Outfitting your bridesmaids can be a pretty daunting task. After all, you don't want to be that bride: the one bridesmaids loathe for making them wear a dress that looks like, well, a bridesmaid dress. So, how can you win over your bridesmaids? Borrow from these ready-to-wear trends to make them look—and feel—like they've just stepped off the runway.

Go for the Gold—or a Bold Color

This fall is the season for metallics—and purples, cranberries, reds and burnt sienna, all colors that offer bold possibilities for fall weddings. "Burnt sienna is great for less formal fall weddings, especially if you're using fall-themed flowers," says stylist Michael O'Connor. "Your bridesmaid dresses could bring out that burnt sienna color in your flowers."

"If your wedding is formal, cranberry-colored dresses will bring out the fall colors while creating a more elegant look," says O'Connor.

Whatever hue—or hues—you choose, borrow a page from fall 2010's ready-to-wear collections and add black accents. We love the idea of pairing cranberry, burnt sienna or metallic-hued bridesmaid dresses with black shoes, a black hairpiece or a black necklace.

Forget Slinky Dresses

"Designers are going for a more relaxed look," says O'Connor. "Even in formal gowns, we're seeing a more relaxed silhouette with a less tight fit around legs and hips."

Consider this a gift to your bridesmaids: Dresses that are more fitted on top and looser on the bottom can be more easily modified—and worn again. Pick a dress with a distinct waistline, for instance, and bridesmaids can repurpose it with a skinny belt.

"Plus," says O'Connor, "a more relaxed-looking dress with a wider skirt looks good on both voluptuous bridesmaids as well as less curvy gals."

Opt for One-Shoulder Style

Designers love one-shoulder dresses right now, and so will your bridesmaids. "One-shoulder styling creates height for shorter bridesmaids while flattering bridesmaids who are a little wider or taller," says O'Connor.

Embellish Their Necks—In a Big Way

From layered chains to large single pendants, big necklaces rule this fall. Some, like the Marika Necklace by DANNIJO ($395; dannijo.com), can be used to add color to your bridesmaids' ensemble. Others, like J. Crew's Crystal Supernova Necklace ($128; jcrew.com), up the elegance when paired with a less fitted dress.

Adorn Their Locks

Hair bows were big at Fashion Week, but O'Connor suspects that hair adornment will probably translate into hair "jewelry"—feathers included—off the runway. "Many people, including celebrities, are starting to use more hair ornamentation," he says. "It's the perfect place for jewelry." Want to give your bridesmaids a colorful, sophisticated look? Try Ban.Do's She's a Proud Bird Headband ($200; shopbando.com). For a more refined, antique look, try Jennifer Behr's Crystal Leaf Barrette ($298; jenniferbehr.com).

Emulate the First Lady's Heel Fashion

Sandals are making a comeback, with black and metallic options aplenty. O'Connor recommends opting for low kitten heels. Not only are they elegant (and First Lady Michelle Obama's shoe of choice), but they'll also keep your bridesmaids' feet comfortable so they can dance the night away with you and your groom. Try Cole Haan's Air Vineyard Sandals ($178; colehaan.com); their Nike Air Technology ups the comfort factor and they're versatile and rewearable.