Recently in Weddings Category

Q. I will soon attend a dressy wedding for which a bought a knee-height black satin dress. Now I’m looking for a pair of proper shoes. One candidate is black suede high heel pumps with tiny gold lines on it, while the other is high heeled black patent. My best choice would have been black satin shoes, however can’t find them in nearby stores. Is it ok to wear suede shoes with a satin dress? And what color hosiery alternatives would you recommend other than black, considering i don’t wanna be “all-black”?

A. Black suede or patent would look lovely with your black satin dress. In fact, the mixture of textures adds richness to your look. Don’t feel boxed in by having to match fabrics and luster.

As for hosiery, a dressy wedding might not be the time to take a risk with a contrasting pair of hosiery when you are wearing black shoes and a black dress. Instead, why not opt for hosiery with a texture or pattern to help avoid the all-black look. A pair with subtle gold shimmer might work also. (see options below) For a holiday party or festive affair, you can have fun with your hosiery color and opt for a rich purple or a silvery gray (though not if your shoes have gold lines in them).

Q. I have a dress I purchased this summer for a wedding. It is a navy blue shiny jersey fabric, with a scoop neckline, lingerie straps, empire style bodice with beading and drops to an A-line skirt. Could I add a jacket or cardigan and wear it to a fall (Nov 7th) wedding? I’m assuming my gold sandals would look too summery and I might need to find a more season appropriate shoe. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

A. You can absolutely wear this dress in the fall. Without knowing how dressy the wedding is that you are invited to, we would suggest a dressy cardigan or jacket in black or silver. Below are some pretty beaded and sequined options that might work for your navy blue dress. If you opt for the black/navy combination (a very chic look by the way), then wear black heels and bare legs or black sheer hose. Silver heels are also an option.

Q. I am going to wear a tea-length black dress to a 6:00 p.m. wedding reception that calls for cocktail attire. I’m only 5’3” and don’t want to “shorten” the look of my legs. This being the case, would you advise not wearing a t-strap shoe (or even a shoe with a thin ankle strap)? Would a slip-on shoe be better?

A. Tea length dresses tend to hit somewhere between your knee and your ankle, or mid-calf. Since you are petite, a t-strap or ankle strap shoe will likely shorten the look of your legs. To make your legs look as long as possible, opt for a strappy shoe or pump that covers as little of the top of your foot as possible.

Q. My husband and I will be attending an evening gala that is cocktail chic. What type of clothing is cocktail chic? Any suggestions for both of us?

A. “Cocktail Chic” is similar to “Cocktail Attire” but with a little extra room for interpretation. Typical cocktail attire consists of short party dresses for women and dark suits for men. Cocktail Chic includes these items but can also include more creative combinations like a dressy top and pants for women or sport coats and blazers for men. Listen to the “chic” part of the dress code and wear something stylish and modern, rather than safe and classic.

A few suggestions for you:

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.