Special Occasion Dresses for Less

*All photos taken by the darling and talented Audrie Dollins. This post is created in collaboration with Nordstrom Rack and ShopStyle Collective, but all product selections, styling, and day-drinking are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum and its sponsors!*

 

Hey friends! Have y’all seen that meme floating around with the number of weeks that remain between now and Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas?! It’s enough to cause excitement and mild panic, that’s for sure!

But next to all the added family time, the best part of the holidays are the parties, weddings, and events! So much festive means the chance to pull out all the style stops! After a few years of all-things-cozy, I’m ready for cocktail dresses and party skirts!

One of your biggest requests lately has been for wedding guest dresses this Fall, and Iโ€™m always game for the chance to slap on bright lipstick and a set of lashes, so Iโ€™m thrilled to do some sourcing for you! And since budgets are stretched thin this time of year, I started my search atย Nordstrom Rack, where I always find incredible styles for a fraction of traditional department store prices (usually up to 70% off!)!

They make event shopping so easy, too, with a full section dedicated to Wedding Guestsย HERE, and all their Holiday Looks HERE! From there, they break down the options by casual, cocktail, and formal, and you can even filter for specific colors and price points.

My goal for wedding guest style is to find that sweet spot of classic, snazzy, a touch of sexy, and comfortable enough for cake. I mean dancing.

Lace Sheath Dress | Similar Black Pumps | Similar Wine Glass

This lace sheath dress is stretchy and fits like a glove… and can you even believe it’s under $35?! I love the neckline and sheer sleeve, and the knee-length makes it so chic! Sizes are going fast, but I also love this one and this style, too!

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a size 2.

Lace Sheath Dress | Similar Black Pumps | Similar Wine Glass

Lace Sheath Dress | Similar Wine Glass

Lace Sheath Dress | Similar Wine Glass

 

This fit-and-flare is as comfortable as it is flattering! I love the full skirt and elbow sleeve, and the touch of stretch makes it perfect for dinner and dancing!

It also comes in a vibrant red and navy, but I was drawn to this deep emerald. The under $50 price is a win, as well!

Fit Tip: It’s a generous fit, I’m in a size 0.

Fit & Flare Dressย | Similar Wine Glass

Fit & Flare Dressย | Similar Wine Glass

Fit & Flare Dressย | Similar Wine Glass

Fit & Flare Dressย | Similar Wine Glass

 

Another lace sheath dress, this one comes in a gorgeous shade of cranberry! I love the illusion neckline and statement sleeves… plus, the added stretch makes it surprisingly comfortable!

Fit Tip: I’m in a size 2.

Flutter Sleeve Sheath Dress (Similar HERE) | Similar Nude Pumps | Similar Wine Glass

Flutter Sleeve Sheath Dress (Similar HERE) | Similar Nude Pumps | Similar Wine Glass

Flutter Sleeve Sheath Dress (Similar HERE) | Similar Wine Glass

Flutter Sleeve Sheath Dress (Similar HERE) | Similar Nude Pumps

 

There’s something so luxe and fancy about jacquard, and Nordstrom Rack has tons of gorgeous options! I love the print and flirty skirt of this one, but this one and this one caught my eye, as well!

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a size 2.

Jacquard Peplum Dress (Similar HERE & HERE) | Similar Black Pumps | Similar Wine Glass

Jacquard Peplum Dress (Similar HERE & HERE) | Similar Wine Glass

Jacquard Peplum Dress (Similar HERE & HERE) | Similar Wine Glass

Jacquard Peplum Dress (Similar HERE & HERE) | Similar Black Pumps | Similar Wine Glass

 

Do you have any weddings and dressy celebrations on your calendar this season? Do you have a go-to dress for all your events, or do you like the chance to grab something new? If so, definitely check out Nordstrom Rack for thousands of options, and all up to 70% off! Plus, you can earn and use your Nordy Club Rewards!

Leave a Comment

8 Comments

  1. Sandy wrote:

    I turned the corner and WoW! That Jacquard Peplum Dress! With pockets! Bonus! This look!

    Posted 10.19.22 Reply
    • Cassie wrote:

      Thank you, sweet Sandy! It’s a showstopper dress for sure! xoxo, C

      Posted 10.19.22 Reply
  2. Jody Forsee wrote:

    Thank you for featuring shorter dresses that have some length. I always need nice dresses for work events and the length on these is perfect.

    Did you link your earrings? Love them!

    Posted 10.19.22 Reply
  3. Lynn wrote:

    Great post! Love your earrings….can you please share the source?

    Posted 10.19.22 Reply
  4. Jody wrote:

    Great post, love all of these dresses on you! You look stunning! Thanks for sharing these finds. I noticed your hair looks longer, may I ask if you have hair extensions for length and volume?

    Posted 10.20.22 Reply
    • Cassie wrote:

      Hi Jody! Yes I do! I have one sewn-in weft extension along the back of my head for a bit more length and volume in the back, then I also have one tape-in extension on the right side of my head to zhuzh up my bangs!! xo, C

      Posted 10.23.22 Reply