Bridesmaid gowns have gone crazy! Good crazy, that is.  Long or short, strapless or halter, chiffon or satin, there is a bridesmaid gown for every figure type and budget.  Designers are showing what brides have been asking to see for decades….. “SOMETHING YOU CAN WEAR AGAIN!” The best part is that many designers are offering fashionable options for bridesmaids who aren’t comfortable showing too much skin.

Cape – How about a nice little chiffon covering? If the gown you select doesn’t offer something like this, you can always have them made for you.

Shawl – Something to wrap around your neck or arms, it usually dresses up the gown and is definitely more formal.

Scarf – For a more fun, edgy look try adding a luxurious Pashmina or silk chiffon scarf in a totally different color than the gown.

Wrap – Narrower than a shawl or scarf, this ‘wraps’ around the bodice to  give some shoulder coverage and is intended to be worn all night. 

Bolero – Of course there is always the bolero jacket like Princess Katherine wore with her reception gown last April.

Last, we come to the shrug, which is a short open-front ‘jacket’ with little or no sleeves.

You can have so much fun with scarves, wraps, shrugs and capes that the possiblities are endless. The perfect way to dress up a simple gown,  and allow the bridesmaids a little coverage.  

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago