Q. I am a bridesmaid in an upcoming beach wedding that the chosen colors are fuschia and turquoise. I have to say, the bride picked out a hot little fuschia halter dress for the bridesmaid dresses. But, my dilemma is the shoes and the jewelry. First of all, what color shoes would you suggest? I’m thinking more of a silver sandal or very low heel. Second of all, they just sent the picture of the jewelry (see attached) and the turquoise large teardrop pendant and earrings are supposed to be for me. Is it just me, or is this a hideous ensemble?
-Jewelry Uncertain
A. Not loving the jewelry choices, especially the “rough” cut combination. Without seeing the dress, it’s difficult to choose many options for you that may work for the dress. I am not a fan of wearing matching earrings and necklace. I think it’s boring and skips an opportunity to express your style and take a chance. I do not know how many bridesmaids are in the wedding party, but as I’ve said in past Ask Alison columns, I am not in favor of making the bridesmaids into paper cut-outs and dressing them the same from head to toe. It can become costly to the bridesmaids to buy the dress, the jewelry, the shoes, etc. that are the choices of the bride. Unless the bridesmaids are clueless about style, I believe in letting them make a few choices in their attire, whether it be shoes, jewelry or both. And, of course, with the help of digital cameras and computers, friends can send photos to the bride to let her know what they intend to pair with the dress to get final approval.
With that in mind, I would suggest keeping jewelry delicate for a beach wedding. A thin silver or gold necklace with a charm or small bead would be lovely - and then add earrings. As for your feet, keep to flat silver or gold sandals since you’ll be in the sand. If the reception moves indoors or to a real dance floor, you can bring along heels to slip into.
some beachy suggestions:
1. Lisa Goodwin Wishful Linking Necklace Chalcedony/Optimism, $85 at maxandchloe.com
2. Lisa Stewart Hoop Earrings with Wrapped Turquoise, $180 at maxandchloe.com
3. Allison Daniel Large Starfish Necklace, $8 at allisondanieldesigns.com
4. Haley M Endless Pearl Hoops, $55 at haleym.com
5. Zoe Chicco Silver Wishbone Necklace, $75 at maxandchloe.com
