A woman standing on the groom’s side has more choice than anyone else in the wedding party, which is both the fun and the difficulty. Below are twenty outfits, from tuxedos to dresses, jumpsuits and relaxed separates, for every dress code. When I style a female groomsman, I start by asking what she’d wear to a formal event if nobody was watching, then I look for the version of that which matches the groomsmen’s colour and formality. Small repeated details carry most of the coordination: the same tie, boutonniere, pocket square or shoe. Nobody has to be squeezed into a cut that doesn’t suit her body.
Why the Groomsmen’s Rental Suit Rarely Fits Her
Men’s suits are cut for straighter hips, a flatter chest and longer arms relative to height. Put a woman in the groomsmen’s rental and the usual result is a jacket that’s loose at the waist, tight across the hips and long in the sleeve, with trousers that are too long in the rise. A tailor can shorten sleeves and hem trousers easily, but hips and shoulders are hard to fix.
So my approach is to match colour and fabric rather than the exact garment. A women’s suit in the same shade, or a men’s suit bought in a size that fits her shoulders and taken in elsewhere, both work. Before anything is ordered, I ask the groom’s party for a fabric swatch and check it next to her options in daylight.
- Shoulders: fit these first, they’re the hardest to alter.
- Hips: the jacket should close without pulling into an X at the button.
- Rise: trousers should sit at her natural waist, not slip to the hip.
- Shirt: a women’s cut or a darted men’s shirt avoids gaping between buttons.
1. Female Groomsman Black Tuxedo
A fitted black tuxedo is the clearest way to stand with the groomsmen at a black-tie wedding. Satin peak or shawl lapels, matching trousers, a crisp white tuxedo shirt and the same slim bow tie as the men, with polished loafers or lace-up Oxfords. I almost always take the jacket in at the waist; a straight men’s cut on a woman boxes her in and pulls across the hips when she sits. Understated drop earrings and the party’s boutonniere finish it. Allow time for alterations on shoulders, sleeves, waist and hem, because a tux shows every fitting flaw.
2. Female Groomsman Navy Pantsuit
Navy is a little softer than black and works in nearly every season and venue. A single-breasted blazer with straight or tapered trousers, then a white button-down, or a cream blouse if she wants a gentler contrast at the face. A shared tie, pocket square or boutonniere in the accent colour links her to the groomsmen. Shoes depend on what the men wear: navy, black or brown loafers. I’d choose breathable wool or a crease-resistant blend, because she’ll stand through the ceremony and sit through dinner, and cheap polyester navy goes shiny at the seat by the end of the night.
3. Female Groomsman Gray Three-Piece Suit
Three pieces give a woman’s suit more shape, not less. A gray three-piece suit with jacket, matching vest, trousers and a white shirt defines the waist once the vest is fitted, and it keeps her looking finished when the jackets come off at the reception. A tie in the wedding palette connects it to the flowers. Charcoal suits evening and winter; medium gray works year-round. Black Oxfords, sleek loafers or low block-heel pumps. The vest is where I see fit problems: on a fuller bust it gapes between buttons, so it may need letting out or a women’s-cut vest.
4. Female Groomsman Black Jumpsuit
Not every female groomsman wants a suit or a dress. A structured black jumpsuit is comfortable and still formal. I look for tailored shoulders, a defined waist and full-length straight or wide legs, then add a satin belt, a slim bow tie or the groomsmen’s boutonniere. Pointed pumps look sharp; polished loafers are kinder for a long stand. A cropped tuxedo jacket over it suits a formal evening ceremony. One practical point I raise early: jumpsuits mean undressing fully for the bathroom, so check the zip is reachable on her own and the torso length isn’t pulling at the crotch.
5. Female Groomsman Matching Suit And Bow Tie
Matching the groomsmen exactly in suit colour and bow tie gives instant cohesion. Her suit doesn’t need the identical cut, but the shade, fabric weight and formality must look the same in photos. She can choose a fitted, relaxed or oversized blazer, coordinating trousers and a white shirt, plus the exact bow tie, pocket square and boutonniere. Matching loafers or Oxfords help too. If the men’s rental suit doesn’t fit her, I find a women’s tailored suit in the closest fabric. Shades drift between makers, so I hold the two swatches together in daylight before ordering.
6. Female Groomsman Vest And Trousers
A vest and trousers is my answer for rustic or warm weddings where a jacket is too much. High-waisted tailored trousers with a matching button-front vest over a crisp white shirt, sleeves long or neatly rolled to the forearm, and a tie or bow tie to match the groom’s party. Leather loafers, brogues or low heels suited to the venue. The vest must lie smooth through the torso without strain at the buttons; a high waistband stops the shirt from showing between vest and trousers when she lifts her arms. Cotton, a linen blend or lightweight wool moves well outdoors. A watch and boutonniere are enough.
