What to wear to a Summer Wedding or Occasion II

Summer is coming fast and along with that so many special events. That means weddings, graduations, reunions and vacations.  I’m thinking that is why one of my most popular and older posts is what to wear to a Summer wedding… It can be a bit stressful finding the right thing to wear that is flattering and is appropriate. Sometimes you aren’t happy with your body or your closet.

Try not to worry. Remember the most attractive people are those who are confident and fun. It’s never the thinnest or ones wearing the most expensive clothes! Heck I personally think it’s the women who think out of the box and wear something older or vintage or totally different that impress me! 

The thing is you need some time to plan what you are going to wear to any special event. You probably shouldn’t be looking the night before! Go through your closet a few weeks prior. This may be a good time to do a Spring cleaning out. Try on all your potential outfits. See what fits, what still works and what needs to go. Be ruthless. Take a good look at what you still love and has lasted. Notice what flatters you and forget trends. Know what you feel good in. That way if you need to shop you have some idea of what works for you. You won’t buy something just like you already own or buy something that just doesn’t flatter.

I just did this and for me I noticed the dresses and things that I still love and have lasted were J Crew. I also noticed shift dresses stay in style and I have several that are over 20 years old. One is a raw silk sleeveless shift with pockets and a scalloped hem from Ann Taylor. Also sadly, some dresses like halters no longer look great on me. I honestly look better more covered up than showing all my moles and spots off. I realized the most flattering length for me is right above the knee. 

I purged my closet of 6 bags of clothes that had been there a while. It felt great to have a clean closet and smaller wardrobe. Everything had to fit perfect and be really loved. Shopping after doing this was surprisingly easy. I came home with nothing the first few trips because I knew exactly what I had and that I didn’t want to add anything that wasn’t going to be just what I needed. Loving this white bracelet, but…got one already! Another striped top was darling and hey I already own about 5. You get where I am going. It felt liberating to walk out of stores with nothing. 

Time is crunched this part of the year so I have resorted to online shopping and it’s been amazing how many store I can hit from the couch. I’m especially enticed by the free shipping and returns at Nordstrom. You really have nothing to lose. I also find I can tell by the models body type if something is going to flatter me or not. I also read the customer reviews on items at the bottom of the page. Some customers state their height, weight, size and body type and will let you know is someting is too big or tugs or they had to order a size up. Very helpful.

Kate Bosworth in a floaty dress, clutch and pretty sandals at a wedding.

Another friend who is short on time calls the personal shopper at her local Nordstrom and they have many choices in her size already waiting for her along with possible shoes and bags. It’s all complimentary and many store have this. If you hate shopping or just can’t find the time, use these services! It’s just like when the stars use a stylist. They do the same for you. It’s great to have the opinion of someone who puts together clothes all day long. They know what works and what doesn’t! It’s free. You tell them your budget and they will work on making you look good within it.

 I’ve linked to some of my favorite picks of all the pretty things out there this season. I have to say I spent some serious time online and there are more dresses than ever. I particularly like the sites that have culled certain dresses together and grouped them as wedding guest dresses. Makes it way easier. Nordstrom was one in particular and you can find it here.

For a Summer wedding the easiest option is a lovely dress, a pretty clutch and a small wrap or scarf to drape on your shoulders. Notice below. She’s got chic hair, small bag (don’t even thing of bringing your regular daytime shoulder bag), wrap or sweater, dressier earrings and pretty shoes. Simple.

In my search for a dress for my son’s graduation and to pack on my travels, I came across quite a few that are perfect for many occasions. I’m sharing some of my favorites and hopefully there is a link to each one on the description should you want to buy or find out more information!

One of the day looks that is flattering on almost everyone is the shift dress and if it has a print you can pair it some terrific wedges or a bright clutch for a graduation. I’d skip a necklace and add some larger drop earrings. Love this Michael Kors.

This above, would be very cute on a young teen or pre-teen.

Warm colors are so attractive on most people…