Our guide combines data-backed trends and expert insights from celebrity fashion stylists to help the Pickle community embrace a more stylish, circular, and affordable wedding season. Read the report.
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With over 100,000+ items spanning 2,000+ brands and a community of tens of thousands, Pickle has undeniably become a go-to destination for sourcing coveted occasion pieces—a Rodarte dress for a summer getaway, a vintage Chanel flap bag for a night out, or a sold-out mini Arcina Ori dress for dinner with friends—as a way to keep pace with the ever-changing trend cycle that’s not only easy on our wallets but also on the planet.
For these reasons, we’re seeing our community open up and circulate their closets like never before for the 2024 wedding season.
Dressing for your wedding this summer (or for the weddings of each of your 12 friends) is
downright expensive:
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The dozens of outfits and minimal wears can easily wreak havoc on the environment, too:
● 2,700+ liters of water, on average, are used to make a dress (more than three years' worth of drinking water).
● One truckload of clothing is landfilled or burned by the second, helping make fashion production the second-largest industrial polluter.
The drive to soften fashion’s environmental impact (without compromising on style or savings), is overwhelmingly clear in our data and in our community’s stories:
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We’ve compiled everything in our Pickle Wedding Fashion Trends Report. The shoppable guide combines expert analysis from wardrobe stylist Zoe Gofman (behind Shanina Shaik, Adriana Lima, Paulina Gretsky, Yesly Dimate’s style) and wardrobe stylist and SI Swimsuit fashion editor Margot Zamet (who dresses Brooks Nadar, Xandra, and Camille Kostek to name a few) as well as months of data charting top trends, brands, styles and more—a preview: list or rent Acler and Zimmermann items as demand is skyrocketing up to 300% compared to the previous month; up the elegance as gowns are falling into favor (even
without a black-tie dress code); and shop the of-the-moment boho chic brand that’s not just topping the most in-demand brands list, but also has both celeb stylists swooning over for summer weddings.
While the shoppable report can (and should) be a resource for smartly styling this season's of-the-moment trends and giving you fresh and effective cost-per-wear alternatives for your treasured wardrobe investments, we also hope it inspires a more circular approach to this and future wedding seasons. The best part? It’s easy to make subtle updates that have a big impact, especially en masse:
Here’s to a more fun, stylish, affordable, and sustainable wedding season ahead.
— Brian + Julia
Pickle’s co-founders
These are the at-a-glance, TL;DR insights and trends we’ve uncovered from mining our data and having the experts weigh in—with more can’t-miss findings, deeper analysis, and recommendations to follow:
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Brands defining 2024 wedding season fashion are delivering versatile floor-length dresses (looking at you, Arcina Ori) and an updated boho aesthetic (think free-flowing cuts, breathable fabrics, delicate florals, and femme features)—from Cult Gaia’s contemporary objets d'art twist and Reformation’s light linen fabrics and feminine silhouettes to Rat & Boa’s edgier blend of florals, sheers, and ruffles, and Zimmermann’s 'that girl' femininity.
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"Alexis has quickly become one of my go-to brands for dressing on any special occasion and would 100% make it a brand to rent this wedding season. The quality of their dresses is impeccable, plus their designs always feel current and on-trend while still remaining timeless; they're the kind of pieces you’ll continue to love wearing for years and years to come. They also do a really good job of offering a variety of silhouettes that are both flattering and sexy, yet elegant and very much wedding-appropriate. When I think of Alexis, I think of femininity— the lace inserts to the uncomplicated tiered skirts and the ultra-flattering billowing curves that have the perfect amount of movement. I’m very into this modern boho Alexis’ Reeve Dress, which can be dressed up or down for any summer wedding.”
— Margot
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“There’s no doubt that boho chic has made its way back to fashion’s top of mind by way of the FW24 runways: Isabel Marant, Rabanne, and Chemena Kamali’s debut at Chloé have all cemented the trend’s revival. If you’re looking for something light, femme, and playful, Alexis is your brand. While I usually lean on more muted colors and have more of a simple aesthetic (think: Khaite, The Row, and Celine), Alexis’ romantic flair and clear-cut materials never cease to impress me! I fell in love with the orange and red dress Imilia dress from Alexis and will be wearing it to my friend’s wedding in Italy this summer.”
“I discovered Arcina Ori because their creations give me quiet luxury Anna Quan-esque vibes which I’m always drawn to—think of drop waists (a la this Anna Quan dress), 90s minimalism, and quiet luxury, all combined in a single bridal party look.”
