UNIQUE BRIDESMAID DRESSES

I am trying to think of ways that my bridesmaids can wear dresses that they all love and can wear again on another formal occasion. I went to a wedding recently where every bridesmaid wore black, knee-lengthed dresses that were all different. They weren`t your tipical bridesmaid dresses, they were all cute party dresses that they would wear again on other occasions. They all wore champagne colored shawls that brought them all together. I really like this idea. I would like to plan something similar. Please reply if you have any other ideas or have been to a similar wedding.