Summer is here, and you know what that means: wedding season! But as you prepare for your big day, the wedding dress and the ceremony aren't your only major concerns. What about all of the special occasions before and after the wedding? More than that, what's a girl to wear?
We asked Michelle Smith, designer of the ever-chic Milly label, to give you a few fabulous outfit ideas to help you look your best. "When dressing for these occasions, the key is to remain comfortable," says Smith. "Stick to silhouettes that have been successful [for you] in the past, and invest in a great pair of metallic sandals to have on-hand for day and evening soirees."
Read on for more of her style tips.—Elayne Fluker
First time meeting his parents
"When I design, I always think about what I want to wear, and I like to celebrate femininity. I’d always rather be overdressed than underdressed, especially for a potentially nerve-wracking occasion like this. My geo jacquard beaded A-line shift has a bit of beading, a hint of stretch, and is just a tad conservative—a recipe for a fantastic dinner."
Beaded sheath dress, Milly, $550,
bloomingdales.com; Joley patent leather peep-toes, J. Crew, $128,
jcrew.com
Engagement dinner with family and friends
"I suggest wearing a long cocktail or maxi dress like my mocha metallic jacquard gala dress to stand out from the crowd. My best advice is to bring chic flats you’re able to slip into later in the evening, so you may celebrate all night."
Jacquard chiffon maxi dress, Milly, $415,
net-a-porter.com; sandals, Musa, $191,
net-a-porter.com
Bridal shower day
"My silk crepe de chine window lace strappy dress is on trend and feminine—and appropriately trimmed in lace! This dress is cute with heels or flats."
Silk crepe de chine lace dress, Milly, $335,
millyny.com; Kwest sandal, Nine West, $80,
ninewest.com
Bachelorette party evening
"For a night on the town with friends, a festive dress is in order! By incorporating my of-the-moment, bold brushstroke pattern, the outfit’s remaining separates serve as a backdrop to set off the waterstripe print and create a current, fresh look. Embellished dresses are popular this season as beading at the neckline serves as a built-in accessory. To compliment the metallic beading, pair the dress with metallic shoes to strut your stuff."
Water stripe dress, Milly, $261,
neimanmarcus.com; Janelle high-heel gladiator, Banana Republic, $140,
bananarepublic.com
Rehearsal dinner
"I suggest wearing a comfortable, elegant dress with a statement accessory for the rehersal dinner. My hand beaded bolero sweater is the perfect statement piece that mixes and matches with a summer wardrobe of staples. It goes perfectly over my double silk chiffon racer-back dress in azule. A simple metallic strappy heel completes the outfit without competing with the intricate hand beading detail of the sweater. This outfit is both comfortable and festive!"
Racerback silk dress, Milly, $395,
bloomingdales.com; beaded jacket, Milly, $340,
saksfifthavenue.com; Janelle high-heel gladiator, Banana Republic, $140,
bananarepublic.com
Post-wedding day brunch with guests
"While mingling with friends and family the morning after the big day, I suggest wearing my watercolor print beaded neckline dress. Flats are a must, and fussing with accessories will appear trivial. The embellishment on the neckline provides some sparkle, and the sandals have a hint of glimmer as well to create a glamorous look with little effort."
Necklace dress, Milly, $375,
neimanmarcus.com; sandals, Musa, $191,
net-a-porter.com
Honeymoon with just the two of you
"For the honeymoon, be sure to pack great bikini in a fresh, floral print like my Indian floral bandeau bikini. The bikini has a gold hoop detail, which adds a luxe touch! A light-weight gauze tunic [not pictured] and thong sandals are essential items to pack."
Indian floral bikini, Milly,
saksfifthavenue.com; Cyrus broad thong sandal, K. Jacques,
shopbop.com
For summer wedding dresses, click
here
For ideas on how to look your best as a wedding guest, click
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