The convertible bridesmaid dress has become the hero of bridal fashion since they popped into the wedding market around five or six years ago. Their popularity boils down to the fact that multi wrap dresses offers a variety of ways to wear the dress, to suit each bridesmaid’s individual shape and style, and their opportunity to mix and match gowns without causing too much of a fuss is exactly what brides are looking for. For the bridesmaids of course, they’re a Godsend too – Don’t like your arms? Give yourself some cap sleeves. Want some extra support? Make yours a halter neck!
Jersey material has been the pick of the fabrics for these gorgeous gowns, as it can be stretched and draped easily and still maintains its shape, however satin and tulle finishes have been added to skirts as the multi-wrap has gained popularity. Shorter styles, high low hemlines and rosette ruching are also on the menu, so your bridesmaids can really mix and match styles and find something they’ll wear again and again. You’re not going to bag a serious bargain on convertible dresses however, but happily there is now a scale of prices since designers and high street stores have tapped into the trend. Let’s take a look at what’s on offer.
TwoBirds Bridesmaid pretty much pioneered the multi-wrap bridesmaid dress, paving the way for many designers to imitate their uber successful style. TwoBirds offer their stunning gowns in three ranges: Classic, Rosette and Tulle, all of which come in a huge variety of colours. These dresses can be tied 15 different ways to create strapless styles, cap sleeves, Grecian-inspired knots and full coverage. Dresses can be ordered online by filling out a profile page on twobirdsbridesmaid.com and are available in Ireland from Eden Manor Bridal showrooms in Wexford. Prices upwards of 200Euro.
Butter by Nadia is a relatively unknown name in bridal fashion, but her signature jersey ballgown has become hugely popular among brides looking for quality gowns that can be worn 50 different ways. Dresses are available in four different styles and a variety of colours on shopbutterbynadia.com. Prices are a hefty $300+, but from this review by fashion blogger The Londoner, they look like they’re worth every cent.
You don’t have to hit the designer stores to bag a beautiful multi-way for your girls, not when even Marks and Spencer has got in on the trend with their collection of convertibles available online. The laser cut skater dress is one of our faves (pictured) but there are plenty more styles to choose from too. Prices are from 80Euro.
A recent designer on the signature multi wrap scene is Australia-based Goddess by Nature, whose dresses can be twisted and turned to create 25 different styles and come in 40 shades. We really like their sweetheart silk chiffon range of multiways which adds a gorgeous boho style to mix and match bridesmaids. Find them at Runaway Bride in Wexford, the only Irish stockist of this fab brand.
Frock n Fabulous in Drury Street, Dublin mainly specialise in occasion wear for hire, however they do have a couple of stunning multiway gowns on their books for sale. This gorgeous green jersey stretch gown is available in two sizes, as are all other shades and styles available. Prices approx 180Euro.
Many brides hoping to find dresses and decor at a more budget-friendly price head to online community and marketplace Etsy. One of the most popular sellers of the multi way dress on Etsy is USA The Jersey Maid, who has been offering a variety of convertible bridesmaids dresses to happy customers since 2011. All the photos on their Etsy page are of real weddings, which gives brides a great idea of just how these gowns will look on the day, and with a price point of $75 each, it’s easy to see why The Jersey Maid has become a go to for trendy brides and bridesmaids.
We’ve two Jenny Yoo dresses on our list of best multiway bridesmaid gowns on the market, simply because we couldn’t choose which one we like best! Pictured above is the A-line luxe-satin Aidan style, which is a strapless bodice with a flattering sweetheart neckline in a jersey material. The waist belt can be twisted over the bodice, and two skirt panels can be converted to create a more dramatic neckline. This dress is available online from jennyyoo.com for $285.
High street heroes Monsoon have jumped on board the convertible train with Neive, a pretty short blush number that can be worn five different ways. Neive comes in at 182Euro but currently only larger sizes are available online. Keep your eye on the online listing for new stocks, or visit your local Monsoon to see if you’re in luck!
The second of Jenny Yoo‘s dreamy convertible gowns is Annabelle, an ultra soft, light tulle A-line gown which brings the romance no matter what way it’s wrapped and worn. Annabelle is available online from BHLDN (at $260) and from Covet.ie in Dublin.
Dessy is one of the most trusted designers on the market and is hugely popular with weddings the world over due to the quality and variety of gowns they have on offer. For Irish brides, Dessy is the designer of choice for multi-way gowns, with their Twist Wrap dress coming in a huge variety of colours and styles. Dessy is available in many brilliant bridal stores around the country, so brides and their ladies are assured of great service as they shop for their gowns. Find them at Amarra Bridal, Kildare, Abelle Bridal Boutique, Meath and Diamond Bridal, Cork. Please contact stores directly to enquire about exact styles and prices in stock.
Other designers such as online store Henkaa don’t currently ship to Ireland so we haven’t included them here, but if you know any more multi wrap designers or dresses available in Ireland that you think our other readers will like, please leave a comment below!
