The genius idea we can’t believe we didn’t think of first? Reversible bridesmaid dresses! Designer Durga-Kali sells an entire line of dresses that transform into a little black dress after the wedding so they can easily wear it to a cocktail party, on a date or even to attend someone else’s wedding. And it’s a great solution to the problem almost every bridesmaid faces — spending a lot on a dress they’d never wear again in a million years. Buying reversible dresses isn’t the only way to make sure your bridesmaids get the most out of their cheap bridesmaid dresses online either. It’s easier than you might think to find a balance between a look you love that fits the formality and style of your wedding while still choosing outfits they’ll find a reason to re-wear — here are seven more ideas.

1. Try prints and multi-tone dresses.

Bridesmaid dresses with prints are not just a hot trend right now, they’re also an easy way to make a dress easily wearable in a non-wedding setting. And if a floral, geometric or colour block print doesn’t exactly fit your style more understated patterns like jacquard, ombre, lace or subtle beading can have a similar effect. Another idea is to pick a solid dress with contrasting elements like a gray dress with a black illusion neckline.

2. Adhere to fairly neutral colors (and tie in your marriage color scheme with accessories!).

At your marriage everything will be completely color synchronized so a persimmon lemon outfit may fit right in, but it’s more complicated to take off just about anywhere else. That’s why instead of a strong hue consider choosing a fairly neutral hue like greyish, impact, fast, sparkling wine or dark if you really want the outfit to be something they might use again. And if you experience like your marriage design isn’t arriving across enough then choose out a strong buckle, pendant or headscarf that they can use for the day.

3. Think beyond strapless.

A strapless bridesmaid dress in a single solid colour is the most classic style of bridesmaid dress. And it makes sense, it’s almost universally flattering and is simple enough that everyone can agree on it. But because it’s so universally popular it means wearing it beyond the wedding day screams, “I only bought this dress to match five other women carrying bouquets.” So consider a neckline that’s not strapless like a halter, cap sleeves or one-shoulder and they’ll have an easier time passing it off as their own later on. Another way to do it? Pick convertible dresses like the Annabelle Dress by BHLDN, the Classic by twobirds, and Wren by Jenny Yoo Collection.

4. Pick versatile fabrics.

Fabric plays a huge role in whether your bridesmaids will be able to wear their dress again or if it will just hang unworn taking up valuable space in their closets forevermore. The type of fabric used can instantly change the formality of a dress. Unless your friends frequent black-tie events heavy fabrics with a sheen like taffeta and silk satin may be too formal to pull off. Instead choose a fabric like jersey which can be dressed up or down.

5. Choose separates.

Instead of dresses matching or coordinating skirt and top combo for your bridesmaids. That way they can get more wear out of each piece by swapping out the top or bottom with pieces that they already have.

6. Go for a mismatched look and let them choose their own.

Mismatched purple bridesmaid dresses can look really chic and put together, and it’s the best way to make sure your bridesmaids wear a dress they actually want. Give general guidelines link length, colour or design details (like sequins or lace) and then let them find one that fits them and their budget. If you want to have some say suggest you could invite everyone together for a shopping trip or everyone sends photos of their favorites to a group e-mail before they buy.

7. If all else fails…rent the dresses!

We get it, you just can’t imagine your wedding without your bridesmaids decked out in lime green leopard print (kidding!). If you know your style is out there and your bridesmaids will only be willing to wear the dress until the DJ starts playing “Closing Time” then consider renting dresses instead. Sites like LittleBorrowedDress.com and RentTheRunway.com are great options so your bridesmaids save money by not buying a dress they’ll really only wear once.