While I'm planning to be in my bathing suit for most of the trip, I do need to bring something to wear to the wedding. This is where you come in. According to the couple's wedding website, the dress code is "evening attire" and they recommend that men wear suits and ladies wear cocktail dresses. The problem? I normally drink my cocktails in jeans and a t-shirt.
I've just never been one for dresses. Plus, its going to be in the mid-80s and humid. The reception is going to be outside. In the heat. On the grass. I kind of get sweaty just thinking about it.
But we're going. So I need to have something to wear that will keep me from sticking out like a sore thumb, but also won't make me melt. But, I'm having the hardest time. I feel like such a shopping reject because I'm literally sitting here scratching my head wondering where to buy a dress.
After spending more time than I care to admit scouring the internet, here are some of the dresses I'm thinking of. But, I'm not sure if any of them are right.
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| via sundance.com |
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| via garnetthill.com |
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| via garnetthill.com |
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| via thelimited.com |
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| via jcrew.com |
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| via bananarepublic.com |
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| via target.com |
Here is the cheapest and simplest of the options. And of course, I fell in love with it right away. It says cocktail, but looks airy. And the 30 dollar price tag is the icing on the cake. But, when I went to order it I realized the dress is out of stock in everything but a 4 and a 6. Darn! They still have the dress in a platinum color (looks silver on the screen), but I'm worried that it is too close to white. What do you think about wearing a light silvery gray to a wedding?
After I decided I liked the one shoulder look, I found a similar Maggy London dress. So this is also a possibility. But, do I really want to shell out a hundred bucks for something I don't love?
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| via nordstrom.com |
My last resort is to wear this dress I got recently from J. Jill and focus on dressing it up with accessories. Maybe a belt and some long sparkly necklace?
Anyways, as you can tell - I'm no fashionista. If I could, I'd wear shorts and a tank top. So I need some help with this one! Which dress do you like best? If you were going, what kind of dress would you wear? Do you have any store or dress recommendations? What do you think is hot weather evening attire?
My personal fav is the purplish colored dress! LOVE IT... But honestly I love them all and you can never go wrong with anything black!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love these choices! :) Well, I for one am from Malaysia - it always is humid! But apart from the weather issue, matching something comfy and not hot with something suitable... I'd go for either the purple tube dress or the orange one! :) But if you're afraid the purple one might be too clingy, the orange would definitely be the perfect pick! :)
ReplyDeleteHope my insight helped! Excited to see which one you chose in the end. x
Marcy - yes, the purple one is gorgeous! I'm just worried that in a baby doll dress like that and in flats I'm going to end up looking like I'm pregnant!
ReplyDeleteSarah - it sounds like you are an expert in shopping for this kind of event then! I do love the orange one. But, I'm worried the bright color makes it less eveningy. Do you know what I mean? I should probably order it so that I can try it on at home :)
Truthfully, the only two that I would classify as "evening" are the purple one and the black one shoulder from Nordstrom. The rest are more "day". Are you close to the bride or her family? Could you ask some other ladies what they're wearing. Because all of the dresses you listed are beautiful, just not evening necessarily.
ReplyDeletemy votes are for the black one shoulder from target. it's very versatile; you could dress it up or dress it down just with your shoes, hair, and jewelry, and i really love the sort of orange coral one with the bow, that one is just plain cute!!
ReplyDeleteI love the cranberry one from Limited. I had a destination wedding where I said evening attire, and there were a few guests who had their own ideas of what they wanted to wear to a destination wedding. A very interesting mix, let me tell you! The black ones are nice, but you'll look weird in pictures sitting outside in the sun wearing black. And as for worrying about synthetic fabrics, I wouldn't focus on that because you will be HOT no matter what you wear. And don't forget sunscreen!
ReplyDeletehot weather + dresses = bike shorts...
ReplyDeletein my mind. I get sweaty and hate when my legs stick together when I sit down. It makes the whole night a lot more bearable. (I also have some of those umm... shorts that make you skinny... shapewear? I bought them at target, and they are shorter shorts, and skin colored. Better for a shorter dress, or a light fabric).
I really like the first one, the blue. It is so fun and summery - and I think with the right shoes and jewelry it would look plenty fancy - especially if you put your hair up.
I also like the red one. So sassy!
Chicago Career Girl - Thanks for giving it to me straight! I am definitely looking for people's honest opinions. I think I might take your advice and ask one of the bride's sisters.
ReplyDeleteAmanda - I love that black one too! The only problem is I'm not a size 4 or 6. Hopefully, I can find another dress in a very similar style though.
