Spring may be coming and going in bursts, but wedding season has arrived and isn't going anywhere for a few months. But before the actual weddings, there are a whole slew of parties to attend. If you are a guest, you can reuse your outfits with some creative accessorizing, but if you are the bride, you might want something special for each occasion. However, your pre-wedding dresses do not have to only be worn once. That's generally the fate of your wedding dress and you really don't need more single-wear pieces taking up space in your closet. 

You should also feel free to throw out all expectations of what a bride should wear if there is something completely different that makes you feel fantastic! Head over to your favorite stores and try on anything that catches your eye. Choosing something because you love it and not solely because it is appropriate for the occasion means that you are more likely to actually wear it again. 

What other style issues do you face during wedding season? Share your thoughts in the comments and I will be sure to answer them so you can look and feel great on the dance floor.

1. Do your research
I've never been to this bar before, but it only takes a quick Google search to find the Yelp page complete with photos from the venue. It may seem silly, but reviews often have lots of valuable information in them and reading them gives you clues about what to expect. For example, a negative review may complain that all the patrons are wearing polo shirts and that it feels like a party at a country club. You now know that it is the perfect place to rock your favorite preppy look. 

2. Don't buy something new
It is very tempting to head to your favorite shop and choose something that looks effortlessly amazing on the mannequin. That outfit may also look amazing on you, but that doesn't mean it is right for the event. One of the things I noticed while working retail was that my coworkers' thoughts on appropriate outfits for a dress code differed vastly from my own. Now, that isn't to say that I am always right or perfectly dressed. However, if you go into a store unsure of what is appropriate for your event and you seek help from someone with wildly different views, chances are that you will walk out of the store either completely disheartened or with an outfit you don't really feel comfortable in. 

Instead of browsing outfit ideas at the store, check out inspiration on Pinterest and then take a slow stroll through your closet. Pull out all the pieces that seem like they might work without worrying about how they will combine to make an outfit. Try on anything that looks promising and see what you feel the best in. Refer back to your inspiration photos and use your staple pieces and accessories to turn a perfect piece into the perfect outfit. Also, don't forget to put thought into your undergarments so that you feel comfortable and confident in every piece you are wearing.

3. Bring a neutral layer
The best way to nail an unknown dress code is to hedge your bets. For example, a cardigan over a dress can take your look from dinner at a nice restaurant to brunch on the patio. A piece of fun statement jewelry stashed away in your purse can take that dress to party time with only a quick trip to the bathroom (or vice versa, you can remove a piece a jewelry that makes you feel overdressed). A neutral outer layer, such as a sweater, blazer, or light jacket, gives you the option to transform your ensemble. This weekend the party I'm attending is at a dive bar and although I want to look nice, I don't want to look nicer than everyone else there. I'm wearing dark denim and my favorite wedge booties with a taupe, sequined tank. Although the top is fairly laid back as far as sequined tops go (it is hard to see in the photo, but the sequins are clear), I am hedging my bets (and keeping my arms warm) by layering a black, moto-inspired jacket on top. When it is zipped up, only a couple inches of sequins are visible, so if I decide it is not a sequin crowd, I can easily adjust my look. Knowing that I have options with my outfit once I arrive at the event means that I don't have to fret over whether I am on point with the dress code before I go. (If this sequin and jacket outfit sounds familiar, it is because I am a huge fan of it and have talked about it here and here.)

4. Be confident
Your attitude affects how people will react to your outfit. If you are over- or under-dressed, take a deep breath, put on your best smile, and decide that it is not worth worrying about. Think about it this way: if the dress code were imperative to your enjoyment of the event--such as a restaurant requiring a tie and jacket or a venue requiring close-toed shoes--then the dress code would have been clear to you (especially if you did a couple minutes of research). So, make a quick trip to the bathroom to adjust your accessories and then let it go. At the end of the night, people will remember how funny and interesting you were, not that you were wearing a cocktail dress to a casual house party.

Want to read more about dress codes? Check out these posts about style challenges and casual clothing.

As I was checking out my blog archives to see what topics I haven't covered recently, I stumbled across a great question in the comments from two years ago! I answered it there, but realized that many of you probably never saw the question or the answer. Even if you did, I think this is a helpful reminder. So, here is a great question from Jill from April 2013:

I am absolutely terrible at returning things. I always think I can make it work and then I hem and haw for so long that the return window has closed by the time I decide.

For the few things I do return, it usually boils down to one of these reasons:

1. I shopped around further online and found something more practical (and usually not as glamorous and eye-catching) and less expensive so that I could no longer justify the original purchase;

2. I divided the cost of the item by the approximate number of wears I was expecting to get out it and the price per wear wasn't worth it. This is most often the case with heels and party dresses. If a pair of heels is $100 but I only think I will have 2 occasions to wear them, then I will probably return them because I could buy 2 pairs of shoes each for $50 that would give me more usage. (Then again I have also splurged on party heels and not regretted it at all because they were just so perfect and comfortable, so it all comes down to gut in the end.)

3. I looked in my closet and saw something very similar either with the tags still on or only worn a few times. 

Before you part with the shoes, spend some time online browsing through Zappos or a department store website and see if there is something else you can get excited about. That makes it easier to return the ones you already have.

As an American, Madame Dariaux's idea of commuting into the city from "the country" seems quaint, especially since she insists that what you wear in the city is different from what is appropriate to wear in the country. Most commuters here are coming from the suburbs, and are not ditching their suits for Wellies and tweed jackets when they cross the threshold of their homes. However, her suggestions for what to wear to work hit on a couple basics that should be in every woman's closet.

A great suit requires an investment of both time and money. Since a poor fit make even the sharpest suit look sloppy, it is in your best interest to try on a variety of styles and brands before making any decisions. You might also experience some sticker shock if you haven't bought many suits, but something to keep in mind is the "price per wear." For example, the suit is $500, but is constructed with high quality fabric so you know you will be able to get a couple years of consistent wear before it begins to look worn. If you wear the suit twice a week for two years, you will get about 200 wears out of it. That makes the price per wear $2.50, which is the cost of a cup of coffee.

I think a coat is not only important for staying warm on your commute, but also for keeping your outfit fresh. If you take public transportation, there is always a chance that you will find yourself accidentally sitting in something sticky or dirty. However, it is also a great buffer for the coffee and bagel you are scarfing down on your way to work, even if you are driving yourself. For this warmer weather, a water-resistant trench is perfect in case of sudden rain showers.