At this point I think we all understand how I feel about a good winter floral against a dark background, but this dress you guys! It’s so amazing I feel like it would have been invited to the wedding on its own without me. It will have the salmon for dinner and it dances a lovely waltz. 

This is the Karen Floral Puff Sleeve Handkerchief Midi Dress by Alice + Olivia. It has a tie neck, puffed sheer shoulders, and we call a hem with this kind of drama a handkerchief hem. Which honestly doesn’t sound fancy enough but I’ll speak to the authorities.

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I love dress with this much going on for a wedding, because it feels like a celebration in fabric. Yes, you can attend a wedding in an LBD. But does that feel festive enough? Does that feel fitting of the occasion? I’d rather wear something a lot more fun and celebratory, it puts me in the right mood for the event and also it helps me avoid baby side-eye. 

With so much happening as far as the dress goes, you can feel confident styling the rest of your look simply. Your go-to black pumps or sandals will work really well, and feel free to carry your favorite classic black evening bag. I’ve come to rely on my YSL for so many things, and it’s perfect here. I’ve belted the dress with a black croc embossed waist belt just to add a little cinching, but with this dress it’s not entirely mandatory.

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Below, a few more of my favorites for a wedding invitation with a cocktail attire directive. As you’re shopping, think about the kind of dress you want to celebrate in — it’ll almost pick out itself.

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