The biggest question I have been getting in my DMs and for my email newsletter is what to wear to all of fall’s events (specifically: weddings and parties). While I do have a whole wedding guest edit on my LTK page, I wanted to put together a more formal guide here on the blog! There are three sections to this guide: party dresses, black dresses (I have noticed I’ve been buying and wearing a lot more black), and party shoes! I tried to track down options at all price points so there are splurges, saves, and everything in between.
Fall Party Dress + Shoe Edit
Party dresses
I just love a party dress. Getting dressed up makes me happy. Last year, I bought this Saloni mini dress (seen here in this blog post) and it was one of my most favorite purchases of the season. It’s such a special dress, I’m so glad they brought it back! This year, I already bought this sequin dress with nowhere to wear it to, but I figure I will find an occasion. This Anthropologie dress is another one that I reach for quite a bit when I’m not sure what to wear. It’s one of those dresses that looks good on everyone and it comes in a slew of gorgeous colors. I have the brown (see it on here!).
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Bow DressLast year’s favI bought this last year and LOVE it – so happy they brought it back!Shop
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Strapless DressThis is fairy princess dreamy in the best possible way. I’d probably layer it under a metallic cardigan to make it a little more casual.Shop
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Champagne Slip DressThis is just stunning. I love the color. A little more form-fitting than I would typically choose but the ruching makes it more forgiving.Shop
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Pink Cut-Out DressSo much funI have and love this dress – I wore it to my friend’s fancy 45th birthday party. It’s just such a good one. I really love everything Aje does.Shop
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Orange Silk MiniI’m having a moment with orange and love the silhouette of this one.Shop
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Purple DressThe textures and the color are just so much fun!Shop
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Swingy DressUnder $100!This is a great affordable find! I love the swingy shape.Shop
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Silky MidiOne of my absolute favorites. Easy and elegant and the fabric is really comfortable. I have the brown but might get the black next.Shop
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Silky MidiGreat Price!This is another favorite, and it’s under $100. I love it so much that I might buy a second color.Shop
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Asymmetrical MiniComes in Green tooI have this and green and love it but am showing the bronze as it is a bit more versatile!Shop
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Green SilkLove everything about this. Reformation has been doing a really good job this year… I love all their silkier dresses.Shop
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Criss Cross MaxiI have this in green and it’s really fun. Definite Proenza vibes on a nicer budget.Shop
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Black and GoldWitchy in the best way!This would be so fun for a holiday party especially when the weather is colder. I would pair it with my super high black platforms.Shop
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Mille MaxiMille has quickly become one of my most favorite designers. In love with this!Shop
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Black + Rainbow SequinsHave + LoveThis is one of those party dresses that is so good, you order it even without having somewhere to wear it. (That’s what I did)Shop
little black dresses
I’m having a big moment with black. I think that I have gotten a little bit tired of all of Charleston’s floral dresses and am finding myself swinging in an entirely different direction; favoring jewel tones and black. This little mini is so versatile. You could do it with black over the knee boots for a sexy look, platform heels for a fun look, or these cute sling backs for a look that is classy and sweet!
I have it and love it (in the medium) and kinda want to get the green one too. But I will warn you that it is quite short. I got a medium and kind of wish I sized up to a large for length. It’s loose but just very short. (I’m 5’8 for reference). Also on the LBD front is this asymmetrical number – I bought this last year and it’s still in stock and still a fav.
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Halter DressShop
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Mock Neck MiniShop
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Midi DressShop
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Asymmetrical DressThis dress is one of my absolute favorites. It’s so incredibly comfortable and also very elegant!Shop
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Strapless DressShop
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Free People DressGreat Price, lots of colors!I copied my friend Olivia with this dress – it is STUNNING! I love it so much, I may get another color. I would size down with this, I wear a small.Shop
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Classic MaxiYou can’t go wrong with this one.Shop
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Mini DressShop
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Tulle DressShop
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Mini DressShop
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Fringe MiniShop
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Taffeta MiniThis is just so fun and fresh. The silhouette is everything! Pair with sky high platforms.Shop
Party Shoes!
I have said this again and again but I am just so happy that platform sandals are back in style. I love them. They are comfortable, they make your legs look amazing… and they’re just fun! I am also loving a kitten heel mule (perfect with black cigarette pants or denim and a fun top!) or a fun ballet flat.
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Red Patent FlatsI love a cherry red flat for a party – these are so much fun (and you’ll have them forever, the quality is phenom.Shop
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Feather Heelgreat price!I am such a sucker for a feather embellishment. These are just too fun.Shop
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Black MulesElegant and classy.Shop
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Buckle MulesSo many good colorsThese are a great price, so elegant, and just fun. Perfect low party heels.Shop
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Velvet PlatformsI have and love these. They are surprisingly not so hard to walk in. Absolutely adore them.Shop
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Platform SandalsThe perfect baby platform if you want to try the trend but be comfortable too.Shop
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Fabric Platformsthese are amazingJust love how the leather looks like gold lame fabric. The best party shoe! Would buy these if I hadn’t already bought mine!Shop
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Gold Platform Sandalsso comfortableI have and love these and can’t get over how comfortable they are!!! One of my favorite pairs of shoes.Shop
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Rhinestone FlatsThese are the perfect party flat. I love the crystal strap.Shop
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SlingbacksClassy and cool. Very into that narrow heel!Shop
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Black Platform HeelsMy New FavLove these. They are a bit high but actually pretty manageable!Shop
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Black PlatformsThese are super fun and (slightly) lower than the Stuart Weitzman pair.Shop
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This post is amazing. I have 2 events coming up and been struggling to find a dress and shoes.
AH good, I am so glad, hope that it helps!
Love this post! I’m so ready to party, to wear black and sparkles from head to toe! Cheers!
you and me both! CHEERS!