I am completely mad for the puffy, drapey shoulders, the soft edges, and the detail around the waist. She looks so drop dead sexy and elegant at the same time that it’s hard to believe that this is Blair Waldorf! Not that Blair isn’t hot, she’s just a little preppy, and I imagine she would find this gown terribly, terribly gauche. But that’s Blair, and this is Leighton, and I think she looks fab, and that any bride would die to walk down the aisle in a timeless number like this one.

Photo Credit: Newscom

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Leighton Meester’s Bottega Veneta Emmy Gown

Holy perfection. Honestly, this dress is amazing. It takes a lot of things that I’m not always sure about and makes them inarguably fabulous. Jewel adornment, grecian draping, ankle lengths, these are not a few of my favorite things, but their combination on this dress is positively ideal. The slim bodice  with its chiffon overlayers will look great on anyone, and the belted waist and voluminous (but not too voluminous) skirt are also super flattering. The length is just right to let a pair of fabulous shoes peek out. Oh, and just wait til you see the back:

Elegant, delicate, and gorgeous. I love the way the skirt dips lower in the back. If you wore flats, or are, uh, vertically challenged, there might be a small sweep. And, like I said,this little bit of dress paradise is on sale. But only in a size 6, and only until tomorrow morning, so get on it. Available for $2,498 from Gilt.

You need an invitation to shop on Gilt, and if you click here, you’ll get one.

Photo Credits: Gilt

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Draped Chiffon Gown by Valentino

(Images: Nordstrom)

This Free People Sweet & Sassy Dress ($148) is definitely sweet and sassy. If you want something that will show off her legs, this dress will do the trick. The subtle stripes and polka dots are complemented by the black lace detail, so cute!

The Suzi Chin Maggy Boutinque Sleeveless Rosette Hem Dress ($118) can double as a summertime beach wedding dress! But just because it’s white doesn’t mean she has to be a bride to wear it. Pair this dress with gold accessories or a fun bright coloured clutch in yellow and she’ll be ready for a fun summer cocktail party!

(Images: Nordstrom)

The Donna Morgan Printed Ponte Shift Dress ($118) is a dress that will go from the office to drinks with friends. It’s simple, sleek and oh so stylish. She can wear this dress with red heels for a pop of colour or keep things monochromatic with silver or black accessories.

This Trixxi Flocked Chiffon Dress (juniors sizing; $64) is a dress made to be worn to a fun party!  The floral pattern is sweet without being tacky and the defined waist is figure flattering.

Depending on the material and style, a white dress can be work during fall and winter as well. All it would take is the right accessories. All of the dresses above can be purchase through Nordstrom.

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White Party Dresses for Her

This beautiful and unusual gown would make an amazing statement as a wedding dress. I’m crazy for the scalloped, off-the-shoulder bodice with molded cups and boning. But the skirt is really what makes this dress special. The short cut in front shows off your legs, but the long back has a gorgeous sweep to follow behind you down the aisle. Available for $998 on Gilt. You need an invitation to shop on Gilt, and if you click here, you’ll get one.

Photo Credit: Gilt

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Spanish Lace Corseted Gown by McQueen

Many private schools have, instead of the institutional cap and gown, what is called the “white dress tradition”, and it is possible that this trend just carried over into public institutions where women interpreted it by wearing it under their gown. In any case, it certainly isn’t mandatory to wear a white dress under your cap and gown, but if you want to, here’s a lovely one by Tibi. 

Tibi has long been one of my favorite dress lines. There is always a light, feminine quality to their dresses, and they are made of the highest quality materials. I love the delicate edging on this short dress and the simple a-line silhouette that will work for a lot of ladies. I’m not particularly into the way this dress was styled in this photo, though, I think it would be a lot cuter paired with some simple white flats and boho jewelry. Available for $550 from eDressMe.

Photo Credit: eDressMe

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White Lace Graduation Dress by Tibi

(Image: Nordstrom)

A white Eyelet Dress ($368) is a classic summer silhouette.  This strapless number by Shoshanna would look fantastic with a few minimal gold or silver accessories. The empire waist is flattering and the ruffled bodice is playful.

(Image: Nordstrom)

This Kensie Belted Silk Chiffon Party Dress ($168) is ever so girly and sweet. The ruffles at the hem, black trim accents and tie and the peter pan collar are such adorable details.  This dress is girly but it’s not over the top either.  Wear it to a garden party with black heeled sandals and a cute clutch.

(Image: Nordstrom)

This pretty Tiered Burnout Silk Dress ($178) by Maggy London is another perfect summer party dress.  This is an easy way to wear the ruffle trend without the added bulk. The burnout detail all over gives the dress a bit of interest so it’s not so plain and stark white.

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White Dresses for Summer

In any case, here goes. Graduation dresses are traditionally white. I’m not sure why, but I promise to try to find out by the end of the week. Like other white dresses, they come in many shapes and sizes. The trend is towards longer, more embellished gown-type dresses, which I heartily disagree with. I don’t know about anyone else, but on my graduation day it was like 95 degrees, and I would not want to be worried about sweating through some white silk beaded number.

Instead, I recommend something a little lighter, like this cap sleeve dress by Kathlin Agiro, which I picked out just for Jane.

This is a great style for a lot of figures. The scoop neck shows off your decollete without being too bare, the a-line silhouette is flattering for all body types, and the cap sleeves provide some support and make your arms appear slimmer and longer than a short sleeve would. Plus, I really like the little white belt, it is adorable and will also draw attention to the smallest part of your waist. And the best part is that it’s made out of seersucker, which is light and breathable, even in the most nerve-wracking situations. Available for $242 from eDressMe.

Photo Credit: eDressMe

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Graduation Dress by Kathlin Agiro

Anyways, the point is: if you are having a party like a wedding where you are the bride, what do you wear? Your original wedding gown? Sure, but why pass up an opportunity to buy a new dress? Perhaps something slightly less bridesy, like this mini dress by Kirribilla.

It looks like the perfect party dress, only in white, which is only perfect for parties if you are either trying to look like the bride or you never drink red wine. In any case, I am crazy in love with the puff sleeves and the slim silhouette. It has these ingenious asymmetrical pleats that add volume to the skirt, seemingly without adding a lot of volume to your hips. I’d pair mine with a feather hairclip and some sky high stilettoes. In fact, I might do just that. Available for $200 from eDressMe.

Photo Credit: eDressMe

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White Mini Dress by Kirribilla

With her one shoulder gown, she kept her jewelry to a minimum, wearing a pair of large gold earrings and nothing else. I also love her gold hardcase clutch.

Photo credit: Newscom

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Kate Beckinsale in White

In the past, you would never see a bridesmaid in white or off white. However, things have changed in recent years. Brides are wearing red. Bridesmaids are wearing white. It’s anything goes – as long as you like it.

This bridesmaids gown is adorable and affordable. This matte satin dress features contrasting trim, bow and belt. It’s available in a variety of color combinations from bold brights to subtle pastels to neutrals.

You can get this dress at Perimart for under $100. View more bridesmaid and bridal gowns from Eden Bridals.

Photo credit: Perimart

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Eden Bridals Bridesmaid Dress – #7173