7. Female Groomsman Blazer And Midi Skirt
Pairing a blazer with a midi skirt keeps the suiting while softening the line. The blazer should be the same colour as the groomsmen’s suits, with an A-line, pleated or straight midi skirt and a white button-down. Add the shared tie, a neck scarf or the boutonniere. Pointed flats, slingbacks or loafers, depending on how long she’ll stand. Keep the hem at or below the knee for the ceremony. Matching blazer and skirt fabric gives the most cohesive result; a tucked shirt and narrow belt in the shoe colour define the waist. Pleats need a proper press the morning of, as they drop out after travel.
8. Female Groomsman Suit-Colored Midi Dress
A midi dress in the groomsmen’s suit colour is the simplest way to coordinate when she prefers a dress: navy beside navy suits, charcoal beside gray. I’d pick a structured wrap, sheath or fit-and-flare over anything heavily embellished. A shared boutonniere or floral pin marks her as part of the groom’s side, and simple pumps, block heels or flats in a neutral finish it. For a formal ceremony, a matching blazer adds structure. Compare swatches beforehand. Two navies that look identical indoors can read as different colours outside, and professional photos make the difference obvious.
9. Female Groomsman Satin Maxi Dress
Satin is unforgiving, so I only suggest a satin maxi when the dress is properly lined and cut with ease. A clean solid colour matching the groomsmen’s suits, ties or pocket squares, with a high neck, cowl or modest V depending on formality. Add the boutonniere, sleek earrings and a compact clutch, with block heels or pointed flats for stability. Satin shows every fold and every sitting crease, so steam it at the venue and have her stand for photos before the meal. A tailored blazer or formal wrap gives cover in a cool room. Ballrooms and evening hotel weddings suit the soft sheen.
10. Female Groomsman Linen Suit
Imagine a coastal ceremony where heavy formalwear would be miserable. A women’s linen suit keeps structure and lets air through. Sand, light gray, soft blue or beige blazer with full-length trousers, over a white or ivory cotton shirt, with a light tie if the groomsmen wear them. Loafers on paving; dressy flats on sand or grass. A small boutonniere and a woven belt finish it. Pure linen creases as soon as she sits, so I usually choose a linen blend for a smoother look in photos. Keep the fit relaxed but deliberate: clean shoulders and trousers hemmed to clear the ground.
11. Female Groomsman Tan Suit
A tan suit suits outdoor, daytime and destination weddings. A tailored tan blazer and trousers with a white shirt or a quiet cream blouse, then brown loafers, brogues or low block heels, which sit better with tan than heavy black shoes. A tie, bow tie or pocket square in sage, dusty blue, rust or another accent colour should match whatever the men wear. Lightweight wool, cotton twill or a breathable blend, depending on season. Tan varies hugely between makers, so if she’s buying separately from the men, I compare swatches first. Finish with a leather belt, small earrings and the boutonniere.
12. Female Groomsman Burgundy Suit
Burgundy suiting is a confident choice for fall or winter, and it sits comfortably beside black, charcoal, navy or matching burgundy groomsmen. A fitted or relaxed blazer and trousers with a soft ivory shirt; I’d avoid stark white, which looks harsh against deep red. Black loafers or pointed pumps and a black belt at the waist. Keep the tie simple, since the suit already carries the colour. Gold earrings and a neutral clutch are enough. Matte fabrics such as wool crepe or brushed twill look richer in photos than shiny ones, which can turn burgundy pink under flash. A seasonal boutonniere ties it to the florals.
13. Female Groomsman Emerald Green Suit
Emerald looks best in the evening, at formal gardens and in cooler months. A streamlined blazer with straight or wide-leg trousers and a white, ivory or pale gray shirt, with black loafers, Oxfords or pumps to anchor the colour. If the groomsmen are in neutral suits, emerald ties or pocket squares on them connect the group. Small metallic earrings, a slim belt and the shared boutonniere are plenty. Matte emerald is easier to photograph than a shiny satin version, which flares under lights. Careful tailoring at the shoulders and trouser hem is what makes a bold colour look intentional.
14. Female Groomsman Velvet Tuxedo
Velvet is a cold-weather fabric; I wouldn’t put anyone in it for a summer ceremony. A black, midnight blue or deep green velvet tuxedo jacket with matching or coordinating trousers, a white tuxedo shirt, a simple black bow tie and black loafers or pumps. If every groomsman wears velvet, the group looks luxurious; if only she does, repeat her velvet colour in the men’s ties or pocket squares. Skip heavy jewellery, a small clutch and studs are enough. Velvet is bulkier than wool, so the sleeves and shoulders need careful alteration on a smaller frame, or the jacket wears her.
