How to find your perfect bridal shower dress, according to a stylist
With all the stress of wedding planning, finding your dream bridal shower dress should actually be fun.
But with so many different dress options for brides, how can you find the one that suits you best?
We tapped bridal stylist Hope LaVine to share her tips for shopping for a bridal shower dress. LaVine, who recently attended New York Bridal Fashion Week, also has insight into all of the latest trends.
LaVine's tips
When shopping for bridal shower dresses, LaVine says to consider your wedding dress, your accessories, and to keep in mind that anything can be altered.
"You've likely picked out your wedding dress at this point," LaVine said. "So it can be fun to choose a different aesthetic from what your dress is or to add an element you liked for a wedding dress but didn’t end up choosing, such as a glove, a bow, a slip dress, or 3D florals."
LaVine believes that accessories play a huge role in your overall look: "A fun bubble mini dress can be made a tad more bridal with a mini veil or gloves," she said. "So keep [that] in mind when trying dresses on -- they may just need to be styled up!"
Because there are so many nuances to your look, LaVine says to not get too hung up on finding the perfect dress at the start. "Sometimes the smallest thing, like a hem or taking up a strap to fit more comfortably, can make all the different in the overall look," she said. "So if it doesn’t look 100% perfect when trying it on, you may just need slight alterations."
Not only will these tweaks make the look more complete, but they can add to your confidence, too.
What to avoid
LaVine recommends avoiding anything that is "too loud or fussy" to help you stay more comfortable throughout your bridal shower. She also recommends seeing how your dress photographs ahead of time, and taking into account that you'll be sitting and standing throughout the day.
"For example, dresses with cutouts tend to shift a lot when you’re sitting or bending," she said.
LaVine also says to find a dress that suits the season.
"If it’s still 'winter' where you are, a flowy sundress might not make the most sense," she said. "You also want to be warm enough to enjoy your party! Opt for a thicker fabric or a long sleeve, or accessorize with a fur jacket or a glove."
Current bridal trends
LaVine says that vintage or family-owned pieces are in. "Brides love the repurposing of their family member’s wedding dresses these days, she says. "Whether you’re cutting it short or updating the design elements, it is a great way to feel connected to your family and honor your family members."
You can also shop second-hand vintage pieces.
"Vintage gowns can have a lot of character," she said. "They also many a great conversation piece."
There are three other trends to note: bows, bubble minis, and shades of blue.
"The resurgence of bows is so fun to me. If there were ever a time to incorporate a bow into your wedding fashion, I fully believe it is a bridal shower!" LaVine said.
LaVine adds that she spotted ivory bubble mini dresses on the runways at New York Bridal Fashion Week.
Finally, the a full blue look or blue florals are major: "Brides are claiming the color blue as a 'bridal' color," LaVine said, noting that Sofia Richie Grainge wore blue during her wedding week. "Who's to say it wouldn’t be perfect for a bridal shower!"
Shop your bridal shower dress
At the end of the day, "have fun with it!" LaVine said. "Bridal showers are sweet, girly, and exciting, and it is fun to play into that with your fashion choices."
We've rounded up some of of our favorite dresses of the moment that we think are perfect for a bridal shower. Continue below to shop!
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Drop-Waist Mini Dress
This drop-waist mini is ideal for a casual bridal shower. Dress it up with white strappy heels and sparkly jewelry.
- $64
- $80
- Saks Fifth Avenue
Victoria Strapless Mini Dress With Oversized Flower - White
Stand out in the Victoria dress from Meshki, featuring a 3D oversized flower and strapless design.
- $179
- Meshki
Maryam Tulle Bow Mini Dress
This halter dress ties into a bow at the back of the neck.
- $179
- Meshki
Zaire Dress
This Zaire Reformation bridal dress has a vintage feel. We love the sheer A-line skirt and fitted bodice. Style it with vintage pearls or your grandmother's earrings.
- $598
- Reformation
Smocked Eyelet Maxi Dress
This smocked eyelet maxi is the perfect dress will be comfortable to wear at a summer bridal shower.
- $99.95
- Dynamite
Tuckernuck Aqua Floral Lace Camilla Dress
This 100% cotton, aqua blue dress features cut-out details, unlined long sleeves and a scalloped hem. Add touches of white, like white pointed heels or a white cluch, and pearl or silver earrings to make it feel extra bridal.
