(And I haven’t a thing to wear…)
By Nicole Wroten and Sara McKinniss, via Young Profashionable
“What do you like better, Christmas or winter weddings? The answer would be, um, winter weddings.”
Whimsical, winter weddings, decked out with willow branch centerpieces, crisp white linens and a fur stole draped over the bride’s bare shoulders, are a big trend that many couples are taking advantage of this year.
Chances are if you’re a young professional, you have a wedding to go to this year. Whether it’s the ceremony of a family member, a childhood friend that’s tying the knot or your best friend from college, you’re probably fretting over what to wear to the endless engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelor or bachelorette parties and most importantly, to the wedding itself during these next few bitterly cold months. Here is our guide to helping you dress your best for whatever wedding season may bring:
It’s about what you wear where. If you’re headed to the pristine beaches of the British Virgin Islands for a destination wedding, a sundress will do … obviously. But if the wedding is in this great state of Ohio, you might need to be more mindful of the weather and what exactly you’re wearing.
Choose a dress that would look cute with tights and boots, a heavy cardigan draped over it, or even a blazer for a blustery walk from ceremony to reception venue. The last thing you want to do is get caught freezing in the middle of the ceremony. When the priest says, “Speak now or forever hold your peace,” it might be awkward if there is complete silence except for your chattering teeth.
Also keep in mind that a short dress from the boutique du jour probably won’t cut it at a conservative religious wedding with only a cake and punch reception. Be respectful of the couple getting married and dress the part appropriately. Use this as a tool to guide your judgment: If the officiant of the wedding or the grandparents of the couple could be offended because of the way you’re dressed, then find something else to wear.
Jeans are not appropriate for any wedding. I don’t care if the bride or groom says they want you to be comfortable, you need to put on something else besides jeans. Jeans are only appropriate for the bachelor or bachelorette party. Even if they are fresh off the rack from Citizens and cost you half your rent: it’s disrespectful. Find a suitable pair of dress pants, a skirt, khakis or a dress and clean up. Ever watch an old movie and heard the expression, “Put on your Sunday’s best?” There is a reason for that — Google it if you don’t know what it means.
Use the invitation as a means to help you get dressed. If the wedding is during the day or is it at night, that will help you determine what to wear. Is it black tie? Black tie optional? Informal? Formal? Whatever the case may be, the invitation will help you tremendously in deciding your wardrobe options.
Here are a few of our favorite picks for some wonderful winter dresses, again, that can be worn with tights or even layered with warmer sweaters and jackets for an overall stylish look that won’t leave you out in the cold:
White House Black Market
Lace Illusion Dress, White House Black Market, $228
J. Crew
Evie Dress in Eggplant, J. Crew, $198
Jennifer Lopez for Kohl's
Jennifer Lopez Color Block Dress, Kohl’s, $70 (sale $49)
BHLDN
