Inspiration Board: Ways To Dress For A Wedding, Pt 2

So, we've taken a look at some of the classic looks for a wedding (and we'll finish up with another), but I always like to explore some offbeat options as well. Because sometimes, a girl just likes to do something different! To that end, how about a suit for a wedding? If the event is casual through semi-formal, you can be very of-the-moment and go for a pantsuit. As with dresses, choose a neutral, pastel or classic color. Darker pieces, like this charcoal one, will be more formal than light colors or patterns. Pair the look with chic, classic sandals or pointy-to pumps (kitten heels = a def can do!). I love the idea of adding a touch of color to neutrals, especially for a summer wedding; it helps keep the look bright and festive! If you possess a business suit (non-black, if the bride requests), you can make that work too! A gray, sand or navy set will work nicely, just be sure to pair it with a non-office-y blouse. Stay away from bow blouses and button-downs. Go for something beautiful and feminine: a halter or high-necked silk top with cutaway shoulders, a lace-detailed blouse in a pretty color or a satin (sheen encouraged!) cami. Lace, charmeuse and similar fabrics that are more challenging for (and therefore less common in) office environments will help give this look that party-ready flair. A beautiful sandal (flat works for less formal occasions; choose heels for dressier events) is the preferred way to finish this look. Strappy, toe-bearing styles will help direct this ensemble away from work vibes. Statement baubles will do that as well, so be sure to sprinkle in a few ;). For dressier events (semi-formal through black-tie optional (sometimes called "black-tie invited", this is a step below black tie and does not require a tuxedo for gentlemen or a gown for women, though both can be worn respectively), you'll need a more-formal-than-business suit. Look for a statement-type jacket in a non-wool fabric, preferably with a sheen. This ruffled peplum blazer or slightly cropped princess-seam piece are just the ticket. A long-and-lean tuxedo style suit (as demo'd by Renee, just skip the ivory and go for a different neutral) works fabulously as well. Slim pants are ultra-chic for most occasions, but flowing wide legs (e.g. palazzo pants) are more formal, so depending on your jacket style and the formality of the event, they may be the better choice. Elevate the suit through your accessories: statement shoes and earrings in glamorous crystal, or smooth and luxurious metallic pieces. I love the bold minimalism of using multiple smooth metal pieces in an outfit, such as a collar, and belt on the outside of the jacket, with coordinating shoes and clutch. The repeated metallic makes a simple, but powerful statement that makes this ensemble much more formal, as well as polished and sophisticated. For black tie and above events, wearing a suit is possible, but a bit more complicated. Precisely the right style is required. While sequined suits should be avoided for day weddings, they would be appropriate and daring at evening events - definitely a fun and intriguing option!

Last up is the go-to wedding piece: the short dress! For starters, let's talk about how short you can go ;). Generally, knee-length is the shortest you'll want to do, especially at casual events, where something super-short will come off too laidback. Paradoxically, you can go a smidgeon shorter (one inch below fingertip length is the limit, though :)) at semi-formal through black-tie optional events, where you can do more complex (and consequently more formal) pieces. The slightly shorter length brings a bit of fierceness that makes the party/fancy cocktail dress work.  For beach and garden weddings, an off-the-shoulder cotton (or similar material dress) is a fabulous choice; it's trendy and chic, while also being modest. Lace-up flats or espadrilles and playful accessories help to give a simple dress personality.Other options here are striped, polka dotted or floral print pieces.  This is one of the few types of weddings where a knit dress can be acceptable. Choose one with a fairly decent weight to it (no "featherweight" pieces) and a more sophisticated silhouette (leave the tank dresses home ;)). Also, skip denim and anything bodycon - the shorter length will make an ultra-form-hugging dress much more date-night than party time. Cap sleeved or elbow sleeved dresses are chic and feminine; consider them for weddings held in a church during the morning or early afternoon. A flowy A-line style in a pretty color is respectful, but lighthearted and joyous. I love the idea of contrasting a dress in a delicate fabric with chunky-heeled shoes. (Low, block heels will work here as well, as will fancy flats). For a slightly more formal take, consider a classic dress with an unexpected detail, such the asymmetric overskirt on this plum sheath. With flats, this fairly formal satin dress would be appropriate for a casual garden wedding, or morning event.  Dressing down a fancier piece with casual shoes, or a cardigan or cropped blazer is a great way to get extra mileage out of a dressier item. Conversely, pairing this dress with heels makes it appropriate for semi-formal occasions. The dark shade of this dress is quite chic; I love the idea of adding a bit of spark for summer by pairing it with bright shoes in a contrasting color, such as carnation pink, lemon yellow or cobalt. Let's not forget about tea length pieces in our discussion of short(ish) ;) dresses! Tea length is always classy. It's level of formality will depend on the fabric; a printed cotton shift can be quite informal (and would work for a garden or beach wedding when paired with espadrilles or minimalist sandals), while this royal blue chiffon example would be a flawless choice for semi-formal events. Strappy heels in a dark neutral create a super-sophisticated look, while a modern element, such as an ear cuff, can be used to add a subtle shot of trendiness. Multiple band-style rings in unusual placements or a metal belt would have a similar effect. Semi-formal-but-held-at-night events up to and including black-tie occasions call for a fancy cocktail or party dress - something dressier and with more detail than a sheath or flared style. This kind of piece will be done in a more formal fabric - think taffeta, satin, metallic damask or georgette - and be elevated by it's design: lace details, ruffles, intricate laser cutting, metallic embroidery. Because a shorter length is less formal, kick the look up a notch with statement crystal jewelry. Add a wrap or bolero for air conditioning or chilly evenings and finish with metallic, satin, or crystal-accented heels.
I hope this gets you excited and inspired for when the next invitation lights up your mailbox. Happy Wedding-Guesting, loves! XO