Dress: Anthropologie Castania Midi Dress, $178
Okay, truth be told, I am the BIGGEST procrastinator. I work wayyyyy better under pressure, and have probably taken a good 5 years off of my life for doing so. But, say it with me, it is what it is. We’re women, we wait till the last minute on a lotttt of things, and then we freak out, swear that the next time we’ll do things differently, and inevitably fail with that mission. This scenario applies to me every wedding season. I have one or two weddings on the cal, and I think I have more time to get an outfit, get my nails done, and plan out my accessories. Yah, wishful thinking. I’m pretty sure that the last few things I’ve worn to a wedding have been total 11th hour purchases. One was from TJ Maxx, for $60 all-in (formal maxi dress, belt and clutch). The other was a Bloomingdales BCBG high-low gown + a Hanky Panky strapless bra - because I hadn’t gotten my Sneaky Vaunt yet), which set me back nearly $300.
There are soooo many options out there, and with a month or two of lead time, finding something stylish and reasonable should be a piece of cake. But when you’re staring down the clock, less than 24 hours before you’re expected to be seated at the ceremony, you panic, grab something you’re hardly in love with, and spend a sickening amount of money to make sure you don’t end up on anyone’s worst-dressed list. It’s a freakin s***show.
Sound familiar?
Well, if you do it right, Rent the Runway can be your best friend for the duration of the spring and summer wedding season. Seriously, the variety of designers and silhouettes they have on deck is unreal. Or if you happen to have a sister who’s just about your size, and trustworthy when it comes to the special occasion wears hanging in her closet, then take total advantage.
Otherwise, swap some of the time you usually reserve for endless Instagram scrolling in bed for some online dress scouting. Whether you exhaust the department store dotcoms or stalk the stock available at the smaller online boutiques, you’ll surely find at least one or two dresses worthy of your wedding season wardrobe. Just make sure you’re following best-dressed guest etiquette: tatas taken down a notch, tasteful skirt lengths (no one needs to see a$$ cheek in the ceremony), no white dresses. EVER, and if you’re having trouble with any of those - make sure you check out what a couple of your favorite celebrities have been wearing to their own premieres, galas, charity events, etc. It’ll give you a good clue of what to do. Katie Holmes, we’re 👀👀👀 at you!
We’ve bookmarked some dresses from usual guest wear go-to’s - Nordstrom, Modcloth, Anthropologie, Francesca’s, H&M to help you out. And capped the price tag at $200 (quite a few are actually <$50 and they're gorg.). You’re welcome 😘
Dress: Anthropologie Klara Dress, $198
Dress: FOXIEDOX Senna Embroidered Fit & Flare Dress, $198
Dress: FOXIEDOX Bravo Zulu Lacy Paneled Fit & Flare Dress, $130
Dress: Francesca’s Allegra Pleated Illusion Neck Combo A-line Dress, $48
Dress: H&M One-Shoulder Dress, $40
Dress: Francesca’s Melly High Neck Lace Shift Dress, $48
Dress: Anthropologie Josie Tiered Maxi Dress, $178
Dress: Modcloth Essence of Presence Chiffon Maxi Dress, $119
Dress: Bardot Gold Leaf Shift Dress
Dress: Julia Jordan Red Popover Dress $99
Dress: Eliza J Lace Appliqué Crepe Cold Shoulder Dress, $128