I'm hosting a bridal shower in both NYC and L.A. — here’s what I'll be wearing in each city (as well as what…).

      Sara Walker is an editor in residence at Who What Wear, as well as a content creator, stylist, and fashion consultant located in Los Angeles. I feel incredibly fortunate to be celebrating with not just one, but two bridal showers. I didn’t anticipate having any, but my aunt in New York City and my best friend in Los Angeles both kindly offered to host, and I certainly don’t need a reason to celebrate. So, yes, two bridal showers: one focused on family in New York and another basking in the Malibu sunshine in Los Angeles.

      Initially, I wasn't committed to having a bridal shower for several reasons. Although I enjoy celebrating love, it didn’t seem like an essential aspect of the overall wedding planning. Time has raced by with numerous logistical details to manage—not to mention my friends and family are scattered across the country. While most of my friends are in L.A., my family (and some closest friends) are on the East Coast. I also didn’t want anyone to feel pressured to travel for this. However, thanks to two amazing women in my life who generously offered to host, I now get to celebrate in two distinct ways, and I am endlessly thankful.

      With this, I have two totally different styles to consider when dressing—something I have greatly enjoyed contemplating.

      **NYC Bridal Shower**

      My New York bridal shower has already taken place, and I had four wonderful options to choose from: a watercolor dress by Altuzarra (one of my favorite New York designers!), a tweed mini dress from Liberowe with fringe, a white mini from Staud paired with a matching coat, and a vintage Chanel suit from The RealReal. Each outfit embodied a unique “New York” vibe—polished, refined, and a bit more traditional. For this occasion, I embraced spring with soft pastels and a sophisticated, more formal aesthetic. I even considered a button-down from Ralph Lauren with a pencil skirt, which felt quintessentially Upper East Side. As you can see, my approach was more formal and traditionally bridal, focusing on tailoring and timeless shapes.

      **The Altuzarra Dress I Chose for My NYC Bridal Shower**

      In the end, I chose the watercolor Altuzarra dress. I had originally thought about aiming for something more classic and polished, but this dress struck the perfect balance between feminine and a bit unexpected with its lovely wash of color. It still felt bridal but with an added touch of personality. I also appreciate Altuzarra as a New York brand, which made wearing it in the city feel particularly fitting and special.

      **L.A. Bridal Shower**

      For my L.A. bridal shower, I took a completely different approach. I found myself drawn to textures, easy styles, prints, and a more relaxed, playful vibe. I’ve always believed that bridal looks can be casual and intriguing, particularly in a setting like Malibu where the ambiance is more laid-back in the best way. One outfit I repeatedly considered was a structured top from Staud paired with vintage Levi’s and sleek white mules. I loved the contrast of a tailored piece with lived-in denim—it felt effortless yet intentional, embodying L.A. style perfectly.

      Another option I thought about was a Dôen fringe dress. It was a bit dressier, yet still felt relaxed and romantic, especially when paired with heeled flip-flops for that unexpected touch. I also kept circling back to Staud's "shark dress." While it was primarily white, it featured a subtle shark design down the side, and I loved that it didn’t take itself too seriously. Because honestly, who wouldn't enjoy wearing a shark dress by the beach while sipping champagne with friends?

      **The Jacquemus Dress I Chose for My L.A. Bridal Shower**

      Ultimately, I selected a light pink Jacquemus dress. I went into this process wanting something more casual and slightly rebellious—steering clear of anything overly traditional or predictable. While I explored various directions, I ended up with an outfit that felt both effortless and true to my style. It wasn’t white, which I appreciated, yet it maintained a softness and femininity that suited the occasion. It managed to feel a little unexpected while still feeling completely authentic.

      There were a few other options that nearly made the cut—some more traditional bridal selections and a few ultra-minimalist looks—but ultimately, I kept gravitating towards outfits that truly represented me in each setting. This has been my guiding principle throughout this journey.

      In the end, planning these outfits made me realize how closely style is linked to place and mood. New York required something polished, classic, and a bit more formal, while L.A. called for a more casual, playful, and slightly unconventional approach to bridal attire. I enjoyed embracing the unique vibe of each city and allowing that to influence my choices. Ultimately, this experience has shown me that bridal style doesn't have to conform to a single mold