Guest Who?

OK, apologies for a) my absence the past few days {I was in Miami with Mr. Magpie} and b) the dumbest title for a blog post ever.  Let’s move right along.  I’m running this in response to many, many requests for a “What to Wear to a Summer Wedding” post — and I can totally commis(erate).  We’re finding ourselves smack dab in the middle of wedding season, and it’s time to develop a strategy for what to where to what.  First, some house rules:

1.  Never wear white, cream, or ivory to a wedding.  Bad manners.

2.  As a general proposition, I avoid lace at weddings.  Sort of an extension of the rule #1 — just avoid anything that might lead people to think that you are “upstaging the bride.”  (Or trying to.  Everyone knows there’s no one as beautiful as a bride on her wedding day.)

3.  If the dress code is not clear to you, always opt for a cocktail dress.  This is almost universally appropriate, even for more formal events that you might think merit a floor-length style.  You’d be surprised at the range of events you can attend with a sweet little cocktail number on!  Anything from a backyard wedding to a formal evening affair at a city club.  And, if you ever have any questions about what a dress code means, consult the master.

4.  Weddings are happy events.  Avoid black.

OK, item 4 isn’t really a rule so much as a strong suggestion, and I know it goes against every grain of our being as women.  I feel as though the LBD is the panacea to the woman’s every fashion woe.  I get it.  It’s slimming, it goes with pretty much any pair of shoes, and it tends to be highly versatile.  But at a wedding — even a formal one — it’s good to let yourself live a little and step out in color to suit the joyous occasion.  Also — let’s be honest.  Who stands out in an LBD, unless you’re Claudia Schiffer or something?

With those rules in place, let me begin with my top picks for this season: first up, I love the way that the maxi trend has enabled us to reimagine the floor-length dress.  Within the context of this trend, you can pull it off without looking like you’re trying to crash a royal ball in Austria.  So, I would strongly advocate the Rebecca Taylor corset dress ($475, Rebecca Taylor — also available in a splashy watermelon color here) with some stunning earrings (I know I just featured these, but they are too good — $138, Suzanna Dai):

{BTW, if you like the idea of the maxi dress but aren’t willing to shell out 500 big ones, check out this slightly less expensive ($350) Miguelina style, which I’ve had my eye on for awhile or this $260 French Connection style in lovely petal pink.  TDF.}  If you’re into the Rebecca M. style above, it would be perfect with these fairy princess shoes (Valentino, $995, Net-A-Porter) and a pleated chiffon clutch ($130, Bloomingdale’s):

For another soft look, consider this darling floral print dress ($250, Coggles) with topaz-centric danglers (Bounkit, $550, Charm and Chain — OR get the look for less with this $120 pair from Bauble Bar!):

I envision it with taupe or gray heels — this simple PLV pair would do the trick, though these Louboutins are pretty much the golden ticket to paradise, especially with this bow clutch ($35, AWear):

This would most definitely POP with a fun coral lip (Nars gloss, $24, Bloomingdale’s; YSL lipstick, $34, Nordstrom):

In a similar vein — but with a bit more color — check out these darling Thread floral print numbers ($222, TheOutnet):

And, P.S. — for you brides out there, the white version of the above dress would make a stunning rehearsal dinner score.  In fact, the entire Thread line is worth scoping out for all things wedding-related, whether you’re a bride, a guest, or a member of the bridal party!  Check out this linen seersucker number for a more casual seaside wedding, for example.  Love.  The above dresses would look adorable with a pair of white, ivory, nude, or blush sandals/pumps/etc.  Personally, I think white/ivory sandals can be super tricky.  Most of them look tacky and prom-like.  You could either spring for something expensive and showy, like these Zanotti wonders (WOW. – $750, Net-A-Porter), or go the easy route with a pair of nude or blush heels:

Keep additional add-ons to a minimum.  That fancy shoulder does all of the high-stepping for you.  I might add only a pair of cluster pearl earrings ($99, Max and Chloe) and a statement bracelet ($400, Mariam Haskell):

P.S. — for more statement pearl jewelry, check out the line Juliet and Company.  Love their affordable collection!  Another line I love for wedding guest attire?  Zimmermann.  I scored the loveliest nude/gold maxi from them that I’ve worn to three weddings (three! and I am usually terrible about re-wearing things.) with big statement earrings and bow-toe heels.  This royal blue style ($345, Shopbop) caught my eye as a little something different.  Perfect with some dazzling sparkly statement earrings (Elizabeth Cole, $232, Beauty):

{Like the dress but want options?  Consider this comparable $128 style; this similar-looking floor length variation (on sale for $139!); or yet another maxi-length style in this same cobalt/galaxy blue for $276.}  And P.S. – if those statement earrings are too dramatic for ya, check out this $130 Ben Amun style instead.  More wearable.  I like the dress above with the Kate Spade “Charm” in silver ($325, Bergdorf’s):

Too pricey?  Check out this $140 style instead.  Love.  And I kinda think this funky lip clutch would be a cool addition ($390, Lulu Guinness):

Now, if I had my pick of any dress on the planet to wear to a wedding, I’d blow my bank account on this stunning Notte by Marchesa style (even on sale, it’s out of my league — $752, MyTheresa):

Holy Mackerel.  If that were in my closet, I’d wear it every day of the week and twice on Tuesday.  Heart palpitations.  I’d pair with a bold red lip and simple heels and call it a day.  ALSO.  Don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a SPECIAL MAGPIE TREAT!  Just leave a comment on this post (thanks for all of your beautiful words of support!), and a winner will be announced TOMORROW.