Photography by Getty Images
With a series of subtle looks, under-wraps details, and an undoubtedly high budget, the actor’s nuptials bring quiet luxury into the bridal game.
Date August 22, 2023
Celebrity nuptials are famously fussy affairs. So it feels pretty unusual when an A-list wedding can wrangle half of Hollywood and still feel…chill. And yet, this was the vibe curated by bride Margaret Qualley over the weekend.
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ICYMI: The 28-year-old actor just tied the knot with musician Jack Antonoff in New Jersey, and from the high-profile guest list alone, it had all the makings of an extravagant affair. Taylor Swift’s fans swarmed the venue to see her. Lana Del Rey’s plastic slides were tried in dress code court. But when it came to the bride herself, the sartorial mood was the lowest of low-key.
For the weekend-long affair, Qualley deviated from bridal norms. She had a tousled bob instead of an intricate updo. She stuck to flats instead of heels. Even her collection of gowns was decidedly simple. For the ceremony, she wore an ankle-length halter dress, with crisp white buckled Mary Janes and dainty earrings. At the after-party, she switched into a breezy drop-waist frock with frothy sleeves. This was not dissimilar to her rehearsal-dinner look, comprised of an A-line tea-length dress with soft pleats and subtle corseting.
It’s suspected that each ensemble was made by Chanel, as Qualley is an ambassador for the luxury brand. But her gowns are so decidedly subtle that it’s honestly hard to tell. And perhaps this mystique is the point.
Her noticeably pared-down aesthetic feels like an intentional shift from celebrity weddings of the moment. Just a few months ago, Sofia Richie set the tone for aspirational nuptials with a fête that broke the internet. Held at a five-star hotel in the south of France (that was completely rented out for the event, naturally), her wedding was a visual feast of opulent decor and detailed ensembles — served up to the world in a Vogue exclusive. Despite many deeming Richie 2.0 the queen of quiet luxury with her tastefully expensive everything, the event was loud and luxe, setting a public expectation for front-row access to A-list weddings.
But coinciding with a roster of muted bridal looks, Margaret Qualley and Jack Antonoff’s wedding pushed back on this example. Despite a presumably high destination budget and guest list spanning from Zoë Kravitz to Cara Delevingne, the event was pretty laid-back. The rehearsal dinner was reportedly held at a restaurant called Black Whale Bar & Fish House. (Instead of a Michelin star, it has 3.5 stars on Yelp.) The actual reception took place at the nautically-themed seafood eatery Parker’s Garage & Oyster Saloon, described as an “easygoing venue” with a “big menu.” (My kind of spot!) And at the time of publication, any substantial details about the whole shebang are tough to scrounge together.
The chillness of it all is, of course, extremely chic. On the heels of Ashley Olsen’s uber-private pregnancy and an ongoing cultural fixation with quiet luxury, Margaret Qualley’s muted betrothal taps into the trend of hushed lifestyles. There’s something undeniably authentic in acting — and dressing — just for you, and not for an audience. As a bride, Qualley’s commitment to minimalism could be the start of a more discreet mood in celebrity nuptials. Most importantly, she just made wedding flats cool.
Feeling outfit inspiration for a special occasion? The nice thing about Qualley’s looks is they’re easy to emulate at any price point. Below, FASHION did the work for you.
Maguire Velada Cream Ballerina Ballet Flat
Crafted with a flexible sole and a soft back, these clean-cut off-white flats are the perfect entry into new bridal footwear territory. With an ever-so-subtle heel (we’re talking eight millimetres) and a softened square-toe design, they have a sophisticated finish that fits right into fancy dress codes. Best of all? The made-in-Canada shoes come in buttery smooth leather, for day-to-night comfort.
Cinq à Sept Hillary Midi-Dress
Slightly more casual than Qualley’s wedding wares, this Cinq à Sept dress has the refined air of a minimalist wedding with the versatility of a simple summer soirée. With a scoop neckline, long puffy sleeves and seamless side pockets, the voluminous tiered dress is great for any special occasion. Thanks to its crisp design and feminine silhouette, it is both chic and understated — just like the Margaret Qualley bridal uniform. It’s also been majorly marked down.
Dream Pairs Sole-Simple Ballerina Walking Flats
Flats that are actually made for walking? That’s not something you see every day. Don’t be fooled by the classic ballerina silhouette, these shoes are surprisingly durable, with extra grip on the rubber outsole and super soft lining. Available in 10 colours, the white iterations go with everything from wedding dresses to slouchy suits.
Anthropologie Rya Collection Charming Gown
Featuring a halter neckline and an open back, this luxurious piece is exquisitely straightforward. With luscious charmeuse fabric and an impressively affordable price tag, it’s a cocktail ensemble that makes quiet luxury accessible. And unlike Qualley’s halter, this offering has a high-neck front design — making the tie-up back an even-more-appealing focal point.
Sandy Liang White Pointe Mary-Jane Ballerina Flats
For anyone looking to copy Margaret Qualley as closely as possible, meet these Sandy Liang Mary Janes. Complete with a subtle heel and a square toe design, the all-white pin-buckle shoes are the ideal elevated bridal flat. And with high-quality leather lining throughout, you know they’ll last long past the ceremony.
Reformation Jaide Dress
I know, I know. It’s not all white, so critics might say it’s not bridal. But coming from someone who has this dress, I can attest that it feels a propos at both a picnic and a summertime ceremony. With a romantic drop-waist silhouette and a lightweight linen skirt that hits just below the calves, it goes stunningly with a pair of pristine flats. And in the spirit of diverting from wedding norms, it fits the dress code perfectly.
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