No matter how small my bag is, there are always three makeup items that I have with me at all times: lipstick or balm, a mini perfume, and a lip liner. Anything else that finds its way in there is an added bonus, but these are what I consider to be my absolute essentials. For some, lip liner might feel like one step too far when it comes to a low-maintenance makeup routine, but I simply can’t wear anything on my lips (be it balm or lipstick) without lip liner anymore. And this is why.
A lip liner has the undeniable power to elevate your lip look from basic to “wow” in mere moments. Even if I’m just wearing a balm, I’ll apply a neutral-brown lip liner first and then blend it in with one of the many lip balms that I have lurking around. This simple pairing might sound unassuming, but it provides much-needed definition to my lips. Without this extra step, I genuinely feel like my lips really blend in with the rest of my face. Plus, the combination of lip liner and balm creates a kind of custom lip shade, which I’m very much here for.
If I’m opting for a bolder shade of lipstick, however, then a lip liner becomes even more crucial for a neat finish with no feathering or bleeding at the edges. For deeper or brighter colors, I trace the edges of my lips with a liner and then scribble it over my whole lip—kind of as a primer base—before topping with my chosen lipstick. Trust me when I say that this will extend the lasting power of your lipstick. Even if I’m eating, my lip color is still intact.
So at this point, I think it’s safe to say that I am a true lip-liner connoisseur. And while I’ve tried hundreds (it’s really not an exaggeration), these are the only ones I love and recommend.
While plumping my lips isn’t at the top of my agenda, this lip liner has the perfect array of nude colors to fake a more defined neutral lip.
Hitting the water? This lip liner glides on (hence the name). Plus, it’s completely waterproof.
This liner is super velvety and long-lasting. The different shades offer a nude for every skin tone.
Pop this in your handbag, and you don’t need to worry if it’s sharpened or not, as there’s a sharpener built directly into the cap. The formula is highly pigmented, making it a perfect base for any lip look.
Clinique wasn’t lying when it named this liner. The wind-up mechanism and the creamy formula mean it’s so quick to apply on the go.
The broad selection of colors in this range is perfect for fans of red lipsticks. Whatever undertone you prefer, there’s a hue to suit you.
This mini Sephora Collection gem can be used as the perfect tool for lip contouring or as a semi-matte lipstick. It’s also highly pigmented and pairs perfectly with any Sephora Collection lipstick.
Waterproof and long-lasting, this pencil is great for keeping lipstick from feathering.
This is such a classic liner, and there are so many shades to pick from that you’re bound to find a match for the MAC lipstick that you’re pairing it with.
On the hunt for a matte liner with staying power that doesn’t flake? This is one is really pigmented and doesn’t tug on the lips.
This luxury lip liner promises eight hours of wear and no transfer, which makes it perfect for mask wearing.
The affordability of this liner makes it a great choice to throw into your handbag.
This liner is such a steal at only $6, and the formula is totally smudge-proof, despite it being so creamy upon application.
Yes, it’s a luxury makeup product, but I have truly never found a pencil that glides on as well. Use it to amplify your natural lip line with ease.
This is a hybrid between lipstick and liner, so it’s perfect for an all-in-one lip look.
This buttery-soft formula lasts all day without bleeding or feathering.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.
By now, you’ve probably surmised that we test-drive a lot of beauty products here at Who What Wear HQ. From nail polish and makeup to hair and skincare, we’re eyebrow deep in all things new, exciting, and wish list–worthy. That said, due to the number of products we come in contact with, we’ve also transformed into the nitpickiest of beauty consumers. Within seconds, we can tell if a new hair oil is too heavy, and we’re quick to ignore a serum that yields disappointing results.
The good news? We’re far more often impressed than unimpressed after trying out a new product, and usually, we simply can’t wait to spread the word to all of our fellow beauty lovers (also known as you!). Therefore, we’ve decided gushing over our latest fave products should become a monthly ritual, and every 30 days or so, you can expect a full report detailing the highlighters, hair wands, and overnight skincare saviors we’ve quickly fallen head over heels for.
