Recently in Weddings Category

Q. We are eloping in Vegas at a strip chapel, I found this cocktail dress in ivory, however I do not want to wear ivory shoes and I will need something to cover my arms since it is chilly this time of the year and I want to wear the dress out to dinner and wherever else we go that evening, I want to keep it simple as my fiance is wearing a white shirt, dark jeans and black dress shoes. Please help, I am running out of time.

A. Congratulations! Regardless of how dressed down your husband-to-be is, it’s your wedding and it’s Vegas! Don’t be afraid to put on the glam! Cover up your halter dress with a chic tuxedo jacket (which you’ll definitely wear again) or a pretty sequin jacket. Match your shoes to your jacket and you’re set! Here are two ideas for you:

Clear chandelier earring $45 - Banana Republic

Juicy Couture Tear Drop Earring $68 - Piperlime

Women’s Mossimo® Prue Glitter Heeled Platform Sandals - Gold $20 - Target

Parker Sequin Jacket $319 $190.99 - Piperlime

Badgley Mischka black satin ‘Fierce’ strappy sandals $122 - Bluefly

Current/Elliott The Diner stretch-denim tuxedo jacket $310 - Net-A-Porter

Laundry by Shelli Segal Pleated Chiffon Halter Dress $134 - 6pm.com

Q. I’ve got a soon approaching wedding reception to go to and after going crazy have finally found the dress I am going to wear. A little number hidden in the back of my closet, an off-white mini-sundress with ruffles —PERFECT for a lake side wedding. Only issue with the dress is that because it is made of linen, and not lined, it is see-though in direct sunlight. To not give my boyfriend’s family a show, I’ve been trying to find solutions to my dilemma and have run into a brick wall. Every half-slip or full slip is either too long or the cut isn’t right at the neck. Please be the gurus I know you are and help me figure out what I can do.

A. We can definitely help you find the correct underpinning for your unlined sheer dress. Since the top is closer to the body and you will likely be wearing a bra, you will only need a skirt-style slip for the bottom half; one that is short enough to wear under a mini dress.

That being said, you may want to think twice about wearing a white dress to a wedding. Though your linen mini dress can hardly be considered bridal, there are many who feel that a guest should never wear white to a wedding. If you are looking to impress your boyfriend’s family, consider whether they are traditional-minded when it comes to fashion before you wear white. Also, bear in mind that an all-linen dress will easily wrinkle, so you may not look as polished as you’d like after stepping out of the car.

FARR WEST 17 Half Slip - 15217 $30 - Lord & Taylor

Half slip $24 - Gap

Calvin Klein Underwear Women’s Solutions Half slip 18” $36 - Bloomingdale’s

Bali Shapewear, Power Shaping Half Slip 8557 $40 - Macy’s

Spanx slimplicity nude half slip $52 - Bliss

Commando Mini Half Slip Accessory $48 - Bare Necessities

Q: I’m attending a swanky black tie wedding this fall, and I’m not sure what to wear. I’m very petite (5’1”, 107 lbs) and any floor length dress I buy will have to have about 6 inches hacked off the bottom. Any suggestions that won’t break the bank in alterations? I love to use RentTheRunway.com but I’m afraid I won’t be able to do that for this event.

A. If you shop in the petite department, you shouldn’t have to alter the length of your dress very much, if at all. A floor length petite dress is made for people that are under 5’3” generally. Add to that a pair of heels and you should be all set! Below are some petite sized cocktail dresses and full length dresses to wear to your black tie wedding — and most are under $200.

Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Asymmetrical Pleat Woven Sheath Dress Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique $118 - Nordstrom

Tahari by Arthur S. Levine Shantung Sheath Dress $138 - Nordstrom

Adrianna Papell V-Neck Lace Sheath Dress $178 - Nordstrom

Adrianna Papell Pleated Sheath Dress Adrianna Papell Day $148 - Nordstrom

BCBGMAXAZRIA Ruffle Front One Shoulder Satin Gown $288 - Nordstrom

Adrianna Papell Tiered Satin & Chiffon Gown $196 - Nordstrom

Alex Evenings Double Strap Mesh Gown $118 - Nordstrom

Q. I bought this Robbi & Nikki dress months ago for a summer wedding. Now that the weather is warm and the wedding is approaching, I have three questions. First, what jewelry would you recommend to wear with this for the wedding? I’m not sure where to draw the line considering the beading. (Also, it’s an outdoor wedding in the country, so the dress code it somewhat fluid.) Second, for this outdoor country wedding, what kind of shoe do you recommend? No one likes to sink their stilettos in the sod. Third, I love the way this dress looks and feels, so I want to get more wear out of it. There is an anniversary party for my parents coming up later this summer, but it’s a brunch. Can I dress this down to be brunch appropriate? In these pictures they add a belt which seems to do the trick, but I wanted to know if you have any other suggestions.

A. You picked a pretty dress that can definitely be worn multiple ways. For the outdoor country wedding, you should look for gold or bronze metallic wedge to pair with your dress to keep your heels from sinking into grass or sand. Add a little color with your jewelry and handbag. Pretty earrings and a chic bracelet or cocktail ring are all that you need since a necklace would compete with the drapey neckline and beaded embellishments.

For your parents’ anniversary brunch, a pair of wedges or a heeled sandal and a belt will add daytime flair to the dress. You can also layer everything from a cardigan or blazer to a denim jacket or military vest over the dress to dress the look down even further.

Here are two looks for inspiration:

Woven Embossed Belt $45 - GUESS

Hive & Honey Natural Bangle $18 - Piperlime

Eric Michael Women’s Melina Espadrille Sandal $108 - Endless.com

Nine West Women’s Genevive T Strap Sandal $99 - Endless.com

Sanctuary Troop Vest $130 - Piperlime

wedding:

brunch:

Expressions NYC Woven Satin Minaudiere Clutch $58 - Nordstrom

Aqua Twisted Hinge Bangle $30 - Bloomingdale’s

Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings, Pink Agate $60 - Charm & Chain

Lasonia Women’s S7409 Wedge Sandal $24 - Endless.com

Seychelles Women’s Greatest Hits Wedge Sandal $94 - Endless.com

Robbi & Nikki Gray Beaded Cowl-Neck Dress $295 $197 (sale) - Neiman Marcus

Q. My fiancé and I are eloping and then celebrating with a big party a few weeks later with all of our friends and family. I would like to look “bridal” without wearing a traditional wedding gown. Can you help me find a fun, cocktail-style white dress to wear to my wedding party?

A. Congratulations! I think wearing a white cocktail dress is the perfect solution for looking like a bride at your party, while still wearing something a little less formal and traditional than a bridal gown. Below are some options for you. [Note: these dresses would also be perfect for an engagement party, elopement, or any less formal wedding occasion]

Laundry by Shelli Segal Pleated Chiffon Halter Dress $245 - Bloomingdale’s

Halston Heritage Shoulder Knot Dress $455 - shopbop.com

Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Cutaway Shoulder Beaded Jersey Dress $148 - Nordstrom

Aidan Mattox Sequined Silk One-Shoulder Dress $365 - Saks Fifth Avenue

Jessica Howard Dress, Sleeveless Empire Waist $118 - Macy’s

Adrianna Papell Dress, Embellished Neckline Cocktail Dress $150 - Macy’s

Nicole Miller Cutout Back Lace Sheath Dress $410 - Nordstrom

Sue Wong Beaded Necklace Keyhole Dress $355 - Neiman Marcus