Let Your Personality Shine Through-- How to Acessorize your Bridesmaid Dress!

Being that most bridesmaids don't get to pick their dresses for the wedding day, accessorizing your dress to match your personality is something that (if the bride allows you to of course) can really make you stand out and show your uniqueness and fashion sense!  You can snazz up your plain boring dress with killer heels, bold necklaces, hair pieces, cute clutches and so many other different fashion forward pieces.  There are several tips and tricks how to not look too over-the top and also how to not to be boring and lost in the crowd.

REMEMBER!
-  You don't want to take attention away from the bride.  Usually one bold statement piece can make the whole dress scream YOU.  You can do a bunch of simple pieces together if that is also your style, just keep in mind you don't want to look too tacky.
- A word about necklaces: makes sure that they work properly with the neckline of your  dress. A good length that works with almost every neckline: about 14 inches.
- Choose bags that complement their wedding day attire in color and style. Some purse styles that are hot right now -- basic drawstring pouches, retro-looking wrist-strap bags and clutches.  Small is better for purses.
-If your allowed to do your hair in different ways, remember to style it up in ways that complement your face.  If you usually wear your hair down everyday, or curly everyday try doing the opposite to make it extra special and different for the big day.  New trends with your hair are half-up half down, sock buns on the top of your head, low braids parted to the side, and bangs poofed with a pony-tail.  Try to avoid, gaudy diamond clips in your hair, real flowers in your hair (save that for the cute little flower girl) plain straight hair and typical braids etc;

-When it comes to nail polish, remember to never over do it! A simple neutral color or french manicure always works the best.  Stay away from the black, neon and hot pink.  Although they may be great colors and super trendy they don't send the right message while walking down the aisle.

Now here are four examples of the same dress and accessorized in two different ways.  You can make it work with no matter what your unique wedding style is like. Check out these hot new looks.

Beach (from top): handbag by Tori Burch ($155); headband by Twig & Honey ($210); flat sandals from Piperlime.com ($49); flip-flops from WeddingChannel.com Store ($18); Necklace by BeadsAndPearls from Etsy.com (about $15).
Ballroom (from top): earrings by Max and Chloe ($40); bracelet by J. Crew ($60); clutch by Jimmy Choo ($1,500); pumps by Nina ($89); flowered headband by The Dessy Group ($16).

Classic (from top): earrings by Tom Binns ($225); clutch by Abas ($178); headband by Ann Taylor ($26); crystal cuff by Ranjana Khan at Bergdorf Goodman ($395); black pump by Banana Republic ($84).
Modern (from top): headband by TopShop ($35); earrings by ModCloth.com ($15); flowered clutch by Sondra Roberts at Nordstrom ($98); shoes by Asos ($160); leather bracelet by House of Harlow ($149).

 Boho Chic (from top): gold cuff by Halston Heritage ($45); sunglasses by Michael Kors ($90); feathered handbag by ASOS ($42); shoes by Kelsi Dagger ($56); rings by Urban Outfitters; earrings by Anthropologie ($98).
Hollywood Glamour (from top): lipstick by Makeup Forever at Sephora ($19); pearl bracelet from Neiman Marcus ($250); gemstone clutch by Judith Leiber at Bergdorf Goodman ($1,900); black sandals by Nine West ($49); earrings from Macy's ($50); crystal bracelet by J. Crew ($60).

 Urban (from top): necklace by Juliet & Company ($108); drop earrings from Chico's ($48); stud earrings from Banana Republic ($19); gloves by Gaspar Gloves ($22); clutch by Stella McCartney ($875); shoes by Elizabeth & James ($454).
Country (from top): open weave pump from Wet Seal ($16); "love you" necklace by Jennifer Meyer ($600); bow bangle from Kate Spade ($125); earrings from Swarovski ($75); crystal headband by Katherine Denby ($70).

There are so many ways to step away from the cookie cutter bridesmaids look.  If the bride gives you free-range to add style to your dress remember these tips and trends.  Coming from a fashion-lover, every walk is a fashion run-way so don't forget to add your style and fashion-diva self to the wedding aisle.

Style on.
xo Lauren