Sponsored by Zappos
Some may call it summer, but we call it wedding season! Our calendars are packed with so many weddings this season, so it’s time to get our cocktail dresses and dancing shoes ready! I always think it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed – but filling my closet with versatile cocktail dresses makes dressing for weddings SO much easier.
Dressing for summer weddings is a whole different ballgame than winter weddings. In winter, you can guarantee your soiree will be inside, a dark color can pass for cocktail or casual, and the battle between wedges vs stilettos sinking is out of the question. However in the summer, you’re invited to beach weddings, backyard weddings, courtyard weddings, inside weddings, on and on – the “themes” can lead to dress code confusion. While a beaded dress is always fun, it’s easier to miss the memo and arrive feeling like a disco ball to a backyard wedding. On the contrary, a bold printed summer dress might stand out in a bevy of classic LBDs in a traditional ballroom. My rule of thumb is to stick to a conservative solid and let the accessories lead the way.
This pastel blue dress by Adrianna Papell is perfect for wedding season. Adrianna Papell is one of my favorite designers for timeless cocktail dresses. Her styles are conservative yet trendy, and the price point is great for the quality of the dresses. This three-quarter sleeve style is flattering on any shape, plus it cuts back the need to bring a pashmina! Since it’s a solid color, I can re-wear this dress time and again – unlike a bold print. What I love most about this dress is the metallic detail in the fabric! To dress it up for an evening wedding, I added sparkly earrings, metallic heels (a chunky heel to avoid sinking!), and a red lip.
5 TIPS FOR DRESSING FOR SUMMER WEDDINGS
1. When in doubt choose a solid
While I love a great print, a solid allows you to re-wear the dress more often. Also if you are unsure of the dress code, a solid is always a safe choice!
2. Bring a pashmina or choose a dress with sleeves
I see nothing wrong bare shoulders, but keeping your shoulders covered with a pashmina is always classy during a ceremony – not to mention it will keep you warm when the temperatures drop later in the evening!
3. Let your accessories take your dress from casual to cocktail
Nude wedges and colorful statement earrings are perfect for casual weddings, whereas adding metallic accessories gives just the right amount of sparkle to take your look from casual to cocktail. Save the all-over sequins for a night out, and let your accessories do the talking.
4. Wear chunky heels or wedges to avoid sinking in grass
Nothing feels more awkward than pretending your heels aren’t sinking in the grass all night. Choose a wedge or a metallic chunky heel like mine to walk with elegance.
5. Choose conservative over flirty
This should be a no-brainer, but weddings are NOT the time to debut a revealing dress. No matter how awesome your body looks from those pilates classes, a modest dress goes a long way at a wedding.
Adrianna Papell Dress c/o Zappos