It seems like each summer we are faced with more friends tying the knot and more often than not couples are opting for afternoon, outdoor fetes that call for a tricky dress code - somewhere between casual and cocktail attire. I have a few of these coming up so I wanted to share with all of you curvy ladies what I have learned on my quest for something that goes from the day ceremony well into the night reception.
After a lot of shopping I have pieced together a perfect look that will get you looking hot while keeping you cool. First, I will show you this perfect mix of casual and dressy and then later on take you through all the ins and outs of putting YOUR perfect look together:
In this example, the dress is structured, cool and practical with hidden pockets. The cobalt color, clear lucite necklace and bright coral nails are very on-trend! The sheer silver and white wrap is breezy while concealing upper arms. A large CZ cocktail ring, big sparkly earrings and silver/rhinestone clutch make it appropriate for dinner.
SO Affordable!! Get this whole look for under $200!!
Dress, Jones New York/Macy's, $89
Cobalt peep-toe heels, Monsoon.uk £15 (approx $30)
Rhinestone hoops, cocktail ring and lucite necklace all Laila Rowe $35 total
Silver leather/rhinestone clutch, Aldo, $30
Wrap, Strawberry NYC, $7.99
Now for the rules on how to shop for your summer plans...
How to pick the dress:
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Kiyonna dress and faux-bling from
Holsted Jewelers for a cocktail look
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- It should be knee-length and not to low-cut or too-tight. I know you are trying to impress that single groomsman or your "plus 1" but remember that your friend's auntie will also be in the crowd. Some cleavage is OK but keep it classy. If you would be embarrassed to see your granny in that neckline - go for a different dress.
- Many rules have changed as couples get more low-key and modern, but I still follow a rule my grandmother told me: never wear all black and certainly not white. If you have a few weddings but only want to buy one dress I say invest in the navy stunner by kiyonna. Pair with fresh colored accessories like grassy-green, lemon yellow or a juicy raspberry clutch for a more casual look. Turn up the drama for cocktail attire receptions with rhinestone and faux-sapphire bling.
- Beware of shifts with no shape or one with tiers/ruffles. We are busty women, so we need to have a dress that fits in the waist and skims the hips - otherwise it could look like a tent.
- Go for cotton twill, poly-blends, or chiffon. No doubt it will be hot at a daytime wedding so steer clear of silks or fabrics that don't breathe well. You don't want to look sweaty in all those pics. Also, avoid jersey unless the bride says it is a very casual affair.
- Dress for your body. If you don't like your arms go for a 3/4 sleeve. Thick in the middle? Try an A-line dress or faux-wrap to whittle your waist.
Accessories that keep you looking cute and comfortable:
- A simple wrap or shrug. I like chiffon wraps that are lightweight or a simple pashmina that can be bought on the NYC streets for $5. Cardis and shrugs are OK but they may be too hot and depending on the length and shape it may clash with the dress.
- Wedges or heels? If you have a wedding on the lawn go for wedges so your heels don't get stuck in the grass but you still have the leg-lift you need for those gams to look gorgeous in a dress. My advice is to get one pair of silver and one gold to go with anything and dress up a simple sun dress.
- Go for sparkle! A big cocktail ring and dangling earrings or hoops are all you need to take a typical garden party dress to the next level, keeping you looking sharp and ready for night.
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| Trixxi, $79. Try this look in Purple |
- Royal wedding style! Fascinators aka tiny hats/large hair accessories are very big in England and fashion forward in USA. You don't want to wear something too crazy but try a more classic one like these from fascinatorsnyc.com.
Here are a few finds to give you some inspiration.
Going to an exotic destination wedding? Check out the
FoxyRoxy Destination Style Guides for beachy or cruise weddings.
Like more than one dress? Maybe get both, since a lot of weddings now have dinners the night beforehand for out-of-town guests.
Need more advice? Leave us a comment below and FoxyRoxy will solve any fashion crisis!
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| Kiyonna dress, Tribal print is really in fashion!! |
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| Spence for Macy's, $79. Pair with pink wrap and red or silver heels |
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| Tadashi chiffon dress, Saks, $215. Rock this with gold heels and clutch and shoulder-skimming earrings. |
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| Spence for Macy's, $79 with sheer neckline. Looks great with silver/rhinestone accessories! |
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| Kiyonna floral satiny dress. Wear with a fascinator (hair accessory) like the model for a high fashion look! |