Andrea - your comment made me laugh, because I'm definitely one of those people who has an interesting idea of what evening attire is! haha! I tend to always be slightly underdressed for everything. But, the the thing is I honestly don't do it on purpose! That's why I really appreciate your input! You're making me take a second look at that dress.
Jessica - AMEN SISTER. Legs sticking together is so annoying and painful! I'm going to put bike shorts on my to-buy list the next time I go to target. I love the first one too! I kind of want to buy it even if I don't even up wearing it to the wedding.
Loving the one shoulder dresses! I think you could belt any of them, maybe in a bright color and look fab. I'm also really loving the cotton dresses--totally rewearable and comfy!
ReplyDeleteOooh, Jamaica sounds delightful! I personally adore the J Crew dress. Gorgeous- and the color is amazing! But I'm pretty sure whichever one you choose will be lovely.
ReplyDeleteStopping in from Happy Hour (but also following you!).
ReplyDeletePersonally I think the dress from The Limited (the plum-ish color) is most appropriate for "evening cocktail attire" but I imagine there will be people dressed in all types of things since it's in Jamaica!
Lucky you getting to take a second trip to Jamaica! My husband and I went to St. Lucia for our honeymoon and it was my first time to the Caribbean.
I really like the idea of a dark purple dress-- cocktail (monochromatic), but more wedding-y (not black). (Although wearing black to a wedding isn't THAT big of a deal.)
ReplyDeleteI ADORE your summer dress picks, but if the invitation asks for guys to wear suits... we're talking pretty formal here.
Here's a purple one from Target that's similar to the (sold out) black one from Target. & check out the sexy ruching on the back! It might have a little bit too much going on for your taste, though...?
Also, I loooove the reddish-orange jcrew one. I think it would be great-- cocktail with an islandy twist! Plus, that color looks totally stunning on most complexions. If you like it, definitely go for it!!
Melissa - Thanks so much for your input! All these votes for the one shoulder dress are helping me feel much more confident!
ReplyDeleteSusan - I love that dress too. I might purchase it and bring it along for the rehearsal dinner or brunch on Sunday. I think the shape would be really flattering on me.
Casey - I agree with you. The dress from the Limited definitely says "cocktail attire" loud and clear. Is it bad that I'm just hoping that I can get away with dressing down a little bit? I hardly noticed what anyone was wearing at my wedding!
April - Thank you so much! That purple dress is a great find!!! I wish I wasn't so modest because I would order it out right. I just don't usually wear dresses that are so . . .form fitting. I agree with you, that wearing black to a wedding isn't a big deal. But, I think Andrea's comment made sense - if the wedding is during the day than black might not make much sense. I'm going to have to take another look at the J. Crew dress. I figured that because of the color it was out of the running, but I guess I figured wrong!
So i though I posted, but I guess I didn't. first of all i agree with Jessica and the bike shorts or spanx (but they are hotter).
ReplyDeleteSecond, I am not sold on any of these dresses, I like the one shoulder nordstroms dress and you can dress it up or.. here are some I found as well.
the first one needs some suhu suhuing or dressing up.. but is cute looks comfortable and flowy
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=548861&CategoryID=5449#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D853
this is one of my favorites esp. with chunky gold jewelry and gold sandals.
http://www.modcloth.com/Womens/Dresses/-Sentimental-Journey-Dress
I also love love love this dress but it only comes in ivory.. maybe dye it?
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=363928&CategoryID=18109&LinkType=PDPZ1
hope this helps.
Steph, I love the ivory Macy's dress you picked out. You have great taste!! It actually reminds me of this gray bridesmaid dress I wore in October. I should get it shortened!
ReplyDeleteI love the purple one from thelimited.com and the black one shoulder from target. I am so jealous Canada doesn't have Target and the clothes always look so amazing.
ReplyDeleteI vote for the first one! Colorful, breathable, comfortable, and it can definitely be dressed up. Plus, you will definitely be able to wear it again.
ReplyDeleteYou are so sweet. if it was up to me.. I would see how much it would cost to get that dress shortened and how long it would take because it is super cute and may be cheeper. But that is the bargainer in me talking. I am with you i love the ivory one too.
ReplyDeleteI really love the limited one but totally understand about breathability. Have you checked out Modcloth? They always have adorable dresses!
ReplyDeleteAmy - Canada doesn't have Target? oh my! I don't know if I could survive. Target is probably my favorite store.
ReplyDeleteLayla - yay! I'm secretly happy when people vote for that dress because thats the dress i love love love. And your vote justifies it for me!
Steph - You are totally right. That is what I should do. I need to try it on to see if it still fits!
Cole - I've never bought anything from modcloth. In fact, I had never even heard of it until this post. Apparently I've been living under a rock and I need to check it out stat. Thanks so much for your input!