Romance is running rampant this spring, or so your Google Calendar tells you. Your weekend plans are steadily picking back up — and official wedding season is, too. You know this because the only mail you've received (aside from bills) are invitations to your friends' nuptials, with receptions to follow. Sure, you can get away with wearing the same outfit for multiple ceremonies (and have previously), but not all call for a classic LBD — your wedding outfit go-to. So, whether you're planning a look for a beachside event, a themed celebration, or an extravagant black-tie affair — or all of the above — it's about time your party outfits got a refresh. Ahead, we're sharing unique sartorial suggestions for every type of fete your forthcoming schedule calls for. Second to the bride, you'll definitely have our vote for best dressed.
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The Fashion Couple's City Hall Wedding
This time, the friend getting married gets fashion, so this is your chance to break out those on-trend pieces you've been waiting to wear. For a laid-back city hall wedding with celebratory drinks to follow, your outfit has the opportunity to be a bit more out-of-the-box (but also casual): Think a dressed-up jumpsuit, a pair of fun-yet-comfortable heels, and a stylish moto jacket. Make the look a little more special occasion-ready with a dramatic single earring and printed bag you can easily carry as a clutch.
Pierre Hardy Charlotte Leather and Canvas Platform Sandals, $521, available at MatchesFashion; H&M Flounced Jumpsuit, $59.99, available at H&M; Massimo Dutti Snakeskin Messenger Bag, $140, available at Massimo Dutti; The Arrivals Väder R2.2 Limited Edition All-season Moto, $685, available at The Arrivals; Sarah & Sebastian Aura Earring, $165, available at Sarah & Sebastian.
The Traditional Church Wedding
For a daytime church wedding, keep things classic and a bit more conservative with a calf-length dress and closed-toe shoe. To spice things up, look to creative outerwear and accessories: A colorblocked clutch and a sophisticated, dark-wash take on a frayed-denim jacket (in case your shoulders need to be covered) will do just the trick.
Mango Belt Satin Dress, $99.99, available at Mango; One Six Five Alexandrite Bow Earrings, $75, available at Local Eclectic; & Other Stories Large Color Blocked Leather Clutch, $195, available at & Other Stories; ASKA Laurel, $250, available at ASKA; Marques'Almeida for Topshop Cropped Frayed Denim Jacket, $67.50, available at The Outnet.
The Hometown Backyard Wedding
Your best friend's getting married back home, which means you have the opportunity to keep your outfit casual. In place of a dress, opt for a more comfortable top-and-skirt combo, some walkable heels (yes to no blisters!), and a practical crossbody (bonus points for a bold color). Then, mix and match your studs for an unexpected bit of sparkle.
Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Maria Cut-out Blouse, $753.71, available at Farfetch; Tibi Wrap-detail High-rise Denim Skirt, $345 $207, available at MatchesFashion; ZaraHigh-heel Slingback Shoes, $49.90, available at Zara; Kara Lavender Mini Messenger, $560, available at Kara. Bing Bang Opal Marquis + Tiny Pearl Duo, $58, available at Need Supply.
The Beach Destination Wedding
This beach wedding is doubling as your much-deserved vacation, so it's important to keep your look laid-back (but still totally put together). A tunic and wide-leg pant pairing is a cool alternative to a maxi dress, and lends itself well to wear with some classic, delicate shades and quirky accessories. Try a studded slide sandal and embellished clutch to seal the beachside deal.
Zara Long Top With Slit, $49.90, available at Zara; Zara Palazzo Trousers, $59.90, available at Zara; Edie Parker Jean Clutch, $1,595, available at Farfetch; Alexander Wang Amelia Flat, $595, available at Alexander Wang; Garrett Leight Mark McNairy #2, $340, available at Garrett Leight.
The Fancy Hotel Wedding
With this one, it's time to pull out all the stops — but that doesn't mean you have to wear a cookie-cutter, prom-style dress. A minimalist slip is effortlessly sexy and is ideal for accessorizing with statement-makers, like a bold earring and unexpected heel. Top the look off with a classic, longline coat (just in case things get chilly), and a clutch in a coordinating shade.
Equipment Racquel Silk-charmeus Maxi Dress, $400, available at Net-A-Porter; Proenza Schouler Macro Eyelet Heel, $1,065, available at Forward by Elise Walker; Zara Oversized Coat, $99.90, available at Zara; The Row Tassel Calf-hair Wristlet Clutch, $2,090, available at MatchesFashion; Loeil Lizzie Earrings, $28, available at Loeil.
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