For the most part, we’ll be covering buzzworthy launches, as those typically take up most of the action atop our product-filled desks, but we won’t dismiss new-to-us products, either. Sometimes, our best discoveries are found on a friend’s vanity or on someone’s face at the bar (true story). Ahead are the best beauty products we tried in May! Grab your game face and wallet—you’ll be needing both.
Whenever someone asks me to name the one makeup product they should most definitely snag at the drugstore, “mascara” can’t escape my mouth fast enough. In fact, the majority of my favorite mascaras of all time come in at under $15, and this new one from CoverGirl is the latest. I crave tons of extra length and curl, but so many formulas are way too heavy and wet or so light that they just flake away. This one is the perfect medium—it’s lightweight enough so you can build lots of length and lift sans droop, but it doesn’t flake off or clump. You’re left with the fluttering, eyebrow-scraping lashes of your dreams.
I can never have too many fragrances, and I never get sick of talking people’s ears off about my latest olfactory fixations. So here we are! Everyone’s favorite luxe skincare line Costa Brazil just launched its first-ever perfume and boy let me tell you—it’s a banger. Uni-sex and inspired by Breu, a natural resin that grows in the Amazon, the brand says Aroma smells like a Brazilian rainforest, and while I personally have never been to a Brazilian rainforest, this perfume is exactly what I would imagine one smelling like. It’s composed of a complex mix of notes featuring white jungle flora, Brazil orange oil, pink pepper, grapefruit zest, geranium bourban, nutmeg oil, cedarwood, myrrh, vetiver, plant-based musks, amber, cypriol, and patchouli. It smells like a $700 spa appointment when they’ve lit incense and you’re just like how the eff can I get my house (or in this case, my body) to smell like this?! It smells yummy before you even spritz it but definitely evolves quite differently for everyone once it mingles with your skin. It’s a treat, and I highly recommend.
I love a product with vanity appeal, and while I didn’t think I could love Merit’s creamy, dreamy cheek balms any more than I already do, the elevated new packaging (a stunning gilded situation that looks even better IRL) has sent me over the edge.
When it comes to eyeshadow, I prefer liquid and cream formulations, subtle neutral color palettes, and a hint of sunshine-catching shimmer that looks as elite in person as it does in photos. Sisley-Paris just launched a new line of long-lasting, featherlight liquid shadows, and they’ve quickly become an essential part of my summer makeup aesthetic. I have every hue but am super obsessed with Champagne and Copper, in particular.
This new SPF offering from Murad has a really silky, serum-like texture that I love. It just glides right on and sinks into the skin so quickly. I also really love that it discourages the formation of dark spots making it a great option for those with darker skin tones who tend to get them easily or have any discoloration in general. It also has beet root extract which provides a lot of extra hydration and supports vitamin D production! Truly a powerhouse product.
I can thank Erin Jahns for this rec. She told me how much she loved St. Rose fragrances and naturally since I know she has great taste, I had to try them for myself. I’m surprised I’d never given this one a spritz because it’s now one of my all-time favorite scents! It smells warm, a little spicy, and just the right amount of sweetly floral. It has everything I could ever want in a fragrance. My only con is that I wish it lasted a tad longer. But other than that, it’s a beautiful fragrance I’ll be wearing on repeat from now on.
Hot tip: don’t sleep on this SPF. I love anything rose-infused so, of course, this one makes my list. It’s really lightweight, airy, and works really well under makeup.
I’ve been on the hunt for the right natural body wash for ages and finally got around to trying this one. My problem with most is that they just don’t lather enough for me and it feels like I need to use a lot to feel clean. This body wash, however, might just be the one. It lathers up so well and smells divine. I use it with the Wake the F*ck Up Body Oil for a full-on spa experience.
I won’t lie to you, normally I’m not a fan of cleansers that have a lotion-like texture. I never felt like they actually helped keep my acne-prone skin clean until I got a lovely QMS facial from esteemed esthetician, Rowan Hall-farrise, who set me straight. This cleanser definitely has that kind of texture and took some getting used to for me, but it leaves my skin feeling so soft, hydrated, and clean. I finally found a winner and can’t recommend it enough for those who struggle with the same issue and feel like they need to use harsh acne-treating cleansers.
