Wardrobe Counsel

Cult Gaia focuses on creating objects d’art, collectible works of art that are high-quality and make you look twice. The Spring 2025 line reflects just that. Drawing inspiration from Sandro Botticelli’s painting, The Birth of Venus, every piece uses fabrics and details to reference its ethereal beauty.

One item in particular stands out from the collection: the Bebe Dress. The mini dress features a square neckline with handcrafted bead and sequin embroidery on 100% polyester. This colorway features an artisanal portrait pattern, tying back to imagery from Botticelli. It is the perfect party dress, guaranteed to make an impression and draw attention.

The Bebe Dress is paired with Cult Gaia’s Simona Sandal, an open-toed heel with two gold buckles. Made of black leather, the heel sits at 3.35 inches tall. The only accessory seen is the Meerah Earring, also from Cult Gaia. The earrings feature antique brass and a dangling pearl on each hoop. Altogether, the look creates a shining silhouette adorned with tasteful touches of gold.

Coming in at $2,264, this look from Cult Gaia's Spring 2025 collection is certainly an investment. However, a similar aesthetic can be achieved for less than half that price with the pieces listed below:

For Love & Lemons Opal Mini Dress in Gold

The first dress option is the Opal Mini Dress in Gold from For Love & Lemons. The main polyester dress features similar shades of gold in both sequins and beads, making it similar to the Bebe Dress. While still fitted, the neckline is different from a square neck since it has wiring as support. The back also differs from Cult Gaia’s mini dress with a lace-up, open back, and there is a small cutout in the front. However, the intricate fabric ties it closely back to the Bebe Dress, as well as its description as a party dress. Coming in at $279, this dress from For Love & Lemons is only a fraction of the price and makes it a great alternative option.

Tularosa Bellini Sequin Dress in Cherry Blossom

Another great alternative is Tularosa’s Bellini Sequin Dress in Cherry Blossom. While the color scheme might not match the Bebe Dress, the overall fit and aesthetic make up for it. The different shades of pink and floral design are made using beading and sequins as well, and the neckline is similar with a slight cowl. The straps cross each other in the back, which is slightly different from Cult Gaia’s dress, and it is made with nylon instead of polyester. The Bellini Sequin Dress features beaded fringe at the hem, giving it an added flair and standout factor. Ultimately, at $258, Tularosa’s mini dress is a perfect option for similar vibes on a budget.

Tony Bianco Lush Sandal in Black Hi Shine

A similar option for heels is the Tony Bianco Lush Sandal in Black Hi Shine. For $190, this heel features a similar gold buckle detail over the toe strap. There is only one buckle as opposed to two, and the heel is slightly higher at about 3.75 inches tall. However, the straps on the side and the slingback are extremely similar, making this heel a slightly taller, great alternative.

Dolce Vita Mylee Heels in Black Leather

Dolce Vita also has a comparable shoe: the Mylee Heel in Black Leather. The greatest difference between the shoes is the thicker heel with a 2.3-inch height, perfect for anyone looking for something slightly shorter. Dolce Vita’s heels also have a gold buckle and an additional piece of gold hardware, making it similar to the two gold details seen on the Cult Gaia example. For only $125, the Mylee Heel is perfectly priced for a similar shoe.

Linjer Pearl Drop Earrings

Regarding the earrings seen in Cult Gaia’s look, the Linjer Pearl Drop Earrings come close to perfect. At $189, the earrings feature recycled silver and gold paired with freshwater pearls, arguably higher quality than the brass-plated metal and glass in Cult Gaia’s Meerah Earring. With a slightly different look of hammered metal and an imperfect hoop, Linjer offers a great alternative for the same aesthetic.

Adorn Pili Thea Earrings

An additional accessory similar to Cult Gaia’s is Adorn Pili’s Thea Earrings. With gold-filled metals and genuine freshwater pearls, the quality is high with an emphasis on being tarnish-resistant and hypoallergenic. While the Meerah Earring and Linjer examples are both studs, this alternative from Adorn Pili provides a hoop option with no earring back needed. The earrings still provide the same aesthetic, but for those who prefer a closed hoop and a lower price of $130, this is a perfect option.

Essential

From office to happy hour, one thing all women on the go need in their closet is a comfortable pair of heels. Introducing Stuart Weitzman’s Vinnie 50 Slingback, a pointed toe, 2-inch heel made for comfort. Offered in 10 different colors, the shoe is molded for sophistication and style in real leather. Whether you need a plain black heel to wear with slacks or want to spice things up with a shiny silver, the Vinnie 50 Slingback has a colorway.

Stuart Weitzman focuses on artisanal Spanish craftsmanship in its shoes, shaping leather to fit the needs of the women who wear them. The brand draws inspiration from confident, bold, and strong women, and it really can’t get much better than that. It emphasizes that shoes must be both comfortable and beautiful, a necessity for a busy woman. Overall, for $550, the Vinnie 50 Slingback combines high-quality craftsmanship with professional style, making it something every woman needs in their wardrobe.

Modern Muse: Cult Gaia’s Bebe Dress

Wardrobe Counsel

Essential