Are you planning a wedding, or are you a bridesmaid? Well, the dresses and outfits you wear for the occasion can be a bit tricky. They need to be complementary but not the same, and not tacky! Here are some mix and match rules you might want to consider when shopping for your bridesmaid dress and outfits.

1. Choosing Color Combos That Go Together Well

Customarily, you should choose colors and styles that go well together or contrast. The idea is to complement each other without looking too similar. For example, choosing two colors that look good together will work out perfectly for your bridesmaid dresses! A classic color combination is always a safe bet as it guarantees everyone looks fabulous. Here are some color combinations that work great:

• Light blue and dark blue - perfect for an outdoor wedding

• Light pink and dark pink - great for rustic weddings

• Gold/ white, classy look Ivory and light green - works best for gardens

• Green and orange - a funky choice

Of course, there are no rules that say you have to limit yourself to the above colors. Once you've got an idea of what colors go well together, mix and match other color schemes for a unique look! Mixing and matching your bridesmaid dresses can be a lot of fun as long as you pick complementary colors and styles. Just remember not to go overboard with mismatched outfits, or it might end up being tacky rather than funky!

2. Choosing Different Styles for An Eye-Catching Look

Another way to make your bridesmaids stand out is choosing dresses with different styles. For example, you can visit Cicinia website or stores to choose from the wide range of dress styles they provide. You can mix and match a number of outfits as long as they have a common theme running through them, e.g., the color, the fabric, or the style! Here are some examples.

• A chic dress with a fun summer outfit - perfect for beach weddings

• Mixing and matching day dresses in evening gowns - great for destination weddings where you're separated from your luggage during check-in

• Dresses that vary in terms of neckline/ sleeve length/ hemline - you can go short, long, sleeveless, or strap-dress depending on what is most flattering

• A cocktail dress with casual outfit - great for a fun party look

The main idea is to have a common theme running through your outfits, whether the color or style. Once you've got that sorted out, everything else falls into place! Mix and match different styles of bridesmaid dresses, and no one will even notice they're wearing the same dress!

3. Combining Trendy with Traditional Styles for a Stylish Look

It's perfectly okay to go trendy when you mix and match bridesmaids' dresses as long as you balance it out with traditional pieces. For example, if all your girls are wearing hot pink strapless mini dresses for your wedding, you can pick a classic look with them by choosing long gowns in neutral colors.

Style is all about balance! Here are some examples.

• Cocktail dresses teamed with elegant full-length gowns

• A mini dress with a maxi dress

• Day dresses paired up with formal evening outfits

The key is to find the right balance between trendy and traditional styles!

4. Mixing Different Fabrics

All fabrics belong to different categories, so mixing them up is perfectly okay. You can go for satin and lace, chiffon and crepe, etc., and the outfits will still work together.

Choosing dresses in different fabrics is also a great way to add variety to your wedding day look! Here are some examples for you:

• A mix of silk and cotton - both lightweight so you'll be comfortable on a hot summer day

• Cotton and denim - great casual looks that are perfect for outdoor weddings

• Lace overlay with chiffon material - adds glamour while keeping the fabric weight light

The point is not to think too hard when mixing and matching different bridesmaid dresses. If it works together, go ahead and wear it!

5. Sticking to the Same Fabric Category

If color and style are similar, it's perfectly okay to mix and match bridesmaid dresses made from the same fabric category. Some examples are:

• All crepe - a soft and luxurious fabric that looks great on everyone

• All satin - creates a glammed-up look with its shiny finish.

• Silk chiffon - an elegant, lightweight material that goes well with everything. The idea is not to go overboard by mixing too many different fabrics as it'll end up looking like your bridesmaids' costumes at a stage show!

If you stick to one type of fabric for each outfit, it'll work.

6. Using Accessories as a Guide

If you're having a hard time mixing and matching different styles, look for inspiration by going through your accessories. Find an outfit that fits a great pair of shoes or a cool clutch bag, then decide what outfits your bridesmaids should wear. Some examples are:

• A strapless dress would look great with either flat sandals or wedges - it's entirely up to you

• A short lace dress like knee length bridesmaid dresses works well with satin stiletto heels - another glamorous combination

Casual dresses can be worn with knee-high boots - perfect for outdoor weddings. Just remember not to go too far from the theme of your wedding outfit by choosing accessories that are too different. Once you've found a way to match your bridesmaids' shoes or bags with the dresses, it'll be easy for you to come up with outfits!

Conclusion

Mixing and matching bridesmaid dresses can feel like a daunting task, but once you get it down, it's simple. If you're low on inspiration, go through your accessories to find outfit combinations that match different styles of dresses. And if all else fails, follow these six simple rules for mixing and matching!

This is a guest blog post. Risa James Events has no financial relationship with any companies that may be linked within.