First of all, for those playing along at home, this is the dress from J-Crew that DancingLonghorn wants to buy.
Now - to answer your real question - I absolutely think the burgundy can work for both fall and spring - in fact, this shade of burgundy functions as a neutral in my wardrobe along with black, gray, and navy. Different accessories will completely change the look and ensure that the dress is seasonally appropriate for both events. So - for this post - I will put together a collection of accessories, one for fall and one for spring that I think would work well with this dress. Obviously you don't need all of them - but you could consider getting a couple of them (or items like them) to allow the dress to transition smoothly from season to season.
Accessories for the Fall Wedding
Natural Copper Earrings by sophisticatedjunkie on Etsy ($23 - these earrings come from a very cool Etsy store. I love the way they've used the copper and its natural color to give it a teal and brown color scheme; it gives it a colorful look but without undermining the rustic feel. Base metals - like copper (or bronze, gunmetal, etc.) are in right now and really read fall to me.) | House of Harlow 1960 Serene Serpentine Collar Necklace at Zappos ($75 - this necklace is a bit pricy but its also really cool and really unique. I think the brown is an ideal neutral allowing maximum flexibility with your other accessories. [Note: its called a collar necklace but it isn't a choker or otherwise hit at the collar - not sure why its called that.]) | Mixed Metal Bangle Set at Ann Taylor Loft ($29.50 - in terms of bracelets for this outfit, I'm keeping it a bit simple. There are tons of mixed metal bangle sets out there but this one has a nice variety and selection. [BTW ASOS has a set of mixed metal bangles that are literally called vintage 90s bangles - when did the 90s become vintage?] |
Donna Morgan Silk Chiffon Shawl at Nordstroms ($48 - Weddings in general, and especially fall weddings, are made infinitely more comfortable with a shawl or wrap to keep you warm. I own this wrap in black and it is perfect for air conditioned hotel ballrooms. Navy is also a nice third color to add to your outfit. [If you want a heaver wrap, consider this in either the teal or the gray.) | Nine West Women's Flax Pump in Blue/Green Suede at Amazon ($69 - I like the idea of mixing teal and burgundy for a fall wedding this year since mixed jewel tones are so in right now. Plus, this pump would be a great addition to any work wardrobe, making it a two-fer. If the teal doesn't do it for you - you could also go with a navy shoe and work the teal in with the jewelry, as shown above, and have the shoes match the wrap. [Or, in the reverse, you could pick a teal wrap to match the shoes, either way really works.]) | Touch of Nina Beaded Peacock Clutch at Loehmann's ($69.99 - plus an extra 25% off right now. Whenever I recommend teal for an outfit, I always think that peacock accessories should get worked in somehow. This is definitely no exception. This clutch comes in both a black beaded pattern and this white pattern, but in this case I prefer the white. Not only because its gorgeous but also because it can then be used for both the fall and spring weddings easily [and, I predict, many times in between.]) |
Accessories for the Spring Wedding
Giani Bernini 24k Gold over sterling silver earrings at Macy's ($59 - so, there are other, cheaper gold or "gold" jewelry on sale at Macy's right now (not to mention the rest of the internet) but I particularly like these. They are delicate and would also be work appropriate and great for use year round for non-wedding events. I think it goes great with the orange/coral necklace I recommended to the right [or the brown necklace I recommended above for that matter.]) | Haskell necklace, gold-tone orange faceted teardrop bead frontal necklace from Macy's ($38.50 - Coral and burgundy contrast beautifully with each other; this is a great way to bring the dress into the warmer months and this will work well with the v-neck of the dress. I like it. Though I'd keep an eye on it, you might be able to get it for an even deeper discount later on in the fall.) | Blu-Bijoux Gold and Coral Stones Stretch Cuff Bracelet at Max & Chloe ($21 - note that this is final sale - so, obviously it is a bit hard to recommend jewelry on-line when you can't tell if the two pieces will match. These may be very different shades or they might match closely. Either way - I like the idea of coral or orange jewelry with the burgundy. I don't think it all has to match exactly as long as its not TOO far off.) |
Linen Blend Wrap in Gold Artisan from Nordstroms ($28 - you could - of course - use the navy or gray wrap from above for both weddings - but why give up the chance to buy an awesome second golden linen scarf? There's no reason. But seriously, this scarf would be lovely for a spring wedding and throughout the spring.) | Nine West Beutie Pump at Macy's ($69.99 - really I think any neutral shoe of your choice would work with this outfit - but I like this pump from Nine West, which could be used either as a "nude for you" or as almost a white shoe rather than nude if its too light for you. Other neutral or light shoes might work too, like a light yellow, or gray, or navy blue, or even the teal shoes from the fall wedding if you want to be frugal.) | Large Gold Verdigris Hair Comb from Nesting Pretty and Victorian Gold Hair Comb from PrettyBabyMillinery both on Etsy ($24 and $28 - Since I recommended a purse above that would work with both outfits, I thought I'd recommend a hair accessory here. This would be a fun way to make the outfit feel "special" and add a third color to the outfit. Here are two examples, though there are tons of others on Etsy.) |