I have news: evening dress season has officially begun. Of course there's prom and graduation, but the most prevailing event that is likely cropping up for you at this time of year is weddings. Where are you going? What are you bringing? And what on earth do you wear?

Well, let's get down to basics. We all know there are many kinds of weddings, and not all require a red carpet gown. You also may not have the budget for one. Fear not, we've found the styles and brands that make the most sense for every occasion, and when you've got your look sorted, accessorize to perfection with our Pearls and Rhinestones case (trust me, it goes with everything). 

 

The Black Tie Wedding 

This kind of wedding is not for the weak. If you're lucky enough to be invited to a black tie wedding, then you really need to show up and show out. This means floor-length dress at the very least, no cotton in sight, and always, always heels. If you haven't heard of Portia & Scarlett, it's a formalwear designer and couturier where dresses can go for up to $2000...but you can get them on TheRealReal for $150-200.  

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The Beach Wedding

Lord knows there's always a beach wedding. Whether you're headed to the Hamptons or Hawaii, the mermaid aesthetic stays in. You may be tempted by the setting to go casual, but if you take it in a more elevated direction, you can easily omit the shoes and go barefoot. This number is perfect for the occasion, or try Devon's take for Reformation. 

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The Maximalist Wedding 

Sometimes the bride demands you out-dress her, and those are the occasions where you can have the most fun. I'm not going to tell you how far you can take it but, but bright colors, frills, sequins and tulle are all on the table. 

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The Cool Girl Wedding 

We all have that one friend who goes to the courthouse, or the boathouse, then straight to a bar an intimate after party. In this case, it's best go vintage. If you haven't heard of Jessica McClintock or Anna Sui, it's time to learn your measurements and hit Ebay hard. Poshmark is just as lucrative. 

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The Garden Wedding

There's nothing like being surrounded by greenery to flatter your features, and if you really want to splurge on something you'll wear again and again, Charo Ruiz is beautiful, light and ready to turn you into a garden fairy. Wear it to your wedding, a tea party, and everything in between. 

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The Party Wedding

We all have friends that love to go hard, and not go home, who would certainly appreciate some sparkle. Show up in a look no one will ever forget with a glittery, form-fitting gown, that will take you from the pre-game all the way to the afters. 

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The Micro Wedding

If you're lucky enough to be invited to a wedding with a small number of guests, you might want to match the energy. Raise the hem a little with a flirty, fun, midi-length dress, so as not to out-shine the bride. 

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The Europe Wedding 

Sofia Loren? Claudia Cardinale? Jane Birkin? Embrace your 60s European screen siren alter-ego with a dress that says, I'm going to run down cobblestone streets and frolic in a fountain tonight. This Azazie number absolutely does the trick, and you can pick up some shoes from the same brand. 

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