Recently in Weddings Category

Q. I have to attend three weddings in November - one which is an optional black tie. I didn't know November was such a popular wedding month! I'd like to get a dress that I can wear to all three...without spending a FORTUNE. Something trendy and gorgeous! I like black and bright colors and have auburn hair and fair/medium skin tone. Everything out there seems like it is still summery...also can I still wear sandals in November?

A. How lucky you are that you'll be getting so much use out of one fantastic dress! You mentioned that one wedding is optional black tie, but we're not sure if the other two weddings are more or less dressy. Below are some affordable options that can be dressed up or down for a multitude of occasions. Pair them with strappy evening-worthy sandals, some fantastic jewelry and you're ready to dance the night away.

Q. I have a lovely red satin dress that I would like to wear to a wedding but I am a little worried because everything I read says not to wear a red dress to a wedding...is this still true? Or is it an outdated taboo? I plan on wearing silver strappy shoes...but I am not sure how to do my makeup?

A. There are many who believe that wearing black (too funereal) or wearing red (too attention grabbing) to a wedding are big faux pas. I, however, am not one of them. To me, a little black dress is eternally chic, whether worn to a wedding or any other affair. As for red, in most cases it should be fine, provided it's not too lowcut or too sexy. The idea is not to steal the attention from the bride, so a super sexy and revealing dress in red (or any other bright color for that matter) is not appropriate. If your dress, accessories and behavior are tasteful, there should be no issue with the color of the dress.

To address the second part of your question: yes to silver strappy heels. Your makeup and hair should be simple and sophisticated in colors that work for your complexion.

Here are three gorgeous red dresses to wear to a wedding or other dressy affair:

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Cutaway Crepe Dress $152 at nordstrom.com

Anne Klein Dress Stretch Satin Sheath Dress $178 at nordstrom.com

Maggy London Beaded Silk Chiffon Dress $158 at nordstrom.com

Q. Bare legs or hosiery at a black tie optional wedding? I'm wearing a simple black dress with a lovely shawl. Also, I have a beautiful pair of patent leather pumps with a peep toe but think maybe I should wear a closed toe shoe? Thanks for your advice.

A. Feel free to skip the hosiery for your black tie optional affair if you feel more comfortable. As for shoes, peep toes are also acceptable, just be sure to have an immaculate pedicure.

Q. I'm getting married in August and I'm going to have a Church Ceremony. My mom is basically MAKING ME wear closed toe shoes because according to her strappy sandals are inappropriate for a Church Ceremony. Is that true???? I really wanted to wear strappy sandals instead of big clunky shoes! I need help convincing my mom. She will listen to you!

A. Strappy sandals are acceptable for most modern church ceremonies. If you belong to an ultra conservative church, or just want to please your mother, you can wear a closed toe shoe for the ceremony and then switch to a more fashionable strappy shoe for the reception.

Q. I have a dilemma. I am going to a wedding in August and need something to wear! What is appropriate? The ceremony is on a Saturday at 1pm with the reception to follow...Help! Oh, just to let you know, I am 5'6" and a little chubby. Any suggestions?

A. Since there's no indication of dress code, it's always safer to dress up rather than dress down. For a summer daytime wedding, opt for a dress in a pretty color or print with a hemline ranging from a minidress to a maxidress. Here are some figure flattering suggestions:


1. Phoebe Couture Bead Chiffon Dress, $248 at nordstrom.com
2. Donna Ricco Sleeveless Double V-Neck Dress , $158 at nordstrom.com
3. Adrianna Papell Bead Chiffon Party Dress , $198 at nordstrom.com
4. Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Print Stretch Charmeuse Dress, $158 at nordstrom.com
5. Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Gathered Matte Jersey Dress, $128 at nordstrom.com

Q. I am attending a Black Tie Wedding this weekend. I purchased a black halter style gown. My question is ...Do I wear a necklace? What type of jewelry would go with the dress?

A. Generally, you should not wear a necklace with a halter style dress. Instead, go for dramatic earrings and a cuff bracelet or cocktail ring.

Q. Wedding season is in full swing and I'm relying on this dress to carry me through several nuptials. I'm starting to have second thoughts on its overall cuteness and need help accessorizing to make it really pop with something like pink peep-toes or a yellow Pashmina. Also, can this dress translate from day to evening?
-Color Wanted

A. Don't rethink the simple sophistication of this dress, it will work for those special occasions this summer and a lovely way to make it pop is with a shot of color. We editors at StyleBakery adore our Love Quotes linen blend scarves, they work as a wrap with just about every summery dress I own and I can't do without them on my plane trips. They come in multiple colors, so choose a color and then add your heels as the potent pop to give flair to your look. I found several statement making pink strappy heels that would work with your patterned dress. As for a translation to daytime wear, tone down the look and keep it classic. Wear neutral heels or flat sandals and add a little cardigan or cropped fitted jacket and wear a thin patent leather belt around your waist over the cardigan or jacket. For sass, choose a belt in a color if the jacket or cardigan is simple.1. Nine West Solelyn, $83 at zappos.com
2. Nine West Argent, $83 at zappos.com
3. Charles by Charles David 'Soiree' Sandal, $114 at nordstrom.com
4.Martinez Valero 'Camila' Sandal, $126 at nordstrom.com 6. Love Quotes Scarves, $85 at pinkmascara.com

For daytime:
7. Leatherock Skinny Double Wrap Belt, $60 at nordstrom.com
8. Cashmere V-neck cardigan, $158 at jcrew.com
9. Summerweight cashmere short-sleeve cardigan, $168 at jcrew.com

Q. Would you please clarify whether it is appropriate to wear white to a wedding? I have a dress that is cocktail length in white and has a black 6-inch lace band around the middle. I was planning to wear a black sheer jewel wrap and black shoes. The bride is wearing white and the wedding ceremony is not at a church, but at the reception hall.
- Guest in White

A. It's always best to leave the focus in white on the bride. While your dress has a black band, it would still be better to wear any other color. And unfortunately the accessories are not distraction enough since you may remove the wrap for the festivities.

Q. I am getting married in September, and I plan to change out of my official, very heavy, wedding dress into a more fun, easy to dance in dress. Can you recommend a great second dress? I should mention this is a VERY formal affair. - Formal Seconds

A. If you're thinking about dancing, then you have to choose long or short and I'm a fan of changing from a gown to a dress of less weighty material and shorter length. I adore Monique Lhuillier for her ethereal ready to wear dress collections that easily can star in the second act of your wedding. Other designers to consider for the second dress would be Vera Wang and 3.1 Philip Lim - he has a white Grecian style dress that is gorgeous from his spring collection.


1. moniquelhuillier.com
2. moniquelhuillier.com
3. Chiffon Halter Dress at neimanmarcus.com

Q. I am going to a summer wedding and need some advice on my outfit. I purchased a pewter color dress from J Crew to wear to it, but my dilemma is the accessories. I want something to make the outfit pop. I was thinking some marigold yellow color shoes and a Pashmina might be nice...do you have any suggestions?
-Pop in Pewter

A. You'll surely help your look pop by adding bright colored strappy sandals. I found multiple choices in yellow and blue online at shops like zappos.com, nordstrom.com and jcrew.com.