Somehow It's Wedding Season Again
Revisiting a classic what to wear connundrum.
If it’s the middle, veering on end of June, it means that it’s indeed the height of wedding season. And that also means it’s time to revisit last year’s black-tie optional newsletter, with some tweaks for 2025. This year, I don’t have any weddings but I do have a pretty fancy dinner in Germany coming up on Friday, for a work trip with the Ritz Carlton. So, consider this newsletter also in my best interest since I have no clue what I want to wear. And yes, technically I could recycle a few dresses as options but where’s the fun in that?
Given that we’re in the height of retailer sale season, nearly everything in this list will be marked down. No point in paying full price if you can avoid it! Ahead, sorted by length and level of fanciness, some wedding season appropriate dresses that aren’t boring or likely to be worn by another guest.
Short
I’m a huge fan of short dresses for these events — case in point my Gold Gala dress from two years ago. In a sea of gowns, it was dressy enough to feel appropriate but still stood out. Also, if you’re petite like I am, a longer hemline is not only overwhelming but also a pain in the ass to get tailored.
Short, sparkly, and under $150, this Ganni dress is a pretty good deal for something that can be worn to formal events year round. The green version is also fun but sizing on that is super limited.
I think this dress was in one of my roundups last year and I’m honestly shocked it’s still in stock. I love a bubble hem, especially a short one, it feels so fresh. Just disregard these shoes that do her legs no favor — anything that isn’t a lace-up sandal/flat would be good.
I’m not the biggest fan of Nina Ricci shows so I’m surprised that I’m into this dress. But I love a structured satin mini and the little cutouts and embellishment are a nice touch to make it feel interesting.
Sid Neigum is a Canadian brand that has its moments and this is a great example of that. Please ignore the styling, I’ve never been a huge fan of how Revolve does their hair/makeup (although this one is marginally better?). Focus on the dress, with its undulating waves. It has all the of jellyfish vibes that draws me to a piece.
Sandy Liang has a way with girlie dresses that still feel subversive and this rosette trimmed off-the-shoulder mini is a great example of that. The only downside is that Nordstrom only has one size left due to the fact that their sale is pretty good. But Garmentory has a few as well.
Midi
This length tends to be the easiest to instantly convey that you’re attending a fancy event. And with that comes the most options!
No one does a better slip than you can wear in public than Simone Rocha. It’s deceptively simple but add some jewelry and it’s good to go. Also, it makes for a great underpinning for her sheer organza overlays.
Technically not the best deal (I hate it when SSENSE does this) but I do love the shape and color. It’s dressed up enough to take you all the way to a black tie-optional affair but not too much should it be more of your standard cocktail dress code. Also, if you happen to fit a size small, it’s currently $220 on The Real Real.
Rodarte can be hit or miss but I’ve come around on the brand. I’ve been working on a client’s book tour and Rodarte was one of the brands that have been successful for her in the past so that’s how I stumbled on this dress. I’d move the removable pin to either one of the straps or by the hip.
Diotima is definitely one of the breakouts of NYFW, winning a CFDA award back in 2024 for her work. Combining her Jamaican heritage with a commitment to producing in New York City, her designs are never boring or expected. I LOVE this dress so so much, at 70% off it’s the best deal here for a cool, emerging designer.
Originally I was poking around the Tory Burch website because I was seeing if the black hoop dress was on sale. It was sadly not on the site and Farfetch has the nerve to charge $2,700 which insane to me. Something else that caught my eye was this embellished slip dress. I know, so much color and pattern than my usual but the mix of materials really makes it feel special and unique.
Fanci Club is a Saigon-based label that’s been developing a steady following for their ruffly, dresses, like this strapless one that could go from cocktail to black tie. They’re stretchy, lightweight, and affordable. Definitely a good last minute option.
Can you raise your arms in this dress? Probably not but considering I own a similar CdG dress that also restricts my movement, it’s 100% worth the limited range of movement. The neckline photographs really well and the stiff fabric will hold its shape.
Designed to be semi-sheer, the peek of skin keeps it from feeling too dull and conservative. I’m also into the bulbous silhouette. Sometimes less is definitely more. It also comes in a gray & white version that’s also on sale.
Sometimes I think back to the 2010s when the likes of Phoebe Philo and Everlane were dominating our wardrobes. Everything was just so covered up and honestly, not that flattering!! Nowadays, I realize the right balance of skin and fabric goes a long way, like this slitted dress that’s cut at all of the right spots.
Someone I fell into a TikTok hole of people who wore Rick Owens to their wedding and I absolutely love it. More people should consider the brand for big events and this marked down dress is a good place to start. Caveat: sizing is super limited but such a good deal. There’s also the Hollywood bustier gown marked down to around the same price as well as a one-shoulder jersey number that are also quite good finds.
Long
Honestly, if I was taller I’d probably wear floor length gowns with a train more often. I love the drama. But beign 5’2”, that would require advance planning and tailoring — something I don’t necessarily have time for. That said, a few of the below are good to go without any hemming, as I learned through fitting clients.
Slinky, black, and featuring rosette details? Totally sold on this. I also love the mini version, that’s also on sale.
A black-tie or black-tie optional dress is a great excuse to wear a ton of sequins. And the best sequin gown is one that is 50% off like this navy 16 Arlington style. As someone with a weak jawline, this plunging neckline does wonders to create the illusion of facial dimension.
Tove is such an underrated brand for their minimalist designs and I love the ruched details at the waist. It both cinches and also is really forgiving should you want to sit down. The red has limited sizing but it also comes in black (also on sale).
When I pulled this dress for Eunice’s press tour for Your Friends & Neighbors, I didn’t think much of it. It was elegant on the model but on a real person, who knew what it would look like. The dress turned out to be our sleeper favorite with its stretchy material that makes it extremely comfortable to sit and move around in. Plus ruching and peplum hit at just the right spot that you look great from all angles — such a good design element. Should you not like the muted gold hue (super flattering on a variety of skin tones by the way!), it also comes in black.
And finally, nothing like a cascade of sequins and organza to give you a dramatic entrance and exit. Secretly, it’s one of my favorites of the bunch and if I had a true black tie gala, I’d 100% wear this.
See you all on Wednesday or Thursday this week (it depends on how good my plane WiFi is) which will be a revisit of summer tank tops, in honor of the New York City heatwave.
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Sandy’s has too much white for a guest, good for a city hall or reception/ afterparty dress though