16 Classic Bridesmaid Dresses for Your Timeless Wedding

They’ll never go out of style.
Classic bridesmaid dresses
Photos, left to right: Lulus, Show Me Your Mumu, Bella Bridesmaids
carli brennan headshot
by
Carli Brennan
carli brennan headshot
Carli Brennan
The Knot Fashion Contributor
  • Carli writes freelance fashion articles for The Knot.
  • Prior to The Knot, she was the style section editor at Her Campus Media and launched the Fashion Institute of Technology chapter of Her Campus.
  • Carli’s passion for the wedding industry stems from her time as a bridal consultant and her previous internship in a bridal showroom.
Updated Mar 21, 2024
We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.

A common sentiment among brides is that they want to look back on their wedding photos 20 years from now and still love everything about it, especially when it comes to bridesmaid dresses. While trends come and go, choosing classic bridesmaid dresses for your girls to walk down the aisle in is a surefire way to make sure your wedding day style stands the test of time. Timeless silhouettes and colors—think black, navy and lilac—are universally flattering and often avoid the dreaded "what was I thinking?" question when you look back at past fashion faux pas.

Vintage inspired or classic bridesmaid dresses are an especially fitting choice if you'd describe your wedding day aesthetic as quiet luxury, coastal or vintage. We've compiled our 16 favorite classic bridesmaid dresses if you're looking for an eternally stylish bridesmaid dress pick for your wedding day. Cue "Timeless" by Taylor Swift.

The Best Classic Bridesmaid Dresses for 2024 Weddings

When in doubt, you can't go wrong with one of these classic bridesmaid dress styles. From silky slips to elegant trumpet gowns, these gorgeous dresses are sure to stand the test of time when it comes to fashion. Trust us, you won't look back with fashion regret if you choose one of these classic bridesmaid dresses.

Alfred Sung Bow One-Shoulder Satin Trumpet Gown

Alfred Sung bow one-shoulder satin classic bridesmaid dress
Photo: Dessy Group

A one shoulder silhouette adorned with a bow is a fashionable twist on this classic satin gown. It comes in 41 gorgeous colors, so there's something to match every bride's color scheme.

Size Range: 00-30 | Colors: 41

Birdy Grey Amy Dress

Birdy Grey scoop neck classic bridesmaid dress
Photo: Birdy Grey

This simple scoop neck gown is a classic bridesmaid silhouette that will never go out of style. The leg slit allows you to show off a gorgeous metallic statement heel.

Size Range: XS-3X | Colors: 39

Show Me Your Mumu Jasmine Halter Maxi Dress

Show Me Your Mumu halter neck classic bridesmaid dress
Photo: Show Me Your Mumu

A halter neck bridesmaid dress pairs perfectly with a gorgeous updo. This one from Show Me Your Mumu comes in a stunning satin fabric that will catch the light as your bridesmaids walk down the aisle.

Size Range: XXS-XXL | Colors: 18

Jenny Yoo Bridesmaid Dress Sylvie

Jenny Yoo cowl neck green classic bridesmaid dress
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids

A silky cowl neck is an ever stylish pick for a bridesmaid dress. The nineties inspired silhouette has become a classic, thanks in part to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and her beloved silky slip wedding dress.

Size Range: 00-32 | Colors: 31

Alfred Sung Strapless Draped Bodice Column Dress with Oversized Bow

Alfred Sung strapless classic bridesmaid dress
Photo: Dessy Group

Channel your inner Charlotte York in this sweet, yet sophisticated strapless gown. The oversized bow detail adds just enough drama to this otherwise simple style.

Size Range: 00-30 | Colors: 41

Azazie Keyhole Halter Stretch Satin Sheath Dress

Azazie pink keyhole classic bridesmaid dress
Photo: Azazie

This chic halter gown features a subtly sexy keyhole cutout. It comes in 29 gorgeous colors, including a brand new Barbie™ Pink for all of the Barbiecore loving brides out there.

Size Range: 0-30 or custom | Colors: 29

Birdy Grey Alex Convertible Dress

Birdy Grey bow straps convertible classic bridesmaid dress
Photo: Birdy Grey

Give your bridesmaids options on how they'd like to style their dresses with a convertible style like this one from Birdy Grey. The bow straps can be removed or tied in multiple different ways to give each bridesmaid her own unique twist.

