wedding season: skip the dress and heels

When you get a wedding invitation in the mail, there are lots of things that need to be done: accommodations and travel arrangements, choosing the perfect gift, and of course, deciding what to wear. Since dress codes are more of a dress spectrum (and a vague one at that), it is tempting to just wear a variation of what everyone else will be wearing. A dress that hits just above the knee, usually in a solid color or a subdued pattern, heels that are much too high to dance in for hours, and a pashmina to keep the evening breeze at bay. While I love all of those pieces, I don't love wearing the same formulaic outfit over and over. Fashion should be fun and when you have an occasion to dress up you should not be limited! Wedding season is winding down with the summer, but you may still have a few left to attend. And depending on how packed your social calendar is, you may be running out of solid colored, knee-length dresses to wear. 

But, if you skip the dress and heels, the options open up. Plus, you don't have to worry about showing up wearing the same dress as someone else. The one downside to a dress is that it is very obvious when someone is wearing the same one as you. Skirts are great because even if someone else shows up wearing the same one, it is unlikely that they will have paired the same top with it. (Unless you both bought the outfit off a mannequin at the same store.) Your unique styling will keep you looking fresh. 

For the top, choose a fabric with some sheen to make it feel formal enough for evening. I am partial to a silk cowl neck shell in a neutral color that you will be able to pair with a variety of bottoms. For the skirt, texture is key to making it feel dressy. Lace and jacquard are both great options that won't make you look like you ran to the ceremony straight from work. I love the cheerfulness of the orange and pink dot jacquard skirt from Boden, but for those less adventurous with color, there are some lovely black lace options from Ann Taylor and J. Crew. 

Bella Vita Taliah Flat in Champagne $62.99

You can also leave your heels at home in the closet without feeling guilty. While I love a gorgeous pair of heels that are not practical to walk long distances in, they are not the best footwear option for an event where you want to be socializing and dancing. It's common enough that women kick off their heels to dance barefoot that some couples now make flip flop baskets available at the reception to keep people on the dance floor.

Boden Spot Jacquard Skirt $108 (also available in navy and teal)

I am not by any means suggesting that your footwear does not matter, but rather that because it is part of your outfit you should choose shoes that you can last all night in. Metallic flats have an extra bit of pizzazz just based on their color, but there are plenty of other ways to make a statement, such as perforation (such as the pair pictured above), contrast coloring, shape. Look for a style with clean lines and stay away from loafers (which look business-y) and thick rubber soles (which look casual). Peep-toe flats are also a fun option because then you can choose a matching or contrasting nail polish color for your toes! You'll get to dance all night and not suffer from sore feet the next morning which is the perfect stylish success.

J. Crew Metallic Jacquard Cigarette Pant $198

My last suggestion for an unconventional wedding outfit is probably going to be the one that gets the most push-back because it goes furthest away from the wedding formula we are used to. Instead of a dress or a skirt, wear a pair of fancy pants. A straight-leg, ankle-length pant in a jacquard is a great option and can be found in the fancy pants section of a department store. Banana Republic and J. Crew also often carry jacquard ankle pants. Metallic accents, even if it is just metallic threads sewn into the pattern, and rich jewel tones elevate the pants to evening. Pair with a silk cowl neck top, a dark jacket, and heels. (I know I just tried to convince you to wear flats in the last couple paragraphs, but for a dressier event, an ankle pant should be paired with a heel.) A quick note on the jacket--get a jacket or blazer specifically designed for evening. The jacket from your business suit will have the wrong proportions and detailing for the formality of a social evening event. A crepe blend is usually a good bet and details such as gathering around the waist, a grosgrain ribbon tie, or a scalloped collar can make a black blazer the most wonderful piece in your wardrobe. 

For more wedding related fashion thoughts, check out the wedding season tag and be sure to leave your questions and opinions in the comments! Cheers to many happy and stylish weddings ahead!