I love Muth, it’s honestly one of my favorite beauty brands, but shockingly enough, I hadn’t tried the brand’s cult-loved body butter yet. I love using it with the brand’s Body Contour Serum for rich, long-lasting hydration. I use it after a shower and wake up with the softest skin of my life every day. It’s never greasy, either, which I really appreciate. You’ll also want to try the brand’s body oil if you haven’t, too! All the brand’s bodycare products make my skin incredibly smooth and have helped greatly reduce the appearance of some stretch marks around my upper thighs.
Kiehls’ first foray into night cream does not disappoint. Their new cream is an extension of their Midnight Recovery line, and it’s supremely hydrating and soothing. When I put it on before bed, I wake up with hyper-glowy, smooth skin, thanks to Omega 3 & 6, which help strengthen your skin’s barrier while you sleep. Not to mention, the texture is absolutely divine—it’s like putting moisturizing whipped cream all over your face (but it sinks in instantly!).
If you have red, inflamed, or otherwise sensitive skin, this is the ultimate serum to help calm it down. This slippery, water-like formula contains a unique blend of actives for skin sensitivity (peony, hawthorne, chamomile, panthenol, polysaccharide, and pink rock rose) that work to calm skin almost instantly. I’ve been on the go a lot this month and my skin has truly been feeling it, but one pump of this serum helps any inflammation go down.
When I found out Olehenrikson was making the leap to body care, I was beyond excited. I’m something of a bodycare fanatic—to me, bodycare is just as important as skincare, and my nightly routine always consists of slathering on a heap of body cream, if not also mixing in a body serum or oil. This body moisture is rich but still sinks in easily without too much rubbing. The best part is that AHAs work to exfoliate and brighten skin, so your skin will not only be moisturized, but it will also be smoother and more even-textured.
I love cleansing balms, but I often have a tough time with them. One of my favorite ways to use cleansing balms is to take off my makeup to go on a post-work run, but often, I’ll either need to use cleansing balms more than once, or they’ll get in my eyes and sting for a while, causing them to water while I run. Not exactly ideal. This one is super gentle, so it never makes my eyes burn, and it takes off makeup in one pass. Plus, it doesn’t leave my skin tight or dry, and it feels hydrating—which is exactly the reason I reach for cleansing balms in lieu of other makeup removers in the first place. I’m already dreading running out!
I know what you’re thinking: a watery oil sounds counterintuitive, but this right here is a real game changer. I don’t think my face has ever felt so moisturized (or looked so plump) for as long as it did after slathering myself with a product. It’s a lotion-oil-serum potion that uses its witchery (read: 95% natural ingredients) to heal and nourish skin. You don’t want to sleep on this one, folks.
This feels so luxurious it makes me want to cry. The texture is extra special in that it feels like butter (seriously) and it’s just so nice slathering it all over your body after a nice warm shower. feels so It’s a whipped trifecta of shea, cocoa, and mango butters, vitamins, fatty acids, and pure seed extracts, all of which lock in serious moisture.
This has quickly become my weekend staple. It’s so lightweight, provides all-day hydration, and broad-spectrum protection, while leaving skin with a sheer, natural glow. The formula is infused with vitamin C and green tea extracts to help combat environmental stressors and sun damage, and hyaluronic acid and niacinamide which help minimize the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. If you’re looking for something easy to enhance your natural complexion (that’ll never let you down), this my friends, is it.
I love serums for my face but using them for my body is pretty new to me. I love that this one is formulated with goat milk, lactic acid, and collagen as it really targets wrinkles and leaves skin feeling soft and radiant. I’ve been using it right after the shower when my skin is still damp, and then follow it up with moisturizer.
I’m low-key obsessed with this tinted lip balm. It’s creamy, it’s made with honey, and it sort of just enhances your natural lip color. It’s very subtle but the formula has serious moisturizing powers.