Size Range: 0-30 or custom | Colors: 29

Lulus Soiree Celebration Ruffled Lace-Up Maxi Dress

Lulus ruffled lace-up classic bridesmaid dress
Photo: Lulus

Get a designer look on a budget with this stunning gown from Lulus. This romantic gown features voluminous ruffled sleeves, a plunging V-neckline and a sultry lace up open back. Even better, at just under $100, this dress is an affordable pick for bridesmaids.

Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: 3

Adrianna Papell Off The Shoulder Sequin Beaded Gown

Adrianna Papell sequin beaded classic bridesmaid dress
Photo: Adrianna Papell

Sparkle never goes out of style. This glamorous beaded bridesmaid dress from Adrianna Papell is a perfect choice for a black tie wedding.

Size Range: 0-20 | Colors: 3

Alfred Sung D761

Alfred Sung satin classic bridesmaid dress
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids

You can't go wrong with a timeless satin twill gown. This one from Alfred Sung features a flattering v-neckline and comes in 33 dazzling shades.

Size Range: 00-30 | Colors: 33

Birdy Grey Mira Convertible Dress

Birdy Grey floral classic bridesmaid dress
Photo: Birdy Grey

Floral bridesmaid dresses are always an appropriate choice, especially for spring or summer weddings. Blue and white florals are an especially timeless pick and give off major coastal grandmother vibes. If florals aren't your thing, this dress also comes in gorgeous solid shades.

Size Range: XS-3X | Colors: 50

Kennedy Blue Sylvie Dress

Kennedy Blue classic bridesmaid dress
Photo: Kennedy Blue

With over 60 color options and an extensive size range, this bridesmaid dress is a foolproof option for a classic bridesmaid dress. Plus, you can order color swatches online to see which colors you like best in person.

Size Range: 00-32 | Colors: 67

Amsale Long Bridesmaid Dress Imani

Amsale backless classic bridesmaid dress
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids

This backless bridesmaid dress is balanced out with a modest nineties inspired high neckline. While it comes in 32 equally beautiful colors, we think this neutral champagne shade is an especially elegant pick.

Size Range: 00-32 | Colors: 32

Sachin & Babi Keely Gown Crinkle Georgette One-Shoulder Gown

Sachin & Babi pink one-shoulder classic bridesmaid dress
Photo: Sachin & Babi

This one shoulder gown is a modest bridesmaid dress that still packs a stylish punch. Consider it a closet staple you'll *actually* want to wear again.

Size Range: 0-22 | Colors: 11

Alfred Sung Open Neckline Cutout Satin Twill A-Line Gown with Pockets

Alfred Sung open neckline A-line classic bridesmaid dress
Photo: Dessy Group

You had us at "with pockets". This glamorous satin twill A-line gown features subtle side cutouts for a modern twist. It's the perfect bridesmaid dress for a white tie or black tie soiree.

Size Range: 00-30 | Colors: 41

Birdy Grey Grace Convertible Dress

Birdy Grey convertible classic bridesmaid dress
Photo: Birdy Grey

Convertible bridesmaid dresses like this one are perfect for letting each bridesmaid choose how she wants to wear her dress. This one can be tied in countless different ways, from off-the-shoulder, to one-shoulder, to strapless and more. It's truly the ultimate versatile bridesmaid dress.

Size Range: XS-3X | Colors: 52

What to Look for in a Classic Bridesmaid Dress

When hunting for the perfect classic bridesmaid dress, the most important factors you'll want to consider are color and silhouette. Neutral colors and classic shapes will create the base of what you're shopping for—and no matter where you buy bridesmaid dresses, there are bound to be plenty of classic options. If you're not sure where to start, create a Pinterest board for inspiration.

Classic Bridesmaid Dress Colors

Colors that are considered classic for bridesmaid dresses are often neutrals that are always in style. Evergreen shades like navy blue, black, lilac and even cream are safe bets when it comes to bridesmaid dress colors.

Classic Bridesmaid Dress Silhouettes

When thinking of classic bridesmaid dress silhouettes, think back to timeless fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O and Carolyn Besette-Kennedy. These stylish ladies often opted for timeless shapes, like A-line, trumpet or column gowns. Styles that are considered classic often err on the side of modesty, avoiding too many revealing cutouts.

Classic Bridesmaid Dress Fabrics

Fabric plays a huge part in choosing a bridesmaid dress. Satin twill is a sophisticated and elegant choice that never goes out of style. Some other great classic fabrics for bridesmaid dresses include satin, jacquard or chiffon. The weather or time of year will largely inform what fabric you choose.

Up Next
  • Collage of bridesmaids and clock
    When Should Bridesmaids Get Their Dresses?