My girlfriend emailed perplexed. Here were her data points for me to take on “Shopping With A Purpose”: I have an intimate fall barn wedding to attend. The men are wearing gray suits. The bridesmaids are wearing teal. One mother is wearing floor length dove gray sequins. What do I wear?
Okay, this is like playing which one doesn’t belong. Here, the red herring is the floor length sequin dress. It does not match the barn wedding, plus the men aren’t wearing tuxes. So set it aside and work with the remaining facts.
Teal is a gorgeous color to work with for fall. My friend is a fair skinned brunette. Plums, navys, and purples would all be gorgeous alongside the bridal party palate.
Because the walking conditions in and around a barn could be tricky, I recommend sticking with kitten heels. Even those could prove challenging to navigate but it seems one step too informal to pair the dress with knee boots.
I’m not sure of the location, so weather can be tricky in the autumn. My theory is if you are in deep south then you can wear any of these cocktail dresses without so much as a wrap if you so choose. For Midwest and Northern areas, you’ll likely need a nice dress coat as there’s no way you can stay warm with any type of cocktail dress.
Because the groomsmen are in gray, you can always opt for a deep grays or blacks which would be lovely and classic – think this Adrianna Papell embroidered fit and flare number (which would also be comfy on the dance floor and versatile for other events!).
And if you’re not anti-lace, I love lace as a perfect compliment for a barn wedding. It feels more rustic to me. Try out this Tadashi Shoji Two-Tone Lace Sheath Dress (in addition to the dove gray, it also comes in a navy and ivory that would present more of a contrast to the bride).
Because I love color at a wedding, there are an array of teal and purple shades which would work for the occasion. Try this Adrianna Papell Pleated Jersey Sheath Dress in teal – add cool earrings and you’re set. Or this simple navy crepe dress which could be dressed up with sparkly earrings and pewter pumps.
Still in the lace family, this is a super cool sheer lace purple Cynthia Rowley Illusion Yoke Lace Midi Dress – perfect with a nude low sandal for such an event. Or if you want to stay in the purple family without the lace, this plum Jenny Yoo convertible strapless chiffon dress is a lovely choice; I would wear in the halter style with a wool wrap or ivory coat.
Whatever you wear, kick up your heels, have a hee-haw good time, and try not to step in any cow patties!
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