I’m a pushover when it comes to face masks, but especially clay-based ones. This one currently has my attention, mostly for it being a powerful pore-vacuum. Every time I use it I’m pleasantly surprised to see how much dirt and oil it’s able to suck out—It’s equally alarming and satisfying. It’s therapy for the skin.
I can’t get enough of these newly-launched glow drops. I would say most days I don’t wear makeup, but I do like looking presentable during my Zoom meetings. That’s where this bronzing oil comes in. It can be used on your face or body, mixed in with your other skin tints, primers, or body care but looks just as good on its own. It’s my not-so-secret secret for giving my skin an effortless glow as of late.
I’ve never met a Nécessaire product I didn’t like and this is no exception. It’s made with two of my favorite ingredients, niacinamide which helps strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and rose water to soothe and nourish the skin. Even though I’ve only been using it for three-ish weeks, I can visibly see a difference in the lines on my neck. Let’s just say, I notice more when I don’t use it!
Everyone’s favorite toner gets a makeover for pride! The formula is the same skincare goodness that you already know and love (jam-packed with watermelon, PHA + BHA, cactus water, and hyaluronic acid), but 100% of the profits from this limited-edition bottle will be donated to nonprofit organizations empowering LGBTQIA + youth globally.
I’ve been on a string of bad flings with brow gel lately. All of them make my eyebrows look great immediately after I apply, but within an hour they’ve completely fallen. That is until I tried Anastasia’s Brow Freeze. The name says it all. Perfectly brushed up, bushy brows for hours on end. Sometimes it almost works too well; for example, if they accidentally get brushed into a clump, it can be a little tricky to separate them and start over. I find it a small price to pay though for brows that actually stay!
Wow, do these supplements work. If I’m feeling scattered, yet somehow trying to power through a to-do list, these have become my secret weapon. It’s straight-up focus in a pill. It makes me feel alert, focused, and calm—an ideal combination! And as someone who doesn’t do caffeine, I find the small amount in these perfectly smooth. Will definitely be repurchasing.
I’m usually not one for sweeter-smelling scents, but I’m hooked on Not Your Baby by Phlur. It has notes of vanilla and cardamom, alongside my usual favorite, sandalwood. It’s the kind of perfume that people will stop you to ask about. I also love that it’s a clean formulation, because I’ve been spraying it nonstop!
I’ve heard so much about NuFace from my colleagues, so I was excited to try out the device and super-charge the effects with their new vitamin c serum. You actually put the serum on underneath the conductor gel to get all the amazing benefits of vitamin c (reduces discoloration, brightens skin) while also enhancing the results you’re getting from the microcurrent device. I saw a real difference in my skin about two weeks in—I looked so much more refreshed, with tighter and clearer skin. I also like using the device and the serum together in the morning (rather than just the device by itself at night), because I find I skip sessions less frequently. And we all know you will get results with NuFace, it’s just a matter of consistency!
I’ve worn teeth aligners every night ever since I finished up Invisalign in high school. I still have and wear those original hard plastic aligners, which are now pushing 17 years old. (Note to self: ask my dentist when those should be replaced.) Anyway, I clean them with my electronic toothbrush every day and have been known to use a denture-cleaning tablet (even though they’re not dentures) once in a blue moon on them. Alas, time and wear have made them cloudy and unappealing. Cut to me trying Zima’s retainer cleaner at home, and being so pleased with the results. After a few minutes in the pod being hit with ultrasonic waves, my retainers looked better than they had in a long time. I’m sure it’s better for my overall mouth health too, to have cleaner aligners.
I haven’t shut up about this perfume since I first smelled it. If you love a good margarita, you’ve come to the right place. The fragrance is the perfect combination of mezcal, agave, and lime for a surprisingly sophisticated scent. It arrived just in time for my trip to Mexico and I wore it the entire weekend.
Foundation has never really been my thing. I love to show off my naturally glowy complexion and choose products that accentuate it rather than cover it up. That’s why I switched out my tinted moisturizers and lightweight foundations for SPF and this elixir serum from Charlotte Tillbury. Following it up with a good blush and highlighter is all I need to leave the house glowing and confident.
