Weddings Winter 2008 > Wedding Party

Bridesmaids' Dresses Directory

Adriennes

155 Orchard St., nr. Rivington St.; 212-475-4206; adriennesny.com

After emigrating from Long Island to Manhattan, this well-established house of bridal wear carries quasi-affordable names like Dessy, Badgley Mischka, and Jim Hjelm ($150 to $350). They also offer custom bridesmaid and mother-of-the-bride dresses in a variety of styles and fabrics (starting at $400). Alterations cost $75. By appointment only.

Amsale

625 Madison Ave., nr. 58th St., second fl.; 212-583-1700; amsale.com

This upscale Madison Avenue bridal salon eschews frills for classy styles that bridesmaids can don again for cocktail parties. Amsale’s satin-taffeta sheath dresses with ruched bodices and gathered busts are flattering on everyone. They also have a luxurious new line of jersey gowns (starting at about $240).

Ann Taylor Celebrations

645 Madison Avenue, nr. 60th St. ; 212-832-9114; anntaylor.com

The generally affordable line for bridesmaids proffers a great selection of polished looks at prices that won’t break the bank. The dresses ($168 to $198) are uniformly sleek and simple and come in hues like wine and midnight blue.

Blue

137 Ave. A, nr. 9th St.; 212-228-7744

Young professionals looking for something fashionable turn here for fresh takes on cocktail dresses ($400 to $650) and ball gowns ($1,200 to $3,000). Everything is custom-made at the tiny in-store workshop. As a bonus, designer-owner Christina Kara offers group rates for large wedding parties.

Calypso Christiane Celle

935 Madison Ave., nr. 74th St. (various locations); 212-535-4100; calypso-celle.com

The five floors of Calypso Christiane Celle offer versatile apparel that bridesmaids can wear for years. Most pieces can be special-ordered in silk, including bustiers, balloon-sleeved Vista wrap tops ($150), Katia bustle skirts, and long wrap Julia ($295) dresses—expect them in ten weeks.

Here Comes the Bridesmaid

238 W 14 St., nr. Eighth Ave.; 212-647-9686

This small boutique has amassed more than 400 styles of dresses for bridesmaids alone. Frocks range from the familiar (Jim Hjelm, Watters & Watters) to the unusual (Siri) and cost $150 to $360. The knowledgeable staff likes to work one-on-one with clients, so they recommend calling ahead for an appointment.

J.Crew

Various locations; 800-562-0258; jcrew.com

This post-preppy bridal line is all about options. Color schemes are easy to execute with the store’s tasteful options for bridesmaids. Current treasures include the vampy cotton-halter Lydia ($250) and the silk-taffeta Lorelei ($215), which sticks to simplicity with solid results.

Jenny Yoo Collection

139 W. 35th St., nr. Broadway, ninth fl.; 212-645-0823; jennyyoo.com

Jenny Yoo’s creations are feminine (light layers of chiffon and silk charmeuse) and ultrabright (canary yellows and pomegranate reds). Styles are simple, like the “Elizabeth,” an A-line dress with a bateau neckline, in shades like pearl and cloud, and the “Anastasia,” a spaghetti-strap Empire-waist ball gown. Dresses range from $255 to $450.

Kathlin Argiro

488 Seventh Ave., nr. 36th St., Ste. 2C; 212-563-2143; kathlinargiro.com

Kathlin Argiro creates made-to-order dresses in fabrics like cotton sateen, and faille (perfect for cold-weather weddings); and in Lilly Pulitzer–esque color combos such as chartreuse-cerise. Bridesmaids can choose from a range of silhouettes, pick a fabric, and then a “treatment” to tie around the waist. Prices range from $250 to $450.