We have a couple of weddings coming up this summer and, in a stroke of unexpected luck (?), none of them involve overlapping friend circles, so it looks like I may be able to snag one dress and wear it to multiple occasions without anyone knowing the wiser. I spent a few weeks trolling around for something that caught my interest, and then fell in love with this Alice + Olivia wonder ($700) and had to have it. Check out the back. THE BACK, PEOPLE! We are talking sex on a stick.
I’m torn on footwear, but am likely pairing it with my nude Valentino rockstuds ($995)
I’d like to finish with these glam but slightly edgy earrings ($225) and — in my dreams — and Edie Parker clutch. You can customize your own here with your name or nickname (helloooo, amazing wedding accent piece! — $1,795), or you can get a classic one like this ($1,195) that will go with everything forever and ever amen. Your future daughters will love you.
Other styles I seriously contemplated on the hunt, many of which are on sale:
+This asymmetrical ruffle sleeve Halston Heritage wonder (on sale for $255). Love this one because it could easily go from summer to fall to winter to spring. A dress for all seasons. The pewter color is so high-end and elegant — it looks like something from a Paris runway. (“Oh, this old thing? Chanel’s fall collection.”)
+This sweet ombre gown in the most gorgeous hues of lilac ($355) is absolutely stunning, especially with pearl accents and some killer heels. I die over the grecian draping on the bodice.
+This Issa maxi ($995) blew my socks off. (? Weird image.) Unfortunately, because I am the size of a pixie, I was worried that altering it for length would disrupt the proportions. If the price is a lil steep, check out this maxi skirt (on sale for $238!) from Issa in a similar colorway. This would be elegant with a white silk blouse/cami.
+An oldie but a goodie from Tibi (on sale for $258, in mint or melon). This cut is classic and fresh at the same time, and you can mix it up with so many awesome add-ons for a different look each time: statement earrings, bold lip, cray shoes. Plus, the back is hella sexy.
+I had to do some serious soul-searching when I found this Thakoon stunner on sale ($1,362). If only it were about 70% cheaper. I feel like I’d love this dress forever and ever amen.
+For more informal weddings, I loved this Carven floral find (on sale for $357) and continue to linger over this porcelain-esque TopShop frock ($280). Trina Turk has some fun summer vacay-ready dresses to consider, too: this shifty thing ($328) would turn heads at a beach wedding. And this floral patterned dress from Erin Fetherston ($325) is unexpected and very of-the-moment.
+I absolutely die over this floral gown ($890) from Zimmermann. I have a few Zimmermann dresses and they just slay every time, including this one in the latte color. I like to pair this with big pearl earrings/drops and statement heels.
+This Parker ($298) is so sweet and fresh. Love.
+As you probably gathered from my pick above, I am a big sucker for lace. If the crowd is buttoned-up, this Shoshanna ($455) would be super polished and elegant, and I love the lilac color. For something a little racier, I seriously contemplated this backless/low back lace style ($198).
+I’ve already blabbed about this breezy maxi ($196). It looks so high-end, “where’d you get that?” to me.
+For a bright pop of color, you can’t get much bolder than this Jill Jill Stuart ($398).
+You’d look like the essence of spring in this Marc Jacobs ($328). For my fellow Wahoos, this would be a solid Foxfield pick. Also love this mango/pink gradiated dress ($298). Would look amazing with a deep tan.
+For the sophisticates out there, I’ve ogled over this blush slip dress ($538) for months on end. I can’t get over it.
+I rarely wear black, but this brocade-accented style (on sale for $206) has a really interesting bodice.
+I love the unusual pairing of colors on this maxi (on sale for $202). I also guarantee you’ll be the only one at the affair wearing it — so unusual, and from an off-the-beaten path designer.