Art-Deco Adorable
These two-piece dresses are a great option for a downtown cocktail reception. Unexpected embellishments and origami folds keep things interesting, while classic accessories make the look evening-appropriate.
Top left: Jason Wu strapless dress, $1,980; Badgley Mischka Randee Sandal, $199.99; Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock flap clutch, $178.
Top right: Matthew Williamson block-color beaded shift, $1395; Tory Burch logo clutch, $295; Spiegel Mary Jane pump, $59.
Bottom left: Milly two-piece dress, $360; Ann Taylor Perfect Elle pump, $99; Aldo Dahmer earrings, $15.
Bottom right: Ruche Ascending Pleats One-Shoulder dress, $44.99; Casadei leopard-print pumps, $225; Aqua chainlink stretch bracelet, $38.
The New Florals
If you’ve got a garden wedding to attend, these floral frocks feature playful cuts—and most importantly, they haven’t been patterned to death. The bright colors will keep you smiling all day long.
Top left: Heimstone Arnold Purse, $568; Rebecca Taylor Scarlett Asymmetrical Dress, $325; Prada Criss-Cross Sandal, $620.
Top right: Karen Millen white floral dress, $199; Elizabeth and James Paris T-strap pump, $365; Kenneth Jay Lane large crystal ring, $98.
Bottom left: Modcloth Lola dress, $57.99; Guiseppe Zanotti studded rose thong sandal, $650; Gorjana Willow hoop earring, $65.
Bottom right: Anthropologie Blurred Boundaries dress, $178; Charles David ‘Rip’ Espadrille, $89.95; Mociun gold drop necklace, $335.
Maxed Out
Beach weddings are the best place to wear something long. These laid-back maxi dresses will keep you cool and covered in breezy conditions. Statement accessories and flat sandals round out the look.
Top left: Modcloth Tall, Dark, and Tiered dress, $67.99; Gap crinkle flower T-strap sandals, $27.99; Kendra Scott Chandelier Earrings, $110.
Top right: J. Crew Taryn gown, $395; Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent tribal clutch, $295; Roket Dog ‘Lisbon’ wedge sandals, $44.99.
Bottom left: Single silk-chiffon animal-print dress, $316; Steve Madden ‘Roppee’ sandal, $59.95; Modcloth Here I Go Again purse, $49.99.
Bottom right: Diane von Furstenburg ‘Delha’ maxi dress, $826; Lauren by Ralph Lauren beaded necklace, $178; Michael Kors Thong Sandal, $228.
Statement Skirts
Formal events don’t have to suck all the fun out of fashion. You’ll look ladylike yet playful in these pencil skirts with a little something extra.
Top left: See by Chloe Angel Sleeve top, $247.50; 3.1 Philip Lim lace, $450; Forever21 Haute Rosette headband, $9.80; Tibi Firebird pump, $352.
Top right: French Connection Totally Tropical skirt, $118; Arden B. mesh inset top, $44; Rebecca Minkoff Easy Rider date clutch, $375; Chinese Laundry Avalanche shoe, $80.
Bottom left: RM by Roland Mouret Cesar skirt, $444; Modcloth Slow Jin Fizz top, $37.99; J. Rennee ‘Lindy’ Peep toe pump, $79.95; Lulu Guiness lip snakeskin clutch, $341.
Bottom right: Carven Gabardine peplum skirt, $210; Lucky Brand ‘Garden State’ necklace, $99; Donna Karan wrap shirt, $950; Kate Spade Karolina pumps, $298.
Rose Garden
Looking to let out your girly side? These sweet pieces come with flowers sewn in. Rosette detailing, be it big or small, is the flirtiest trend we’ve seen yet. So go on, bat those eyelashes—we dare the groomsmen not to start crushing.
Top left: Haute Hippie Rose bubble dress, $447.50; Rose quartz stone earrings, $96; J. Crew Blume printed peep toe, $175.
Top right: Carven Rosette shift dress, $690; Coast New Rose fascinator, $85; Franco Sarto “Napoli” leather pumps, $89.
Bottom left: Forever21 Rose Princess dress, $27.80; Antonio Melani “Rory” Cross-Body bag, $89; Ann Marino Helen Ruffle pump, $49.95.
Bottom right: BCBG Max Azria rosette ruffle cocktail dress, $238; Chinese Laundry Willy Sandal, $49.98; Betsey Johnson bowtiful sequin clutch, $110.
Color Drenched
If you’ve got more than one wedding to attend this season, solid shifts are the most versatile pieces out there: Swap out accessories and you’re dressed to impress no matter the occasion. Play it safe in shape, but go wild with color—you’ll be amazed how well yellow can stand in for black.
Top left: Modcloth Dream House dress, $54.99; Cocoeve Sequinned back-trimmed pumps, $60; Dsquared2 Crystal Cuff, $529.
Top right: Natasha bandage dress, $299.99; Lauren Merkin Rainbow serpent clutch, $248; Pour La Victoire Belen Sandal, $295.
Bottom left: Vera Wang Lavender shantung dress, $371.25; Carlos by Carlos Santana Believe Mary Jane, $59.95; Black-and-gold crystal snake pin, $19.95.
Bottom right: Forever21 Romantic pleated satin dress, $24.80; Fred Flare Zanzibar bib necklace, $42; Michael Antonio Tiahna sandal, $46.95.
Sarah is the Editor-in-Chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and writes about weddings, fashion, and shopping. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington City Paper, among others. She is a Georgetown University graduate, lives in Columbia Heights, and you can find her on Instagram at @washbridegroom and @sarahzlot.
