How to Nail the Mismatched Bridesmaid Dress Aesthetic
If you’re aiming for a mix-and-match approach with your bridesmaid dresses there are quite a few ways to go about it - Let's talk about it!
Creating a mismatched bridal party aesthetic is a perfect way to showcase your bridesmaids' individuality while maintaining a cohesive, picture-perfect look. Here’s how to achieve this effortlessly:
COLOR
Start by asking yourself: Do I want my bridesmaids to wear the same color, variations of a single palette, or entirely different colors?
Your color choice will determine other factors like fabric and overall vibe. For my wedding, I envisioned neutral tones in shades of light champagne, oyster, and ivory. This palette created a soft, elegant look with just the right amount of variation.
STYLE
Decide whether you want the same dress length or if you're open to a mix of lengths and styles.
A mismatched look can be achieved through:
Offering a variety of hemlines or necklines.
Selecting different textures or fabrics.
Alternating between two or three shades.
Having your Maid of Honor stand out with a distinct dress.
For example, all of my bridesmaids chose gowns with a different style, which added a subtle dimension to the group aesthetic, while keeping the length and the material uniform.
FABRIC
Fabric is key when pulling off the mismatched look. Decide if you want:
Uniform fabric for a consistent color appearance.
Diverse fabrics to add texture and dimension.
Pro Tip: Mixing fabrics can create a stunning, layered aesthetic, but keep in mind that fabric type can impact how colors appear. If you’re allowing multiple fabrics, approve each dress beforehand.
I recommend creating a Canva mood board with examples of your vision to share with your bridesmaids. This helps ensure everyone understands the vibe and reduces the “Does this work?” questions.
Additionally, choosing a few brands that specialize in mix-and-match dresses can make the process seamless. Brands like Show Me your Mumu, V Chapman Birdy Grey or Revelry offer dresses designed to be mixed and matched. Plus, you can order fabric swatches in advance to finalize your vision before your bridesmaids start shopping.
PATTERN
Once you’ve nailed color, style, and fabric, consider whether patterns are an option. Are you open to incorporating florals or textures, or would you prefer solid colors only?
For my modern formal destination wedding in Cabo, I went for long satin gowns in ivory, light champagne, and oyster. While the mix-and-match element came from the color variations, I gave my bridesmaids full freedom to choose any gown style within the palette. To ensure cohesion, I sent swatches of each color to every bridesmaid, and the result? Absolute perfection.
For a closer look at how my bridal party’s look came together, check out my TikTok for inspiration!
FINAL THOUGHTS
2025 and 2026 brides—are you team mismatched bridesmaid dresses, or do you prefer a more classic, uniform look? Former brides, did you go for a mismatched aesthetic, or keep things traditional? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear about your experience!