The Sezane Layla Dress

It is a rarity that I need a great dress to wear to an event. I feel like I’m one of the few people who have only been to a handful of weddings for friends. Many eloped, or got married before I knew them. Wheras I have friends who seem to be going to weddings non-stop like it’s part of their normal routine at this point.

I’m a firm believer regardless of how often or infrequently you have events to go to, that you do not need to shop for a new dress every single time. Even if you have a lot of weddings to go to, I think it’s totally acceptable to rewear pieces even if it’s in the same friend group.

If you’re being really picky about who gets to see the same dress twice, fine, maybe you’re allowed to wear it once a season or once a year to the same friend group if there are that many. But buying a new dress for every single event? Absolutely not. I promise, people are not going to remember a dress you wore a year ago, and if they do, more power to you for looking like a knockout that you were that memorable.

If you’re looking for a great event dress that’s comfortable, beautiful and easy to accessorize, look no further than the Sezane Layla dress. I bought this a few years ago for a friend’s wedding and it is now my go-to for any special events.

green pleated maxi dress outfit for weddings — Photos by KVC Photography

what to wear to a semi-formal wedding — Photos by KVC Photography

The Fit

Thanks to this pleated looser fit of a dress, this is such a comfortable piece to wear. It flows and moves and feels really elevated because of the pleats. I love the high neck here too, you can easily add a cool gold choker style necklace to make it look like it has a gold collar. PS check out my Sezane sizing guide for more insider tips to fit and shopping at Sezane.

*This Layla dress is now sold out but you can shop similar options below or search resale sites for the dress.

What Shoes To Wear With The Layla Dress

Because this is a maxi dress, I think you can get away with a few shoe options here. I did a low block nude heel for this look because the wedding was outdoors on grass. Never wear a stiletto, always opt for a block heel or wedge shoe when attending an outdoor or beach wedding.

But since it is a maxi, you can really wear a high heel or low heel if you want. Gone are the days of worrying about the dress covering the shoes. I want to see the shoes! Even with a maxi. For spring and summer weddings or events, you can easily do a straw or raffia fabric, or anything in a nude or strappy suede. For evening and more formal events, you can opt for suede or satin. And for a more casual wedding, try a leather wedge or espadrille.

And if you’re more into a flat for comfort, you can do a pretty mesh and embellished flat, or a woven raffia option would be pretty.

backless maxi dress and what to wear underneath

What To Wear Under A Backless Dress

Because this dress is backless, you’re probably instantly thinking you can’t wear it. If you’re someone who has a bigger chest or just feels most comfortable in a bra, I promise you, there are ways around this! My favorite tip is to try boob tape. It’s one of the most genius inventions for women. It replaces your bras and helps to give you support and coverage where you need it. And yes, it works on larger chests too.

There are a few options and methods to choose from depending on your chest size and overall comfort level and needs. I personally just went braless here, but if I wanted to do the boob tape route, I would’ve gone with the adhesive style bra options that are pre-cut to lift and hold like these. I really like these as they are easier to use than the classic roll of tape.

Best Pleated Dresses For Events

I think a pleated dress is just a really fun look for a wedding or nice event you have to go to. I would even wear this Layla dress out to a nice dinner, it doesnt’ have to necessarily be for a formal event. I’d consider this dress a semi-formal option, but definitely not black-tie. Here are a few more pleated dress options to shop if you’re looking for a similar vibe.

The Sezane Layla dress also comes in a few color and print options. From solid green to ecru, and even polka dot. It’s a favorite item at Sezane and they tend to bring in a new color or print every so often.

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The Sezane Layla Dress