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Kathlin Argiro
488 Seventh Ave., nr. 36th St., Ste. 2C
212-563-2143
kathlinargiro.com
By 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 (for cold-weather weddings); in Lily 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 Bridsmaids' Loft
270 W. 38th St., nr. Eighth Ave., twentieth fl.
917-807-3135
kleinfeldbriedsmaidsloft.com
By appointment only
This just-opened mecca for everything bridesmaid- related offers
some 400 samples of dresses to try on and salespeople who really
care about making bridesmaids of all shapes and sizes happy-samples
range from size 2 to 28. Jewelry, accessories, and shoes are also
in abundance. Prices go from $150 to $400.
Lord
& Taylor
424 Fifth Ave., at 39th St.
212-391-3344
New 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.com
A particularly sensible choice for brides whose friends live in
far-flung locales, this store has a strong selection of classic
cocktail dresses priced around $200 to $300, from designers like
Jordan and Belsoie by Jasmine, plus stylish bridesmaids' stuff-like
gloves ($40) from Dazzle by Ansonia.
Nicole
Miller
134 Prince St., nr. Wooster St.
212-343-1362
780 Madison Ave., nr. 66th St.
212-288-9779
nicolemiller.com
By appointment only
One-stop shopping for bridesmaids' dresses that look like regular
cocktail attire, Nicole Miller has lots of designs your friends
would be proud to wear-and a selection of shapes that includes something
for everyone. Cocktail styles
($265–$430) in mix-and-match shapes
and colors are Miller's forte.
RK
Bridal
318 W. 39th St., nr. Eighth Ave.
212-947-1155
rkbridal.com
Having been in the business for more than 50 years, RK carries dozens of different brands, including Watters & Watters (up to $280); Dessy, After Six, Alfred Sung, Bill Levkoff, and Vivian Dessy Collection ($120–$260); and Jim Hjelm (up to $250). Alterations cost up to $65, and out-of-state orders are no problem.
Saks
Fifth Avenue
611 Fifth Ave., at 50th St.
212-753-4000
saksfifthavenue.com
If you're looking 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. Fashion-forward 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.com
Designer Christina Dalle Pezze came up with a great concept so bridesmaids can avoid sporting the Little Bo Peep look: She carries some 25 classic styles with options to alter neckline, length, and trimming. 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
26 W. 17th St., nr. Fifth Ave., Ste. 301
212-414-8844
threaddesign.com
The dresses at this tiny gem come in your choice of more than 35 styles, seven fabrics, and over ten colors ($225–$480)—and can be mixed and matched to fit just about any of your friends. The best part? They're all designed to look like regular cocktail dresses.
Vera Wang Maids
980 Madison Ave., nr. 77th St., third fl.
212-628-9898
verawang.com
The grande dame of bridal gowns turns out bridesmaids' dresses that are just as stylish—and far more affordable. Favorites include an A-line strapless dress in lamé with net overlay and side drape ($290). Prices start at $180. Allow twelve weeks for delivery.
The
Wedding Library by Claudia Hanlin and Jennifer Zabinski
43 E. 78th St., nr. Madison Ave.
212-327-0100
theweddinglibrary.com
Hanlin 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 hairsticks ($30–$100); linen garment bags; and even a bridal emergency kit.
Photographed by Kenneth Chen.
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