Local White Wear for All Those Other Wedding Events

You didn’t think the shopping ended with the ceremony gown, did you?

July 6, 2017

Natalie Schack,

The gown you wear on the day you wed is probably going to be the biggest fashion decision of your life. Should you get lace for a slimming tummy? Will off-the-shoulder necklines be out of style by the time your date rolls around? Will Grandma flip if your gown is backless? Let’s not even get started on the old, the new, the borrowed and the blue variables that are sometimes thrown in.

The sartorial choices don’t stop there. As the guest of honor, you’ll probably be treated (woo hoo!) to a soiree or two (or three!) celebrating your soon-to-be-taken status, from engagement parties to bachelorettes, and for the lady of the hour, donning ivory at all of these events is the style du jour. Forget the old-timey technicalities of virginal white (get out of the last century, people!), and own it—no matter what your, er, status is. We’re getting excited about this pretty, feminine swatch because of its angelic, airy aesthetic, and a timeless appeal that will make you feel like the ethereal, modern bride that you are. So, we looked local for some cream-colored shopping inspiration to take you from hen party to bridal shower, and everything in between.

The engagement cocktail party:

A delicate, swingy frock with flapper-esque fringes

Photo: Courtesy of Tiare Hawai‘i

Delicate and demure, this sweet little shift in a muted white tone from Tiare Hawai‘i is a great kickoff for your bridal ensembles to come. Even better, if someone else is in charge of a semisurprise shindig, the versatile dress can work anywhere from a boho, beachy bash to an urban wine bar.

shoptiarehawaii.com, $135.

For the turnt-up bachelorette:

A sassy, teeny, little slip dress with pretty lace details

Photo: Courtesy of Mikinola

Small (but not too small—you want to keep things classy!) and body-skimming, this little slip of a mini dress from Mikinola has a stripped-down silhouette, with just the right amount of sexy from a plunge neckline and deep-V back. Plus, we love the chunky take on lace details and trim accents, for a friskier version of a quintessentially feminine look.

shopmikinola.com, $432.

For the bridal shower tea:

An artsy lace kaftan with dreamy textures

Photo: Courtesy of Echo & Atlas

If you weren’t already head over heels, you’d be in danger of falling for this gorgeous, roomy lace dress that we spied at Echo & Atlas. With ethereal, eye-catching, patterned lace and a loose, goddesslike fit, you’ll be ready for a comfy, relaxing day with your most loved ladies.

echo-atlas.myshopify.com, $299.

The rehearsal dinner:

A sleek maxi with just the right mix of casual and elegant

Photo: Courtesy of Ten Tomorrow

You’ll be doing everything from walking down the aisle to pecking your boo on the cheek during the run-through, plus doing a mini celebration with family, wedding party and out-of-towners after the fact, so in many cases the rehearsal dinner is the big, official start to the wedding festivities—and your role as bride! Selecting something special, like this striking, understated Ten Tomorrow frock with angelic billowing sleeves and a deep, gathered neckline, sends the right message without upstaging tomorrow’s ensemble.

tentomorrow.com, $116.

For the bar-hopping after-party:

A flowing jumpsuit that can hold its own on the big day

Photo: Courtesy of Joelle Perry

The Joelle Perry Sanna jumpsuit is the perfect edgy alternative to a white dress. Easy to move in, wide-leg trousers means no wardrobe malfunctions (and with all that Champagne you’ll be drinking, that’s the last thing you want to worry about), but the billowy, soft texture, strappy back and sweetheart neckline make it romantic enough to still make you feel like a princess in the last few hours of your wedding day.

joelle-perry.squarespace.com, $900.

The day-after brunch:

A boho, beach-ready, comfort-first slip-on dress

Photo: Courtesy of Bikini Bird

Do yourself a favor and keep it simple the day after the wedding, like with this easy and breezy Amuse Society mini we spotted at Bikini Bird. Peasantlike crisscrossed lace and a dropped, flared waist give this dress some character, but it also ranks high on the lounge-ability meter—which will be a godsend after a night of stressing, imbibing and emoting your heart out.

bikinibird.com, $60.