Tracy Lord, a wealthy socialite, is preparing for her second marriage to George Kittredge, a successful but dull businessman. On the eve of the wedding, her ex-husband, C.K. Dexter Haven, returns, ostensibly to win her back. Complicating matters further, two undercover tabloid reporters, Macauley "Mike" Connor and Elizabeth "Liz" Imbrie, arrive at the Lord estate under the pretense of writing an article about the wedding. Tracy's relationships with these three men become increasingly complex as she starts to see different sides of herself and the people around her.

As Tracy navigates through the chaos of pre-wedding arrangements and the unexpected arrivals, she finds herself questioning her feelings and motivations. Mike's genuine interest in her as more than just a subject of a story leads to an unexpected bond. Simultaneously, Dexter's charm and familiarity evoke memories of their past love. The film unravels as these interactions force Tracy to confront her ideals, vulnerabilities, and the true meaning of love, leading her to reevaluate what she genuinely wants in life and in a partner.