The Closet Coach

This edition of Ask the Closet Coach is adapted from a question asked in the Women’s Wear Daily group on LinkedIn.

Rick’s daughter is getting married this year and his wife needs to purchase a mother-of-the-bride dress. But she doesn’t know where to look. As she points out, there are plenty of reality shows about buying wedding dresses, but none for the mother of the bride. What are some stylish options for a mother-of-the-bride dress?

Here’s my answer. First, consider what style of dress you are looking for. Is it a more formal evening wedding or a more informal afternoon wedding? This will dictate the length of the dress as well as cut and fabrics–a long sequined dress that’s a little décolleté is perfectly appropriate for an evening affair in a ballroom, but not so much at an afternoon ceremony in the garden.

Next, consider color. Look through the many upscale boutiques online and you’ll see that for mother-of-the-bride dresses–just as it’s been true lately for bridesmaid dresses–the days of bright, even shiny colors are over. Shocking pink and electric blue have been replaced with a softer, prettier palette of greys, silvers, peaches and even black. The best part is this means you’ll actually be able to wear your dress again after the wedding’s over. (So go ahead and splurge a little; you’ll get more than one wear out of it!)

Once you know what you’re looking for, then it’s time to find it. (I’ll focus on the online options since they’re available to everyone no matter where you live.)

Read the rest of this entry »

The leaves are budding, the bulbs are blooming and invitations are in the mail for weddings this spring. So let’s talk about what to wear to a spring wedding.

This is a fun time and occasion to wear florals and prints, in palettes from bright to pastel. Flatter your silhouette with a skirt that’s flowing and nips in a bit at the waist, or is even highlighted with a belt.

Concerned about unpredictable weather for an outside ceremony? Try a long-sleeved dress. And in all instances, carry a coordinating wrap or wear a dress coat in a neutral shade. You can always take them off at the reception.

Keep the springtime feel in your outfit with delicate, nature-inspired jewelry. On your feet, try a “nude” pump for more formal feeling dresses–especially at an indoor evening ceremony–or an embellished sandal for outdoor afternoon wear.

What to wear to a spring wedding idea list:

 

• Modcloth Flash of Foliage dress, $58
• Born Smooch Flast sandals, $85
• Coach jewelry, $88
• River Island enamel jewelry, 6.99 GBP
• Kara Ross leaf jewelry, $170
• Modcloth Drinks on Me Dress, $102
• Maggy London Women’s Ruffle V Neck, $148
• Rampage Women’s Malika Pump, $45

Let’s talk wedding wear

 

• Have you been invited to a spring wedding? What are you planning to wear?
• If you don’t know, what are your major concerns?
• Super bright colors at a wedding: yes or no? Discuss!

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It’s a common dilemma this time of year. Julie D. writes, “I’ve been invited to a late summer wedding. The ceremony is outside but the reception will be inside. What should I wear?”

First let’s consider how formal the occasion will be. Because it’s an outdoor wedding, Julie can stay on the more casual end of the wedding-wear spectrum–which means nothing floor-length or strapless.

The good news is, she can choose from the many styles of lightweight fabric dresses that will look cute while staying cool. Don’t go all the way to a sundress, however; unless the wedding is on a beach, a sundress is too casual.

Keep your ensemble looking dressy in silk, brushed satin or a crisp cotton, with a simple silhouette, playful accessories and strappy sandals. Do you need something packable and more kid-proof? There are also cute options in wash-and-wear synthetic fabrics.

Summer Wedding Guest Dressing

So here is my advice for dressing for a summer wedding, from the dress to the accessories.

• Go sleeveless. Sleeveless dresses look a little dressier, and will be a little cooler. If the reception is indoor or later in the evening, throw a wrap around your shoulders.
• Watch the skirt length. Unless you have killer legs, opt for a skirt that hits your thigh just above the knee.
• Pick the shape that’s best for you. A sheath dress is a classic silhouette and especially flattering for straighter figures. A dress with a deep V neck is elongating and flattering; if you’re fuller busted, make sure it doesn’t gap or pull. Or go Grecian: with lots of pleating and gathering, as well as a twisted bodice, Grecian style dresses can be especially flattering to smaller-busted figures, and balancing for wider bottoms. Be sure to try it on in a 3-way mirror; you want a dress that fits in all directions, not just one.
• Keep it simple. Wear a solid color in a neutral or pastel, or look for a smaller print in one or two colors.
• But have fun with the accessories. Set your dress off with a strappy sandal and accessories with a pop of color; summer is a great time to wear natural stones, like coral or turquoise.

What’s your favorite?

• Have you been a guest at a summer wedding?
• What did you wear?
• What are your tips for finding flattering wedding wear?

Where to buy

Ask the Closet Coach

Suzanna asks the Closet Coach: “I am going to be a bridesmaid in an upcoming wedding. The only requirement for my dress is that it has to be purple. What kind of dress should I get?”

Once upon a time, the thought of being a bridesmaid sent shivers down fashion-savvy backs. The mostly unflattering, matchy matchy frocks were usually destined for the dust bin after the wedding was over.

Fortunately, this is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Not only are dresses from wedding-specific vendors becoming more wearable, but brides are increasingly open to allowing their bridesmaids to simply wear any kind of formal or semi-formal dress they wish, as long as it fits a general color scheme–as is the case for Suzanna.

For her, then, I first needed to consider her body type and what dress styles were most flattering for her. Other considerations:

• Time of the wedding. This will help us determine whether the dress should be cocktail, formal, or semi-formal. It also (often) corresponds to dress length.
• Season. Is it a spring wedding? Summer? Fall? In what climate? This will dictate things like sleeves vs. sleeveless, or even the need for a matching shawl or wrap, if not for the ceremony, then for traveling to and fro and for the reception.
• Budget. How much is she willing to spend? She is also more likely to make an investment on a dress that can see repeat wearings.

Suzanna is attending a warm spring wedding in the afternoon, so I looked for a knee-length dress with short sleeves or sleeveless, in her budget range of $150 or less.

She has slightly narrow shoulders and a full bust, so the most flattering necklines for her are V or U shaped to elongate the neck and lengthen her visually. A sheath or wrap dress, perhaps with ruching on one side, will emphasize the narrowest part of her body. I also looked for structure in the bodice to provide enough support in the bust. Finally, I stayed with online vendors so she can order quickly and easily, from any part of the country.

Here, then, are the recommendations I gave her:

• J. Crew. The flutter sleeves on this silk tricotine Cecelia dress are flattering to the upper arm. From $80-225, depending on color
• Kiyonna. $88. This site has great style for plus sizes, 10 and up. This Lily surplice dress is a perfect style for her body type, regardless of size.
• Macy’s. This sleeveless satin Onyx dress is a bit on the shiny side for me, but it provides an option in a lighter shade of purple. And it’s on sale for $74.
• Macy’s. I loved the shutter tuck detailing of this London Times item. On sale for $62.
• Nordstrom. The color is a little on the bright side, but it’s a great shape and you can’t go wrong with Calvin Klein. $158.
• And last, but not least, my favorite, also from Nordstrom. This Suzy Chin dress is a fantastic color in a fantastic shape. Best of all, it’s now on sale for $67.

Your turn: What are your favorite sources for bridesmaid dresses that aren’t too bridesmaid-y? What shopping dilemma can I help you solve? Leave a comment and let me know!

[Tip of the pen to @candacehr for introducing me to Kiyonna.]