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Original poster

Help! How to style dress so it looks a bit edgy/not like a bridesmaid?

88 replies

vandubby · 17/07/2025 14:48

Going to a September wedding (where there are no bridesmaids) , and love this dress, but feels a bit frumpy. Dress code is 'extra/ott' and frankly this colour is as far as I'm prepared to go! Just wondering if there's a way to style this so it looks a bit less bridesmaidy? I was thinking maybe metallic accessories? or something more clashy? But not sure if it's a goer at all? Whistles Dress

OP posts:
Thread gallery
13
SheridansPortSalut · 19/07/2025 20:31

It's not bridesmaidy or frumpy in itself but I think it's the shoes that are making it look frumpy in the picture.

These particular shoes are sold out in most sizes but I think that something in this colour would make it 'extra'.....

esskashoes.com/products/valerie-ink-blue

Wadadli · 19/07/2025 22:07

vandubby · 17/07/2025 15:18

Thanks so much! That Never fully dressed one is gorgeous but sadly sold out! I think the problem is I've ordered it, it fits beautifully but I'm a size 14 and mid 50s so maybe it's me that's the frumpy one! Thanks for the non-bridesmaidy vibe reassurance everyone!

I’d add an animal print scarf as a sash, tied at the back

Quirkswork · 20/07/2025 08:23

ANagsHead · 17/07/2025 15:56

Have you ever looked at

Alemais?

It’s mostly above the Whistles price point. (Considerably above NFD.) But lots of the dresses can be found on sale at the moment on multi-brand sites.

You might also look on

The Outnet

for a properly special dress very much reduced.

You could also consider renting a dress?

The high street really is not good value at the moment, even in the sales.

Oh wow those Alemais dresses are fab. I'd say those fitted the theme of the wedding! I'd wear this one personally. Love a bit of folk.

Help! How to style dress so it looks a bit edgy/not like a bridesmaid?
VerbenaGirl · 20/07/2025 09:12

I like it and don’t think is at all bridesmaidsy. I’d colour clash for accessories - electric blue would look really striking with the red.

Unicornsandprincesses · 21/07/2025 22:57

If you go for the original dress, I’d go for some massive gold floral statement earrings for the OTT theme. And I’d do gold shoes too.

I’ve attached some pics of what I mean, but may take a bit to be approved

Help! How to style dress so it looks a bit edgy/not like a bridesmaid?
Help! How to style dress so it looks a bit edgy/not like a bridesmaid?
Help! How to style dress so it looks a bit edgy/not like a bridesmaid?
Help! How to style dress so it looks a bit edgy/not like a bridesmaid?
Unicornsandprincesses · 21/07/2025 22:59

Unicornsandprincesses · 21/07/2025 22:57

If you go for the original dress, I’d go for some massive gold floral statement earrings for the OTT theme. And I’d do gold shoes too.

I’ve attached some pics of what I mean, but may take a bit to be approved

Prob easier to add link!

https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-drop-earrings-with-3d-floral-design-in-gold-tone/prd/205757755

VeryStressedMum · 21/07/2025 23:03

It's a nice dress it doesn't look bridesmaidy, however the shoes the model is wearing are horrible with that dress, that style makes it look frumpy so maybe don't choose something like that

ChocolateGanache · 21/07/2025 23:08

Noodlecat · 18/07/2025 20:13

Wait until your own father dies, then look back on this post.

Eh?

ForAzureSeal · 22/07/2025 00:39

Before you mentioned your filthy personal style I was going to suggest styling your chosen dress in a gothy/rocky way. You could go chunky black boots, black leather motorcycle jacket, heavy black eyeliner and red red lips.

Or I would do clashy metallics - pink or blue maybe?

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 22/07/2025 07:06

A scarf tied as a sash would be in danger of taking it into Gypsy Rose territory, I think.

Sally543 · 22/07/2025 08:53

Lovely dress add a small yellow bag and it’s ideal.

Missohnoyoubetterdont · 22/07/2025 10:53

Sally543 · 22/07/2025 08:53

Lovely dress add a small yellow bag and it’s ideal.

Yellow?!!! 😳

ForAzureSeal · 22/07/2025 14:50

ForAzureSeal · 22/07/2025 00:39

Before you mentioned your filthy personal style I was going to suggest styling your chosen dress in a gothy/rocky way. You could go chunky black boots, black leather motorcycle jacket, heavy black eyeliner and red red lips.

Or I would do clashy metallics - pink or blue maybe?

Sorry! My first "gothy" autocorrected to "filthy"! I tried to edit post but can't seem to do so.

ThriftyShopper · 22/07/2025 15:50

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Mullingar · 22/07/2025 18:09

ANagsHead · 17/07/2025 16:17

You used the word edgy in your title … It’s widely derided nowadays - but if you actually meant it you might join the very exclusive club of posters who don’t rip me to shreds for mentioning:

Batsheva

If you want a different kind of ‘extra’ you could look at

Kemi Telford

whose clothes are fairly purse-friendly.

If you want something glossy, why not silk rather than polyester?

Realisation Par

makes some very wearable pieces (the Gia is very popular with grown up women) that only need a bit of shapewear (or a lot of gym) to look perfect.

Is that enough?

AAAHH - spotted this on someone recently and have been trying to hunt it down for an autumn wedding ... delighted to have found it on this thread https://uk.realisationpar.com/the-gia-havana/

The Gia - Havana

Bell sleeves and floor length, the Gia is the ultimate refined 70's elegance.

https://uk.realisationpar.com/the-gia-havana/

Y2ker · 22/07/2025 19:50

Wear boots with it or some kind of chunkier shoe/sandal/clog? I sometimes add really wide belts to dresses as they sort of give it a different look and move the waist to where I need it to be. Something bold /clashing for a bag?

SouthernNorthernLass · 24/07/2025 00:15

I’d get a belt/other accessories from AllSaints if you’re after ‘edgy’.

www.allsaints.com/women/sale/cora-leather-waist-belt/W189XC-6405.html

MyHonestFaves · 24/07/2025 13:59

Try chunky metallic heels, bold earrings, and a sharp clutch, maybe even a leather jacket if it’s chilly. Instantly turns "bridesmaid" into "fashion guest.

Fandango52 · 24/07/2025 16:42

vandubby · 17/07/2025 14:48

Going to a September wedding (where there are no bridesmaids) , and love this dress, but feels a bit frumpy. Dress code is 'extra/ott' and frankly this colour is as far as I'm prepared to go! Just wondering if there's a way to style this so it looks a bit less bridesmaidy? I was thinking maybe metallic accessories? or something more clashy? But not sure if it's a goer at all? Whistles Dress

I really like it, and don’t think it looks like a bridesmaid dress at all. Maybe style it with a thin dark belt with a few metallic buckles and/or a dark leather jacket?

Jinkslinger · 25/07/2025 23:53

Can’t do orange myself but if you wanted a bold look you could add shocking pink accessories

Piknik · 26/07/2025 00:21

I like the op dress. I also like the green Disturbia.

If you do stick with the OP orange dress, I would accessorize with hot pink. Clashy more edgy than metallic IMO. Fuschia chunky heel strappy shoes or ankle boots and then maybe pink/orange/gold loud clutch - something like that.

But having said that, the Green Disturbia is doing the 'edgy' work for you...

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