4 Chic Ways to Mix and Match Your Bridesmaid Dresses

Gone are the days of perfectly matching 'maids. Instead, dress your BFFs in any of these four fresh palettes and let everyone play to their strengths. The result: stylish, stunning, and very happy and comfortable friends.

Icy Pastels

After a rush in the wedding world for warm blushes and soft neutrals, a collection of icy pastels feels like a refreshing breeze. Dove gray, mint, and pale pink look gorgeous when they're chilling next to one another. Throw a multicolored gown into the mix to highlight your maid of honor and pull the entire crew's hues together.

The Details (from left): Donna Morgan "Violet" Dress in Dove Gray, $240; donna-morgan.com. J.Crew "Heidi" Dress in Dusty Shale, #93075, $298; jcrew.com. Monique Lhuiller Bridesmaids Bustier, #450253, $175, and Skirt, #450318, $150; bellabridesmaid.com. Kate McDonald "Louise" Dress, $700; katemcdonaldbridal.com.

When white is paired with black, the combo is modern, sleek, and completely big-day appropriate for your pals. A spare palette also means they can wear different and interesting fabrics, like rich velvet or a bold floral lace. Put these stand-out ensembles together and they make an eye-catching lineup for photos—in color or black and white.

The Details (from left): Erin Erin Fetherston "Racquel" dress, $595; erinfetherston.com. Nicole Miller for Vow to Be Chic "Coco" Jumpsuit, $440, ($95 for rental); vowtobechic.com. Brian Atwood "Astral" Metal T-Strap Pumps, $895; saksfifthavenue.com. Parker "Karmina" Top, $242, and "Luisa" Skirt, $253; parkerny.com. Bionda Castana "Bay" Pumps, $599; biondacastana.com. Truly Zac Posen Collection Dress, $230; davidsbridal.com.

Floaty fabrics in saturated yet soft shades will remind your guests of the suffused glow of a twilit sky. Sticking with a diaphanous texture helps make the look cohesive but lets your friends switch up silhouettes: have one wear a patterned mid-calf dress, and another a Grecian one-shoulder number that grazes the floor or—speaking of sunsets—the beach.

The Details (from left):  Alfred Sung Dress, D691, $210; dessy.com. Charlotte Olympia "Octavia 100" Sandals, $1,195; charlotteolympia.com. TwoBirds Ball Gown in Dove, $340; twobirds.com. L.K. Bennett "Madison" Dress, $525; lkbennett.com. Rupert Sanderson "Annis" Pumps in Oyster Leather, $795; rupertsanderson.com. Joanna August "Tatum" Dress in Summertime, $285; joannaaugust.com.

Your besties will embody elegance in a collection of deep-toned outfits that are just right for a formal nighttime affair. In these dramatic hues—from inky blues to fine wines and stunning sapphire—silks and sequins look extra luxe. (Not to mention that these shades are flattering on all shapes!) And, for bonus points, dark colors help a white dress pop, both in photos and up at the altar.

The Details (from left):  Joanna August "Scarlette" Jumpsuit in Witchcraft, $295; joannaaugust.com. ABS by Allen Schwartz Gown, $340; saks.com. David's Bridal Dress, F19022, $200; davidsbridal.com. Jill Jill Stuart "Amelia" Dress, $538; jilljillstuart.com.

Hair by Deborah Brider at The Wall Group. Makeup by Moani Lee for Diorskin. Manicure by Kelly B. DeFacto using Dior Vernis. Styled by Colleen Banks and Carrie Goldberg. Art directed by Genevieve Panuska.