This well-established house of bridalwear has just what they'll need to look their bridesmaid-best. With traditional lines like Dessy, After Six, and Bill Levkoff (most less than $200), you won't leave wanting. Don't miss the custom-made shantung ball gown ($400).
Amsale
625 Madison Ave., nr. 58th St., second fl.; 212-583-1700; amsale.comBy appointment only
The designs from this upscale Madison Avenue bridal salon eschew frills for classic looks that are just as cocktail-party-appropriate as they are fit for a walk down the aisle. Amsale's satin Empire dresses, georgette V-back gowns, and tissue-taffeta knotted-cuff gowns (about $300) will command the groomsmen's rapt attention.
Ann Taylor Celebrations
645 Madison Avenue, nr. 60th St. ; 212-832-9114; anntaylor.comThe generally affordable workwear destination's newish line for bridesmaids offers a great selection of polished looks at prices that won't break the bank. The dresses ($168-$198) are uniformly sleek and simple, and they come in an array of hues, from dark wine to midnight blue. The store also offers a full selection of complementary sashes, wraps, shoes, and bags-all beautifully matched and interchangeable so decisions are easy. Some stores also carry the Ann Taylor Bridal Gown-a one-style-fits-all satin dress meant to flatter every body type.
Banico
279 E. Houston St., nr. Clinton St.; 212-254-0203The staff at this little boutique is all about custom-designing the dresses of your dreams. Everything is made from scratch, and Banico's seamstresses can do anything from a silk charmeuse strapless A-line to a smart satin cocktail number with a plunging neckline ($300-$600).
Bloomingdale's
1000 Third Ave., nr. 59th St.; 212-705-2000; bloomingdales.comFor styles that exceed the frilly and frumpy, head to the second floor of Bloomingdale's. One of their many bridal specialists will help outfit your bridesmaids in dresses by Vera Wang, Amsale, Thread, or any number of other high-end designers.
Blue
137 Ave. A, nr. 9th St.; 212-228-7744Young professionals looking for something fashionable turn here for fresh takes on classic cocktail dresses ($400-$650) and ball gowns ($1,200-$3,000). Everything is custom-made at the 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.comThe five floors of Calypso Christiane Celle offer versatile apparel that bridesmaids will keep wearing years after the wedding. Many of their pieces can be special ordered in silk, including bustiers, balloon-sleeved "Vista" wrap tops ($150), "Katia" bustle skirts, and long wrap dresses, like the popular "Julia" ($295)-expect them in ten weeks. Dresses come in a variety of hues, from porcelain and jade to the appropriately romantic "blush" and "lipstick." Calypso also offers a bridal registry for bridesmaids and flower girls. Prices range $120-$300 for women, and $60-$120 for children.
Here Comes the Bridesmaid
238 W 14 St., nr. Seventh Ave.; 212-647-9686This small boutique has amassed over 200 styles of dresses for bridesmaids alone. Frocks hail from twelve vendors, from the familiar (Jim Hjelm, Watters & Watters) to the unusual (Siri), and range from $170 to $380. The knowledgeable staff likes to work one-on-one with clients, so call ahead for an appointment. Children's and juniors' sizes and styles are also available. They carry just one sample of each dress, which is then ordered to fit and delivered three months later.
J.Crew
Various locations; 800-562-0258; jcrew.comThis post-preppy bridal line includes a plethora of tasteful options for bridesmaids. Current favorites include the slinky V-neck "Lyndsey" ($250) and the Jackie O.-inspired silk faille "Emma" ($195).
Jenny Yoo Collection
20 W. 20th St., nr. Fifth Ave., Ste. 602; 212-645-0823; jennyyoo.comBy appointment only
Jenny Yoo wants bridesmaids to walk away with dresses they'll keep and actually wear for years to come. Her 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 bateau neckline, and the "Katherine," a spaghetti-strap Empire-waist ball gown in silk organza. Dresses range from $255 to $450.
Kathlin Argiro
488 Seventh Ave., nr. 36th St., Ste. 2C; 212-563-2143; kathlinargiro.comBy appointment only
Preppy bridesmaids will be thrilled to model Kathlin Argiro's designs. Her made-to-order dresses come in fabrics like seersucker, cotton sateen, and faille (perfect for cold-weather weddings); in Lilly Pulitzer-esque color combos such as chartreuse-cerise; and with prepster add-ons like striped grosgrain ribbons and fabric flowers. Prices range from $250 to $450.
