Wedding guest season
Dresses for repeat wear.
Tomorrow, my husband and I are travelling to Vancouver to attend his college roommate’s wedding. At this stage in our lives, weddings are few and far between (the last one we went to was my cousin’s wedding in Lake Tahoe two years ago.) Unlike in our 20s when we had at least a handful a year, and it felt like every paycheque was going towards some kind of special occasion—if not weddings, then the events leading up to (engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorettes, etc.,)
Back then, I had an affinity for BCBGMaxAzria dresses and would hit up the mall with my former co-workers during our lunch break to visit the store and gush over all their different styles, from cocktail to formal attire. The dresses weren’t cheap, and I had to save up my money just so I could afford to buy one dress to wear to several events. But to me, they were always worth it. I loooved my BCBG dresses. They made me feel good. Confident. Like a million bucks. So, I didn’t ever think twice about re-wearing them.
While my style has evolved beyond BCBG dresses (and the stores eventually shuttered here in Canada, RIP), what I’ve tried to hold on to is that same feeling of shopping for something that I loved enough to wear over and over again. I’m very much a girl who loves dresses but don’t think you need to buy something new every time.
I remember reading in another Substack newsletter that you shouldn’t buy a dress to fit the mood of the wedding, (e.g., beachy, black-tie, etc.,) but get one that suits your style so you’d be more inclined to wear it again. This is the sort of thinking I like to prescribe to. I’m a devoted dress repeater, and for this upcoming wedding, I’ll be re-wearing the same sage-coloured satin dress I wore in Tahoe two years ago. Before that, I had an orangey-red strappy dress from Zara that I bought on sale and used for multiple weddings and special occasions (because in my opinion, you also don’t need to spend a lot on a dress for it to be worthy of repeat wear.)
Here’s a wedding guest edit featuring some of my favourite dresses—ranging in different price points—that are timeless enough to wear more than once.
I stumbled upon the Vancouver-based Park and Fifth brand a few years ago on Instagram. They make beautiful wedding, bridesmaid and occasion dresses, and after ordering the Davenport dress, I wouldn’t hesitate to get another one from them again. I was so happy with the quality and fit, especially for the price point.
I love their Gracey dress in Laguna, which feels very Andie Anderson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 days-inspired.
Another romantic option is the Rumi dress in Magnolia.
For a more understated yet classic style, I love the Logan dress. How gorgeous is the navy colour? Such a nice alternative to the common black dress.
On to the Daniela silk dress from Reformation, which also comes in petite sizing. The dress’ sleek silhouette and copper colour make such a chic combination.
Another stunner from Reformation is the Rosalynn dress. It’s timeless without being boring because of the polka dot print and draping scarf.
This open back number from Mango is currently on sale and looks so pretty. The higher neckline is really elegant and the coral red colour is such a standout.
Also on sale is this Zara satin slip dress, which looks like it could be a very close option to Sienna’s dress, but in a midi length.
Finally, I’m obsessed with this red one-shoulder Ashanti gown by Staud, which happens to be on sale right now. If I wasn’t re-wearing my dress, this is the one I’d want. I love the asymmetrical neckline and simple silhouette.
*This post contains some affiliate links, and I may receive a small percentage from anything you purchase through a link, at no extra cost to you. As always, I only recommend what I love and would wear.
These wedding dresses are so beautiful. Can someone invite me to a wedding please!
Love the Reformation scarf number!