Recently in Weddings Category

Q. I bought this dress to wear to my bridal shower being held this summer. The dress comes to just above my knee (in the picture it is shorter). What shoes can I wear with this dress?
- Shoe Need

A. Since it’s your bridal shower, it’s not necessarily an event to sport stilettos. Your dress is sweet, but not overly dressy. I’d suggest a mid height metallic heel or wear a bright spring color like a yellow sandal.

The Dress: Evan Picone Pleated Dot-Print Dress, $99 at amazon.com

1. Lumiani Fawn, $170 at zappos.com
2. Twyla midheels, $175 at jcrew.com
3. BCBGirls Albania, $89 at piperlime.com

Q. I have a Saturday night, black-tie wedding coming up and I have no idea what to wear. I know people traditionally wear long, black dresses, but since I’m kind of small (5’2”, size 0), I’m afraid I would get lost in a dress like that. Also, since I’m 24 and it’s summer, I wouldn’t mind straying from black and wearing something fun. Keeping this in mind, what would be appropriate? Would a cocktail dress be ok? Or are there any particular styles of long dresses that flatter shorter people? Do you have any suggestions?
- Distressed Over Dress

A. A long gown on a petite woman can look like an overwhelming amount of fabric or look like you’re playing dress up in your mom’s closet. Black tie affairs no longer require a long gown - just an appropriate dress that is fiercely festive, sophisticated and elegant. I shopped for several options and it’s purely coincidental that they all are strapless.

1. Strapless Florence dress, $250 at jcrew.com
2. Jillian strapless dress, $295 at jcrew.com
3. Kay Unger Strapless Bubble Dress, $330 at saks.com
4. BCBGMAXAZRIA Silk Strapless Dress, $360 at saks.com
5. BCBGMAXAZRIA Silk Empire Dress, $156 (sale) at saks.com
6. BCBGMAXAZRIA Satin Cocktail Dress, $288 at saks.com

Q. Can you make some suggestions on what to wear to a wedding in late May in Florida? The ceremony will be on the beach and the reception is going to take place on a boat and it is bound to be HOT & HUMID in Florida that time of year. I have several black dresses that I could wear but I am concerned that will look to formal and “dark” for this event. - Cool in Heat

A. The weather will most likely be hot, so to help avoid a sweaty brow and underarms, skip the black dress which will soak up the sun’s heat and look for a dress in a fun, bright color and preferably sleeveless or strapless. Since the ceremony and reception are more casual and are water related, keep the length of the dress to somewhere between mini and cocktail just in case you get a chance to cool your toes in the water.

1. Cotton cady strapless Claudine dress (available in 10 colors), $260 at jcrew.com
2. Milly Nautical Print Rope Halter Dress, $412 at bloomingdales.com

Q. I have been so inspired by all of your bridesmaid tips. I am narrowing down bridesmaid dress choices for my wedding next April. I think the silk chiffon Sophia dress by J Crew in bright aquamarine or maybe tulip - (haven’t decided) is most likely the dress I’ll go with, since it seems to be pretty flattering for the body types of all my bridesmaids and it’s a good price, to boot. The question that remains is shoes! I am considering letting the girls choose their own, but I’d like to give them a color to make them look somewhat uniform. Bad idea? I’m thinking gold or silver… any suggestions? I love the look of a d’orsay heel, but I’m not sure if that will be appropriate for a springtime, late-afternoon wedding (indoors). Please advise! Thank you!
- Shoe Clueless

A. For either dress, gold or silver will work and as I’ve said in the past, it’s a help to your bridesmaids cash flow to offer them the opportunity to buy their own shoes in your color of choice. They may already own one of these metallic colors and if not, a metallic heel is certainly a must-have in a girl’s shoe closet. I’ve found a few options that will work with the dresses once you make your color choice. While d’orsay heels are stylish enough for indoors or outdoors, they are not so readily available in multiple choices of metallic as sandals are each season. So perhaps keep the options open.

1. Matisse ‘Elvey’ Pump, $114.95 at nordstrom.com
2. Liza patterned d’Orsays, $195 at jcrew.com

3. Charles by Charles David ‘Pandora’ Metallic Sandal, $66.90 (sale) at nordstrom.com
4. Lucie high heels, $168 at jcrew.com
5. Caparros Jalena, $65 at piperlime.com

Q. I recently got engaged and will be planning a wedding on the beach. Do you think black is an appropriate color for a bridesmaid’s dress for a beach wedding?
-Hot Color  

A. I would probably choose a color to keep the look cheerful since black can make you feel even hotter in the sun. It seems to attract and “suck” up the heat. If you choose black, then opt for a dress that looks more like a sundress or choose cotton and brighten the arrangement of flowers or keep it very simple and contemporary with a white floral bouquet.