image
Today's Top Stories
1
Read an Excerpt from 'Anna K,' Our Book Club Pick
image
2
The Best Street Style From Milan Fashion Week
image
3
Tales of a Hollywood Con Queen
image
4
Read an Excerpt From the Uber Whistleblower's Book
2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones - Arrivals
5
Shonda Rhimes' New Netflix Show Will Be Steamy

Editors handpick every product that we feature. We may earn money from the links on this page.

Bridesmaid Dresses for the Big Girls

Say "I do" this wedding season to chic bridesmaid dresses! Plus-size fashionista Nicolette Mason picks her faves.
image
image
"Courtesy of Nicolette Mason"
Say "I do" this wedding season to chic bridesmaid dresses! Plus-size fashionista Nicolette Mason picks her faves.
image
"Courtesy of Nicolette Mason"
Formally Wed
About a year ago, my best friend called to tell me she was engaged. My initial reaction was, of course, sheer excitement. But after a few moments, a second feeling kicked in: utter panic. How on earth would I fit into the dainty bridesmaid dress she was sure to pick out?
1 of 14
image
"Stylecaster.com"
Formally Wed
Fact is, the bridal market can be a nightmare for full-figured fashionistas—the selection is frustratingly limited and the quality equally uninspiring. Lucky for me, the bride let us choose our own dresses—the latest bridal trend has moved away from matchy-matchy wedding parties, thankfully. So I opted for a stunning charcoal Grecian gown by Tadashi Shoji that made me look like a flame-haired goddess.
2 of 14
image
"Richard Majchrzak/Studio D"
Formally Wed

I've learned that the key to holding your own as a big-girl bridesmaid (this applies to any formal event, really) is to make sure that the anxiety of finding the right dress doesn't overshadow the joy of the occasion. So to make the process a bit easier for you, I've rounded up a selection of bridesmaid dresses that will wow even the pickiest brides and flatter everyone in the bridal party. If you're fortunate enough to select your own dress, look no further. If you've got to make a case to your soon-to-be-wedded friend, tear out this page!

Dress (up to size 3X), $134.99, Ruche; shopruche.com.

3 of 14
image
"Richard Majchrzak/Studio D"
Formally Wed

Want more "Big Girl in a Skinny World"? Check out the new Web series at youtube.com/hellostylechannel. E-mail me at biggirl@marieclaire.com and tell me what you think.

Earrings $680, Anna Sheffield Jewelry; annasheffield.com.

4 of 14
image
"Richard Majchrzak/Studio D"
Formally Wed
Dress (up to size 24), $99, David's Bridal; davidsbridal.com.
5 of 14
image
"Getty Images"
Formally Wed

Celebrity inspiration: Kristie Alley

"Ruching or draping at the bust is a clever design trick—it enlarges those who need it while minimizing those who don't."

6 of 14
image
"Richard Majchrzak/Studio D"
Formally Wed

"An A-line silhouette camouflages a bigger bottom. If you're top-heavy, a sweetheart neckline is always flattering."

Dress (up to size 24), $632, Rani Zakhem at Jones & Jones; (956) 687-1171.

7 of 14
image
"Courtesy of the Designer"
Formally Wed
Ring $920, Tacori; tacori.com.
8 of 14
image
"Richard Majchrzak/Studio D"
Formally Wed
Dress (up to size 24), $168, White by Vera Wang; davidsbridal.com.
9 of 14
image
"Courtesy of the Designer"
Formally Wed
Clutch $595, Anya Hindmarch; anyahindmarch.com.
10 of 14
image
"Getty Images"
Formally Wed
Celebrity inspiration: Octavia Spencer at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards in Tadashi Shoji.
11 of 14
image
"Richard Majchrzak/Studio D"
Formally Wed
Dress (up to size 18), $265, Ann Taylor; anntaylor.com.
12 of 14
image
"Courtesy of the Designer"
Formally Wed

"Ensure your dress gets tons more mileage this summer by opting for a pastel or floral, two of the season's hottest trends."

Clutch $32.72, ASOS; asos.com.

13 of 14
image
"Courtesy of the Designer"
Formally Wed
Shoes $625, Jimmy Choo; jimmychoo.com.
14 of 14
Next
10 Eastern European Fashion Designers to Keep on Your Radar
image
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
More From Fashion
image The Creative Director of M.M.LaFleur on Style
image
Versace Showed Mens/Women's Looks at Its Fall Show
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
image
All the Looks From Prada's Fall 2020 Collection
Dolce & Gabbana Secret & Diamond Show Dolce & Gabbana Is Supporting Coronavirus Research
image
Every Look in Fendi's Fall 2020 Runway Collection
image
How to Make a Denim Jacket Your Spring Uniform
image
The Best Runway Looks at Milan Fashion Week
image
The Best Street Style From Milan Fashion Week
image
Check Out Moncler's Fall 2020 Collection
image
Max Mara's Fall 2020 Collection Was Inspired by th