- $348
- Tuckernuck
L'Idée Renaissance Sleeveless Pleated Gown
L'IDÉE's Renaissance pleated gown features a halter neck, front cut out adn open back. It ties at the neck, so if you're looking to incorporate a bow, tie one at the back!
- $395
- Saks Fifth Avenue
BHLDN Talia Strapless Mini Dress
We love the simplicity of this BHLDN mini dress. It features an on-trend drop-waist silhouette and a pleated skirt. Make it your own with fun accessories, like silver jewelry or a feminine shoe.
- $220
- Anthropologie
Babette Silk Dress
Want to try the bubble dress trend? This Babette silk dress is the perfect bridal shower look. Pair it with heels or flats and a matching bag.
- $498
- Reformation
Sachin & Babi Gemma Strapless Back-Bow Stretch Jacquard Midi Dress
Try out the bow trend with this pretty Sachin & Babi strapless dress that's both playful and elegant.
- $300
- Anthropologie
Dress the Population Monica Sleeveless Tiered Dress
This unique tiered ruffle dress features 3D blue butterflies.
- $748
- Anthropologie
Astral Silk Maxi Dress
Banana Republic's silk maxi dress is an elegant yet comfortable option for your bridal shower. It has a ruched bodice with a flowy fit and side seam pockets. Style it with heeled sandals and a structured top-handle bag.
- $280
- Banana Republic
Corseted Tiered Dress
This Eloquii corsetted dress has ruffles at the skirt and straps and a fitted bodice.
- $159
- Eloquii
Misha Evianna Gown
This Misha gown is ideal for a more formal bridal shower. Make it your "something blue" and style it with clear heels, a pearl bag and matching earrings. It has a low back with an oversized bow at the back of the neck.
- $467
- Revolve
Show Me Your Mumu Marmont Midi Dress
Show Me Your Mumu's Marmont midi dress is a more casual option for brides. We envision it for an outdoor shower styled with strappy sandals or wedges.
- $198
- Revolve
Sovere Recline Knit Dress
Another beautiful blue option for brides. This dress has a small front cut-out detail and is made with midweight ribbed jersey knit fabric should your shower fall on a chillier spring day.
- $229
- Revolve
Dorota Satin Halter Mini Dress
This Meshki mini features a halter neckline with a bow tied at the back and a full skirt. Pair it with stud earrings and a slingback shoe and you're ready to go!
- $259
- Meshki
Eliana Cotton-Silk Dress
"Ethereal and ultra-feminine, this midi dress is crafted from a delightfully semi-sheer voile fabric woven of cotton and silk," Banana Republic's website explains. It has blouson sleeves and a relaxed fit with a wide crew neck. We envision it styled with a white handbag and strappy white heels.
- $199.99
- $250
- Banana Republic
Marcelita Midi Dress
If you're looking for a midi-length dress, try this one from Showpo. It has an asymmetric neckline and one shoulder strap. It also features a faux wrap skirt and a thigh slit.
- $69.95
- Showpo
Bridal Off The Shoulder Sweater Maxi Dress
Try this off-the-shoulder sweater maxi dress for your bridal shower this spring. We love it styled with heeled pumps.
- $95
- $268
- Express
Linen Midi Wrap Dress
A breezy linen option for brides is warmer weather. This wrap dress features short sleeves and a v-neckline. Shop it in this white and blue floral print and wear it again on your summer travels.
- $159
- & Other Stories
House of CB Emmelina Sleeveless Stretch Poplin Midi Dress
House of CB's Emmelina stretch poplin midi dress is perfect for a spring or summer bridal shower. Dress it up or down depending on your vibe.
- $269
- Nordstrom
Zimmermann Harmony Linen-Silk Ruffled Midi-Dress
This splurge-worthy Zimmermann dress is made from 53% linen and 47% silk with a 100% cotton lining. It has a beautiful nature-inspired print, square neckline and ruffle details, making it perfect for a feminine bridal shower look. Wear it again on your honeymoon or dress it down with a straw bag and sandals for an effortless summertime ensemble.
- $1150
- Saks Fifth Avenue
Bridal shower accessories
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