Reader LK de-lurks and inquires:

Hi TCFAKG, I lurk in C'rette, sometimes comment. I need help with wedding attire. I am going to a family wedding in late September in NYC. The wedding itself is held in the Botanical Gardens, and I will also be attending the rehearsal dinner and the Sunday morning brunch (both to be held in Scarsdale). I asked my cousin (groom's sister) for pointers and she replied: "As for dress code. My understanding is that for the wedding itself long (but not poufy) and/or black would be fine but black in general is the norm for New York. I am aiming for dark and below the knee but most probably not to the floor (though I went to a wedding in NYC the same formality last week and there was a lot of floor length even in dark colors so that would be fine). . It's definitely more formal than a little black dress though, but I think even one step up is fine with multiple steps also being ok. For the other events: Friday I am going cocktail and probably black - often the bride wears like white with a pattern though [bride] may not but I would avoid that specifically. Sunday brunch I am going to wear a skirt and flats - like business casual but not so worky. If that makes sense. I don't think the weekend will be very warm, so keep that in mind" Do you have any further insight? any shopping options? Mostly for the wedding itself, I can probably manage the rehearsal and look for something for the brunch. I actually live overseas, but can do online shopping. I am usually a small/4 in AT/BR. Incidentally, I am 5'3", and husband is 6'3", so anything that makes me taller would be appreciated. I have no set budget, but I'd like to spend no more than $300. Thanks! L

So, I'm starting to think I should change the name of my blog to "TCFKAG Shops for Wedding Guest Attire."  Just kidding (sort of); who doesn't like shopping for pretty dresses.  Here is my quick summation of what you need:
  • Rehearsal dinner: black or dark colored cocktail dress.
  • Wedding: Midi-length or tea-length black or dark colored formal dress - perhaps a long gown if something is awesome.
  • Sunday brunch: Fun business casual.
  • Overall - lighter fabrics because it may be hotter than hell.

Assuming that summary is right, I'll suggest a few options for all three events (I know you said just the wedding but I don't do things half way in these here parts).  And since its my site and I'll do what I want to, I might also offer up some fun shoe and/or accessories ideas.  Because I'm awesome like that.  So here we go.  One last note, since you didn't clarify where you live overseas, I'm mostly sticking with American retailers here - but for future submissions and other readers, I can search on country specific websites (at least for some countries) so you can at least tell me where you're coming from.  
REHEARSAL DINNER
Black one-shouldered draped sleeveless cocktail dress from Calvin Klein ($49.99 - I actually just recommended this to a friend for a wedding this summer, she ordered it and likes it a lot.  It so classy and sleek but could totally be glitzed up with red shoes or metallic jewelry.  I'm a big fan and am thinking about getting it myself, the price is certainly right.)
Petite Seamed Detail Sweetheart Body-Conscious Dress from ASOS ($64.49 - lovely classic shape and I assume at your height you can wear petite sizes - only issue is, based on the picture, it looks like you'll need to get a slip under it.)
Calvin Klein Strapless Neon-Trim Dress at Dillard's ($59.40 - another fairly simple yet classy number from CK - though the neon pink adds a twist.  Its a cotton/spandex blend, meaning it should breath well in the heat, and you could maybe add interest with a pink wrap.  Overall pretty cute - though not sure if Dillard's will ship to you - might have to find it elsewhere!)
Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique Ruched Matte Jersey Dress at Nordstroms ($118.00 - the Suzi Chin line has lots of great dresses for this sort of thing but this is one of my favorites.  56 reviews and it has 4 stars and I just think it looks really flowy and flattering - maybe consider one of the non-black colors...I know, scandalous, but the purple is cute!)
Nue by Shani pink and navy two tone cocktail dress from eDressMe ($92.00 - so this is kind of a curveball both because its final sale and because its not really what you described but something about it just called to me, plus eDressMe ships world wide so that's a plus.  Only available in a size 6, so may run too big, but sometimes these sorts of dresses run kind of small, so it may even out in the end.)
Paper Dolls Mirrored Lace Body-Conscious Dress at ASOS ($98.43 - another color option, I love cobalt and black and think its both super on trend right now but also classic.  ASOS ships internationally I believe and I think this dress is fabulous.)
Corso Como Dover Pump at DSW ($109.95 - I feel like red pumps are a great combo with black dresses and the cut-outs at the back of these give them a little interest.  I don't know, they're cool.)
Ivanka Trump Ariell High Heel Ankle Strap Pumps at Bloomingdales ($105.00 - metallics are my other favorite with black dresses and I'm super into gold right now, so here you go.  I also really like black and gold together, like these ones at Piperlime, but they're only available in limited sizes so I went with the Ivankas instead.)
THE WEDDING
ML Monique Lhullier Black Knit One Shoulder Sequined Side Ruched Dress at Bluefly ($115.97 - a comfortable fabric but the ruching, sequins, and asymmetrical strap adds interest.)
Tadashi Shoji Portrait Collar Pleated Mesh Gown ($298 - I LOVE this one - someone in my life should have a formal event so I can purchase it please.)
Adrianna Pappell Illusion Yoke Pleated Dress at Nordstroms ($158.00 - extremely well reviewed and looks very flattering - a bit prim and proper but lovely.)
Adrianna Pappell Pleat Bodice Rossette Ballgown at Nordstroms ($238 - fun if you want to go true ballgown.)
Starlight Hearted Dress at ModCloth ($202.99 - loyal readers of the site will recognize this dress as I've posted it before and still love it - may not be long enough but the poofy skirt and gold accents might make it work, especially if paired with awesome metallic gold shoes and fabulous jewelry.)
JS Boutique Cap-Sleeve Beaded Pleated Evening Gown at Macy's ($136 - yay navy, yay sparkles.) 
Tadashi Shoji Asymmetrical Ruched Mesh Dress at Nordstroms ($228 - I love Tadashi Shoji, I think they make some of the most interesting clothes out there, and I like the design of this one.  Flattering and interesting all in one.)
Lauren Ralph Lauren Illusion Yoke Matte Jersey Gown at Nordstroms ($180 - a sleek simple long option with a nice price point to boot.)
Adrianna Pappell Lace Fit and Flare at Nordstroms ($178 - I love the see through detailing at the bottom.)
Adrianna Pappell Short Sleeve Sequin Mesh Gown ($278 - SPARKLES - this row is having non-black dresses because I'm stubborn and because of reasons.)
Colorblocked Blanche Dress at Kate Spade New York ($249 - a little whimsical but styled right it'd be great.)
Dalia MacPhee Strapless Pleated Ruffle Chiffon Gown ($298 - another repeat but that's because I'm in love with it.  The color and shape are gorgeous - though reviews say it runs large.)

