How to find your perfect bridal shower dress, according to a stylist (2024)

With all the stress of wedding planning, finding your dream bridal shower dress should actually be fun.

But with so many different dress options for brides, how can you find the one that suits you best?

We tapped bridal stylist Hope LaVine to share her tips for shopping for a bridal shower dress. LaVine, who recently attended New York Bridal Fashion Week, also has insight into all of the latest trends.

LaVine's tips

When shopping for bridal shower dresses, LaVine says to consider your wedding dress, your accessories, and to keep in mind that anything can be altered.

"You've likely picked out your wedding dress at this point," LaVine said. "So it can be fun to choose a different aesthetic from what your dress is or to add an element you liked for a wedding dress but didn’t end up choosing, such as a glove, a bow, a slip dress, or 3D florals."

LaVine believes that accessories play a huge role in your overall look: "A fun bubble mini dress can be made a tad more bridal with a mini veil or gloves," she said. "So keep [that] in mind when trying dresses on -- they may just need to be styled up!"

Because there are so many nuances to your look, LaVine says to not get too hung up on finding the perfect dress at the start. "Sometimes the smallest thing, like a hem or taking up a strap to fit more comfortably, can make all the different in the overall look," she said. "So if it doesn’t look 100% perfect when trying it on, you may just need slight alterations."

Not only will these tweaks make the look more complete, but they can add to your confidence, too.

What to avoid

LaVine recommends avoiding anything that is "too loud or fussy" to help you stay more comfortable throughout your bridal shower. She also recommends seeing how your dress photographs ahead of time, and taking into account that you'll be sitting and standing throughout the day.

"For example, dresses with cutouts tend to shift a lot when you’re sitting or bending," she said.

LaVine also says to find a dress that suits the season.

"If it’s still 'winter' where you are, a flowy sundress might not make the most sense," she said. "You also want to be warm enough to enjoy your party! Opt for a thicker fabric or a long sleeve, or accessorize with a fur jacket or a glove."

Current bridal trends

LaVine says that vintage or family-owned pieces are in. "Brides love the repurposing of their family member’s wedding dresses these days, she says. "Whether you’re cutting it short or updating the design elements, it is a great way to feel connected to your family and honor your family members."

You can also shop second-hand vintage pieces.

"Vintage gowns can have a lot of character," she said. "They also many a great conversation piece."

There are three other trends to note: bows, bubble minis, and shades of blue.

"The resurgence of bows is so fun to me. If there were ever a time to incorporate a bow into your wedding fashion, I fully believe it is a bridal shower!" LaVine said.

LaVine adds that she spotted ivory bubble mini dresses on the runways at New York Bridal Fashion Week.

Finally, the a full blue look or blue florals are major: "Brides are claiming the color blue as a 'bridal' color," LaVine said, noting that Sofia Richie Grainge wore blue during her wedding week. "Who's to say it wouldn’t be perfect for a bridal shower!"

Shop your bridal shower dress

At the end of the day, "have fun with it!" LaVine said. "Bridal showers are sweet, girly, and exciting, and it is fun to play into that with your fashion choices."

We've rounded up some of of our favorite dresses of the moment that we think are perfect for a bridal shower. Continue below to shop!

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Bridal shower accessories

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