Not to be super pessimistic, but going to a wedding can be not only intimidating, scary and depressing, but it can also be one of the hardest occasions to dress properly for. How can you be perfectly conservative and remain somewhat attractive---without wearing white...or (gasp) black? I mean, that takes away three-fourths of the in-style options already....Plus, there's always the concern of 'being unique'. I mean, who wants to show up to a wedding and look like everyone else (or, possibly even worse, like the bride)?!
There's a lot to consider. Not to mention, all the colors and styles of the season, which you MUST stay in tune with, so you don't look like a total geek (especially if it's one of those occasions where you're going to be seeing all of your old high school friends or sorority sisters...). Either way, you've got a lot to show for, prove and consider---so things can feel and easily get, a bit jumbled. To simplify the process, I have written a few helpful tips and examples for you to consider for your next wedding---And by that, I mean the next wedding you'll be attending (hopefully).
- Be Unique.
Search for special occassion or even bridesmaid dresses on sites like Etsy, Lulla, Obaz and Wanelo to find unique fashion steals that will be unique---and possibly handmade! The worst thing would be to show up wearing the same dress as your worst enemy....Or even your best friend. Plus, if you want your date to think you're 'unique and special', showing up in a vintage-but conservative-dress won't hurt your odds. Plus, you'll earn bravery and courageous points and show that you're comfortable rocking your own style. Just don't go too crazy. No one wants to be the (bad) talk of the wedding.
- Don't wear white.
-It's the bride's day. Don't steal her spotlight. Oh, and try to steer clear from beige and cream---and the colors that the bridesmaids are wearing (unless you're one of them...duh). No one likes a clasher.
- Go Short.
Long dresses are fun and good if you're conscious about your pale legs or "large thighs" (omg.), but short dresses are fun and more on-point for the occasion. If you're worried about your legs, there's always tights (which you should be wearing anyway--unless it's outdoors), sunlight and tanning lotions, if you're against the bed. Just don't be one of those girls with the fake spray tans dripping down her chest. Not attractive--on anyone. And remember, it's a wedding. So no matter how much sun you get on your tail end, no one wants to see it. Keep it classy and cover your buns.
- Pastel is Perfect
Neon's been in, but pastel is shining to the forefront. And what better way to show off your style knowledge than to wear pastel to a wedding? I mean, honestly, it's the perfect occasion for soft, romantic pinks and mints---and the fact that they're so luscious right now means you should probably be searching "pastel wedding guest dresses" in all of your hipster, alternative shopping sites. Right now.
- Examples
So if all of this sounds like jibberish, or you're just more visual and want suggestions rather than reading my rants, here you go:
1. Vintage 70's pink dress, Size 2, on Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/listing/111373471/vintage-70s-plunging-sheer-lace-cu...
Romantic and bold, luscious and conservative--the perfect dichotomy.
2. Vintage 60's Pink & White Lace Cocktail Dress on Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/listing/119874703/vintage-60s-mod-pink-taffeta-white...
Honestly, could this be more adorable? It makes me want to run around and pick flowers in a meadow.
3. Vintage Pink Patterned Dress on Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/listing/117704422/1950s-1960s-hot-pink-patterned-par...
Unique & conservative, this dress will be a sure standout.
4. 60's Vintage Peach Cocktail Dress on Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/listing/99515581/60s-dress-vintage-mod-coral-cocktai...
It's all about the details. The bow's gold embellishments are intricate and exquisite.
5. Miss Selfridge Pink Lace Dress
http://us.missselfridge.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beg...
Depending on the wedding, this dress could be a perfect blend of show-stopping and spectacular (showy, but elegant). Just make sure this wedding isn't oober conservative.
6. Vintage Light Blue Tea Dress on Store Envy
http://www.storenvy.com/products/18089-vintage-tea-dress
Elegant and sophisticated in its simplicity. A simply gorgeous cut.
7. Greek Goddess Pink Dress on Luulla
http://www.luulla.com/product/38861/3-colors-greek-goddess-elegant-dress...
Pink elegance and a perfect cut for those worried about the dreaded armpit fat--or those with larger chest areas that want to be more conservative.
8. The Wannabe Bridesmaid Dress in Pink on Luulla
http://www.luulla.com/product/58560/a-party-v-shape---cocktail-prom-part...
Seriously, this cut is seen over and over again when searching for Bridesmaid or Wedding Guest Dresses. If you want to play it safe, this dress is perfect. Plus, the color is romantic (although if you're not a "pink person", there are a lot of other color options!).
9. Vintage Blue Flower Detail Long Dress on Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/listing/105270551/vintage-cocktail-dress
Unique & blue, this dress was an awesome find!
10. French Rose Nostalgic Light Pink Dress on Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/listing/83371568/french-dreamy-rose-tea-nostalgia-flowy
Romance and luxurious, you can't go wrong with this one!
So those are my picks. Thoughts? Suggestions?
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