My BFF Thinks I'm Her Personal Shopper, so I Styled Her for a Beach Wedding (2024)

My BFF Thinks I'm Her Personal Shopper, so I Styled Her for a Beach Wedding (1)

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 aboutwhich trends are worth adopting for the summer, ifbuying from the newest rising brandis 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 theirshopping listor 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 shescoured through Zara, looking for the best pieces to complete her vacation looks. Of course, not everyoneis 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 beachwedding guest dresses to shop for your upcoming event. The key to being thebest-dressed guestat the ceremony lies ahead.

My BFF Thinks I'm Her Personal Shopper, so I Styled Her for a Beach Wedding (2)

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 forbased 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.

My BFF Thinks I'm Her Personal Shopper, so I Styled Her for a Beach Wedding (3)

WEAR: MejuriCroissant Dôme Hoops($78); Dissh shorts; Staud Kai Halter Top andMini 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.

Re-create this look for yourself:

Musier Paris

Alyssa Top

Cassidy’s Staud halter top is now sold out, but this version would be great to pack for any upcoming beach wedding.

H&M

Linen-Blend Pull-On Shorts

You can’t pack for a tropical beach getaway without including linen shorts.

Vince Camuto

Venantha Thong Sandal

Sandals that match with every look are a must.

Missoma

Medium Chubby Hoop Earrings

Finish off the look with cute earrings.

My BFF Thinks I'm Her Personal Shopper, so I Styled Her for a Beach Wedding (8)

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.

Re-create this look for yourself:

Frankies Bikinis

Paulina Floral Halter One Piece Swimsuit

This is the perfect swimsuit to wear as a guest during a beach wedding weekend.

Frasier Sterling

Feeling Dreamy Choker

Is it even a beachside wedding if you’re not wearing ocean-inspired jewelry?

Poppy Lissiman

Marteeni Sunglasses

The wedding ceremony may last just a few hours, but these sunglasses can be worn every day after.

Open Edit

Lucca Slide Sandal

Fun, comfortable slip-on sandalsare a must-have for a beach wedding.

Mango

Raffia Shopper Bag

This bag is begging to be taken to the beach.

My BFF Thinks I'm Her Personal Shopper, so I Styled Her for a Beach Wedding (14)

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.

Re-create this look for yourself: