Wedding Guest Garb: The Formal Wedding

The summer wedding season is right around the corner and if you are like most, you are attending at least one of these soirees in the next couple of months. Sometimes it's a little difficult to decide what would be appropriate to wear to these events, so as your fashionable confidant I thought I would share a few ideas over the next couple weeks. I will cover looks that range from more casual afternoon events to the most formal evening fete. I know that weddings are not cheap, the gift, getting there, the room (if you are staying over) all costs a bundle, that's why the looks I create will all ring in at under $200. You don't need to spend a fortune to look fabulous.

This is the last look in my "Wedding Guest Garb" series.  The most perplexing and perhaps costly of all the dress code looks is the formal wedding.  Formal dresses are longer in length, there is more fabric and there are certain materials more appropriate for evening.  Look for fabrics like chiffon, satin, silk and even a high sheen jersey.  Baubles are a great way to dress up the look as well, the more sparkle the better, but remember if your gown is heavily bejeweled, keep the rest of your adornments simple. The look I created for the formal wedding starts with an inexpensive jersey dress and relies on sparkly accessories to complete the look. If you have a question about what to wear to your summer event send me an email. Be sure to include your budget, the type of event, time of day, venue and any other details that would help determine dress code.  

What to Wear to a Formal Wedding

Dorothy Perkins twist dress, $59
Dorothy Perkins navy handbag, $27
Forever 21 goth jewelry, $13
Clear earrings, $20
BB Dakota hair bow accessory, $28
Caparros Raquel Sandal, $69

Wedding Guest Garb: The Semi Formal Wedding

The summer wedding season is right around the corner and if you are like most, you are attending at least one of these soirees in the next couple of months. Sometimes it's a little difficult to decide what would be appropriate to wear to these events, so as your fashionable confidant I thought I would share a few ideas over the next couple weeks. I will cover looks that range from more casual afternoon events to the most formal evening fete. I know that weddings are not cheap, the gift, getting there, the room (if you are staying over) all costs a bundle, that's why the looks I create will all ring in at under $200. You don't need to spend a fortune to look fabulous.

The ceremony is scheduled in that weird time between afternoon and evening, (nooning, or evennoon) the reception immediately follows. The reception is held at an upscale restaurant or a posh hall, but the dress code does not call for black tie formal wear. With this tricky dressing scenario it's easy to be confused, it's semi-formal, but what does that mean. In these situations I personally always ere on the more formal side (think: you would rather be overdressed than under dressed). Look for fabrics with a sheen, satins rather than knits or cottons and embellishments such as beading or crystals. The length can still be short, but keep it classy (nothing too short gals). Here is the 3rd look in my summer wedding series, I pieced together for a special semi-formal wedding.

Wedding Guest Look 3: Semi Formal

High heel sandals, $45
Magid frame bag, $20
Mixit crystal stretch ring, $9
Drop earrings, $20
Dress, $95

Wedding Guest Garb: Look 2

The summer wedding season is right around the corner and if you are like most, you are attending at least one of these soirees in the next couple of months. Sometimes it's a little difficult to decide what would be appropriate to wear to these events, so as your fashionable confidant I thought I would share a few ideas over the next couple weeks. I will cover looks that range from more casual afternoon events to the most formal evening fete. I know that weddings are not cheap, the gift, getting there, the room (if you are staying over) all costs a bundle, that's why the looks I create will all ring in at under $200. You don't need to spend a fortune to look fabulous. The second look in this series is tailored to a traditional church service wedding. For attending a church service, keep the look fairly conservative (as in more covered up), but have fun with colors and accessories. You can wear a sleeveless dress, but bring a jacket or cardigan for the nuptials, you can always whip the jacket off when you hit the dance floor at the reception.

Going to the Chapel

Dorothy Perkins flared dress, $44
Dorothy Perkins crop top, $44
ASOS high heel pumps, $40
Nine West cross body shoulder bag, $39
Lauren Conrad button pearl earrings, $11
Wallis feather hair accessory, $21
Chapel - 5x7 fine art print of old abandoned church, $15

Wedding Guest Garb: Look 1

The summer wedding season is right around the corner and if you are like most, you are attending at least one of these soirees in the next couple of months. Sometimes it's a little difficult to decide what would be appropriate to wear to these events, so as your fashionable confidant I thought I would share a few ideas over the next couple of weeks. I will cover looks that range from more casual afternoon events to the most formal evening fete. I know that weddings are not cheap, the gift, getting there, the room (if you are staying over) all costs a bundle, that's why the looks I create will all ring in at under $200. You don't need to spend a fortune to look fabulous. This week's look is tailored to an outdoor afternoon wedding. Be it in a backyard or in a lavish manicured garden, this look is a bright and sunny complement to the natural surroundings. Keep the dresses light and floating leave the form fitting frocks for the after hours. Floral prints are perfect, but if you detest prints you can easily choose a solid color that is light and bright. Don't forget to bring a little jacket or cardi for the outdoor reception when the sun dips and temperatures can drop. This is a perfect starting point for attending a friends afternoon nuptials.

In The Garden: Wedding Guest Look 1

Pastel dress, $43
Lime green jacket, $63
N Y L A platform wedge, $40
Straw handbag, $28
Twist jewelry, $24