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    1. Fashion

    The Dresses I Plan to Wear to All My Friends’ Engagement Parties

    I've rounded up the perfect looks to celebrate love without outshining the bride-to-be.

    Lauren Tappan#039;s avatar
    By Lauren Tappan
    Published 7 February 2025 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    collage of women wearing engagement party outfits
    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)
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    As someone who has attended a handful of engagement parties in the last few months, I can tell you there’s nothing more exciting than celebrating a soon-to-be-married couple. However, deciding what to wear for the occasion can pose a bit of a challenge—especially when the invitation comes with an ambiguous dress code.

    Through experience, I’ve learned that it’s best to err on the elegant side. The key to whipping up an effortless engagement party outfit is maintaining an assortment of sophisticated basics that check the “cocktail attire” box, like little black dresses, slinky slip skirts, and tailored trousers (yes, pants are considered formal, too). As for accessories, no celebratory look is complete without polished pieces like dainty kitten heels, shimmering gold hoop earrings, and glossy designer handbags.

    Whether you’ve got one engagement party on your calendar or several, scroll on for a hand-picked list of looks that will simplify getting dressed for the moment.

    Latest Videos FromMarie Claire
    Watch full video here:

    Subtly Revealing

    woman wearing tan dress and strappy sandals

    Want to show some skin while feeling sophisticated? An off-the-shoulder dress will get the job done.

    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)

    Instead of opting for a barely-there number, keep things classy with an off-the-shoulder dress that still offers a solid amount of coverage. Complete your look by matching strappy sandals and a mini handbag.

    Fluxx Sandal

    Jeffrey Campbell Fluxx Sandal
    $130 AT NORDSTROM

    Maya Gown

    SER.O.YA Maya Gown
    $378 AT REVOLVE

    Tory Burch Kira Chevron Camera Bag

    Tory Burch Kira Chevron Camera Bag
    $358 AT SHOPBOP

    A Black and White Situation

    woman wearing black and white dress, black heels, and burgundy bag

    You don’t have to overcomplicate things to achieve a put-together look.

    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)

    If your personal style aligns with minimalism, you’ll appreciate a streamlined black-and-white dress that sticks to the basics. You can add a pop of color with a burgundy leather bag.

    The Medium Leather Top Handle Bag

    Madewell The Medium Leather Top Handle Bag
    $128 AT NORDSTROM

    Solid amp;amp; Striped Solid amp;amp; Striped X Sofia Richie Grainge the Soglio Dress

    Solid Striped X Sofia Richie Grainge the Soglio Dress
    $448 AT SHOPOP

    Bianca Slingback Pointed Toe Pump

    Vince Bianca Slingback Pointed Toe Pump
    $165 AT NORDSTROM

    Slightly Sheer

    woman wearing blazer, sheer skirt, and heels

    Here’s how to make a diaphanous dress appear polished.

    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)

    Sheer styles rank high on the list of 2025 fashion trends, so why not lean into the look with a semi-translucent maxi dress. If this piece feels too intimidating on its own, team it with a boxy blazer.

    Oversized Wool Blazer

    Other Stories Oversized Wool Blazer
    $191 AT OTHER STORIES

    By Marianna Soleil Maxi Dress

    L'Academie By Marianna Soleil Maxi Dress
    $230 AT REVOLVE

    Extra 65mm Satin Mules

    Black Suede Studio Extra 65mm Satin Mules
    $328 AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

    Go Green

    woman wearing green mini dress and heels

    Enhance your rotation of engagement party outfits with a radiant green dress that’s guaranteed to brighten up your day.

    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)

    With spring around the corner, there’s no better time to embrace a botanical color palette. Choose a dress that’s plastered in a refreshing shade of green.

    Zahara Long Sleeve Maxi Dress

    Cinq à Sept Zahara Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
    $425 AT NORDSTROM

    Florence Hoop Earrings

    Jenny Bird Florence Hoop Earrings
    $138 AT NORDSTROM

    Grace Smooth Leather Convertible Shoulder Bag

    Kate Spade New York Grace Smooth Leather Convertible Shoulder Bag
    $328 AT NORDSTROM

    Billowing Bubble Hems

    woman wearing bubble skirt dress, stockings, and heels

    Give your look a whimsical boost with a flouncy dress.

    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)

    Fashion It girls can’t seem to get enough of bubble skirts and dresses. Since temperatures are still a bit chilly, team this breezy style alongside a pair of tights to keep your legs warm.

    Kenny Short-Sleeve Bubble Dress

    Simkhai Kenny Short-Sleeve Bubble Dress
    $645 AT BERGDORF GOODMAN

    Opaque Control Top Tights

    Nordstrom Opaque Control Top Tights
    $9 AT NORDSTROM

    Schutz Lana Croco Slingback Pumps

    Schutz Lana Croco Slingback Pumps
    $148 AT SHOPBOP

    Suit Up

    woman wearing black suit set and white heels

    A sharp suit set never fails to deliver.

    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)

    When you’re not in the mood to wear a dress or a skirt, simply level up a pair of pants with a matching blazer. Embellish your straightforward suit with a pair of pointy pumps, and prepare to wear this outfit on repeat.

