My hometown of Charleston, SC, is the #2 wedding destination in the country (second only to Las Vegas). As a result, my friend (and fellow Vandy alum) Stacy Smallwood, the founder and owner of Hampden Clothing—a designer boutique on King Street—has women constantly coming into her shop searching for a look that will get them dubbed best dressed guest (think Carrie Bradshaw in her pale pink bubble dress at Bitsy von Muffling’s wedding in the Hamptons). “The thing I hear most often from women searching for a dress is: ‘I want to be able to wear it to something more than just one wedding,’ ” explains Smallwood. So, with versatility being the name of the game, we’ve asked Stacy to choose her favorite pieces currently available at Hampden and explain in her own words why they’ll ensure you take home the BDG title.
A.L.C. Peralta top, $365
hampdenclothing.com
A.L.C. Black Haley skirt, $495
hampdenclothing.com
Rebecca Taylor Flame of the Forest midi dress, $475
hampdenclothing.com
Suno multicolor stripes beaded dress, $650
hampdenclothing.com
Peter Pilotto check dress in blush, $1,040
hampdenclothing.com
Theory Osteen silk dress, $365
hampdenclothing.com
Thakoon Addition embroidered open shoulder dress, $550
hampdenclothing.com
Yigal Azrouel mesh insert MS dress, $890
hampdenclothing.com
A.L.C. Louise dress, $525
hampdenclothing.com
Preen Larne vest top, $261
hampdenclothing.com
Spin skirt, $620
hampdenclothing.com
Jil Sander Navy Abito pink sequin dress, $804
hampdenclothing.com