bridesmaid dresses

Consider this your color-coded field guide to finding the perfect dress — for your bridesmaids, that is. Whether you've nailed down your color scheme for the big day or you're seeking a little dressing inspiration, we've done the legwork to make finding the perfect shade, cut, and price point for your bridal party a little easier. From soft shades of nude and blush to metallic silver and gray, we've handpicked the standouts from our favorite bridesmaid collections — like Monique Lhuillier and J.Crew — and some right off the racks of our favorite contemporary labels like Tibi and Rebecca Taylor in every hue. Get ready to shop, ROYGBIV style, right here.

Maternity wear and bridesmaids dresses are probably the two most notoriously not-so-cute fashion categories out there, so adding them together might seem like a recipe for disaster. Luckily, as the following nine finds from Amsale, Jenny Yoo, twobirds, and more prove, there are some shockingly stylish maternity bridesmaids dresses out there. Some are made just for moms-to-be, while others are cut wide enough to accommodate your growing belly. Now if you can only convince the bride to pick one . . .

If your wedding color scheme is black and white, then chic black bridesmaid gowns are a must. Check out Kate Bosworth in her black bridesmaid dress at a friend's wedding in Sydney in 2008. Even though it was a beach nuptial, the silky black gowns elevated it to sophisticated status. Inspired by Kate, we set out to find the chicest-of-chic black gowns for all your upcoming bridesmaid duties. Step inside to see them all. Then be sure to check out Ashlee Simpson in an equally gorgeous bridesmaid gown.

Not too long ago, in March 2012, Ashlee Simpson served as bridesmaid for a friend's wedding in Palm Springs. The term "bridesmaid dress" usually makes us cringe, but Ashlee was a breath of fresh air in her soft-hued, printed halter gown, which she dressed up with a long pearl necklace. With wedding season in our midst, Ashlee has inspired us to find equally gorgeous halter gowns that can also be worn as bridesmaid dresses for all types of receptions, from fancy to beachy. Then when the party is over, you can rewear all of them for other dressy soirees, including a wedding you're not a part of. Step inside to see eight of our halter-gown picks inspired by Ashlee Simpson, then be sure to check out other celebs as bridesmaids.

Whether you're the blushing bride-to-be or guest of a guest, wedding season is upon us. J.Crew just released its Spring weddings and parties collection showcasing a bevy of gorgeous gowns for just about every bridal personality. There are chic silk halter neck gowns for the classic minimalist and more whimsical creations for the playful at heart. For wedding guests, J.Crew is offering up an irresistible selection of dresses dipped in a rainbow of pretty colors. We personally love the bold, yet still appropriate, floral print sheaths. Check out our favorite picks below, then click the slideshow to see more wedding and party dresses from J.Crew.

• This strapless wedding gown features the perfect fit and flare silhouette. We also love the subtle polka-dot print.
• This lemon yellow halter dress is perfect for the wedding guest. Just finish off the look with strappy heels and a bright clutch.
• We love a short wedding dress option; this beaded version has just the right amount of vintage flair.

If you're at loss at what to wear to Fall weddings and upcoming holiday parties, J.Crew has you — and your whole entourage — covered. Whether you're an attendee or bride-to-be, the assortment of gowns and dresses are sure to please every fashion profile, ranging from pieces like this gorgeous "spiced wine" gown, printed sheath dress, and a chic and simple strapless little white dress. There's a lot more where that came from, check out our top picks below, and then click through the slideshow to see the rest of the collection.

• This gorgeous Adelle Taffeta gown is perfect for nontraditional brides, fancy bridesmaids, or even a swanky black-tie soiree this holiday season.
• We love a pop of color for Fall. This textural hot pink dress can easily go from day to night with a few accessory changes and a pretty red lip.
• We die for this Hyacinth chiffon-organza dress. From the soft ruffles to intricate crisscross pleating, this one's ideal for experimental brides.

The wait is over: Vera Wang's bridesmaid collection for David's Bridal is out and ready for perusal. The line captures the same beautiful quality as her bridal collection, and prices range from $158 to $198. Under $200 — now that's a designer deal. Take a look at the rest of the amazing collection in the slide show now.

This week we went on the hunt for classic sporty summer style, found bridesmaid dresses you'll want to wear, and answered the age-old question: what to wear on a first date? We also got some help from our guest blogger Rachel Zoe, who shared some shopping tips. Click though our slideshow to get a recap of the week's best stories.

Have you noticed? It's wedding season here at Sugar. If you're tying the knot soon, you might ask close friends or family to be in your wedding. And while you probably know how to be a good friend, sister, cousin, or whatever, when it comes to wedding planning, your relationships, and the potential drama, can quickly shoot to the next level. I've identified some common areas of concern with bridesmaids and offered some commonsense ways to approach them. Check it out and add your advice at the end!

Photo by Jenna Walker Photography via Style Me Pretty