A DU & BERRY Guide to Summer Occasions, From Someone Else’s Wedding to Your Own
Summer arrives with a full social calendar: rooftop celebrations, out-of-town reunions, and most of all, weddings. These are not just events. They are moments where women want to look like the best version of themselves, and quietly signal something more: I’m doing well. I’m blooming. I’m exactly where I should be.
For some, it’s a friend’s wedding; for others, it’s their own registry brunch, bridal shower, or intimate welcome dinner before the big day. While we don’t make wedding gowns per se, DU & BERRY creates elevated pieces that brides and guests alike have chosen for the moments that lead up to the aisle, and far beyond it.
The Pre-Wedding Wardrobe: Clean Lines, Cool Fabrics
Take Nüwa's Canopy Midi Dress, for instance. A bride once told us she wore it to her rehearsal dinner not because it was overtly bridal, but because it made her feel like herself: elegant, light, present. Crafted from a breathable silk-cotton blend with our signature hand-painted print, it captures the spirit of summer in motion.
When we told her that the goddess printed on the dress was originally hand-painted and exclusive to DU & BERRY, never to be found elsewhere, she lit up. The figure is Nüwa, the Chinese goddess who, according to ancient mythology, created the institution of marriage to bring structure and virtue to human society. To her, it suddenly became more than just a dress. It became a quiet blessing. A symbol of harmony, intention, and the beauty of commitment.
Pair it with sandals for an outdoor soirée or dress it up with a single statement earring - it’s a piece that says "I belong here."
Another favorite? The Moonlight Silk Halter Top, cut in 100% silk with a luminous sheen and open back. We’ve seen it styled with the Du Pleated Cotton Poplin Skirt for low-key gatherings and with tailored trousers for courthouse ceremonies. It’s bridal energy, but undone.
For the Guests Who Never Blend In
Some dresses aren’t made to whisper in the background. Our Dirty Martini Dress blends modern romance with clean minimalism: bias cut for movement, baby hem for lightness, and adjustable ties for an element of play. Available in Misty Blue or Deep Black, it’s designed to flow through garden parties, first dances, and post-wedding drinks that stretch into midnight.
If you're attending more than one celebration this summer, the versatility matters. Pair it with sneakers in Florence, with strappy heels in the Hamptons, and a vintage clutch in Brooklyn. Wherever you are, it works.
“Something Blue,” Reimagined
The tradition remains, but the interpretation evolves. “Something Blue” once meant a ribbon tucked into a gown; now it might mean a mist-blue silk blouse that catches the sun just right.
Our Dirty Martini Dress (yes, again), the Lunaria Draped Top, and the Lily on the Rock Embroidered Set each offer a soft nod to that sentiment: fidelity, new beginnings, and quiet confidence.
The Real Investment? A Dress That Outlives the Occasion
We believe that if you’re going to invest in a piece, whether for a wedding, a rooftop gallery opening, or just a Sunday brunch, it should keep showing up for you. That’s the power of thoughtful design.
Our Loong Warrioress Silk Open-Back Dress is unapologetically bold. Crafted from 100% premium silk with sophisticated placement printing and a built-in bikini bra, it’s a summer statement that doesn’t ask for permission.
At one of our in-person events, a mother of the bride saw the dress and was instantly captivated by the artwork; it felt personal, intentional, and unlike anything she’d seen. She tried it on and purchased it on the spot.
“It’s not just for the bride,” she laughed. “It’s for women who know how to claim their own moment.”
Brides have worn it for engagement shoots; guests, for destination weddings. And some? Just because.
A summer full of weddings is not just a season of invitations. It’s the season of presence. We dress to show we’re here, we’re living, and we’re part of something joyful.
DU & BERRY pieces aren’t just worn. They’re witnessed.
And that, perhaps, is what dressing well for a wedding really means.