaid dress instantly makes it more relaxed. This look is perfect for daytime events or more casual dinners.

• Chunky Knits: For cooler days, a cozy oversized cardigan or knit jumper layered over your dress can tone down the formal vibe. This creates a boho-chic look that’s great for laid-back garden parties or casual outdoor gatherings.

• Trainers or Flats: Swap out those formal heels for a pair of trainers or flats. This immediately makes the outfit more casual, comfortable, and perfect for daytime events or even running errands with a touch of glam.

3. Belt It for a New Shape

A simple way to change up the look of your bridesmaid dress is by adding a belt. A waist-cinching belt can create a different silhouette, especially if the dress has a loose, flowing design. A chunky belt adds structure to the dress, creating an hourglass shape that’s perfect for cocktail parties or more stylish events.

4. Pair with a Blazer for Work

Believe it or not, with the right styling, your bridesmaid dress could make a fantastic work outfit. If you’ve shortened the dress or if it’s already a more conservative style, simply adding a structured blazer or jacket over the top can create a smart, professional look.

For instance, a satin bridesmaid dress in a muted tone can be made work-appropriate by pairing it with a neutral blazer and a pair of flats or low heels. This is a great way to maximize the use of your dress without anyone realising it was once bridesmaid attire.

5. Layer with a Turtleneck or Tee

For a more playful or casual vibe, you can layer your bridesmaid dress over a turtleneck or a basic white tee. This works especially well for slip dresses or any dress with spaghetti straps, as it tones down the formality and gives it a more street-style, laid-back look.

This layered style is perfect for daytime wear or casual meet-ups, adding a fun twist to a dress that’s traditionally seen as formal.

6. Restyle as a Skirt

Another creative way to repurpose your bridesmaid dress is to restyle it as a skirt. By layering a chunky jumper or fitted blouse over the top half of the dress, you can make it look like a stylish skirt. This trick works particularly well with the Brooklyn and Amelia dresses.

Pair the new "skirt" with ankle boots for an autumn-ready look or with sandals for summer. This way, you can give the dress a fresh purpose and mix and match it with your existing wardrobe.

Buy. Wear. Re-wear.

Bridesmaids dresses don’t have to be one-time-wear outfits. With some creativity, a few styling tweaks, and maybe a trip to the seamstress, you can get plenty of wear out of them. From shortening the hemline to adding casual accessories or layering pieces, there are endless ways to transform your bridesmaid dress into an outfit you’ll want to wear again and again.

So next time you’re worried about buying a bridesmaid dress you’ll never wear again, remember that a few changes can go a long way in breathing new life into it!