Lately, I begin and end every day with this lip balm from U Beauty. My lips instantly look their fullest and my natural coloring shine through which I love. As you know by now, I’m a natural beauty stan and I’ve been rarely wearing lipstick ever since I added this to my routine.
It’s no surprise to me to discover yet another Dr. Dennis Gross product that I’m obsessed with. When my skin is feeling a little bit oily or I overdosed on serums I like to have a very lightweight moisturizer in my collection and this one has to be the best I’ve ever tried. I’ve already gifted it to my brother who has been loving it.
I’ve been on the hunt for the best natural deodorant for a really long time and while I’ve found many that I love none compare to my latest favorite. One struggle that I’ve faced with deodorants is that they sometimes clash with my highly curated fragrance collection, but the scent on this one is exquisite. I don’t think I’m ever going anywhere without it again.
Fresh is known for its masks (among other things) and every one I’ve tried in the past has been excellent, so I wasn’t surprised that the Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask also lived up to the hype. This is an antioxidant treatment that leaves your skin soft, smooth, and dewy in just 5 to 10 minutes. It’s a particularly good one to use in the summer, as it leaves a cooling sensation that was particularly invigorating. The best way to describe my skin after rinsing it off is velvety.
Tweezers might not be the most exciting type of beauty product, but I was intrigued when I heard that Flamingo was entering the market (I’m already a big fan of its shave cream). After just one use, I’m sold. They’re the most precise tweezers I’ve ever tried and I’m actually choosing them over the brand I’ve been using for the past 15 or so years.
I’ll gladly put anything on my face or body that U Beauty tells me to, its latest release included. That said, I admittedly kind of hate putting moisturizer on my body, but my hopes were high for this one, given U Beauty’s track record. The Super Body Hydrator claims to absorb quickly and leave the skin smooth and toned with a youthful, radiant glow. While it’s an investment, I have to say that after a couple of weeks of use, it’s worth it. My skin feels bouncy and supple, thanks to the five forms of hyaluronic acid it contains, and I’m especially pleased that it contains peptides that promote collagen and elastin. Guess I should probably keep using it.
Up next, see which beauty products we couldn’t get enough of last month.
Happy Wednesday! It’s time for our weekly installment of new arrivals. In case you’re unfamiliar, every week, I search high and low to find the best designer and fast-fashion pieces—all of which just hit stores—so that you can be the first of your friends to wear them. After all, if you’re going to buy something, why not beat everyone else to it?
In case you don’t have time to check Zara, Net-a-Porter,Revolve, Nordstrom, Shopbop, and all your other favorite shopping sites on a regular basis, I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to. I do so (daily) as a part of my job anyway, and while I’d love to buy every amazing item that lands on my radar, sadly, it’s simply not an option for me, my wallet, nor my jam-packed closet.
Naturally, however, I need an outlet for sharing such finds so that they don’t go to waste, which brings us to today’s (and every week’s) new-arrivals roundup. With summer-ready pieces that will have you looking fashion-forward this season and year-round staples your wardrobe isn’t complete without, I can pretty much guarantee that I have something for every style type and price point. Now, you just have to narrow down your favorites and make room in your closet. (Sorry!) So what are you waiting for? Shop my picks of the week below, and don’t forget to check back next Wednesday for another batch of fresh new arrivals.
We already know it’s cute in pictures.
Everyone needs a pair.
She’s beauty, and she’s grace.
Consider me floored.
Come summer, everything is better in linen.
Shopbop is styling these with all its dresses, and now, I think I need them to wear with mine.
This would make a great bathing suit cover-up.
This neutral pareo will pair well with all your favorite swimsuits.
I’ve seen so many bags like this, but this color at $25 is hard to beat.
You’ll want to wear this every day come summer.
Every detail on this dress is perfect.
It’s everything I’d want in a summer dress.
Swooning.
These are ideal for vacation because they go with everything.
This versatile cardigan is sure to serve you well.
Never pass on party pants.
