A Complete Guide to Lela Rose Bridesmaid Dresses

Skirts

The best skirt is the flattering A-line, a skirt that works on any body type. For those who need to hide the hips, it gives shape without revealing, while those with a boyish body get an illusion of an hourglass figure. The longer skirts tend to be straighter than the shorter ones, which flare out gently to the side. Nearly all of the skirts have pleats folded within them, lending a Grecian style to many of the dresses. When the fabric is a heavier, glossy satin, the skirts are straight and smooth as silk. They come in two lengths, floor and cocktail, which is knee-length.

Tops

The variations in style show up in the top. Strapless, V-neck, off-shoulder, one-shoulder, halter and small cap sleeves decorate the upper body. The one sleeve or strap look is a super trendy style right now. Pick it up with a ruffle along the neckline to hit two trends with one dress. The strapless bodice is a classic bridesmaid look, but be wary of it if your friends have larger busts, because this style of dress doesn’t offer much support. A distinctive dress is the LR 119, which has a halter neckline that covers the chest and a shift fit. It looks elegant on any body type!

Embellishments

Ruffles, ruffles, ruffles! Usually along the neckline, ruffles decorate the majority of dresses, as they do in most bridal collections this year. Strapless, V neck and one shoulder all have this neckline of ruffles. If you really like the look, try the LR 123 that has three tiers of ruffles over the one shoulder top. A few of the dresses also have them along the hemline. For a vertical waterfall of pleats, check out the LX 158XX. Pleats, created by the crinkled chiffon and pleated cotton, dominate this category as well. The soft, delicate pleats fall in cascades from the waist, sometimes draped over the top as well. Rosettes stud a few of the tops, usually on the strap or dead center in the bust.

Banded Waist

A must-have look in the bridal arena this year, the banded waist can mean anything from a simple matching band of fabric wrapped around the waist to a contrasting band of color with a large bow on the side. Many of the dresses have a matching or tonal band of fabric, sometimes pleated, around the natural waist. The tonal bands, like on the divinely romantic LX 128, adds a whimsical delicacy, perfect for the bride who wants a fairytale quality to her wedding. For those who desire a stronger statement, go for the LR 107 that has a dark blue waistband overtop a baby blue dress with matching bands near the hemline.

Color

One of the best parts of the collection is the fact that each dress is customizable when it comes to color. When you click on a dress on the website, all of the available colors will show up next to the picture. All colors of the rainbow are offered, including multiple shades of most colors, and sometimes a patterned color will be included. LR 142 has a gorgeously shifting Pacific Ombre color as its standard shade. When the dress is made of satin, the colors assume a transparent sheen.