What to Wear - A Traditional Wedding

Here is the first part of an ongoing series. For the next few weeks I'll be focusing on what to wear to varying types of weddings.

The first part of this series is what to wear to a traditional wedding. A traditional wedding is usually defined by it's surroundings and or your bride and groom. For example, the following outfits are designed to be appropriate for a church based wedding.

For the sake of your bride and groom and general common courtesy and, well common sense, it is appropriate to follow the following guidelines in this type of wedding.

• Nothing too revealing. Cleavage should be minimal and possibly non existent.
• Dresses and skirts should not be too short. Now some people believe in the 'fingertips' rule. I do think this is somewhat antiquated. I would say as long as you're comfortable moving and bending over then you should be fine.
• Arms. Now I think a bare arm is fine. But you would be surprised at how many more conservative churches and families think this is a big no no. So to be on the safe side it's advisable to to have a cute matching cover up on hand.

Now despite all these seemingly strict rules, it really doesn't eliminate the potential to look fantastically stylish.

Here is the first example:

See? Not so bad right?!

This look encompasses many of this summer's trends. Ruffles, the chunky leather shoe, and a little bit of florals. The shoe is the perfect balance to what otherwise could be a very sickly sweet outfit.

Dress: J Crew - $110, Cardigan: J Crew - $88, Earrings: Pookie and Pierre - $56, Vintage Purse: Allen Company Inc - $22, Sandals: Victoria's Secret - $47

Now if you're a little bigger or have larger boobs, then the dress above is not really advisable. It has the potentential to look matronly or as if you have one big 'uniboob' which, lets admit, is not a good look.

So how to achieve an appropriate outfit without turning into the school nurse?

Take a look at the next example.

Staying with the ruffles and florals trend, still counteracting the sickly sweetness with a nice chunky shoe with a great pop of colour but this time a much more flattering neckline. And this dress is available up to a size 18.

Dress: Ann Taylor - $139, Cardigan: J Crew - $78, Necklace: Stylesmith - $29, Purse: La Vita Lola - $55, Sandals: Victoria's Secret - $34.99

Now the risk with this outfit is that if you do have large boobs then you may end up revealing more than you wish.

The simplest, most commonsensical solution?

Problem solved!

The last look is a result of a little of the controversy surrounding my prom post a while back. This entire outfit is stylish, appropriate and most importantly the whole thing is under $150. Nice eh?

Lots of pops of colour, on a basic 'blank canvas' dress with some cute florals, a modern and fun but appropriate look. And all for a bargain price.

Dress: Target - $39.99, Cardigan: Forever 21 - $22.90, Necklace: Bead Stylin' - $17, Vintage Purse: Pantastic - $15, Sandals: Plasticland - $42

So that's it for 'traditional weddings', many more genres of weddings to come, including beach, evening and the good old non coventional.

If there's something you need help dressing for don't hesistate to use the 'contact us' button at the right of the screen!

By Kelsi Smith

Comments

[mara]

thanks so much for featuring my clutch! love your blog!

[Angie]

Look 2 is definitely my favourite! I love the dress and the cute clutch.

[Teisha]

You have the best outfits. I need you to style me for an upcoming wedding in August.

[sar.]

oh yes, this is what I need - my sister is getting married very soon and I just can't find the dress to go...sister into fashion but on a budget..not easy..sure I find something with your help...thanks for this..

[Emily]

Love these looks and your work. Thanks for featuring earrings from Pookie and Pierre!