I have never been so excited about wedding season. Emotionally speaking, I'm overjoyed that many of my friends who have had to postpone their weddings for almost two years are now getting to enjoy their big day. Sartorially speaking, it gives me the opportunity to finally put on a fancy frock and enjoy the love, fun, elegance, and festivities that wedding season brings.
To get prepared for the upcoming ceremonies I'll be attending this year (one is a black-tie affair, and the others are cocktail and semiformal), I tried on a plethora of pretty dresses—20 to be exact—to find the three that speak to me the most. Today, I wanted to share the styles that particularly stood out to me and would be ideal for a variety of weddings or special summer soirées. Take a peek below to see some of my absolute favorites I tried and get inspired for your next special event.
When it comes to semiformal attire, you can never really go wrong with Reformation's lineup of wedding guest dresses and party frocks. This gorgeous green slip dress immediately caught my eye for a day-to-evening outdoor Cali wedding. I love the minimalist silhouette and pretty floral print. Moreover, the smocked bodice at the back provides extra comfort.
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Okay, if you are really going to splurge on an evening dress, I cannot recommend this stunning silk number from Cult Gaia enough! The marigold hue is beautiful (and it's the perfect color for a summer wedding), but it's all the other details that make this dress supreme. The unique architectural gold-ring shoulders are striking, the cowl neck is sophisticated, the low back is gorgeous, and the ultra-flattering bias-cut silhouette drapes on the body beautifully. I can see myself wearing this for countless special events and weddings for years to come.
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Sometimes, you put on a dress and just feel like it's meant for you. Case in point: Hill House Home's latest release, the Collector's Edition Ellie Nap Dress. It's everything I love in a dress—playful, fun, comfortable, and eye-catching. The online pictures actually don't do it justice, it's even more beautiful in person. The ruffled shoulders and smocked bodice stay true to Hill House Home's classic Nap silhouettes, but it's the fuller tulle skirt that really gives this a more dramatic look, and it's practically made for the dance floor! The dress is unlined and sheer, so I do recommend wearing a nude bodysuit or a slip underneath. I was lucky enough to get my hands on this pretty pink dress (which doesn't actually come out on the brand's site until June 1). However, it also comes in navy and black lace, and they are wonderful options for daytime and evening affairs.
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I initially spotted this dress on Rent the Runway, and it immediately caught my eye. I'm definitely drawn to dramatic details, and everything from the bold ruffled shoulders to its alluring back is simply striking. I also love the fact that the flowy, tiered skirt is incredibly lightweight. I will say that this is pretty long and has a little train, so I do recommend wearing high heels with it.
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I love the stunning simplicity of Katie May's dresses. This is a great option for cocktail attire. The cowl neckline and pretty lace back add elegance and interest to the sleek midi silhouette. And the pretty lilac hue is so lovely. (Note: This dress also comes in a floor-length silhouette—great for more formal affairs.)
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I'm always pleasantly surprised by the hidden gems I can find at Mango, such as this amazing vintage-inspired printed dress. The bold psychedelic pattern on this maxi dress is stunning and could certainly pass for designer. I also adore the effortlessly elegant maxi silhouette that gives me '70s Palm Springs vibes. Just add bold earrings, metallic heels, and a vintage gold clutch and you're ready to go.
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There's no other way to say it: I am absolutely obsessed with this dress. Tove always makes beautiful dresses, but this one is on another level of chic. If you're looking for something fresh, unique, and compelling, this is the perfect choice. Everything from the bold shade of blue made from Italian moiré fabric to the vintage-inspired silhouette and the charming bow details hit my eye just right. I cannot wait to wear this one.
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When it comes to sleek, minimalist wedding guest dresses, you simply cannot go wrong with Fame and Partners. This strappy draped gown is the epitome of elegance and comes in a myriad of colors, but I particularly love this luxurious forest-green hue for evening events. The best part? You can add in your measurements and get it tailor-made to your body. The brand has options for all types of dress codes, and most of them clock in at under $300.
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How striking is this blue hue? For a more traditional formal dress, this Aidan by Aidan Mattox satin gown is an absolute winner. The silhouette is super flattering, and all you need is a chic clutch and earrings to finish the look. My favorite part about the dress is the charming (and Insta-worthy!) bow detail in the back.
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I have been looking for a colorful embellished dress for a big Indian black-tie wedding, and as soon as I saw this, I knew it was the one. This is the kind of frock that will incite all the compliments. The floral sequin detailing is exquisite, and the back is spectacular. This one definitely deserves a spot on the 'gram!
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If you haven't checked out Sau Lee before, the brand does really chic occasion dresses with gorgeous silhouettes, sleek satin fabrics, and a touch of playfulness. This one works great for a semiformal or casual-dressy event. Add a shawl, statement earrings, strappy sandals, and a bold clutch and you have one really gorgeous wedding guest outfit.
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This is another great contender for my black-tie wedding. Theia has amazing-quality evening dresses with exquisite, intricate detailing. I absolutely love the color of this gown, and the neck silhouette is stunning. It is quite long, so you may need to get it hemmed or wear your higher heels.
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If you're looking for a trend-forward frock to win over the crowd, then this vibrant green dress from cool-girl brand Afrm is an ideal option. Everything from the cutouts to the strappy halter-neck straps and the standout green hue hits on some of this season's biggest trends. It also comes at a very reasonable price point. Just be sure to steam it first (my mistake before taking this picture!).
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Shop a few of my favorite essentials to style the dresses with:
Gatherall's reusable adhesive silicone bra is literally a lifesaver when it comes to giving my small chest a natural lift and flexible support. It's strapless, backless, wireless, and washable, and it is much better quality than many of the other adhesive bras I've tried in the past.
Another essential when it comes to wearing low-cut and backless dresses, this bodysuit tucks and shapes you in in all the right places for a seamless look underneath your frocks. I wore this under the sheer Hill House Home dress.
I styled many of the dresses above with these striking drop earrings by one of my favorite jewelry brands, PDPaola. I always get so many compliments when wearing these.
One of my favorite Etsy finds, these starburst earrings (as seen with some of the dresses above) are incredibly elegant and beautiful. And you cannot go wrong with the price.
These modern pearl earrings are the perfect size and add just the right luxe touch to any evening gown.
These shoes are not only really comfortable, but they also look way more expensive than their price tag. I styled most of my dresses above with them and cannot recommend them enough.
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