You don’t have to do much more to sell me on these mules.
Not over the colorful-crochet trend just yet.
You can easily dress this up or down.
Pick a color, any color.
Don’t forget the matching skirt.
As much as I love a plain white tee, this is a much more exciting summer option.
Every piece is perfect in this color.
Jewelry should be fun, and this ring hits the nail on the head.
It can be worn in so many ways.
This whole look is really speaking to me.
With summer around the corner, I’m not surprised this is selling fast.
Wear this with everything from beachwear to jeans.
I love how it looks with just a white top.
Trust me when I say you’ll wear this shirt so much.
Right now, there are plenty of exciting new trends on deck for summer 2022, and I’ve been spending a lot of time chronicling them lately. There are the major overarching trends, as dictated by the runways, that are the styles that are going viral on each of our social media feeds, but I’m most invested in what fashion’s early adopters are actually wearing these days. Welcome to what I’m calling the cool-girl summer starter pack.
I study their outfits like it’s my job (well, it basically is), and after careful consideration, I’ve come to the conclusion that are eight trendy items they all seem to agree on. Some of these include updated staples like maxi skirts, but as I’m talking about a group of trendsetters with more experimental style, I have to warn you that there are also some divisive items in here, like the new “dad” sneakers and parachute pants they’re all into.
Ahead, dive into the eight cool-girl summer trends that the most in-the-know style people are wearing and shop my picks for each.
While everyone else is buzzing about miniskirts right now, the coolest girls in my feed are going in the opposite direction and embracing ankle-grazing maxi lengths, especially sleek ’90s-inspired column cuts that are equally as alluring as their micro counterparts. For an even more daring ensemble, they’re styling the skirts low on their waist with a shrunken top.
I fully blame the Balenciaga Cagole boots for the return of this early-aughts shoe staple. While knee-high boots have been a fashion-person staple for a minute now, it wasn’t until just recently that the boots underwent a subtle but important shift. In place of structured shapes, we’re now seeing styles that are shrunken around the calf with pointed toes and a stiletto heel. It’s even better if they feature some moto-inspired hardware.
I’m trying not to sound like a broken record, but I’m noticing yet another Y2K trend bubbling up to the surface. Bowler bags—a favorite of the early aughts thanks to Prada and Louis Vuitton—are stepping back into the spotlight once again on a certain subset of TikTok-creating cool girls, like Devon Lee Carlson.
I’ll just warn you now: These aren’t the last controversial trend you’re going to read about here. Sure, they’re a little out-there and downright “ugly” even, but there’s no denying that those in fashion’s most in-the-know crowd are sporting these wraparound sunglasses en masse.
Parachute pants are another summer trend that’s rather divisive, but when Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, and seemingly every trendsetter on my timeline are sporting the oversize cargo-inspired trousers, I have no choice but to pay attention.
Shocked? Same. But since Scandi girls are always 10 steps ahead of us, I’m officially declaring that their latest sneaker obsession, Asics, will soon become the must-have kicks for fashion people everywhere.
Cool girls love a quirky accessory to spice up even their simplest outfits. Right now, it’s puffy-heart necklaces that I’m seeing them all wear. The velvet-trimmed Saint Laurent version is certainly on my wish list, but luckily, there are plenty of affordable options that are just as striking.
I know what you’re thinking. But headphones aren’t a fashion item. And you’re right! As nostalgia for the ’90s and early ’00s reaches a fever pitch, it makes sense that we’re also yearning for simpler times with our tech accessories. Over-ear headphones were a staple of the ’90s, and thanks to the new AirPods Max, it seems that they’re having their moment in the sun once again. While I love my barely-there earbuds, this trend even has me dusting off the Beats headphones I wore throughout college.
