Quick Q&A: Wedding Wear

Q: @BrandiHeinz I need advice on wedding and rehearsal dresses that aren’t too much $ – everything is skanky or juvenile!

A: Luckily, with the economy in such a poor state, it isn’t too hard to find a nice dress for less. I have gathered some dresses under $150 and thrown in some tips!

Things to look for:

• Patterns, Ruffles, Florals
• Appropriate Lengths
• Strapless, interesting necklines or single shouldered dresses
• Day to night versatility- some of these dresses could work for both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding- not that you’d wear it for both, but weddings do tend to be day to night affairs and knowing you CAN wear it again is great!

Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique

Calvin Klein

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These first two dresses were on Nordstrom.com. Nordstrom has an excellent “Dress Shop” with easy search functionality that allows you to find a dress for your shape, the right occasion, or by price, etc. The first is a Suzi Chin for Maggie Boutique single shouldered dress. It is definitely a statement dress, but if you dress it up with some nice earrings and a not-too-tall heel, it won’t be too outrageous.

Suzi Chin for Maggie Boutique
$148 Nordstrom.com

The Little Black Dress! The go to dress for every “what do I wear?” occasion. This Calvin Klein dress is classic and on-trend with its sheer lace overlay. This particular dress also has a sexy cut out back. You WILL want to wear it again!

Calvin Klein
$118 Nordstrom.com

Playful but Pretty

These trendy dresses would be perfect for the rehearsal dinner (unless the brides parents are reallly uptight)! The colorful dresses send out a cheerful tone and the black and white tunic can be dressed up with colorful but classy accessories (no cheap plastic bangles)!

1. Mink Pink one shouldered ruffle strap dress, $101  Chickdowntown.com
2. Moulinette Souers buttoned water color dress, $148 Anthropologie
3. BCBG Split Neck printed dress, $138 Macys.com

Mink Pink

Anthropologie

BCBG

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Patterned for the Party
Pick a pattern or floral print this summer! While patterns can seem intimidating for those who usually stick to solids or stripes, they can be very flattering if you find the right fit- so go ahead and try a few on…

1. Strapless floral dress, $22.80 Forever21.com
2. BCBG Printed Sleeveless Dress, $96.60 BCBG.com
3. Nine West floral scoop neck dress, $134 Macys.com

Forever21

BCBG

NineWest

Max & Cleo

Kensie

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Overstock.com
Overstock.com requires some good searching skills, but their prices are great for the brands that they offer!
Max & Cleo ruffle dress, $69.99 Overstock.com
Kensie Pleated sheath dress, $74.99 Overstock.com

Business Casual Turns Business Fashionable

I’ve worked in offices with professional attire, business attire, and business casual dress codes. By far the most atrocious attire is business casual. 

For some reason, crossing the line from “business” to “business casual,” generally means going from business appropriate to “i just woke up and picked up whatever was on the floor.” I don’t care what the actual dress code is for a business casual environment, if it says “casual,” people tend to forget the “business” part and dress however they like until management sees too many t-shirts or witnesses one too many muffin tops. 

Of course these assumptions don’t apply to everyone. But regardless, Business Casual Must Turn Business Fashionable. Keep reading to find some Spring 2009 work wardrobe items:

Victoria's Secret Ruffle Front Silk Chiffon Blouse

TOPS

Ruffles, Patterns & Day-to-Night

Ruffles, layers, patterns, all sorts of colors (and neutrals) are in style this Spring.  All of the tops I have shown here can be worn from day-to-night as well. If you pair any one of these with a cute pair of linen shorts and high wedge heels, you have an outfit for Friday night!

Victoria’s Secret Ruffle Front Blouse– This neutral, feminine top can be paired with any color pant! 
$68 Victoria’s Secret 

 

Express Short Sleeved Shirt - Dot Print

     

Express Keyhole Ruffle Top

Express Short Sleeved Shirt  This classic short sleeved button down comes in every color- stock up!$49.50 Express

Express Keyhole Ruffle Top

Can’t go sleeveless in the office? Wear this under your suit jacket! $49.50 Express

Victoria's Secret Christie Flare Pant in Stretch Cotton

Pants

Wear what fits you well

Different styles of pants are “in” this spring. Wide-leg, skinny leg, ankle cut, etc. So if you find a pair that fits you well (length, hip and waist) buy it in a few colors! Victoria’s Secret has some of my favorite pants:

Christie Flare Pant in Stretch Cotton

$39.50 Victoria’s Secret

Available in a dozen colors!

Skirts & Dresses

Black & White, Prints & Versatility

Dresses are so versatile that they are an absolute necessity in a work wardrobe. Adding a simple cardigan to a night-on the town dress can modify a dress so it is work appropriate. The following are some highly versatile dresses I found for just that kind of occasion.

 

    

Milly Sheath Dress

Anne Taylor Loft Split Neck Ruffle Dress

 

 

 

 

 

Milly Sheath Dress (above white)

Sheath dresses are classically fit and season-less. This dress is actually backless and gorgeous- so wear a cardigan to work and take it off for that date at an outdoor cafe!

Milly, $375.00  Nordstrom

Hype Strapless Floral Dress

Ann Taylor Loft Splitneck Ruffle Dress (above black)
Black and white are hot “colors” this season- so don’t be afraid to wear black (or ruffles). $69 Ann Taylor Loft

Hype Strapless Border Dress (left)

Everyone loves floral prints this season and they aren’t hard to find! This dress comes in the color shown and a turquoise color.

$139.00 at Zappos

     

Belted Skirt

 

 

 

 

New York & Company Belted Skirt

This cotton skirt is so simple it can be paired with anything plain or patterned. 

$39.95 New York and Company 

Shoes
Nudes, Prints, and Flats

Nudes extend the leg. Prints dress up a plain/solid outfit, and flats make shorter dresses and skirts more appropriate for work. 

     

Nine West Fender Peep Toe Pump $49.99 @Ninewest.com

Anne Klein- $45 @ 6pm.com

Cynthia Vincent Pump

Cole Haan Air Ballet Flat

BCBGirls Silver Flats