    Piped Blazer in Seasonless Wool | Black/ivory

    Argent Piped Blazer in Seasonless Wool
    $395 AT ARGENT

    Stretch Crepe Classic Trouser Pants

    Quince Stretch Crepe Classic Trouser Pants
    $70 AT QUINCE

    Banana Republic Ribbed Merino Mock-Neck Elbow-Sleeve Sweater

    Banana Republic Ribbed Merino Mock-Neck Elbow-Sleeve Sweater
    $90 AT BANANA REPUBLIC

    Slip Into Satin

    woman wearing satin dress

    Smooth satin fabrics are undeniably refined.

    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)

    Dial up the elegance with a lustrous satin dress designed with a sculpted silhouette.This upscale number will look even better with heeled sandals and shimmering silver jewelry. If you’re in need of an extra layer, make sure to wrap a blazer or a shawl around your shoulders.

    Aritzia Wilfred Satin Cowlneck Slip Dress

    Aritzia Wilfred Satin Cowlneck Slip Dress
    $118 AT ARITZIA

    Caprice Heel

    Tony Bianco Caprice Heel
    $150 AT REVOLVE

    Sculpted Cable Hoop Earrings in Sterling Silver

    David Yurman Sculpted Cable Hoop Earrings in Sterling Silver
    $450 AT NORDSTROM

    In Love With Burgundy

    woman wearing corset top, mini skirt, and heels

    Go full-on monochrome in a head-toe-burgundy uniform.

    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)

    Fashion’s affair with the burgundy color trend is far from over. Commit to the look by drenching your entire outfit in the shade.

    Wool Jacket With Pronounced Shoulders - Women | Mango Usa

    Mango Wool Jacket With Pronounced Shoulders
    $50 AT MANGO

    Annette Skirt

    Staud Annette Skirt
    $195 AT BLOOMINGDALE'S

    Kandi Sling Back Heel

    Dolce Vita Kandi Sling Back Heel
    $135 AT REVOLVE

    Oh-So Embellished

    woman wearing sequin dress and heels

    Settle on sequins, and you’ll make heads turn.

    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)

    Stand out among the crowd in a sequin-adorned dress that demands attention (but not too much). As to not upstage the bride-to-be, pick a neutral shade and go light on the accessories.

    Sereia Dress

    Reformation Sereia Dress
    $328 AT REFORMATION

    Tacones De Talamp;Oacute;n Abierto Rowyn

    Coach Rowyn Leather Slingback
    $195 AT REVOLVE

    10k Gold Goddess Hoops Earrings

    Oradina 10k Gold Goddess Hoops Earrings
    $266 AT NORDSTROM

    It’s All in the Details

    woman weaeing long gathered dress and heels

    Here, rippled fabric takes center stage.

    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)

    Look closely, and you’ll notice that this dress is enhanced with draped detailing that delivers a sculptural appeal. Wholesale Luxuryte this captivating outfit with a similar style below and add some gold-toned embellishments.

    Shashi Cecilia Stud Earrings

    Shashi Cecilia Stud Earrings
    $96 AT SHOPBOP

    Penny Draped One Shoulder Gown

    A.L.C. Penny Draped One Shoulder Gown
    $595 AT BLOOMINGDALE'S

    Annie Slingback Stiletto Sandal

    Larroudé Annie Slingback Stiletto Sandal
    $236 AT NORDSTROM

    Office-Inspired

    woman wearing a blazer dress and heels

    Champion the corp-core trend with a blazer dress that puts a sultry twist on office-inspired dressing.

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Tailored jackets can function well beyond any workwear wardrobe. For your next engagement party, try on an oversized blazer that cosplays as a minidress.

    Long Sleeve Blazer Minidress

    ASTR the Label Long Sleeve Blazer Minidress
    $75 AT NORDSTROM

    French Bag

    8 Other Reasons French Bag
    $179 AT REVOLVE

    105mm Cheope Leather Pumps

    The Attico 105mm Cheope Leather Pumps
    $593 AT FARFETCH

    The Beloved Black Dress

    woman wearing black maxi dress and heels

    When in doubt, reach for this classic wardrobe staple.

    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)

    Streamline your outfit with a straightforward black dress that boasts a no-frills, no-fuss attitude. Thanks to its versatile quality, you’ll be able to wear this look plenty of times on repeat.

    Halter Fishtail Gown

    Norma Kamali Halter Fishtail Gown
    $195 AT REVOLVE

    Luxor Mini Chandelier Drop Earrings

    Nadri Luxor Mini Chandelier Drop Earrings
    $110 AT NORDSTROM

    Women#039;s Cher Crystal Buckle Pumps

    Badgley Mischka Women's Cher Crystal Buckle Pumps
    $235 AT BLOOMINGDLAE'S

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

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    Lauren Tappan
    Lauren Tappan
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    Fashion Editor

    Lauren K. Tappan is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers trend forecasting and shopping stories, highlighting runway-inspired styles and a blend of emerging and established brands. Prior to joining Marie Claire, she worked as a freelance editor for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, specializing in e-commerce content and curating seasonal trend reports. Earlier in her career, she worked at Town Country, developing a strong portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.

    Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, she served as editor-in-chief of The Walk, the university's fashion magazine, and completed internships at Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.

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