Kleinfeld Bridesmaids' Loft
270 W. 38th St., nr. Eighth Ave., twentieth fl.; 212-398-5255; kleinfeldbridesmaidsloft.comBy appointment only
This recently opened mecca for bridesmaids offers some 400 samples of dresses to try on and-perhaps more importantly-salespeople who genuinely care about satisfying women of all shapes and sizes, from 2 to 28. Accessories and shoes are also in abundance; prices range from $150 to $400.
Lord & Taylor
424 Fifth Ave., at 39th St.; 212-391-3344New York's most civilized department store is a good place to source inexpensive, all-American alternatives to traditional bridesmaids' dresses. The fourth-floor selection includes everything from streamlined BCBG dresses to elegant fare from wedding favorites like Vera Wang ($200-$500).
Macy's
151 W. 34th St., at Broadway, fourth fl.; 212-695-4400; macys.comThis department store's dresses, the selection of which is pretty consistent across its stores nationwide, include a solid selection of designer-inspired styles from A.B.S. by Alan Schwartz (from $200). Other good choices include the classic cocktail dresses ($200-$300) from designers like Calvin Klein and Maggy London. Macy's also has stylish bridesmaids' accessories, including gloves from Dazzle by Ansonia ($40).
Nicole Miller
780 Madison Ave., nr. 66th St.; 212-288-9779; nicolemiller.comBy appointment only
Nicole Miller's offerings (none of which are available in department stores) include an exclusive line that bridesmaids will love. The demure colors and gorgeous fabrics embellished with lace and silk make for stunning creations. Versatile cocktail styles ($265-$430) in mix-and-match colors and shapes are Miller's forte.
RK Bridal
318 W. 39th St., nr. Eighth Ave.; 212-947-1155; rkbridal.comHaving been in the business for more than 50 years, RK carries dozens of different brands, including Watters & Watters, Dessy, After Six, Alfred Sung, Bill Levkoff, and Vivian Dessy Collection ($120-$260). Alterations don't run more than $65, and out-of-state orders are no problem.
Saja
250 Elizabeth St., nr. Prince St.; 212-226-7570; sajainc.comLocated on Elizabeth Street's boutique row, Los Angeles-based designer Yoo Lee gives bridesmaids what they've always hoped for: dresses in crinkle chiffon that can be worn again (and again), and in cuts with just enough sexiness. For smaller bridal parties, the shop often uses in-store inventory to outfit bridesmaids; for custom-made dresses in different colors or lengths, the boutique requires a ten-piece minimum order. Saja isn't for the last-minute bride: Give Lee and her team about eight weeks to get frocks wedding-ready. Dresses typically average $270 (tea-length) and $325-$400 (full-length).
Saks Fifth Avenue
611 Fifth Ave., at 49th St.; 212-753-4000; saksfifthavenue.comIf you want to mix up the look of your bridal party, there's no better place to go than Saks, where dozens of designers and styles await. Bridesmaids will be happy to forgo an unflattering "one style fits all" number in favor of a navy satin strapless gown from A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz ($280) or a crimson chiffon gown from BCBG Max Azria ($368).
Simple Silhouettes
547 Broadway, nr. Prince St., second fl.; 212-219-2223; simpledress.comDesigner Christina Dalle Pezze created her line with the idea that brides can select the color and length of the dresses while bridesmaids can choose their own style. Working in six different silks, she offers a number of colors from which to choose, and matching handbags, wraps, and vintage pins to accessorize. Dresses run from $250 to $375. .
Thread Bridesmaid
43 E 78th St., at Madison Ave.; 212-327-0100 (showroom); 212-414-8844 (for appointments); threaddesign.comThe dresses at this tiny gem come in your choice of more than 35 styles, seven fabrics, and over ten colors ($225-$480)-and they can be mixed and matched to fit just about any of your friends. Think deep-hued, flowing gowns in fabrics like cotton seersucker, organza, and chiffon.
Vera Wang Maids
980 Madison Ave., nr. 77th St., third fl.; 212-628-9898; verawang.comThe famed bridal-gown designer turns out bridesmaids' dresses that are just as stylish-and far more affordable. Favorites include a spaghetti-strap satin dress with draped bodice, bubble-hem skirt, and black-velvet-ribbon sash ($250). Allow twelve weeks for delivery.
Wedding Library by Claudia Hanlin and Jennifer Zabinski
43 E. 78th St., nr. Madison Ave.; 212-327-0100; theweddinglibrary.comHanlin and Zabinski's emporium has everything a bride's backup team could need: bright, preppy-chic dresses from Coren Moore ($250-$350) and formal eveningwear from Amsale Bridesmaids (from $270); purses, shoes, jewelry, and rhinestone hair sticks ($30-$100); linen garment bags; and even a bridal-emergency kit.
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