I have been invited to attend a function where formal wear is required. What should I wear?

Question

Please detail answers, but keep them sensible.

The function is a friend's wedding.

Answer 1

For a formal wedding, you should be in a long(er) dress, nice shoes, and complementing accessories. Depending on the location and time will determine the actual dress itself.

I'm going to past a few examples, but you can just use your best judgment. Also, when you go shopping, pick a few styles that you like, then try calling the bride and ask her opinion. She can tell you better than anyone if it's appropriate.

For an outdoor daytime wedding, try a knee or tea length. Bring a wrap or jacket in case it's chilly out.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2898435/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6001765~6001771?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6001771&P=1

For an indoor daytime wedding, try a similar length, but go a dit more elaborate. Indoor events take away the worry of weather and dirt.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2886970?refsid=173999&refcat=0%7e2376776%7e2374325%7e2384569&SourceID=&SlotID=1&origin=related

For an outdoor late afternoon/early evening, the dress should be tea or ankle lenth. If you get a shorter length, it should be a dress with plenty of pazzaz.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2899732/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6001765~6001766?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6001766&P=1

For an indoor late afternoon/early evening, go a bit more dressy. Think cocktail attire.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2913012?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=tea+length+in+All+Categories&origin=searchresults

For an outdoor evening/night dress, it should be a long dress, or a very formal short dress.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2863678/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6001765~6003709?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6003709&P=1

For an indoor evening/night dress, it's a formal gown.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2895133/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6001765~6003709?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6003709&P=2

Colors:
Stay away from white and shades of white, like ivory and champagne. They are reserved for the bride, and wearing traditional bridal colors may offend some people who think you are tying to steal her spotlight. For black, red, and other non-traditional wedding colors - either you know the bride well enough to know that she won't be offended, or you call and ask. Most women now don't care that much, so you should be safe, but if she is very conservative, you might want to talk to her first before buying.

Things to avoid:
Anything ultra short in the skirt, very low cut in the top, or otherwise shows a lot of skin. Even if your friend is a little wild in her dress, her parents and relatitives probably aren't. If you look "bad" to them, she'll hear about it later. A side slit should not go to the upper thigh or hip. A backless dress should not dip to your butt. Spandex or lycra aren't good fabric choices, try to find a more flowing style and not skin tight.

Answer 2

Wear a dress or skirt set that complements you. What is considered appropriate is also determined by the setting of the wedding. If the wedding is in the evening at a church or ballroom, gowns are more appropriate. If the wedding is at a church in the daytime, a skirt set or dress is acceptable (maybe even a pantsuit), but not a gown (unless you're part of the bridal party). If it's in a garden in the daytime, skirts, dresses, or pant suits are acceptable. Personally, I steer clear of pants, even the "dress slacks" kind for anything from business events to weddings and funerals.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

You really haven't included enough information to get a reasonable response. Wedding attire is far different from something you might wear to an important business meeting. Please include more information as to the type of event.

Answer 4

wear something simple like a classic black dress or a shift dress or a trouser suit (not a works one) something simple and elegant you will always get away with the classic black dress thats what they were designed for Good Luck!

Answer 5

Wear something simple, maybe a cute solid color dress with heels. Dangley earrings too.

Answer 6

bright coloured 3/4 length cocktail type dress... flowy and energetic. you don't want to blend in with the crowd, but you dont want to look better then the bride... so find a happy medium.... GO SHOPPING!!

Answer 7

A nice conservative black dress with sun-tan pantyhose would look elegant.

Answer 8

no matter what the occasion, you can never go wrong with a little black dress.

Answer 9

Don't wear jeans.

Answer 10

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