Wedding Guest + Special Occasion Dresses
DRESS (SIZED 0-12 HERE) | DRESS (SIZED 14-24 HERE) | SIMILAR DRESS FOR LESS | MORE OUTFIT DETAILS | SIMILAR SHOE OPTION
wedding guest + SPECIAL OCCASION
dress inspiration
As we’re still in the thick of the winter months, it’s fun to start thinking about all the events and celebrations ahead. I thought it’d be helpful to put a fresh batch of inspiration for shopping for special occasion outfits. Whether you’re looking for your event or someone else’s, I’ve got you covered. I took a deep dive through some of my favorite retailers and organized the looks by color story, I hope it gets your wheels turning.
As I shared in my dress guide from this past fall, the buying and the trying-on process can be draining. Even though it is part of my job to try on clothes, I have to be in the right mood/mindset. A few things that help me get there are doing my hair and makeup. It gives me an instant confidence boost (be careful not to get any residue on the clothes). I also like to have a pair of heels nearby when trying things on. It’s also essential to have properly fitting undergarments (the right size and style of bra can make all the difference in fit in your clothes).
Sometimes, I try on dresses with shapewear to help visualize the outfit and feel how it will be. These tips help me visualize how the look will come together for the occasion! I also like to manage expectations. When I place a big order, I say to myself, “If I find ONE that I feel amazing in, I will call it a win!” If you’re looking for more undergarment solutions, be sure to check out this post of your most frequently asked undergarment questions and this recent SKIMS review. I’ve also recently shared strapless solutions for every occasion, and you can explore the “undergarment” tab of the blog. I recommend finding your dress before investing in new shapewear, but it can help visualize the final look when your undergarments are on point!
Cool Tones
If you love greens and blues, this one is for you! I sourced some great options for all budgets, and sizing ranges from cocktail to more formal. For more inspiration on where to shop for special occasion looks, check out the list at the bottom of this post.
Warm Tones
Give me all of the pinks and reds! I sourced some great options for all budgets, and sizing ranges from cocktail to more formal. For more inspiration on where to shop for special occasion looks, check out the list at the bottom of this post.
Neutral Tones
You can never go wrong with a little black dress or jumpsuit. I sourced some great options for all budgets, and sizing ranges from cocktail to more formal. For more inspiration on where to shop for special occasion looks, check out the list at the bottom of this post.
WHERE TO SHOP
DRESSES + JUMPSUITS
Sometimes it’s hard knowing where to begin. I’ve curated a new and improved list of places for all budgets where I typically look for special occasion outfits! You can click the links below to go directly to their latest dress selection. Any item that has a “+” beside it includes plus sizing.
JESSAKAE (new find up to 5X) +
LA FEMME
LILLY PULITZER
LULU’S +
MACY’S +
NEIMAN MARCUS +
NORDSTROM +
REFORMATION +
RENT THE RUNWAY
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE +
SHOPBOP
SHOW ME YOUR MUMU +
TADASHI SHOJI +
TUCKERNUCK +
VINCE CAMUTO
VINEYARD VINES
ADRIANNA PAPELL +
AMAZON, (My Curated List) +
ANTHROPOLOGIE +
ASOS +
BALTIC BORN +
BIRDY GREY +
BODEN
BHLDN +
BLOOMINGDALE’S +
CITY CHIC (sizes 12+) +
COEDITION +
DILLARD’S
ELIZA J, also found here
ELOQUII +
GIBSONLOOK
J CREW +
Thanks for reading!
I hope this updated list of picks was helpful! Feel free to leave any questions or suggestions below. I look forward to digging into more spring fashion over the coming months. Thanks for reading!
xx CMK