StyleBakery.com | Ask The Style Chefs

What to wear with winter white

September 15, 2006

Q. I am a hostess for my friends’ wedding and we were asked to wear an ivory/winter white suit. I am not a shoe connoisseur and I have been pulling my hair out trying to find a pair of comfortable yet stylish closed toe, low heel shoe for the occasion - but it seems as though those are not popular colors. I have been to numerous stores and even checked many websites but have had no success. Is it appropriate to wear a black shoe and if so, what kind (patent leather, soft leather, etc…)?  -Confused and frustrated

A. I knew I could help you find choices beyond black to wear with your light colored suit. The point is to keep the look soft and sophisticated. Black can sometimes seem harsh. Look for ivory, taupe or beige, or other soft colors like caramel, tan or a pale gold or bronze metallic pump. I’ve found a few picks that suit your needs (the right color, low heel and closed toe) that won’t break the bank.

Stuart Weitzman Hampton
$218 at zappos.com

Fitzwell Sandy
$59.95 at zappos.com

Gabriella Rocha 1437 Vivian
$64.95 at zappos.com

Bridal fashion sizing

September 15, 2006

Q. I am going to be a bridesmaid in my friend’s wedding this fall. She is letting us choose the style of the dress but she chose the color. Cool, I thought. The problem is that my size is not my size. Ok, I wear a 6 or 8 in all my pants, jeans, suits and dresses whether it’s Joe’s Jeans, Moschino, Gap, BCBG, or Cynthia Vincent, etc. BUT the dress people at David’s Bridal told me my size is a 14! I’m flipping out. I could never fit into a 14. I’m 137 pounds. So tell me, what is with these gown companies?  -Schizophrenic Sizing

A. Ouch! You’re not the first to have that “sticker shock” when reading the size label on the dresses or have the bridal salesperson looking at your body and suddenly claim a size horrifically larger than you’ve ever seen grace your curves. It seems cruel. BUT, don’t get hung up on the size of your dress. Do you think you’re going to get a shake down at the wedding and someone’s going to scream out the size on the label? Most bridal designers offer their dresses in larger sizes with the assumption that the dresses for both bride and bridesmaid will be tailored to specifically fit her body shape, whether it be to hold and support larger breasts and a slim waist or fit a girl with a small bust, but with curvy hips and thighs. So stop flipping out and know that you won’t get the pat down and be forced to divulge the size to your friends and, perhaps, beau.

Gloves for black tie?

September 15, 2006

Q. Do you wear short gloves to an afternoon black tie affair?

A. Wearing short gloves all depends on the dress you’re wearing. Black tie is black tie no matter if it’s afternoon or evening. While many women don’t even think of wearing gloves, it can be seen as a sophisticated and elegant look. It works best with dresses that are sleeveless to 3/4 length sleeves since it’s best to see where the gloves end and a peek of some skin.

satin gloves, shown left, $40 at edressme.com

When can I wear velvet?

September 15, 2006

Hello Alison! I was just wondering when it is officially ok to wear velvet. It is now after Labor Day, but it is also about 78 degrees. Would it be ok to wear velvet now? Or would I just look silly if I did?  -Confused in Indy

A. It’s a bit too early to slide on that soft, slightly shiny, luxe fabric. Hold off until the temperatures drop in October, then wear it through February with abandon.

What do your wear to a wedding at a campsite?

September 15, 2006

Q. What is appropriate to wear to a wedding at a campsite on the lake in upper Michigan? The weather is warm during the day but chilly at night. They will have a large tent for the reception and the bride is wearing a traditional wedding gown and the groom is wearing a tux with Birkenstocks.
-Camp and cocktails

A. Obviously, we’re not talking black tie. There are still plenty of options. First off, skip high heels and choose a low kitten heel or wedge so you don’t sink into the ground. Don’t wear anything long. Consider a wrap dress, a dressier skirt and pretty top or a dress that is appropriate for a more casual wedding, but nothing you’ll be worried about getting a little dust or smidge of dirt on. And bring a wrap like a Pashmina or a pretty cardigan. If the dress is simple, look for a cardigan that has extra details like beading.

What to wear with winter white

Bridal fashion sizing

Gloves for black tie?

When can I wear velvet?

What do your wear to a wedding at a campsite?

get the scoop

like us on facebook!

subscribe + win

Categories

What to wear with winter white

Bridal fashion sizing

Gloves for black tie?

When can I wear velvet?

What do your wear to a wedding at a campsite?

get the scoop

like us on facebook!

subscribe + win

Archives

Categories