I have a lady friend who is attending a fancy family wedding in the coming months. We don't all go to a lot of weddings, in fact, I've only been a guest at two outside my own, and the weddings we go to are typically sundress affairs where you can typically pull any simple piece from your closet, add a wrap and go.
This wedding is a little more... her BF is wearing a tux (given he is a groomsman) it's at a yacht club and so it's formal. But at the same time it's not black tie. What to do?
Maybe those of you living in cities outside of DC have closets full of cocktail dresses, where as we have plenty of suits and shifts and sheaths. So the hunt is on for something formal but not fussy, sweet but not overly sexy and definitely not something that could be mistaken for a bridesmaid.
Here are some of my ideas...
J. Crew's Sinclair Dress in Silk Chiffon. Why? The chiffon, unlike tafetta, is not too bridesmaidsy, the color is punchy and fun and the neckline is sexy without being revealing. I also feel like this could make other outings to cocktail parties or date nights.
The Vivacity Shift from Anthro's wedding shop, BHLDN. The ruching and ruffles are sophisticated and add interest to a simple dress. The effect is very grown up and glamorous.
Kate Spade's Jane Dress is very ladylike, prim, proper and perfect for impressing the parents. Still the full skirt and bright color keep it fun.
And then there's long; I can't get enough of this Adelaide Dress by Tory Burch. I saw it in person on a woman working at the Mint Museum in Charlotte, and my god, was it glamorous on. She looked like some sort of 1930's summer confection. This is a perfect dress to strike the balance of formal and effortless.
Same designer, similar style Tory Burch's Leandra Dress subs sheer chiffon for the retro silk floral in the Adelaide Dress. Could the ties at the shoulders be anymore romantic?
The scarf-tie neck keeps this BCBG gown fresh and not overly formal. With fancy flat sandals it could take on an even more relaxed vibe. From Bloomingdales.
Back to short, rose lace, a flippy full skirt and keyhole back make Tracy Reese's Mariposa Dress flirty and fun. From Anthropologie.
Cute cap sleeves and a skirt that begs you to spin. Melia Dress from Reiss.
Cute cap sleeves and a skirt that begs you to spin. Melia Dress from Reiss.
The bold graphic skirt on the Kate Spade Celina Dress could go either way, dressed up with jewelry and fancy heels or down with a blazer and ballet flats.
Silky stripes and a sexy, off-the-shoulder neckline make the Talent Show Dress from Nanette Lepore a more off-beat choice.