Let me set the scene for you: At any given moment, an editor’s phone, Slack, or DMs will light up with a little notification. Questions about which trends are worth adopting for the summer, if buying from the newest rising brand is worth it, and general style inquiries are typically what’s poppin’ off in terms of conversations. While being your friends and family’s fashion confidante may seem like a lot, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to enjoying advising my friends about what to add to their shopping list or how to pack for a trip. For better or worse, I’ve trained the people in my circle to think of me as their personal stylist. So it was only natural that when my best friend, Cassidy, was invited to attend a beach wedding in Mexico, she FaceTimed me immediately to plan the looks. Over the span of four weeks, I sent Cassidy recommendations and styling tips and shopped with her on FaceTime while she scoured through Zara, looking for the best pieces to complete her vacation looks. Of course, not everyone is lucky enough to have a friend on call, but as an editor, I know there are tons of women who need inspiration for packing for a destination wedding. In that vein, I’ve broken down the looks Cassidy and I created together, followed by a roundup of the best beach wedding guest dresses to shop for your upcoming event. The key to being the best-dressed guest at the ceremony lies ahead.
When attending a beach wedding as a guest, it’s essential to pack strategically so you don’t overdo it. With Cassidy, we knew she would be there for five days and four nights, so we made a list of what she would be wearing each day. Then, we scanned her closet and made a list of the missing pieces she’d need to shop for based on what she already owned. We landed on her packing four daytime looks—one reception outfit, a dress for the wedding ceremony on the beach, and two tropical ’fits—and five swimsuits so she’d have options. Choosing versatile pieces that can be styled in at least three ways is the key to packing right and light.
WEAR: Mejuri Croissant Dôme Hoops ($78); Dissh shorts; Staud Kai Halter Top and Mini Shirley Bag ($195). For the first look, we went for a laid-back but polished, tropical vibe. Pairing a fun printed halter top with Bermuda shorts and slides is the perfect outfit to wear during the day before any of the prenuptial engagements. This is a no-fail look, as it’s great for meeting the bride’s extended family, lounging under the cabana, or enjoying margaritas with the bridal party.
Cassidy’s Staud halter top is now sold out, but this version would be great to pack for any upcoming beach wedding.
You can’t pack for a tropical beach getaway without including linen shorts.
Sandals that match with every look are a must.
Finish off the look with cute earrings.
WEAR: Urban Outfitters Margot Chunky Rectangle Sunglasses ($16); Frasier Sterling Mixtape Charm Huggies ($48) and Feeling Dreamy Choker ($58); Frankies Bikinis Stella’s Strapless One-Piece Swimsuit. Securing the perfect dress for the reception and the beach wedding ceremony is essential, but Cassidy started shopping for the swimsuits long before anything else. She ended up ignoring my advice to travel light and packing five suits and only wearing three. (Yes, I needed to include the stats for the receipts.) With help from me and Klarna’s pay-later system, she invested in some great swimsuits, her favorite being the Frankies Bikinis one-piece suit in the trendiest retro floral print, which she paired with some jewelry and sunglasses.
This is the perfect swimsuit to wear as a guest during a beach wedding weekend.
Is it even a beachside wedding if you’re not wearing ocean-inspired jewelry?
The wedding ceremony may last just a few hours, but these sunglasses can be worn every day after.
Fun, comfortable slip-on sandals are a must-have for a beach wedding.
This bag is begging to be taken to the beach.
WEAR: Martha Calvo Earrings; Louis Vuitton necklace; Verge Girl Dress; Telfar White Shopping Tote ($150); Zara Sandals. We wanted a fun, bright dress for the rehearsal dinner. Together, we landed on this yellow, retro-print knit dress, which we paired with gold jewelry, green sandals, and Cassidy’s white Telfar bag. Opting for a bold dress and accessories is the perfect way to reflect your excitement and celebration for the happy couple—in outfit form, at least.
This dress is perfect to wear during a wedding reception or any other weekend festivities.
We promise you won’t regret splurging on bold sandals that you can style with all your wedding guest outfits.
Meet the perfect tote to pair with any wedding guest ensemble.
Don’t forget to pack versatile jewelry!
