As October approaches middle age and we all start appreciating the value of a good cup of chai latte and a cozy cashmere sweater, the Fall wedding season is swinging into full gear, and this time of the year tends to throw weddings guests for a bit of a loop in terms of their wardrobe choices. Grooms are happily wrapped in their heavy tuxes; Brides shiver in their strapless gowns but are too psyched to notice - but what about the spectators? We don't have the benefit of the heat that stress generates on the wedding party, we don't get to move around that much. We're just there to witness a couple's undying love, and damn, that can get cold at this time of year!
I speak from experience. Our wedding was on September 9, on the cusp between Summer and Fall. The temperature was more Novemberish. Our female guests fell into two categories - those who hadn't let go of summer yet, and who spent the entire outdoor ceremony shivering in their frothy chiffon sundresses and strappy stilettos; and those who had hastily prepared for the occasion by donning parkas, trenchcoats and other garb more suited to a rugged Arctic expedition.
And so, without further ado, here are a few suggestions for attending Fall weddings in comfort and style. It just goes to show you, it's possible to look great AND not freeze your butt off!
You're covered - Season-appropriate dresses
Sometimes it's hard to find dresses that keep you warm without looking frumpy or mumsy. Here are a few that have caught my eye recently:
Donna Rico taffeta shirtdress, Nordstrom
Silk charmeuse from Eliza J, Nordstrom
Max & Cleo matte jersey dress from Dillard's
Steve Madden charmeuse shirtdress, Nordstrom
Each of these dresses provides a touch of extra coverage in a fabric that will keep you a little warmer during those chilly October afternoons. There are a ton of other pretty gowns out there that are totally Autumn-appropriate, but not so covered up. I've been admiring gowns with creative lines and rich, earthy jewel tones, like these:
A silk frock in rich emerald green @ JCrew
Maggie London silk chiffon halter gown @ Nordstrom
BCBG Max Azria @ Bluefly
JCrew "Sarah" dress
These frocks really evoke the feeling of an Autumn celebration, and would be great for dining in a cozy, candle-lit hall or kicking up your heels on the dancefloor. But bare shoulders and legs can mean borderline hypothermia during an outdoor ceremony! The solution? There are a few. Here are some ideas:
A Delicate cardigan
Some people associate cardigans with a frumpy great-aunty who had a predilection for wearing a big old sweater appliqued with cats around the house. Layering has often gotten a bad wrap (forgive the pun!) due to poorly executed bag-lady looks. Well, cardigans can be sexy!
Case in point:
A cozy cover-up from Autumn Cashmere @ Bluefly
A sparkly, party-worthy cardi, BCBG Max Azria @ Bluefly
A poet-sleeved shrug, Chaiken @ Bluefly
An adorable wool cardi from Rebecca Taylor @ Bluefly
Luxurious cashmere with a bejewelled clasp,
Robert Rodriguez @ Bluefly
A pretty knit shrug, Boutiquepinkdesigns, Etsy.com
A Pretty, Romantic Shawl
There's something very sophisticated and romantic about a shawl draped artfully around the shoulders and blowing in the breeze. Shawls and scarves make ideal cover-ups to complete your Autumn wedding look:
Anne Klein gathered wrap @ Nordstrom
A luxe, romantic rosette wrap @ Nordstrom
Sooo cozy yet classic - Magaschoni @ Bluefly
Revisit Your Summer Pieces
A final suggestion? We've all got a few adorable party dresses left over from Summer celebrations that we're loathe to lock away at the back of our closets come September. Why not give these frocks another outing during the Autumn months?
Simply throw on some dramatic, shoulder-grazing earrings, slim-line black pants or opaque tights, and a great pair of stiletto boots, and ta-da! You have a whole new, season-appropriate look!
This kimono dress by Single Dress (available at Nordstrom) would look great with a pair of black pants and some sexy stiletto boots!
Have a fantastic time celebrating any upcoming October nuptuals! I hope that these tips will help you celebrate in warmth, comfort and style!
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