Tuesday, April 23, 2013

What to Wear, Wedding Style Part 2 - the semi formal wedding

Ok ladies, the semi formal wedding. This concept seems a little easier for people to understand, though there is still a discrepancy in women's minds on what cuts and fabrics are acceptable for a semi-formal event. What's nice is you have a few more options because you can play more freely with lengths and cuts, and the lines are bit blurred when it comes to looks for evening and day events. Basic rules apply when deciding on looks for an evening or daytime look. Just like with the formal wedding, lighter colors for day are always great, while deeper and richer colors should be reserved for the evening. Of course rule can be broken, but if so do it tastefully. More modest looks for day while riskier looks are fine for evening.

Here are some evening looks:
When the Night Comes Dress in Smoke - ModCloth $99

I like this dress for many reasons. I love the smoky color which is perfect for an evening event. It's fun, subtly sexy, and the lace detail gives is the right touch to make it  appropriate for a semi-formal event. The hemline is not too short which is a mistake I've witnessed too many times. Here is another one from the same company:

Moonlight Marvel Dress - ModCloth $177.99
 This again is a great color for an evening event. It has a classic one shoulder design, not too short hemline and with the right accessories is definitely elegant enough for any semi-formal event.

David Meister Long Sleeve Sequined Cocktail Dress - Neiman Marcus $560
Here is an example of a long sleeve option. I love the elegance of this dress. Now, some may think, it's a nice pastel color which is great for day time, but the sequins and illusion neckline make it decidedly evening. It's not just about the color. The details determine when and where and outfit is acceptable.

Tess Strapless Bustier Dress - BCBG $268
This look is definitely one of the sexier looks I've chosen for a wedding. With this look, classic accessories and a great bolero jacket for the ceremony will keep it from being too sexy, though this bustier look is subtle enough and completely acceptable for evening. Also I love the playful high-low hem. It's elegant without being too formal.

Now for some day time looks:

Kristin Dress in silk taffeta - JCrew $250 (online only) 
This dress is daytime wedded perfection. It's a great formal fabric, the perfect hemline, the perfect daytime color, and the design is simple. This dress is all about the fit. Wear a patterned shoe which picks up the color in the dress, or a solid pump or sandal depending on the time of year.

Delphine Pleated Cutout-Back Dress - BCBG $338
This is such a cute dress. The details in the fabric and the ribbon and bow make this dress special. The neckline keeps it modest. You don't have to do much with this dress because it stands on it's own. A pair of nude shoes as pictures is a perfect pairing. You could also do a metallic such as gold or bronze. Because of the classic look of this dress I wouldn't go too crazy with the color in the accessories. 

Albert Nipon Metallic Jacquard Skirt Suit - $415

This look is very specific to the semi-formal daytime wedding. Suits are not acceptable for a formal wedding. Again, the suit should be special. A beautiful color and/or interesting details should be a part of the construction. Something you would wear to the office is NOT semi-formal. Accessories with a suit should be very classic and minimal.

All of these looks are meant to inspire ideas. I am not advocating spending $500 for anything unless you have it. If you plan accordingly and take the time, you can put together an appropriate look and look like a million bucks without breaking the bank.

I hope you found this post helpful. Remember to check in for the next post in the wedding series, The "Casual Wedding". And remember to follow me on twitter @amandastylesyou. Till next time ;)



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