Strapless is back and in a big way, as evidenced by the multitude of bare-shouldered beauties on Sunday night’s red carpet. We especially loved Natalie Portman’s fashion-forward pink Rodarte gown and Angelina Jolie’s simple yet stunning Elie Saab number. Needless to say, we soon found ourselves poking around Thread’s site for wallet-friendly takes on both dresses for the upcoming wedding season, and… success! Now if we could only borrow those beautiful, beautiful jewels…

(For more strapless options, check out Thread Bridal and Thread Social.)

Every bride aims to choose bridesmaid dresses that can be worn again, but, let’s face it, most bridesmaid dresses never leave the closet after the wedding. (Although it must be said that Thread’s dresses really are cute enough to wear again and again. Not that we’re biased or anything.) In these sad economic times, however, it just doesn’t make sense to drop $300 on a dress and never wear it again. What to do, ladies?

We at Thread suggest taking a page from the forever-chic Holly Golightly (as depicted by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, but you knew that, right?). You see, the thing about bridesmaid dresses is that they are by nature basic in color and silhouette, which means that adding a certain coat or special shoes can utterly transform any ol’ bridesmaid dress out there.

So, the next time you have a fabulous dinner or cocktail party, unearth that bridesmaid dress from last summer. Make like Holly and add a statement necklace, some superhigh heels, and a classic trench. The result? You guessed it–fabulous.

(Thread dress, Old Navy trench, Renata Spacedyed necklace, Christian Louboutin heels)

Listen up, ladies: No longer is it necessary to dress your beloved bridesmaids in identical gowns. In fact, we at Thread strongly encourage you to mix n’ match styles and (gasp!) colors.

Not sold? Check out this bridesmaid party. Using this stunning sunset as our inspiration, we went directly to our Party Collection and selected complementing styles in similar colors. Gorgeous, right? Can’t you just see these bridesmaids at a crisp garden wedding in April? Or barefoot and beach-side at a July ceremony?

Go on now, find your own inspiration and take a peek through our site.