Any help on fashion advice for a wedding?

silhouettes

We got invited to a wedding.. my husband's bosses's daughter.

I have not been to to many weddings, especially like this one.

I don't think it's going to be overly fancy, but more so than my own was or than all our friends.

So I'm trying to figure out something to wear.. not to casual or to fancy. I was thinking a dress but the one I wanted to buy my husband said looked to "night out". So what do you guys think is appropriate to get? A dress? Long, short? Pant suit (I hate those :P) A skirt?

I am horrible with fashion and have no clue what to buy! Any help!

kurenaikumo

One question- What time of the day is the event?

Also helpful if you know what style or color the bridal party is wearing.

leomom72

i think wear what you feel most comfortable in..unless you are IN the wedding party, just wear something dressy yet classy..

silhouettes

It's at 7 PM and I have no clue what the bridal party is wearing... I don't know the bride (which is worse!) or the groom, but my husband sort of knows them, we feel like we have to go since she's the daughter of the boss.. and the one time I meet her she really seemed to want us to come.. and was nice, but she seemed... different than us.. more sophisticated I guess.. into clothes and hair and stuff were we are more into music and jeans and stuff you know what I mean? So that's why I figure it's going to be fancier than I am used to.. but that's all I know... I don't feel comfortable really asking questions since I only meet her once.. but I do want to fit in... crappy situation!

kurenaikumo

Traditionally, anything after 6pm is considered "black tie", which is generally guys in 3pc suits or tuxes and women in (generally) longer length, darker colored gowns and a bit heavier jewelry and perhaps up-do hair. Short cocktail or very brightly colored dress is out of the question IMHO.


^^^YES^^^


^^^NO^^^

karenjoy

I would always wear a dress and a big hat to a Wedding, or s facinator at the very least, but I am English and since having had a lot of Canadians attend my Wedding, I know that what is considered normal to wear to Weddings is different on this side of the pond...

Il_DaniD_lI

I would wear a cute spring dress with heels!

holycabbage

one easy rule of thumb to follow is: if it's a fabric you'd wear to work, you can't wear it to a fancy wedding. this means no cotton, jersey, wool, tweed, etc. wear a dressy fabric like silk or satin (or something that looks like silk or satin).

unless it's explicitly specified as a black-tie wedding, i personally wouldn't show up in an evening gowns and jewels and an elaborate updo. you don't want to be overdressed. that being said, you don't want to be underdressed either. honestly, the best thing to do would be to ask your boss if it's a black-tie event. if so, follow what @kurenalkomo said. if not, it's a semi-formal event.

if this is the case (or you just reeeally don't want to ask your boss), you're trying to look very dressy but not too ostentatious. wear something elegant - no sequins, no bright colors (except red). accessorize with delicate, expensive (or expensive looking) jewelry. nothing should fall above your knees. a strapless dress is going to look nice and classy at a knee-length level; if you want the hem to hit the floor, make sure it has sleeves so it's not too showy. and, of course, you can't go wrong with a fancy LBD! (:

here are some examples of what i'm thinking:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/eliza-j-beaded-one-shoulder-satin-dress/3286525?origin=category (this is a great silhouette but i wouldn't suggest this color - it's probably too pale to be appropriate)
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/adrianna-papell-matte-jersey-taffeta-dress/3324481?origin=category
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/alex-evenings-crisscross-waist-mesh-gown/3124107?origin=category (deep purple is a great color - pretty but formal)
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/maggy-london-side-bow-stretch-satin-sheath-dress/3084807?origin=category (a good example of a fancy LBD!)
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/adrianna-papell-flutter-sleeve-tiered-dress/3258843?origin=category

hope this helped! have fun!

silhouettes

Thanks for the pictures, that does help!

kurenaikumo

@HolyCabbage- I LOVE the 4th one (short black with side bow). That'd be great for a semi-formal, maybe even black tie with some accessorizing

silhouettes

This comes in a few different colors including this one and black, do you guys think this would work?



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pcousins13Patricia

This comes in a few different colors including this one and black, do you guys think this would work?



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WOW! That dress is gorgeous! I can't see how that WOULDN'T work!

shayjgordon

This comes in a few different colors including this one and black, do you guys think this would work?



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Awesome dress!! love it

UrbanRunner81

I wore this to my brother's wedding yesterday



http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/hepcat-dress-in-black-licorice

It wasn't a fancy wedding, but dressy casual.
I got tons of compliments on it. I paired it with a little black cardigan and red wedge sandals.

silhouettes

Thanks! I have been internet surfing all day and that's my favorite one I found so far in my price range.

new2locs

This comes in a few different colors including this one and black, do you guys think this would work?



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new2locs

This comes in a few different colors including this one and black, do you guys think this would work?



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This is cute I think. Good luck & happy shopping!!!!

dovesgate

It's an evening wedding. What sort of place is the venue? If she is getting married at 7pm in a garden, it'll probably be semi-formal. If she's getting married at 7pm in a church, it'll be semi-formal to formal.

