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.