Okay - the shoes here really depend on what you buy - but you could wear either of the shoes from above again with most of these.  Now - I know you said you had the brunch on lockdown (and I'm sure you do) but I came across a few casual dresses that would be great for it, so I thought I'd pass them along.
THE BRUNCH
Adrianna Pappell Embellished Jacquard Sheath Dress at Nordstroms ($138)
Colorblocked Ribbon Waist Sleeveless Dress at Ann Taylor Loft ($69.50)Petite Sleeveless Seamed Ponte Dress with Pockets at Land's End ($69 - want this one badly for myself.)

All of these would look great with a nude sandal or wedge pump and a white, beige, or contrasting color blazer or sweater.  Okay!  Hope this post helps.  Let me know what you end up buying - I'm sure you'll look glorious no matter what you choose.  Happy shopping and may the odds be ever in your favor.  Readers - do you have any recommendations for Reader LK?  Do you agree that NYC wedding means a black dress?  What colors do you like to wear to weddings?  Leave your thoughts in the comments!

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Have you entered our promotional contest yet?  Why not?  You should really do that now.  Like now.  Yes now.  GO DO IT.  (Okay - done now.)
 
Reader KG writes:

Hi TCFKAG! I'm attending an outdoor wedding next month that will be filled with a ton of my old high school friends. I've been searching for the perfect dress for a little while, and could use some help. I'm really looking for a 20s/Gatsby inspired dress. I found this one: Floating on Air Dress - hopefully no one buys the one medium they have left before you get a chance to answer! 

My first question is whether it's appropriate for the wedding? I'm particularly worried about the color - is it too light/close to white? If it's appropriate, how would you style it? In particular, what about shoes?

While we at it (or if it's not right for a wedding), any suggestions for similar dresses? I'm normally size small/2 and very light colored/pale. For this dress, the $50 range is really my budget because I don't think I'd wear it very much.


Before I get started with answering - here's the dress in question.
I'll answer your first question first - I think its probably fine for a wedding.  On the website it is described as "sky-blue" and it looks fairly blue here, so I think on the color you're probably safe.  In terms of appropriateness otherwise, I think its lovely - though its maybe hinging a tiny bit on the dowdy side (I wish there was another color there.)  I would definitely want to punch it up with some fun accessories and shoes to add a little bit of color and maybe even sparkle to it - but overall I think its a nice look.  So first, let me offer up some shoe possibilities and a couple of jewelry options - then I will move on to a few other similar scallop dresses for your consideration.
Enzo Aglioni Maiven Shoes at Macy's ($49.99 - I like the idea of a textured metallic - gives a little shine to the outfit while still being classic and not too crazy.)
Pour La Victoire Case Mary-Jane Pump in Teal ($39.99-$249.99 - I think a mary-jane or a t-strap pump would be a great way to reference the era of the dress without being too literal.)
Vince Camuto Lexis Pump at Designs by Stephene ($49.99 - these might be a little too high for you - and I'm not sure how you feel about the studded look - but I love the idea of a bright cobalt or navy shoe - I think a second shade of blue with this look would be awesome.)
(If you like any of these specifically but want a different, similar recommendation, let me know.)
Inlaid Hexagon Cuff at Lori's of Chicago ($36.95 - I like the idea of adding some color in a bracelet - either coordinated with the shoes or in a contrasting but still friendly color - purple would be another nice option.)
Tortoise Box Bead Necklace from Forever 21 ($9.80 - check out all their options - they have amazing sales now.)
Lacquered Twist Necklace in green and gold from Forever 21 ($6.80)