The red dress is really nice and I think wearable for either semi-formal or formal depending on how you accessorize it. I wouldn't buy your choice in black, red, or any other color that pulls attention from the bride. Some more fashion-forward people won't mind you wearing black but some old school people (like the bride's grandma) might be offended if you wore black. My sister-in-law put out the word for the family to all wear black but that was the only wedding I have ever been to that female guests wore black.

I found a checklist on theknot.com that gives a general guide. It does say black is ok; YMMV.

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/attending-wedding/articles/wedding-guest-attire-cheat-sheet.aspx

silhouettes

Thanks, at the moment all I know is that the recption is going to be at an orchard.. I have never been there before.

KathyChampi

I think you wear something simple but chic. Accessories would dress up any garment. Nice pair of shoes and the right amount of jewelry.

dovesgate

Okie dokie, orchard wedding. I google'd some pictures from weddings at that theme so you can get an idea. I'd go with semi-formal at the most just because of the venue. No (reasonable) bride would make her guests show up in formal length gowns to an orchard.

Evening wedding (or daylight wedding, evening reception):
http://www.stylemepretty.com/georgia-weddings/2011/10/17/stonover-farm-wedding-by-orchard-cove-photography/
http://maliaraephoto.com/blog/?p=1064

Afternoon wedding:
http://www.stylemepretty.com/2012/04/18/darien-connecticut-wedding-from-orchard-cove-photography/
http://rusticweddingchic.com/real-wedding-county-line-orchard-hobart-in

Nothing too sexy, no sequins or beads, not too short or too long (1 inch above the knee to tea-length).

I'd do something like this:
http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/p-891-caviar-dress-jewel-tones.aspx

http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=1e80f46&DeptID=83799&CatID=83822&SO=0&Ne=4294957900+6+4+5+3+1031+18+966+585+904+833+1545&NOffset=0&shopperType=G&N=4294930068&Nao=0&PSO=0&bcCat=3&CmCatId=83799|83822

http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=1e80f50&DeptID=83799&CatID=83822&SO=0&Ne=4294957900+6+4+5+3+1031+18+966+585+904+833+1545&NOffset=0&shopperType=G&N=4294930068&Nao=0&PSO=0&bcCat=3&CmCatId=83799|83822

http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=1e7e785&DeptID=83799&CatID=83822&SO=0&Ne=4294957900+6+4+5+3+1031+18+966+585+904+833+1545&x5view=1&NOffset=0&shopperType=G&N=4294930068&Nao=21&PSO=0&bcCat=3&CmCatId=83799|83822

Julielynn83

Here are some cute dresses from JC Penny! Good prices too!

Myla9

I used to work as a wardrobe consultant and have read most of the posts and seen the photos. By your photo (and congratulations on your weight loss!) obviously you arequite young. You have received many replies with some good questions and advice. I would like to add a few more if I may. It's very helpful that you know the location, time of the wedding and that the bride may be planning something rather upscale. This being said, the bride, groom, wedding party and immediate family most often do dress somewhat fancier than the guests per se. You mentioned that your lifestyle does not usually necessitate the need for clothing, anymore than casual. Keeping this in mind, remember this is only one event and as such, I would consider you not invest too much (depending on your personal budget) into an outfit that you may or may not where again. I would suggest you keep this in mind when shopping for your outfit. Everyone wants to be dressed appropriate for an occasion such as this but keep it practical and simple. If you choose a classic, simple dress it will never go out of style again and you can probably wear it to another occasion in the future. Purchasing something very trendy may limit this option considerably. You can never go wrong with a cocktail length dress, with simple lines, a fairly delicate or semi-delicate fabric. This will ensure that you may even be able to wear it again at another time of year, depending on where you live. If it is a "garden" wedding, shoes with heels too pointed may leave you sinking into the grass. lol If your dress is light and airy, don't choose foot apparel that is too "chunky". Once again, if you don't wear fancy shoes often, try to choose a style that you will be able to get some wear out of. Be sure not to "over accessorize". Less is more! Something simple like pearls, all silver or all gold (most of us don't have the real ones!) would be enough. If budget is an issue, perhaps you can borrow from a friend or family member. Again, try not to wear anything too "chunky" or over-bearing. I hope I have not been too long-winded and that this is of some help to you in choosing an outfit! Simple, classic and practical would be a good choice! All the best with your shopping and most of all, just be yourself and enjoy the wedding! :-)

Heatherbelle_87

What color is the red dress available in? Your skin tone you could totally pull of navy, gold, or silver

silhouettes

Thank you for all the replies! I read them all and they all help.

As for the question in what color does that dress I posted come in, it comes in White, Black, Red, Blue, and Purple.

Heatherbelle_87

Purple! fashionable, classy, but not so "wedding" that you couldnt wear it elsewhere!!