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Bridesmaid Dress Options for Casual Wintertime Wedding Ceremonies

Conventional bridesmaid dresses have a less than desirable reputation for being frumpy and blasé. Complete with shoulder pads, color schemes that somehow manage to do a little injustice to everyone's complexion and awkward hemlines, they sit unused in the back of closets across America. But the days of the frumpy bridesmaid dress are coming to a halt. This is especially true for casual cold weather weddings. A casual winter wedding allows for a plethora of style options for your lovely bridesmaids. The dresses you choose can be fun, festive, formal, flirty and fabulous.

These are just the sorts of dresses that bridesmaids can wear on multiple occasions after the wedding. Imagine how your bridesmaids would want to look if they were going to a New Year's Eve party. That's just the sort of festive style you want to capture. If you're getting ready to choose bridesmaid looks for your upcoming ceremony, have a look at some of these gorgeous contemporary options.

Short Satin Dress with Contrasting Black Waistband

For a knockout bridesmaid look, consider this sophisticated ensemble. It features an elegant strapless bodice and a flirty sweetheart neckline. A delicate botanical appliqué accents the black band along the waistline for a bold pop of visual interest. This fully lined dress can be worn in a wide variety of the season's hottest shades, like apple, jade or gold. For added coverage, pair it with a shimmering wrap or a velvet bolero jacket.

Shot Cotton Sateen Spaghetti Strap Dress

This darling number is timelessly chic and is sure to make for amazing wedding photos. The pleated detailing around the waist accents your bridesmaids' curves in just the right way for ultimate figure flattery, and the full skirt has adorable pockets for a feminine, flirty look. It's fully lined and can be worn with tights and a wrap for chilly winter temperatures. Choose shades like horizon blue or regency purple to capture the season's celebratory vibe.

Short Strapless Pick Up Dress

For a night full of dancing and celebrating, this dress is absolutely ideal. Show off your bridesmaids' lovely shoulders with the strapless bodice. The ruching details hug the smallest part of the waist and then blossom out into a playful pick up skirt that ends just above the knees. Choose fun colors like lapis or marine for a cool arctic aesthetic.

Strapless Ruched Satin Ball Gown

Go long with this elegant winter option. The ball gown style is almost universally flattering and creates that desirable hourglass silhouette that every bridesmaid longs for. The simple neckline is a lovely contrast to the gown's full length drama and radiant satin sheen. Have fun coordinating shades with colorful wraps, cardigans and jackets.

One-Shoulder Chiffon Dress with Floral Detail

The one shoulder look is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. This slenderizing, contemporary dress is made of long, supple chiffon and is cut to complement each and every curve. The interesting one-shoulder neckline shows off toned upper arms and delicate collar bones. This is another full length gown that offers dramatic appeal in photos as well as on the dance floor. Your bridesmaids can wear it in a wide variety of gorgeous shades, like fern, guava and latte.

Satin Top with Chiffon Straps and Pencil Skirt

This two piece number is sleek and sophisticated, perfect for a winter celebration. The form fitting satin bodice hugs tightly in all the right places, and the slimming pencil skirt creates a long hourglass silhouette. Chiffon straps add an element of romance and softness to this otherwise posh look. A clean-slate, contemporary option, this dress can be worn in a number of show stopping shades, like wisteria and pistachio for example.

Satin Strapless Rhinestone Belted Tea-length Dress

For a look that's effortlessly elegant, try the satin strapless rhinestone belted tea length dress. This modern and chic dress has a delicate belt around the natural waist, creating a sexy hourglass silhouette. The strapless neckline is perfect for indoor photos. Simply add a colorful shawl, wrap, jacket or cardigan for warmth and coverage.

As you can see, winter weddings offer an amazing array of style options for your lovely bridesmaids. Use these styles for inspiration and your lady friends and family members will be absolutely beaming as they stand by your side on your big day. Remember, it's only when your bridesmaids feel truly comfortable and confident in their dresses that they'll look their best. So say goodbye to the frumpy bridesmaids' dresses of the past, and usher in chic, sophisticated, and sexy looks for your beautiful winter ceremony.

About the Author

Manuel Tapia is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and specific products such as bridesmaid dresses.

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