Manhattan designer Cynthia Rowley truly knows how to turn trash into treasure.
“It was a so-bad-it’s-almost-good moment,” the designer says of the pink, polyester and taffeta princess-style gown she was forced to wear to her cousin’s wedding in Illinois. “I kinda wish I hadn’t left it in the trash can in the hotel room.”
Ouch.
Pretty in pink just wasn’t her thing. And any girl who’s been similarly humiliated in a voluminous candy-colored confection will agree: There’s no greater shame than a bridesmaid dress gone wrong. This is precisely why Rowley, after too many turns as a gaudy guest, added a new bridesmaid dress collection to her brand this spring.
PHOTOS: FASHIONABLE BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Now, when picking the most fab frock to last through wedding season, gals can choose from classic styles in a bright pop of color — or even a bit of flair. Rowley’s line ranges from conservative little black dresses to quirky ballet pink and flirty tulle styles.
Other designers make one-shoulder and strapless dresses that can be dressed up or down with an armful of colorful bangles, while black dresses with a twist and a great pair of heels will get a lot of mileage, too.
So for stressed-out brides looking to dress their bridal party in something they won’t toss in the trash, and wedding guests in last-minute dress dilemmas, here are our picks of the frocks that won’t ruin your style — or your friendships.