— Zoe
“One of my unexpected favorites for a black-tie wedding is Rat & Boa. Their pieces use sultry silks and are easygoing in design, combining equal parts femininity with a fiery spirit (think their red Cecelia dress and the chic snake print on their elegantly draped Navarra dress) that makes black tie more fun. They borrow boho chic elements that can take many of their dresses from seaside nuptials to a bachelorette in Vegas to a summer dinner in Europe.”
— Zoe
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Meet the no-fail dresses answering the ‘what do I wear’ question. There’s a clear bias for formality and elegance for wedding guest dresses. When combined with luxe pastel silks, demand soars—as seen with Acler’s chart-topping, icy blue Avonlea dress. Arcina Ori claims the most spots on the list thanks to timeless, ultra-flattering, vintage-inspired silhouettes.
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“Whether you're seeking a refreshing change for your bridal events or aiming to make a subtle yet impactful statement at your friend's wedding, this summer is the time to incorporate icy blues, soft yellows, and romantic lilacs. My top picks: Acler’s Avonlea Blue Corset Dress, Anna October's Tulip dress, Nana Jacqueline’s Caroline Dress, and Arcina Ori’s Yellow Silk Backless Gown.”
— Margot
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“Réalisation Par is a favorite for exuding the right amount of ‘sexy’ as a wedding guest—I’m into their Marie dress because it works for a casual to more formal wedding and the color is flattering and flirty.”
— Zoe
“The romantic, garden party patterns meet quiet luxury silhouettes will definitely be in this summer. This is exactly why I love Arcina Ori’s designs—like the Josefine dress and the Marcella dress for a wedding guest.”
— Zoe
“Arcina Ori should be top of mind when the invite says 'black tie'. Her sleek designs and modern silhouettes are expertly cut into sophisticated gowns (I’m swooning over this backless gown) and event cocktail dresses (like the Celine dress) perfectly designed to make a statement at a more formal wedding."
— Margot
We’ve identified the most in-demand items among our top categories and ranked them by the highest cost savings. So go ahead and curate a highly coveted look while making your dollar work harder.
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“I’m into the clean and polished quiet luxury-esque dress in a black or neutral with an unexpected pop of color in an accessory—a clutch (like this vintage Fendi baguette, this yellow Staud clutch, this pink croc Cult Gaia bag) or jewels."
— Zoe
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“If there’s one trend that will never go out of style, it’s quiet luxury. My approach to styling is usually very “high-low,” which basically means styling a hero piece that feels really elevated and supplementing other aspects of the outfit with inexpensive pieces. If you have a dress for an event that does not feel quite 'enough,' try renting a designer or statement bag as your hero piece that will make your look feel more luxe. A fool-proof option for quiet luxury is the classic, all-black look—like this buttery soft-stretch jersey halterneck dress by Aya Muse. Its stunning high round neck and open back exude New York urban chic, while the high slit and flirty waist strap exudes old Tom Ford-era Gucci. Pair with a neutral accessory like this Anine Bing Colette bag to add sophistication.”
— Margot
“We’re seeing people dial up the elegance and opulence factor this summer — even for beachside weddings. Over the past couple of months, ‘gowns’ have shown up in our top 10 search terms, and we’re seeing brands like Arcina Ori, Christopher Eseber, and Aya Muse, known for their floor-length dresses, simultaneously spike.”
— Julia
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“If you haven’t experienced Marcelo Gaia’s Mirror Palais, you should. Crafted in the most luxurious fabrics, his designs channel high-level drama that exudes Old Hollywood glamour and captures the true essence of haute couture. The Mirror Palais Starlight Dress is the perfect effortless blend of elevated, sensual, and celebratory.”
— Margot
For the brands to get your hands on early, look no further than these movers and shakers with skyrocketing offers. Given their surging demand, these brands are also prime to list for maximizing earnings. Acler comes out on top–and for good reason: the Avonlea dress. It balances many of-the-moment trends—femme pleats, pastels, the elevated drop-waist—in one elegant day-or-night look, and it’s single-handedly catapulted the brand’s popularity on Pickle. Zimmermann's signature florals and Amanda Uprichard’s go-to feminine-yet-sophisticated maxis give them extra momentum.
