16 Jun 2013 Dresses

NYCR To The Rescue: Rehearsal Dinner Edition

It’s time for the latest installment of yours truly to the rescue … the latest plea for help comes from Leslie:

“Hi NYC Recessionista!I am a bridesmaid in a wedding on July 27 and am currently in search of a cute dress for the rehearsal dinner. Teal will be a “highlight color” at this wedding, so I thought about incorporating that into my rehearsal dinner outfit (dress, shoes or jewelry, I’m not picky.) I’ve been told I look good in green-ish hues so this bodes well for me. 🙂I like the teal Kiernan Shipka dress you included in your post about her but I think I’m looking for something not so short. (I’m in my early 30s…my short skirt days are long gone!) Any help you can provide is much appreciated! Cheers! –Leslie”

Thanks so much for reaching out, Leslie!  Wedding season is definitely upon us!  And between the bridal showers, the bachelorette parties and the rehearsal dinners, having to line up outfits for wedding-related festivities can make your head spin.  But fear not, that’s what I am here for 🙂

I think that, even though teal will be a key color in the wedding (and PS – as a former bride who was super color-conscious, I think it’s so awesome that you’re taking the wedding colors into account!), it couldn’t hurt to expand your sartorial horizons and consider other dresses, too, so long as they fall within this ocean-y color palette —

1. J. Crew sheath dress
2. Ann Taylor lace dress
3. Ann Taylor dress
4. LC Lauren Conrad bow dress
5. Kohl’s ruched dress
6. Asos pleated dress
7. Asos dress
8. Asos midi dress
9. Modcloth dress
10. Pim + Larkin dress
11. JCPenney dress
12. JCPenney lace dress
What I love about all of these dresses is that they’re so simplistic. They’re all solid colors and they all have relatively classic silhouettes. But, every one of these dresses has an extra special touch to it. Ruching, asymmetrical necklines, lace, bows and pleating all add visual interest.
And now for some extras to turn these dresses into impossibly chic looks …

(Designs by NYC Recessionista, images courtesy of retailers as follows)

1. Nordstrom sandals
2. Ann Taylor druzy ring
3. Target clutch
4. Enzo Angiolini pumps
5. Bauble Bar bracelet
6. LOFT multi-strand necklace
7. Banana Republic bangle
8. Anthropologie clutch
9. Nina pumps
10. Piperlime clutch
11. LOFT tiered necklace
12. Bauble Bar aqua drop earrings
13. DSW clutch
14. Nordstrom earrings
15. Ann Taylor bracelet set
16. Kate Spade flats

The key with accessories is to not be too matchy-matchy …

If you’re wearing a dark blue dress, don’t feel like you have to wear dark blue jewelry. Add an unexpected pop of pale green, or even yellow.

And on the flip side of that, if you’re wearing a pale green or teal dress, try pairing it with some rich cobalt blue jewelry. These “cool” colors all go fabulously together.

As for shoes and clutches … I always like to go with a metallic. They don’t compete for attention, they’re much more versatile, and chances are you’ll be able to use them again.

I hope this helps — happy shopping!

xoxo
NYC Recessionista