Being a bridesmaid is an incredibly special and fun experience, but a really expensive one. Many bridesmaids shell out hundreds of dollars for a dress they'll never wear again. Thankfully, it doesn't have to be this way. Model, content creator, and bride-to-be Emma Arletta has the solution: The Occasion Collection by Old Navy. "Their dresses check all of my boxes," she tells me. "They're chic, size-inclusive, and budget-friendly." In honor of her upcoming wedding, she tried on three dresses to help her decide which one her bridesmaids will wear on her special day. From a silky, sage-green gown to a strapless scarlet-red number, these dresses aren't just elegant, they're incredibly versatile. "I feel like all three dresses can be repurposed for other occasions," she says. "I love that these are pieces my friends and I could wear beyond being in a wedding party." Whether you're a bridesmaid who's been tasked with selecting your own dress or struggling to find outfits for all your upcoming weddings, you can make Old Navy your go-to for affordable dresses, shoes, and accessories that feel high-end, but are actually affordable. Keep scrolling to see Emma's three potential bridesmaid looks.
"For me, mixing timeless pieces with on-trend accessories is the perfect formula for occasionwear. Take this little black dress—the silhouette is so classic, and the off-the-shoulder neckline and flared maxi skirt are so universally flattering. I styled it with an eye-catching gold pendant necklace (the accessory du jour) that complemented the open chest beautifully. I think having this as a bridesmaid dress would allow each one of my girls to put their own unique spin on it with their accessories. Honestly, I can't think of a bridesmaid who'd be mad at a classic LBD! Beyond weddings, I'll be wearing this versatile dress for date nights. I would switch out the heel for a strappy sandal and the necklace for some hoops." — Arletta
"Can we take a moment for this dress? It really brought the wow factor with its refined sage-green color. This hue was definitely out of my comfort zone, so I leaned into neutral accessories like a dainty clutch and strappy heels to go with this look. And we need to talk about the silky fabric! It flows so effortlessly against the body and falls over my curves perfectly, while still allowing me to move comfortably. If I'm going to be at a special occasion with my photo being taken, [comfort] while not compromising on style is a must—and this entire dress collection has that. The [comfort] aspect is so important for bridesmaids, too, because you're going to be walking around the venue, standing at the altar, and dancing all night." — Arletta
"We have to end on a bang with this strapless scarlet-red number. I think this would be a perfect summer bridesmaid dress. The bright coral hue and cotton-poplin fabric feel so right for the warmer temps, while the subtle sheen from the sateen makes it look so elevated for any special occasion. Above all, though, the big chic ruffle is my favorite detail. In terms of accessories, I've been leaning into all things chrome right now—what can I say, it's a trend I fell victim to! Gold accessories felt a bit too expected for this dress, so I loved bringing in the chrome to switch it up." — Arletta
