12 bridesmaid dresses for every body shape – from £23

I was seven when I first played bridesmaid for my Aunty Susan – peach chiffon, lace trim and a tiered princess skirt. The happiest day of my little life. Fast forward and the dress code’s changed, but the feeling remains; being a bridesmaid is one for the eternal memory banks, not to mention the hundreds of photos from every angle that will appear on the socials within hours. Which brings us to this edit of good-from-every-angle bridesmaid dresses.

Whether you’re petite, pregnant, hourglass or athletic, there’s a photogenic and flattering style here for you, all of which allow for ease of movement and with options for every kind of ceremony.

My advice is to start with colour, and soft tones lead the way. Sage green is without doubt the bridesmaid shade of the year, but soft lilac, pale pink, pops of tangerine, peach and champagne are close behind. For bolder looks, cobalt and magenta bring drama.

Serving as a bridesmaid is a bit like being brilliant backing singer and it requires a uniform look that allows for flashes of individuality. The dress you choose should fit that vibe and it should be flattering, functional, comfortable and accommodate ease of movement.

If I was dressing a group of friends to look unified, I’d go for the most adaptable single styles. Next’s convertible dress shifts from halter to one-shoulder to short sleeve with a quick whip around of the neckline. Debenhams’ dusty pink Jolie Moi dress does the same, with jersey panels that can be wrapped around the body according to what flatters the wearer most.

If your requirement is a simple colour code that allows for individual choices for each bridesmaid and her body type or situation, Coast has a thoughtful and chic pregnancy collection, while Goddiva’s glam structured gown supports fuller figures, allowing proper underwear to be worn underneath. Karen Millen’s full-length champagne satin dress is designed to flatter curves and cover upper arms. My top pick? Reiss’s cobalt silk draped shift dress. Elegant, wearable and ready for more than just the wedding day.

Oh, and yes, there’s a lace-trimmed peach dress in here, too, from Ghost, for old time’s sake.

12 bridesmaid dresses for every body shape – from £23