As far sa other dresses - I didn't see much that I thought was particularly good in your aesthetic and in your price range.  Readers, have you seen any similar dresses that you particularly like?  And KG if you decide not to go with this dress, come on back and I'm sure I can find you something else.  Hope these ideas help - and have fun at the wedding!
 
Reader L needs help getting ready for wedding season:

Hi TCFKAG, I am looking for two dresses - one for a rehearsal dinner and one for the wedding. I am not in the wedding, but my SO is the best man. The wedding is in July in an area where it can be quite hot and humid, though everything is thankfully inside. The rehearsal dinner is at a restaurant. The ceremony and reception are in the evening at a hotel. It is not black tie. The bride and groom are more fun than formal, but I do not want to be too casual since my SO will be in a tux. Typically, I wear black for evening weddings, but after a recent discussion on Corporette, it appears that may be bad form?! That was news to me. (Eek.) I feel like I am stuck in a wedding-guest-dress rut. I always end up buying similar things - black or navy, strapless A line or classic sheath, and recently lace. I would like something fresh, and young, and fun, and new! But I am not seeing anything online that inspires me. Could you help? I am fair skinned, so blues, pinks and greens look good on me, though I'm not opposed to other colors or prints. I think short would be better than long, but I would try either. Price range: Under $350 for the dress for the wedding, and under $150 for the rehearsal dinner dress. (Less expensive is always good!) Size: either a US 4 or 6. I am an X shape. Also, I am 32. So, I don't want to be running around in a dress that the groom's 16-year-old cousin might also wear, nor one that the bride's 60-year-old aunt might have on. Could you help inspire me? Sorry for such a long note. Love your blog, and always love your comments to the 'rettes! Thank you, L

So, first I will quickly address the whole "no black as a guest at a wedding" rule.  I think that, traditionally, it was considered bad form to wear black to a wedding, since it was the color of mourning.  But, at this point, I think it is really only the "rule" for very traditional wedding (hell, my bridesmaids wore black).  *But* - on the other hand - you're going to weddings in a hot, sticky area in the middle of the summer - might as well mix it up and add some colorful dresses to your wardrobe right?  As an initial matter, I'll direct you to this post (for red dresses - the Adrianna Papell might be lovely for the rehearsal dinner) and this post (the Kate Spade, the canary yellow Kay Unger, or the blue paisley Anne Klein would all be lovely options).  Now - for some new options just for you! 
Lauren by Ralph Lauren Print Fit and Flare Dress at Nordstroms ($149 - this would look lovely on an x-shape - maybe better for the rehearsal dinner because of the white in the print?  But given the other colors, I'm sure it would be fine for either - but I'm fairly non-traditional when it comes to wedding guest wear.)
Lauren by Ralph Lauren Knotted Jersey A-Line Dress at Nordstroms ($130 - I love this color and it would pair great with gold and turquoise jersely - seriously - beautiful gold sandals and turquoise jewelry [like this maybe] would look amazing.  Probably for the rehearsal dinner but would also work for the wedding - depending how nice the jersey is.)
Donna Rico Print Cotton Fit and Flare Dress ($88 - I like this pattern - and the price is right.)
Ksenia Printed A-Line Dress by BCBG ($298 - a little pricey but I love the pleated look and the colors are fresh.)
Eliza J. Dress, One Shoulder Beaded Satin Cocktail Dress at Macy's ($168 - satin is taste specific but this is pretty.)
Feather after Dress at Modcloth ($89.99 - pretty print - but reviews say to order a size up.)
Cynthia Steffe Lida Color Block Crepe Dress at Bloomingdale's ($148.50 - a sheath with little something different).
Haute Hippie Sequin Asymmetric Drape Dress at Shopbop ($238.50 - this is different than most sequin dresses - I like it.)
Summer Bouquet Sundress at White House Black Market ($160 - I have a very similar dress to this from WHBM and I love it - beautiful shape and nicely constructed.  Great for weddings, fun to twirl in.)

So!  Hope these ideas help.  Let me know if they don't work and hope they expand your idea range.  And a reminder - if you decide to buy any of these - click the link and buy them through here.  That would be awesomesauce!!