Bridesmaid and Bridal Dresses With Lace for a Shower

For a bridal shower, a lace dress in a soft color is the safest elegant choice. Pick a midi or tea-length cut, keep the lace in one place or let it cover the whole dress, and leave white to the bride.

The same logic applies if you are shopping for bridesmaid and bridal dresses more broadly: color, fabric and silhouette decide most of the look. Here is how to sort through each one.

Section 01

Why does lace suit a bridal shower?

Lace has been tied to weddings for a long time. When Queen Victoria married in 1840, she wore a white dress of Spitalfields silk and Honiton lace, and the choice helped set a lasting tradition for Western bridal fashion. Biographer Julia Baird wrote that "Victora had chosen to wear white mostly because it was the perfect color to highlight the delicate lace."

That history is a nice bonus, but the practical reasons matter more. Lace works at different dress codes: a little at the neckline reads relaxed, an all-over overlay reads formal. It also adds texture without adding bulk.

Section 02

What color should a lace shower dress be?

Think of this as bridesmaid dresses by color, with one extra rule: if you are a guest, skip white and ivory so the bride stands out.

• Blush, cream and champagne: soft and easy for daytime. They sit gently next to most skin tones.
• Lavender, mint or powder blue: fresh pastels for spring and garden parties. For more ideas, see pastel party dresses for bridal showers.
• White: reserved for the bride. If you are the guest of honor, a white lace dress is the classic pick.
• Emerald, ruby or sapphire: deeper jewel tones suit evening showers.
• Gold or silver lace: a little sparkle for a dressier room.

Through the lens of evidence-based design, I'd look at contrast before hue. Lace over a lining that matches your skin tone looks airy, while lace over a darker lining looks graphic and heavier.

Section 03

Which fabrics work with lace?

Bridesmaid dresses by fabric usually come down to what sits under or around the lace. Satin, chiffon and crepe are the common partners. Fashion editor Kathryn Hennessy describes early-1900s formalwear as "Sumptuous fabrics such as silk satin, damask, and chiffon, usually in light, soft colours, were decorated with lace, rhinestones, and spangles", and the pairing still works.

• Chiffon with lace: light and moves well outdoors.
• Satin with lace: a smoother, dressier look. Satin bridesmaid and bridal dresses catch light, so lace trim gives the shine some texture.
• Crepe or structured fabric under lace: a cleaner, more polished fit.

I'd pick the softer weave for a daytime shower, because a matte surface keeps the color quiet and lets the lace pattern do the talking.

Section 04

Which silhouette suits your frame?

These are tendencies, not rules. Try on two shapes and trust the mirror.

Petite

Tea-length or above-the-knee hems keep your legs visible. Choose smaller lace patterns so the print does not overwhelm you, and nude shoes extend the line.

Curvy

Wrap dresses and A-lines define the waist. Lace along the neckline or bodice draws the eye up, and a structured lining under the lace helps the dress hold its shape.

Athletic

Fit-and-flare shapes and tiered lace skirts add softness. Halter or off-the-shoulder necklines show off shoulders and collarbones.

Tall

Midi and maxi lengths suit you, as do long lace sleeves and larger scalloped patterns.

Section 05

What should a maid of honor wear?

Elegant maid of honor dresses are usually a step more formal than guest attire, or a different shade from the other bridesmaids. At a shower, a lace midi in a soft tone with a sleek neckline does the job. If the bride has a color plan, ask her before buying. For more options, see bridal shower attire and feminine pastel outfits.

Prefer something less traditional? A white pantsuit is a good option for the bride.

Section 06

Which lace styles are current, and which are classic?

Current: sheer lace panels at the sleeves or back, high-low hems, two-piece lace sets, and textured 3D florals. Classic: all-over lace sheaths, scalloped hems, sleeveless sheaths and lace fit-and-flare dresses.

If you want to be sure the dress will still look right in photos years from now, go classic. If the shower is casual, one modern detail is plenty.

Section 07

How do you style a lace dress?

1. Keep jewelry small: pearl studs, a dainty bracelet or a simple pendant. Chunky pieces compete with the lace texture.
2. Choose nude or metallic heels. For lawns and gardens, block heels, wedges or dressy flats are easier.
3. Add a layer for cool weather: a tailored blazer, cropped cardigan or soft shawl in a neutral or pastel.
4. Wear hair soft: waves, a low updo or half-up styles suit lace.
5. Carry a small clutch in a neutral or metallic tone.

A full-lace dress needs the least extra. Keep shoes and bag neutral and let the pattern lead.

If you are working on the rest of the look, there are ideas for bridal shower nails too.

Section 08

Who pays and where to shop

Practices vary. In many weddings, bridesmaids buy their own dresses, though some brides cover part or all of the cost. A shower guest buys her own outfit. If you are buying bridesmaid dresses online, check the size chart, fabric content and return policy before ordering, and order early enough to allow alterations.

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