Martha Stewart Weddings

Trending Now: Two-Piece Bridesmaids' Looks

By Shira Savada
September 06, 2018
Credit: Cara Faye Weddings

Consider separates when dressing your bridal party.

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Credit: Cara Faye Weddings
What Your Bridesmaids' Dresses Say About You

It used to be that bridesmaids all wore the same exact dress—in the same style, the same fabric, and the same color. As one story goes, the tradition of having bridesmaids first came to be in early England, when the bride would surround herself with friends wearing outfits identical to her own to confuse evil spirits that might want to curse her. Another tale tells that bridesmaids accompanied the bride to protect her from anyone attempting to steal her dowry. Thankfully, these days the roles have shifted, and the rules for bridesmaids matching one another—much less the bride—have too.

In recent years, we've seen mix-and-match bridal parties, multiple colors worn within the group, and dresses chosen in the same fabric but various styles. The latest bridesmaids' fashion trend gives you even more freedom than ever. Two-piece looks, otherwise known as separates, have become popular with bridal parties everywhere, and we can't get enough of how chic these outfits can be.

Mixing tops and various bottoms can create a bridesmaids' look that's truly one-of-a-kind. We love this pair, in their Mrs Rose floral-print crop tops with sheer, sleeved overlay and matching long skirts seen here, but you don't have to dress your party in the same pattern or fabric from head-to-toe. You can choose to blend patterns with solids or opt for a two-tone look if that's more your style. The built-in bonus is that if your girls wear separates, they're twice as likely to wear each part of their outfit again!

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Stylish and Seasonal

Credit: Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography

Going the two-piece route allows you to outfit your bridal party for any temperature. Here, classic cashmere sweaters from J.Crew were tucked into custom silk faille skirts that showed off suede Gianvito Rossi pumps. Even though the colors were mixed, the ensembles look perfectly planned.

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Back in Black

Credit: James Simmons Photography

Consider keeping the tops the same but letting your ladies select their bottoms, like at this wedding, where lace tops from Bianca Spender were paired with skirts and pants the bridesmaids picked out themselves.

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Brocade Beauties

Credit: Jose Villa
The Best Bridesmaid's Dress Colors for Fall Weddings

For this fall fête, bridesmaids wore custom separates by Belle New York—lace tops with brocade high-low skirts in shades of blush. Want something similar without going custom? Bring the skirts to a tailor to alter the hemlines to whatever length (or style) suits your day's vibe.

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Flower Power

Credit: Rensche Mari

Mix it up, but just a little. Each of these four bridesmaids wore a floral-print Zanne Couture top but their skirts (from the same designer) were different colors.

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Beachy and Beautiful

Credit: Emily Delamater Photography

Going with two-piece outfits doesn't mean you have to go two different places to shop. Both the tops and bottoms worn by this bridal party were by Jenny Yoo.

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Totally Tropical

Credit: Still55 Photography
Island Time: 33 Tropical Wedding Ideas We Love

Getting married on the sand? Keep your bridesmaids cool in this combo of strappy white tanks and Katie Kime skirts in a palm-leaf print.

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A White Wedding

Credit: Amy Arrington Photography
26 Chic Bridal Parties Wearing All-White Dresses

Even though the separates for this bridal party's outfits were by two different designers—the tops were Natori, the skirts were Catherine Deane—they both came from BHLDN and look like they were made to be worn together. 

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Garden Style

Credit: Deezigner Images

A pretty floral-patterned top balanced by a soft-blue tulle skirt makes for a great ensemble for your 'maids to wear at a garden wedding. This trio donned Romwe tops and skirts from ASOS.

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Color Blocking Cool

Credit: Angela Zion

These bridesmaids chose an assortment of dark tops to wear over custom-made green skirts ordered from an Etsy vendor. Depending on the season and climate, you could make this look work for any wedding.

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All White

Credit: Levi Stolove Photography

These ladies' lacy separates (designed by the bride) highlighted the detailing on the bodice of the bride's gown.

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Affordable and Elegant

Credit: Isabelle Hesselberg of 2 Brides Photography
26 Cute and Creative Ways to Ask Your Friends to Be Bridesmaids

You don't have to break the bank to look great as a bridesmaid. The looks at this outdoor wedding were lovely and budget-friendly: softly-patterned skirts and simple, V-neck tanks were found at H&M.

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Blushing Bridesmaids

Credit: Bespoke Photography

Pretty tops and pleated midi-skirts from Glassons had this pair of bridesmaids looking casually chic.

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Cozy and Cool

Credit: Hannah Hudson Photography

Cashmere sweaters (these are from Nordstrom) and long satin skirts (like these from H&M) balance each other out and will have your bridal party staying warm while looking cool at your winter wedding.

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Shades of Blue

Credit: Lindsay Vann Photography

This bride channeled her love of separates into her big day by outfitting her bridesmaids in wrap skirts made in soft blue fabrics by a seamstress. Each of the ladies picked out a delicate white top to round out the ensemble.

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Let Them Wear Pants

Credit: Shannen Natasha Weddings
16 Looks That Prove Bridesmaid Dresses Can Be Chic

Separates doesn't have to mean a top and skirt! These bridesmaids donned Anthropologie tops and printed silk Alice + Olivia pants.

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Something Blue

Credit: A Bryan Photo

This combo by Joanna August works on women of all shapes and sizes. 

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A Double Dose of Pink

Credit: Jenny Haas

We love how effortless this pairing of Pink Republic tops and Revelry skirts is. A two-tone ensemble will work in any color.

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Midi Skirts

Credit: Jessica Rose Photo
28 of Our Favorite Short Bridesmaids' Dresses

This bridal party sported handmade skirts and simple white crop tops from Forever 21. And the skirt length showed off their shoes, which acted as another part of their ensembles.

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Mellow Yellow

Credit: Callie Hobbs Photography

Mix up the materials for outfits that are twice as nice. This trio of attendants wore various lacy white toppers with their billowing yellow skirts from Anthropologie.

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Totally Taffeta

Credit: Catherine Mead

Consider the entire outfit and the bridesmaid's personalities. Here, voluminous taffeta skirts by Max Mara were paired with white blouses and statement jewelry gave each woman their own distinct look.

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Luxe Looks

Credit: A Bryan Photo
A Winter Bridesmaid's Survival Guide

At this winter wedding in the South, the bride's friend and sister wore matching Ralph Lauren tops and Carmen Marc Valvo skirts. The luxe materials and saturated colors made them look extra fashionable.

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Think Pinks

Credit: Katie Stoops Photography

Go the monochromatic route. Here, ivory J.Crew blouses were a constant for these four bridesmaids, but their ASOS skirts were in various shades of the day's signature color: pink.

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Camis and Wrap Skirts

Credit: Bespoke Photography
Bridesmaid Dresses with Sexy Details

Having a summer celebration? Ask your attendats to wear simple white camisoles with sunny yellow wrap skirts, like these by Miss Crab.

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Neat Pleats

Credit: Ashley Sawtelle

The bride found lace tops in a local boutique and paired them with silky pleated skirts in a soft pink color. Fresh flower crowns added to the bohemian look.

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