WEAR: Urban Outfitters Ginger Slim Cat-Eye Sunglasses ($18); Martha Calvo Earrings; Staud Printed Kai Top, Printed Sea Skirt, and Soft Pleated Moon Bag ($262); Zara Sandals. After planning all the fun daytime looks, we got down to the most critical outfit of all: the dress for the wedding ceremony on the beach. Typically, light linens are favored by the beach, but anything in the white-to-cream color range is a no-go when it comes to attending a wedding (unless the bride says otherwise). With that in mind, we spent a few weeks sending dress ideas for the ceremony back and forth until Staud announced its sample sale. Cassidy scooped up a few bags, shoes, and her tropical-print halter top and maxi skirt that look like a dress to wear during the ceremony. Opting for a bold, ocean-printed set may not be everyone’s thing, but it earned Cassidy compliments on compliments, which is proof that, with a bit of planning and an editor for a best friend, you can be the best-dressed guest at the wedding.
While Cassidy scooped up the last of Staud’s water-printed set, you can opt for the same look in a different colorway. Just be sure to buy the matching top ($145).
A versatile bag that can be worn throughout the whole trip.
Take note from Cassidy and pair your ceremony dress with a fun pair of earrings.
Finding fun strappy sandals to wear to a wedding is half the battle.
If you’re looking for a bold but still polished dress, look no further than this floral maxi dress from Zara.
We promise that the bride-to-be will love this dress on you.
When in doubt, a satin dress will work for any wedding.
Why not inject a little color into the dance floor?
Linen is never a bad call.
Give off total mermaid vibes with this aqua satin dress.
A modest, affordable satin dress? Don’t mind if we do.
Turn heads in this fringe dress.
When in doubt, a maxi dress for a wedding ceremony is always a good call.
There is nothing more suited for a beach wedding than this ruched, tiered, colorful midi dress.
Imagine this halter midi dress at a destination beach wedding—dreamy, right?
The cutout, the slit, the vibrant floral print… Everything about this dress is perfection.
Simple yet stunning.
If the wedding vibe is very low-key, this cotton strapless dress is perfect for the ceremony.
If the bride’s aesthetic is boho, she’ll appreciate this dress.
This stunning floral midi dress is begging to be worn for a special occasion.
A colorful maxi dress worthy of a beach ceremony.
Be the bride’s something blue in this number.
Not only will you channel a Jane Austen love novel with this floral-print dress for the wedding, but it’s also a dress you can definitely rewear.
This plum-hued dress is perfect to wear to a beachside wedding.
Who said you have to limit your choices to a dress? If you’re feeling bold enough, this colorful set was made for a reception dinner.
Nothing screams “beachside ceremony” louder than this dress.
Is it just me, or does this dress encapsulate the vibe of a tropical beach wedding?
Is the bride a bit more reserved? Then you can’t go wrong with this nude dress.
Be the best-dressed guest in this dress.
Striking the perfect balance between formal and beach-appropriate attire can be challenging. Luckily, this bow-adorned linen mini dress exists.
Imagine the sound of the waves and the light breeze moving this dress in the wind.
The fringe on this navy blue dress gives off East Coast beach vibes in the best way.
A dress inspired by the sunrise? Packing this ASAP.
We love the incredible pearl strap details on this baby-blue knit halter dress.
Who said you can’t be comfortable and chic at the ceremony?
Leave it to House of CB to create the perfect dress to wear to a destination wedding.
This dress was made for a beachside wedding.
Whether you wear this dress to the reception dinner or the ceremony itself, you’ll be sure to rake in compliments.
If the bride-to-be doesn’t mind guests going bold with their choice, then this dress is perfect for the big day.
While this dress is a bit over-the-top for the beach, it would be great for the rehearsal dinner.
Leave it to Jacquemus to create the perfect linen dress for a beach wedding.
This dress strikes the right balance between modest and a little sultry.
Go all-out with this risqué number.
This dress makes me want to sing “The Piña Colada Song.”
We’re all here for wearing a lace-adorned number by the shore.
The best thing about this dress? You can wear it again for other occasions.
Ideal for a seaside wedding.
With the right accessories, this dress can be a total vibe.
This dress is oddly reminiscent of the tiles you’d see at a beach resort, but we’re not mad about it.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
