Sarah Walker is Who What Wear’s home editor, content creator, stylist and fashion consultant los angeles.
I feel so lucky to have not one but one Two Bridal showers. I didn’t think I’d have anyone, but my aunt in NYC and my best friend in LA both offered to host, and I definitely didn’t need an excuse to celebrate. So yes, two bridal showers: one very family-friendly in New York and one very sunny in Malibu in Los Angeles.
I wasn’t initially ready for a bridal shower for several reasons. Although I love celebrating all things love, it doesn’t seem to be a priority in the grand scheme of wedding planning. Time has flown by, and there have been a lot of logistics – not to mention that I have friends and family spread out all over the country. While I live in LA and most of my friends are here, my family (and some of my closest friends) are on the East Coast. I also didn’t want anyone to feel obligated to travel for this. But thanks to the two incredible women in my life who so generously offered to host, I now get to celebrate in two completely different ways, and I feel extremely grateful.
With that comes two completely different approaches to dressing – something I had a lot of fun thinking about.
NYC Bridal Shower
My NYC bridal shower already happened, and I had four gorgeous options to choose from: a watercolor Altuzarra dress (one of my favorite NYC designers!), a Libroway Fringe Tweed MiniA stod white mini with a matching coat, and a vintage Chanel suit from The RealReal. Each felt very “New York” in their own way – polished, thoughtful and a little more traditional. For this event, I really leaned into spring with soft pastels and a more sophisticated, button-up look. I also considered a Ralph Lauren button-down with a pencil skirt, which felt Upper East Side in the best way. As you can tell, my mindset was a more formal and classical bride, with an emphasis on tailoring and timeless silhouettes.
I Chose an Altuzarra Dress for My NYC Bridal Shower
I finally arrived at a watercolor Altuzarra dress. I started leaning towards something a little more traditional and sophisticated in the process, but this felt like the perfect balance – feminine and feminine but a little unexpected with a soft wash of color. It still feels like a bride, just with a little more personality. I also love Altuzarra as a New York brand, so wearing it in the city makes the choice feel even more appropriate and special.
Pieces I Considered for a NYC Bridal Shower
Polo Ralph Lauren
hemp linen coat
Libroway
Soho Tweed Fringe Minidress
LA Bridal Shower
For my LA bridal shower, I took a completely different approach. I found myself drawn to textures, spontaneity, prints, and a more casual, playful energy. I’ve always felt that a bridal look can be casual and interesting, especially in a setting like Malibu where everything feels a little undone in the best way.
One outfit I kept thinking about again and again was a structured studded top paired with vintage Levi’s and a striking white Mule. I love the contrast of something tailored and polished with lived-in denim – it feels effortless but still intentional, which is the essence of LA style for me.
Another option I considered was the Donen Fringe Dress. It was a little more dressy but still looked easy and romantic, especially styled with heeled flip-flops for that slightly unexpected touch. I also kept thinking about Staud’s “shark dress.” Although it was mostly white, it had a subtle shark design on the side, and I loved that it didn’t take itself too seriously. Because honestly, who wouldn’t want to wear a shark costume on the beach while drinking champagne with all of their friends?
DOEN
Nelkote Anniversary Dress
The Jacquemus dress I chose for my LA bridal shower
Jacquemus
moissan dress
There were a few other pieces in the mix that almost made the cut — some more traditional bridal options, some ultra-minimal looks — but ultimately, I kept coming back to the outfits that felt most like me in each setting. That’s really been my guiding principle through all of this.
Pieces I Considered for My LA Bridal Shower
Mango
Halter-Neck Lace Top
attic
Knitted zebra-print minidress
At the end of the day, planning these looks made me realize how much style is linked to place and mood. New York called for something sophisticated, classic and a little more buttoned-up, while LA called for a more casual, playful and a little unexpected take on bridal attire. I loved learning about the personality of each city and letting that guide my choices. If anything, this experience reminded me that bridal style doesn’t have to fit into a box. This can and should be whatever you feel like – wherever you are, whatever you look like.
explore more:
