I guess I’m at that age when all the dominos around me start falling… and getting hitched. I wasn’t quite prepared for the deluge of wedding invitations this year, but now that we’re here, let’s help each other get dressed.
Each wedding takes place in such a different setting, so reusing the same looks really isn’t an option. While this will hurt my pockets a bit, weddings are momentous occasions that deserve the respect of curated looks you’ll look back on for years to come. To this day, I look back at photos of my parents at their friends’ weddings and gush over every little detail. It’s our turn to create those memories, right?
If you’re like me, you’ll want to start planning your looks ahead of time, and these picks from Shopbop will provide a good head start. Keep scrolling to see how I’ll be dressing for each of the different settings, from the beach to the courthouse, from formal to bohemian.
Daytime weddings are definitely becoming more popular, and finding an appropriate outfit is all about striking a balance between relaxed and festive. Voluminous dresses like this gorgeous number by Autumn Adeigbo are practically made for a daytime wedding in the garden. The fitted bodice and voluminous skirt are so flattering. Plus, pockets are always a nice touch.
A lesson in how to serve drama in the daytime. It comes with earrings, too.
The forecast says sunny.
The shape of this dress mimics a budding flower. How dreamy.
The proportions of this dress are drool-worthy.
I recently attended my first courthouse wedding and proceeded to add “become a wedding witness” to my bucket list. When that day comes, I will come through with my fountain pen dressed in a bright, relaxed suit like this one by Jonathan Simkhai. Once business is complete, take off the blazer to reveal a lace cami top, and cheers to the new couple.
Single-button blazers are the epitome of chic.
This suit is surprisingly comfortable. Both the pants and the blazer are made in an oversize fit and almost feel like pajamas.
Wear this suit with no jewelry—it says enough on its own. Shop the matching Flowy Pants ($50).
This suit will get a lot of airtime. Shop the matching Tapered Leg Pants ($70).
This one belongs on the coast of Italy. Shop the matching Wide-Leg Pants ($1075).
Everyone needs a classic tuxedo suit in their life. Shop the matching Cigarette Pants ($50).
Most city weddings I’ve attended don’t have a strict dress code (i.e., the best dress code), and you already know I capitalize on the opportunity each time. I love to start with a minidress and build out a full look that doesn’t scream “wedding guest” and will also fit right in at the inevitable after-party. This sparkly Oséree dress inspired me to go for a flirty-edgy look, which I achieved by pairing it with this pink Staud bag and an oversize vintage leather jacket.
Feather trim can sometimes look overly precious, but in this case, it looks more rockstar than tea party. I’m obsessed.
The plumage trim creates the perfect flared shape.
Remove the strap for a clutch moment.
The intricate embroidery and feather trim at this price is unheard of.
I’m drooling! Silver jewelry, sky-high heels, and hair up, okay?
Wow, this looks so much more expensive than it is.
Dumplings, anyone?
Finding the right outfit for a beach wedding can be tricky due to all the natural elements that arise throughout the day. With all these considerations, give me a shorts set over a dress any day. This Kika Vargas set is roomy enough to get down and dirty and has festive details, like the peplum hem, that remind us of the occasion. Last—no shoes, no problem!
This fabric practically glows in sunlight.
No one will be more comfortable than you are.
The vest-and-tailored-shorts set is one of my favorite trends on the horizon. Get ahead of the trend with this buttery set by Lebanese and Parisian-inspired brand Racil. Shop the matching Pleated Shorts ($455).
This mirrored pattern reminds me of a butterfly. Shop the matching Printed Shorts ($46).
This lavender set will look great with your tan. Shop the matching High-Waisted Shorts ($70).
TBH, getting an invite to a formal wedding makes me kind of nervous. After all, 90% of my life lately is spent in super-casual clothes. However, in many ways, dressing for a formal wedding requires less work than putting together a casual look. All you’ll need is a long dress and some statement jewelry to make it look like you’ve really put in work to get “red carpet ready.”
It ties in the back for extra support around the bust.
Remember to butter up that left leg.
This dress has a lot of built-in movement—it’s begging to be twirled.
I’m envisioning this dress for a winter wedding. The draping is gorgeous.
We all have those friends who get married on a ranch, in the woods, or next to a river. And we love them dearly. Choose dynamic prints and interesting shapes to match their free-spirited energy.
A low-maintenance beauty.
You’ll definitely be the best-dressed guest at the ranch.
Farm Rio is reliably bohemian and celebratory.
Can you feel the romance?
Zambian brand Mangishi Doll uses a combination of traditional chitenge prints to create some of the most unique dresses out.
