To wear this bridesmaid dress when I’m not a bridesmaid?

[IcyBlonde15]

I was meant to be bridesmaid for a friend 2 years ago, long story short the wedding didn’t happen but I still have the dress I was supposed to wear. I was gutted I wouldn’t get wearing as I loved it. My brother is getting married this summer, and the bride asked me to be bridesmaid but I have chose to just be a guest based on having young children with me etc. I have been wondering about possibly wearing my bridesmaid dress for this occasion. Her wedding party are all in black so there’s no chance I will clash with them or be mistaken for a bridesmaid. Do you think I could wear this dress or is it just to bridesmaidy? Opinions welcome

Without the bow and with a little length off it, I think it would be lovely and non-bridesmaidy.

Wear it. It's just a dress. Nobody will know that it was going to be a bridesmaid dress.

You could have it dyed or have it altered to be shorter, but the length is kind of needed because of the high waistline. However the style is quite dated so I really don’t think it’s worth the effort of having it modified anyway. You could charity shop it and pick up something a) much nicer b) definitely not a bridesmaid gown.

Yes it's fine. The etiquette for weddings is don't wear white and don't try to upstage the bride - who cares if it looks a bit bridesmaid-y?

Another for ‘find out what the bridesmaids are wearing’- if they’re wearing totally different colours and styles go for it- if lilac/ pink personally I wouldn’t

If you had it made Into a short dress it would be ok. But otherwise a big no from me

If it’s not similar to the actual bridesmaids gowns on the day you should wear it.

It’s clearly a bridesmaid dress and it’d look weird wearing that when not a bridesmaid

It'll be perfect shortened and without the bow. Find a tailor and have it adjusted.

It might be because you said it was a bridesmaid’s dress but it seems too “bridesmaids” to me.

It's just a nice dress.
If you're worried, ask the bride.

I did this many years ago. People thought I was a bridesmaid. I still cringe at the thought...

Bridesmaid dresses are just formal dresses that happen to be matchy/themed - nobody will bat an eyelid if you wear this and the actual bridesmaids are wearing something very different. It's a nice dress and quite simple from the front (so will look just a nice simple formal dress in the wedding pictures).

I’d get it taken up to knee length then wear it

I would ask the bride, remove the bow and chop off a lot of the hem, especially if you have good legs.

I've seen lots of guests wear similar dresses to weddings. I've noticed massive variety in how formally people dress as wedding guests, but generally the family of the bride and groom go quite formal. I think it's perfect for your brother's wedding.

Could you get it dyed? It’s very bridesmaid-y. And might your friend see pictures on SM?

It's very bridesmaid....maybe without the bow ?
Make it knee length ?

I would shortern it to midi length so it’s not so bridesmaidy

I think it would be ok without the bow.

Lovely dress and I like the colour. Bridesmaids are wearing black so suitable for you to wear this dress. Not bridesmaidy at all. Have a great time

Like others, take the bow off. I think it’s lovely.

I like.

Keep everything else casual - like, don't have a structured up-do and keep everything a little more bohemian - bag and any accessories. I think it'll work a TREAT! Go for it!

If you have some type of role in the ceremony, such as singing or doing a reading, then it might be suitable. If you're just one of the crowd I wouldn't risk it.

I’d be tempted to remove the bow and cover the empire line belted area with a black one.