The Best-Dressed Wedding Guest: The Summer Dress Edit
From Manhattan to Mexico, here's what to wear during summer wedding season.
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While we don't love fashion rules in general (they're meant to be broken, after all), weddings may be one of the last beacons of propriety we fully respect and adhere to (mostly!). Celebrity stylist, and recent bride herself, Micaela Erlanger knows her way around a bridal guest look and provides some "musts" for any good attendee. "As a wedding guest, you really want to respect the dress code, so be sure to check out the invitation and feel free to check with the couple or the wedding planner if you have any questions," she tells BAZAAR.com. "I recommend staying away from red or neon colors, as they can be distracting in photos. And, of course, the old rule of no wearing white applies. Also, make sure that you are comfortable in wearing shoes that you can dance in."
Gabrielle Katz, the founder and principle of fashion and lifestyle agency Accent PR_ojects, is a native New Yorker who gets invited to a lot of weddings. When we ask for a number, she winkingly tells us, "The limit does not exist." So how does a weddings vet approach her personal wardrobe? "I am very lucky that I get hooked up by my clients, so when I do make an investment for a wedding, I make sure it's something I can wear throughout summer. I worked with Patricia Voto, creative director of One/Of (and client!), to make custom separates that I could take on the road with me for all the travel I have in between weddings, which, let’s be honest, isn’t just the reception anymore—it's multiple events over many nights. For my cousin’s wedding in Puerto Rico this month, I did just buy this Proenza dress from The Outnet. I’ll be pairing it with these Aquazzura heels when I don’t wear my Da Costanzo sandals. And Rebecca de Ravenel for the earrings, no matter the occasion."
The truth is, the options can feel overwhelming, but the trick is knowing where to look, remaining focused, and staying true to your personal style. "Saks has an amazing assortment of party dresses, and I recently did an edit of my favorite wedding guest styles," Erlanger continues, "but one of my favorite brands these days is Markarian. They have perfect dresses to wear as a wedding guest that you can enjoy and wear at a later time too." Ahead, shop many more dresses to wear everywhere from the beach to a black-tie affair.
There comes a time in every lucky wedding guest's life when they get to dress for all the island vibes. Look for something that flows, with a nice print or fun color. It's all about a Slim Aarons moment and skipping fabrics that don't breathe. Be mindful of choosing shoes that can withstand long walks in the sand.
Black works for everything, but the cutouts and tortoise details on this airy dress work for the beach too.
We love the subtle print on this maxi.
Not a print girl? This long-sleeved dress with subtle sparkle still feels tropics appropriate.
Did we mention Slim Aarons?
You can really get in touch with your divine feminine energy at a garden affair. Embrace all pastels, florals, lemons, and mini silhouettes you can get your hands on. If you're ready, go ahead and add a wide-brim hat.
This one is groovy, but still garden ready.
Find a prettier dress, we'll wait.
A truly flirty little option.
This ethereal beauty is available in extended sizes.
This idea for a grown-up affair in a gallery or event space in a major city is all about a streamlined and, let's face it, cool look, rather than anything fussy. You can opt for black, but make it special, and you can't go wrong with anything by an Italian brand that sounds like Prada or Bottega Veneta.
Then again, it doesn't need to be black. Yellow is having a moment, after all.
Or nada.
We love the idea of a maxi dress for a truly grown-up affair too.
Just add sparkly flats.
Invited to a truly epic party bash? Go all in with sequins and spend the night trying to find just the right spot to complement the disco ball. Accessories should be more subdued to let the dress, well, really shine.
This slightly more conservative choice is still very fun.
Go full, very luxe, Jerry Hall at Studio 54 level.
This classic cocktail dress can be worn so many times with different accessories.
Dorothee Schumacher Playful Shine Sequined Tulle Mini Dress
No one could have seen this blue baby coming.
Kerry Pieri is Harper's Bazaar's Digital Fashion/Features Director. Kerry oversees the fashion vertical for BAZAAR.com, including launching digital covers, styling celebrity features, and managing recurring features including Brand Watch and My Life in Three Looks. In addition, Kerry edits the “best of” each season, from shoes to bags, denim and coats, and is consistently looking for shifts in the fashion realm to lend a voice. Kerry formerly served as the Editorial Director of StyleCaster.com and as a producer at Full Frontal Fashion. She lives in New York with her husband Steve, and baby girl Lila Sky.