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“I'm thrilled by the intense embrace of sequins and sparkles this summer. There's something very Kate Moss about the simple a-line spaghetti strap sequin dress. In the past, many of us associated sequins with feeling cheap or over the top, but brands like SIMKHAI have elevated it to a level of sophistication and simplicity that I love—I’m wearing this sequin SIMKHAI Dione gown to my best friend’s wedding this summer. For another understated sparkle option, I love this SIMKHAI slip dress. I am also a fan of Asta Resort; many of their ready-to-wear pieces have a subtle shimmer, like their Natalia dress, that makes sparkles perfect for a beachy wedding or honeymoon dinner at the resort.”
— Margot
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“If you’re experimenting with sexier styles this summer, a good way to ease in is with a backless dress balanced with a high neck and floor-length dress—I love this sultry red Bottega dress or Meshki’s Claire dress in a classic black."
— Zoe
“This wedding season’s fashion blends a feel of romance with moody sheers, silky finishes, and body-hugging silhouettes. If you’re comfortable dialing up the level of risque, go with floor-length silks or sculptural corsets that don’t read too provocative, just stylish and modern—think Christopher Esber’s Molded Venus dress. I love the designer’s precise tailoring and relaxed, undone sensuality for this."
— Margot
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Discover the all-time most in-demand luxury dresses on Pickle. Their enduring appeal transcends trend cycles, and their impeccable quality ensures they can be worn many times over, making these five dresses smart investments, too. Enjoy the dress when you want while offsetting (or entirely recouping) the upfront cost by listing them for rent between wears.
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"I always go more formal when dressing myself or a client for a black tie event. A winning black tie look should evoke nostalgic, old-world glamour. Focus on refined, feminine floor-skimming silhouettes, and perhaps an open back for added interest. I love this Givenchy Black Gown and this Oscar De La Renta Red Gown."
— Zoe
"I often hear from our community that they feel more comfortable investing in high-value pieces, knowing they can list the item on Pickle and easily secure three to five rentals to soften the sticker shock. Plus, they feel good knowing they’re keeping items in circulation.”
— Julia
Over the past 12 months, these brands have proven to be top-earners for our community. As expenses from weddings and summer travel add up, bring these designer dresses out of your closet to generate extra income. Their strong ongoing demand often translates to faster and more frequent rentals, too.
"Known for its vintage glamour and iridescence, Retrofête is a brand that’s popping as we head into summer. Since last month alone, offers on Retrofête items increased by 43%, and, naturally, its dresses rank in the top 10 when it comes to brands commanding the most earnings for lenders. With its subtle sparkle and floral appliques, Cult Gaia’s Pemma Dress is another favorite—it’s one of the most in-demand wedding guest dresses right now on Pickle, which makes it a top-earner, too.”
— Julia
“LaQuan Smith and Anna October are two brands to think about for formal weddings (or when you want to up the ante on elegance)—they’re always ‘a moment.’ I’ve dressed Brooks Nader in LaQuan Smith many times, including at the Oscars. His dresses just make you feel like THAT girl. When you can deliver that as a designer, your pieces will always be sought after, and, by default, will always be a smart investment for renting and later reselling.”
— Margot
There’s no shortage of fashion moments for the bride, so we’ve pulled out the most sought-after white pieces for every wedding event. We took it a step further by pairing the top occasion look to your bridal style for easy shopping.
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The bachelorette is a major fashion moment, and those moments can look very different depending on destination, theme, and more. We’ve combed through our top rentals and most coveted brands to curate on-trend, affordable community favorites that can take you from Cabo to Vegas, from the dude ranch to a swanky dinner, and beyond.
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“Golds, silvers, sequins—anything with a sparkle—have been in high demand on Pickle. While we typically see a surge in shimmery dresses during cold-weather months, especially in December for holiday and New Year's Eve events, this year's trend extends through summer. People are now actively seeking out metallics and brands renowned for their shimmering threads, surpassing the usual demand seen in December and January — case in point with ‘sequins’ being one of the most searched terms on Pickle right now.”
— Julia
"I’m seeing this pull to be more daring and sexy this summer, and I’m totally into it as long as there’s balance! For example, when going for sheer, make sure to offset with tonal prints for added depth (like this Rat & Boa dress) or playful solid underlayers to keep the look tasteful and appropriate for wedding occasions."
— Zoe
“Seen everywhere on the catwalk, from Prada to Tove, skirts are having a major moment for spring. My advice is to go for a flattering maxi skirt and dress it up with a sexy structural or sequin top. I’ve had my eyes on this Revolve set.”
— Margot
*Trending Score: (combined average of saves, shares, and views)
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