Hello, Darlings!

What To Wear To An Evening Wedding? It is Wedding Season!  This year not only is my son getting married, but many of my extended family is too.  Which means lots of Saturdays to plan- what I am going to wear? Two years ago I really struggled with my wardrobe.  I had exactly ONE dress, and it did not look good on me. 

What To Wear To An Evening Wedding

The last two years I have been working to better understand my body type and what looks good on ME.  With the ability to shop online and designers/manufacturers making more clothes that fit different body types, a whole new world has opened up.  The introduction of polyester/rayon/spandex mix in fabric has been a game-changer.  This past year I have collected a small, but very functional group of dresses that can work for weddings, semi-formal occasions, funerals, and dinners out.

What To Wear To Evening Wedding? Try Lauren Ralph Lauren Dresses

Lauren Ralph Lauren Off The Shoulder Sheath Dress in Indigo

Navy is the new black for weddings.  The dark color is slimming and very modern.  My body type is a pear, larger hips.  My goal is to bring attention up and out, drawing attention away from my hips and accentuating my chest and shoulders.  This dress from the Lauren, by Ralph Lauren Collection, works perfectly.  The material is polyester/ elastane and lined, which makes the dress drape on the body beautifully and feels like a jersey knit.

What I Wore To Evening Wedding

I LOVE the Lauren, by Ralph Lauren Collection.  It is my “go to” for dresses now.  They carry regular, petite, and plus sizes.   This dress came in all three and has a long floor length that would be fabulous for Mother of the Groom or a formal occasion. Matter a fact, I loved this dress so much, I bought it in black and red too. The indigo blue color is sold out but it is still available in black and red.

Shoes are the next problem in my wardrobe saga.  After two years of foot pain due to plantar fasciitis, I am cautious about buying shoes that are not comfortable.  But at the same time, I want to be stylish.  Low and behold, the block heel.  The block heel sandal is a wonderful addition to my shoe collection.  It is perfect for the outdoor wedding, as it gives stability when walking on uneven surfaces.

For a high heel, look for a more platform bed to give better comfort. The shoes I wore are the Navy Suede RealDeals from Stuart Weitzman.  They looked very modern and stylish, gave me good stability in walking on uneven surfaces, and were comfortable for the evening. Oh, and this particular shoe, the ankle band is velcro, so you can set it to your comfort level. 

The Complete Evening Wedding Look

Accessories can make or break an outfit. They can also transform an outfit from an evening event dress to a wedding, to a funeral, to a daytime event dress.  Because they are so important, I have been slowly building a collection of accessories. 

Chandelier Earrings And Rhinestone Bracelet Complete The Evening Wedding Look

For this wedding, I chose a chandelier with rhinestones earring to draw attention up.  The off the shoulder neckline did not need a necklace.  Matter a fact, a necklace would have been too much and taken away from the look.  You can over-accessorize. I did add a modern rhinestone bracelet for additional bling.

Navy Clutch Bag From Charming Charlies

A clutch bag is a must for your wardrobe.  Nothing messes up a beautiful evening look than a large tote bag or purse.  The clutch purse I chose to bring was inexpensive from Charming Charlie’s in a navy suede look.  Charming Charlies has a great collection of clutch purses for a wedding and formal events that are not expensive and the perfect size for cell phone, sunglasses, lipstick, and a breath mint. Make sure the bag fits comfortably under your arm.

Soma Smoothing Shorts For Comfortable Shapewear

Some of my hidden secrets for dressing for a wedding include my shapewear, Soma Smoothing Shorts. They come in black and nude.  I have both.  The only key is to make sure your dress is not so short that they show. 

Jergens Natural Glow Firming Moisturizer With Self Tanner

The next tool in my “fashion toolkit” is Jergen’s Natural Glow Firming Moisturizer.  I have found this to be the best self-tanner.  This is a product you want to use every day to slowly build up a natural-looking tan.  The Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer comes in Fair to Medium and Medium to Tan.  I use the Medium to Tan, but NOT on my face.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer For Covering Up Tan Lines

Now, if you have strap marks from swimsuits or, like me, are avid tennis players, I have found the best way to cover them up is with a bronzer. I use Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer.  The best way to use it is to apply the bronzer with a Kabuki-style brush.  My favorite is the IT Brushes Airbrush Blurring Kabuki Brush from Ulta.  One very important hint, use the brush only for bronzer and have another brush for makeup. I have even labeled mine.

Preheels Blister Preventing Spray Is Must Have For Long Evening In Heels

Finally, you do not want to rub a blister on your feet.  I have been very successful with the Preheel Spray for preventing rubbing blisters.  This product will not keep your shoes from hurting, but it will create a barrier to protect from rubbing.  Follow the direction, as the spray needs to dry and become “tacky” before you put your shoes on.

Shopping for Dresses From Lauren Ralph Lauren Collection

Navy Clutch Purses

Earrings

 Block Heel Shoes

With wedding season in full swing, we want to enjoy the festivities and look FABULOUS.  Plan ahead and have your dress ready and your fashion tool kit handy.  Enjoy!  More wedding looks coming soon.  I have 2 more family weddings before my own son’s wedding.

Here is what I wore last year to my son Scott’s outdoor wedding

What To Wear- Mother Of The Groom