15. Female Groomsman Shirt And Suspenders Outfit
A shirt and suspenders suit barns, gardens and backyard weddings. Start with a pressed white button-down and tailored trousers matching the groom’s party, then suspenders in brown, black or the accent colour and a coordinating bow tie. Brogues, loafers or low block heels. Suspenders draw the eye straight to the waist and rise, so the trousers must fit well there. On a woman with a bust, I angle the straps slightly outward or choose a Y-back so they don’t sit awkwardly across the chest. Sleeves can be rolled after the formal photos. Skip the belt; suspenders already do that job.
16. Female Groomsman Wide-Leg Trouser Suit
A wide-leg trouser suit gives movement and coverage that slim tailoring doesn’t. High-waisted trousers should fall cleanly from the hip to just above the top of the shoe, with a matching single-breasted blazer and a fitted blouse or button-down to balance the volume. Pointed heels lengthen the line; loafers or flats are fine for comfort, but hem the trousers for the exact shoes she’ll wear. Use the groomsmen’s tie, pocket square or boutonniere. On petite women I narrow the leg slightly and shorten the jacket; taller women carry the full width well.
17. Female Groomsman Tuxedo Dress
A tuxedo dress borrows menswear details in one piece. Look for knee or midi length, satin lapels, structured shoulders and secure front coverage, because a plunging wrap front can gape when she bends to sign the register or fix the ring bearer’s tie. Sheer tights when the season allows, with pointed pumps, heeled loafers or sleek ankle boots in cooler months. Skip the bow tie; the lapels already say tuxedo. Coordinate through a boutonniere, a pocket detail or the same shoe colour as the men. A smooth lining and room through the shoulders keep it comfortable. Minimal earrings and a small clutch finish it.
18. Female Groomsman Floral Dress And Blazer
For a garden wedding, a small-print floral dress under a tailored blazer can sit very naturally with the groom’s party. I choose a midi or maxi with little flowers in colours from the suits, ties or pocket squares, then a solid blazer in navy, gray, tan or the main wedding colour. Block-heel sandals, pointed flats or low pumps handle grass and gravel paths. Pinning the boutonniere to the blazer lapel connects her instantly to the groomsmen. Keep the bag and jewellery quiet since the print adds detail. A large or bright floral pulls her out of the group photo, so stay refined.
19. Female Groomsman Kurta And Trouser Set
For a South Asian or multicultural wedding, a coordinated kurta and trouser set is graceful and practical. A long or mid-length kurta in a colour that complements the groom’s outfit, with tailored straight pants and formal flats, juttis or low heels. Embroidery can echo the groom’s but should stay lighter so she reads as an attendant, not part of the couple. A dupatta can be pinned over one shoulder or left off. I pin a dupatta at the shoulder seam with a small safety pin hidden under a fold, so it stays put through hugs and dancing. Confirm cultural expectations with the couple, and choose breathable, lined fabric.
20. Female Groomsman Coordinated Separates
Coordinated separates are the flexible answer when matching suits aren’t available or she wants pieces she’ll wear again. Tailored trousers in the groomsmen’s suit colour with a contrasting blazer in a wedding accent shade and a white blouse or shirt between them. Repeat the party’s tie, pocket square, boutonniere or shoes. Charcoal trousers with a light gray blazer, or navy trousers with a soft blue jacket, are combinations I’d trust. Loafers, pumps or flats in a shared neutral. The fabrics must be equally formal even if the shades differ; a cotton blazer over wool trousers looks mismatched in close-up.
Where Does the Boutonniere Go on a Dress?
On a suit, the boutonniere sits on the left lapel like the men’s. On a dress or jumpsuit with no lapel, it needs another home, and this is the detail most couples forget until the florist arrives. A wrist corsage marks her as a bridesmaid rather than a groomsman, so I avoid it.
- Pin it at the left shoulder seam, where the fabric is doubled and won’t pucker.
- Use a magnetic boutonniere fastener on delicate fabric like satin, so there are no pin holes.
- Ask the florist for a slightly smaller version for a thin strap or light fabric.
- Put a flower pin in her hair if the dress truly has nowhere to hold one.
While you’re thinking practically: she’ll usually have the same jobs as the men, from ushering guests to holding a ring. Pockets help. A dress or jumpsuit with real pockets, or a blazer with an inside one, saves her from carrying a clutch through the processional, which looks odd when nobody else in her line is holding anything.
Same Wedding Party, Her Own Silhouette
A female groomsman outfit should respect the dress code and still feel like her. Tuxedos and three-piece suits suit formal ceremonies; jumpsuits, dresses, linen and vest combinations cover everything else. Coordination doesn’t require identical clothes. A shared colour, fabric, tie, shoe or boutonniere connects different shapes in the group photos. Think about the season, venue, budget and her preferred fit before deciding, and book fittings early enough for real alterations. A groom’s party dressed this way looks unified and still lets every person stand comfortably for the whole day.
You'll Like These Ideas:
Leave a Reply