Honestly, if you’re still thinking about a "standard" bridal look, you haven't seen the Margaret Qualley wedding dress. It basically broke the internet in late 2023, and for good reason. When she married music producer Jack Antonoff on Long Beach Island, New Jersey, she didn't just wear one dress. She went through a whole wardrobe that felt more like a cool-girl fever dream than a stuffy celebrity wedding.
People keep calling it "quiet luxury." But is it really?
It felt more like a girl who just wanted to dance and eat oysters by the shore without tripping over a six-foot train. It was effortless. It was custom Chanel. And yeah, it was kind of perfect.
The Ceremony Gown: A Custom Chanel Masterpiece
Most people look at the ceremony photos and think, "Oh, a simple white dress." Look closer. That Margaret Qualley wedding dress was a custom Chanel halter-neck gown that actually took its cues from vintage 1920s silhouettes. It had this plunging neckline that could have felt risky, but the satin fabric draped so heavily it just looked elegant.
There’s a bit of a story there, too.
✨ Don't miss: Melania Trump Wedding Photos: What Most People Get Wrong
Qualley has been a Chanel ambassador for ages. She actually walked the runway as the "Chanel Bride" back in 2021 for their Fall/Winter Haute Couture show. Talk about manifesting, right? For her actual wedding on August 19, 2023, the brand created a piece that felt specifically "Margaret." It was backless, tied with a delicate bow, and featured very subtle beadwork around the neckline.
It didn't scream "I’m a movie star." It whispered it.
Why Everyone Is Obsessing Over the Mary Janes
You can't talk about the dress without talking about the shoes. Usually, brides suffer through five-inch stilettos and then complain about blisters by 9:00 PM. Margaret? She skipped the heels entirely.
She wore white satin Chanel Mary Jane flats.
🔗 Read more: Erika Kirk Married Before: What Really Happened With the Rumors
- The Comfort Factor: She wore them all weekend. From the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony to the after-party.
- The Trend: This single choice basically ignited the "bridal flat" trend that’s still going strong in 2026.
- The Detail: Her pair featured a tiny bit of crystal embellishment on the toe, giving just enough sparkle to peek out from under her hem.
If you’ve ever walked on a boardwalk in New Jersey, you know heels are a death trap. She was smart. She was practical. Honestly, it made her look even more chic because she could actually move.
The Molly Goddard Reception Switch
Later in the night, Margaret swapped the slinky Chanel for something much more playful. If you saw the blurry paparazzi shots of her and Jack walking hand-in-hand between venues, you noticed the volume.
The second Margaret Qualley wedding dress was a white midi-length piece by Molly Goddard.
Molly Goddard is known for tulle and "puff." This dress had these massive, sheer puffed sleeves and a square neckline. It felt very "Alice in Wonderland" meets "East Coast summer." She kept the same Mary Jane flats on, proving that a good shoe can survive a costume change. While the first dress was for the "I dos" at Bird and Betty’s, the second was for the party at Parker’s Garage.
💡 You might also like: Bobbie Gentry Today Photo: Why You Won't Find One (And Why That Matters)
It was a total vibe shift. It went from sophisticated "old Hollywood" to "art school cool" in about twenty minutes.
The Rehearsal Dinner Look
Even the night before, she was setting the tone. She showed up to the Black Whale Bar & Fish House wearing an off-the-shoulder white "peasant" style dress. It had a pleated skirt and a very relaxed, boho feel.
She walked arm-in-arm with her sister, Rainey Qualley, and looked like she didn't have a care in the world. Even though Taylor Swift was there causing a literal riot outside with fans, Margaret stayed in her low-key bubble. This dress, like her others, focused on movement and texture rather than "bling."
What We Can Learn from Her Style
So, what’s the takeaway here? If you're planning a wedding and feel pressured to look like a tiered cake, look at Margaret.
- Skip the heels if you want to. Seriously. If a Chanel muse can wear flats to her wedding, you can too.
- Halter necks are underrated. They show off the shoulders and back in a way that feels modern but still very classic.
- Venue matters. Her outfits matched the Jersey Shore location perfectly. Satin for the bayside sunset, puff sleeves for the casual restaurant party.
- Keep the hair simple. She wore her natural short bob. No complicated updos that require forty cans of hairspray.
Summary of Her Wedding Wardrobe
| Event | Designer | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Rehearsal Dinner | Unknown (Peasant Style) | Off-the-shoulder, pleated skirt |
| Ceremony | Custom Chanel | Satin halter, plunging neckline, backless |
| Reception | Molly Goddard | Puff sleeves, sheer panels, midi length |
| Footwear | Chanel | White satin Mary Jane flats (all weekend) |
The Margaret Qualley wedding dress choices worked because they felt authentic to her. She didn't look like she was wearing a costume. She looked like herself, just... elevated. Whether you're a fan of her movies or just looking for bridal inspo, her "New Jersey chic" wedding remains a masterclass in how to do a high-profile wedding without the high-stress wardrobe.
To recreate this look for yourself, focus on finding high-quality satin fabrics and silhouettes that prioritize your comfort. Look for tea-length or midi options if you want to show off your footwear, and don't be afraid to mix designers between the ceremony and the party. Authenticity always photographs better than a trend you don't actually like.