By now, we’re all painfully aware that the final stretch of summer is upon us. But, that "it’s not over yet!" mentality is contributing to a flurry of last-minute itinerary-planning in which we all try to squeeze in one more trip before the season is really and truly over. Now if you’re one of the fortunate ones who’s about to embark on an epic, tropical beach vacation this month without the last-minute Airbnb scramble, there’s likely one explanation: you’re going to a destination beach wedding. (Lucky!)
While you may have paid the deposit on the hotel, purchased plane tickets, and contributed to the Honeyfund back when there was snow on the ground, there is something you left until the last minute: your wedding-guest outfit. (Come on, you had to procrastinate on something.) However, we’re certainly not here to judge — we’re here to help you dress for your coastal celebration. We know that your ensemble is going to depend on the particular ocean that you’ll be in the proximity of — a 200-head Southampton affair overlooking the Atlantic will have a very different dress code than Pacific-facing Oahu nuptials — so we planned an outfit for a variety of sandy destinations. Click through to see some saltwater locations both far-flung and domestic — with a head-turning look for each one.
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Cadaques, Spain
The jaw-droppingly beautiful, delightfully out-of-the-way Spanish coastal town is low-key but chic, thanks to the preponderance of French and Spanish tourists that flock there during the summer. For a wedding overlooking the Costa Brava bay, choose a festive, flowing gown with a European joie de vivre and pair it with simple, tasteful accessories like a braided leather slide and delicate gilded jewelry.
On The Road Kimono Sleeve Maxi Dress, $128, available at South Moon Under
Coconuts by Matisse Coconuts by Matisse, $38, available at South Moon Under
South Moon Under Gold Mini Coin Multi Layer Necklace, $34, available at South Moon Under
Miami Beach, Florida
Pull out your best body-conscious dress for that beachfront Sagamore Hotel wedding — you can feel at ease showing more skin than usual in Florida’s sexiest and most fashion-forward city. Choose dance floor-friendly wedges for the all-nighter you’re about to embark on, and top your look off with a trendy pair tiny sunglasses.
Lulus Elati Lime Green Ruffled Off-the-Shoulder Bodycon Dress, $60, available at Lulus
Lulus Mona Gold and Cream Pompom Hoop Earrings, $12, available at Lulus
Lulus Esme Natural Lace-Up Espadrille Wedges, $33, available at Lulus
Lulus Tight Shoes Gold and Green Geometric Sunglasses, $12, available at Lulus
Montauk, New York
If you’re holing up at Ruschmeyer’s for a fashion-crowd-heavy wedding at very tip of Long Island, a minimal, of-the-moment slipdress will keep you feeling cool and looking cool as you watch your friends exchanging vows on the dunes. Sleek, modern sterling silver accessories and a crocheted bag make perfect sand-friendly — but still elevated — accessories.
& Other Stories Gathered Halter Dress, $99, available at & Other Stories
& Other Stories Cotton Macrame Bucket Bag, $49, available at & Other Stories
& Other Stories Twisted Bangle Bracelet, $25, available at & Other Stories
& Other Stories Thick Mini Hoop Earrings, $19, available at & Other Stories
Puglia, Italy
Headed to a wedding on Italy’s freewheelin’ southern coast? Let your hair down in a skirt-and-top ensemble that’s both elegant and boho, paired with flat gladiator sandals for tromping comfortably along the Adriatic coastline. Altogether, it’s a Ren Faire-adjacent look that acknowledges the region’s rich medieval history.
H&M Chiffon Blouse, $49.99, available at H&M
H&M Asymmetric Chiffon Skirt, $79.99, available at H&M
H&M Leather Sandals, $49.99, available at H&M
Bridgehampton, New York
If you’re attending a well-heeled affair overlooking the Mecox Bay, you may find yourself in search of a beach-friendly outfit that also feels appropriately sophisticated. A simple sheath in a neutral tone — with the addition of an elegant cape to keep your shoulders covered, but still cool – won’t draw any side-eye from the bride’s blue-blooded aunties.
Eloquii Cape Dress, $99.95, available at Eloquii
Eloquii Multi Jewel Drop Earrings, $22.95, available at Eloquii
Oahu’s North Shore
The dress code in this Hawaiian surf hamlet is decidedly minimal, as fashion usually takes a backseat to the primary pastimes of hiking, swimming, and hanging ten. An elegant, wide-leg linen jumpsuit and low-key flat slides is the perfect combination of wedding-guest finery and surf-ready fashion.
Staud Figue Jumpsuit, $295, available at Staud
Staud Erin Sandal, $295, available at Staud
Staud Rey Bag, $325, available at Staud
Santa Barbara, California
In this picturesque colonial California town, you might find yourself at a world-class wine bar after spending a day at a breathtaking Pacific beach. For the nuptials, combine a slinky, summery party dress with cool, cobblestone-friendly footwear — a perfect look for selfies in front of the Santa Barbara Courthouse.
Free People Strike A Pose Mini Dress, $300, available at Free People
Matisse Going West Boot, $88, available at Free People
Spela Cosmetics G.O.A.T. Gray, $18, available at Free People
Tybee Island, Georgia
Anything goes in this eclectic Georgia beach community, situated a mere 18 miles from the art-fueled city of Savannah. Choose a cool linen sheath from an indie brand, paired with low-key wedges to blend in with the casual-but-funky locals.
Samantha Pleet Tulip Dress, $203, available at Stature
Maryam Nassir Zadeh Sophie Slide, $189, available at Stature
Santorini, Greece
Only a classic, vintage-tinged ensemble will do when strolling the streets — and the sand — of this croissant-shaped Greek island. A low heel will play nice with the hard cobblestone streets, and a figure-hugging sheath dress conjures up an iconic Mediterranean glamazon.
Nicholas High Neck Dress, $398, available at 11 Honore
Staud Leo Sandal, $275, available at Staud
Laura Lombardi Curve Hoop Earrings, $105, available at Need Supply
Ozma of California 1930s Bandana, $85, available at Ozma of California
Ipanema, Brazil
If you’re headed towards the equator for some Brazilian-based nuptials, pay homage to the land of Carnivale with a fringed, beach-ready number that will accentuate your dance-floor activity all night long. Brazilian weddings go notoriously late, so prepare yourself for that 2 a.m. swim with a top that’s actually a bathing suit.
Marco de Vincenzo Embellished fringed color-block satin midi skirt, $533, available at The Outnet
Mara Hoffman Cutout Maillot, $117, available at The Outnet
Jimmy Choo Pearl metallic leather-trimmed suede sandals, $337, available at The Outnet
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Source: Refinery29 – Emily Ruane