Blake Lively’s Love Affair… with Marchesa

Long before she wed Ryan Reynolds in a custom Marchesa gown, the actress started a passionate relationship with the fashion line’s dreamy

WHITE NIGHTS

Earlier this summer, Blake gave her first-ever white Marchesa a spin in a crystal-embellished, butterfly-sleeve sheath. Not that she asked, but we think she could have recycled this sleek number for the rehearsal dinner!

SARI ABOUT THAT

The actress welcomed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to L.A. at a BAFTA gala last summer wearing a pale gray, lace-edged one-shoulder gown and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

CHEER SQUAD

The gal’s got some great legs, and she knows how to use them: She shows off her mile-long assets to full effect in a pom-pom-skirted, lace-bodice red mini and Brian Atwood heels at the 2011 CinemaCon awards.

DROP EVERYTHING

Blake loves to take a style risk – and with that body, she usually pulls it off. She wore an illusion-embroidered Marchesa dress with long fringe and drop earrings to the Gossip Girl 100th episode celebration in 2011.

ROYAL PURPLE

Showing off her talent for self-styling once again, the actress dressed herself in a laser-cut amethyst dress by the line for a 2011 N.Y.C. gala, then added turquoise jewelry to pop against the rich hue.

FRINGE BENEFITS

A particular favorite in the StyleWatch offices, this beaded-and-fringed orange shift made the star a standout at a Van Cleef & Arpels party in 2011.

LACED UP

With its corset design, feathered skirt and saucy black lace details, we can’t help thinking that this boudoir-inspired Marchesa number, worn to the 2009 Where the Wild Things Are premiere, would have been a big hit at the bachelorette party.

SHORTS STORY

Though Marchesa is known for its striking gowns and intricate detailing, the star (who doesn’t use a stylist) picked an understated white blazer and black shorts by the line and added David Yurman jewels for a 2009 screening of her film The Private Lives of Pippa Lee.