Blue dress for sister of the bride?

My sister is getting married this October in Sedona, Arizona. I am not in the wedding party but my two kids will be flower girl and ring bearer. I am looking for an appropriate dress for the wedding. Something not bridesmaid-y, but also not mother of the bride-ish either. The wedding will be in the daytime and outdoors, and I'm not sure about the reception (possibly dinnertime). It will be warm or hot most likely. My sister wants royal blue and white as her colors. Obviously I can't do white, but should I try to wear something blue (since I'll be in the family pics), or will that make me look like a bridesmaid since they will all be wearing royal blue? If not blue, what color? There's no rush on this, I just thought I'd pick your brains so I can start leisurely looking for the right dress. Ideally $250 or less, and I don't typically like strapless or spaghetti strap dresses.

Here's a few possibilities from skimming the Nordstrom website--which of these styles look like they might work best/look like my style? Any other suggestions? Thanks!

1. Suzi Chin for Maggie Pleated dress--nice, but too bridesmaid-y? Too short?
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/su.....tback=1387

2. Adrianna Papell Dot Halter Gown--navy maxi with white dots--I love the dots, but not sure about the halter style on me though, also the navy might clash with the royal blue
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ad.....tback=3305

3. Calvin Klein full length halter gown
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ca.....tback=3825

4. Alex evenings beaded ruched jersey gown--on sale! I think this would be flattering on me, but would it be too MOTB?
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/al.....tback=1528

5. T by Tadashi V neck tiered ruffle skirt chiffon dress--I like it, but does it look dated?
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/t-.....tback=8587

6. Maggy London Stretch Satin Sheath dress
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ma.....tback=5441

7. Alex & Ava Dolman Sleeve Jersey dress
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/al.....sultback=0

8. Suzi Chin for Maggy Belted Cap Sleeve Sheath dress--could potentially reuse this to wear to work.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/su.....tback=5369

9. Maggy London Drape Front Jersey dress:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ma.....tback=7529

ETA: I totally forgot! I also have a couple options in my closet:
10. Jason Wu for Target navy poplin dress. This actually might work well for the occasion because it's rather dressy.

11. Tory Burch navy shirtdress with white hearts. This would be cute because of the hearts/wedding tie in.

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11 years ago

christieanne

Veteran

I love 1, 8, and 9 with 9 as my favorite - it's a little bit darker as well. Are the bridesmaids wearing short dresses? I think a similar color but different style should be fine.

Save the Jason Wu for rehearsal dinner? How fun!

Aunty

FWIW I would go with the navy so that you are just that bit different from the bridesmaids. 11 looks gorgeous on you, you could add shoes, bag and belt in any colour to make it perfect for the occasion. Lime green would give it a lovely punch of colour

ramya

I love the Jason wu dress on you but i also like 1

BlondeAmbition

Active Member

I would advise against jersey because it's not formal enough for the occasion. I am obsessed with the navy polka dot halter gown..... I may have to snatch this for myself! It's perfect for the occasion, flowy and evening-like but not too serious and not at all mother of the bride. Good find!

modgrl

(website)

I think you should stay away from royal blue unless you want to be mistaken for a bridesmaid all day. How about your orange origami dress with some sparkle? That dress is fabberiffic on you.

Janet

#1 jumped out at me the most. I think royal blue would be so lovely on you, nicer than navy, but that may be my personal bias too.

I think it's going to be hard to choose something that clearly differentiates from the bridesmaids until the bridesmaid dress is chosen. Can you hold off?

Jjsloane

I would ask your sister what color she'd prefer (it's her day). I think #9 hits the right amount of dressy and covered and non-bridesmaidy, but would also consider a print on blue to coordinate but differentiate yourself. I love 10 and 11 on you, but it depends on the dressiness of the rest of the wedding party.

Anonymous

What? You should wear your black and white Kate Spade fan print dress! A print is always great in wedding pictures. You will go with everyone, without *matching*. That dress is so fabulous on you, I can't imagine you wanting to wear anything else! Pearls, heels and a clutch and you're good to go. And if it happens to get chilly at night.....you have the perfect, matching topper!!!

Tanya

What is the official dress code for the wedding Natalie? Afternoon outdoors does not sound that formal, but you never know. I would also ask your sister what she thinks about wearing blue. Once you are certain about the color and the level of formality it should be much easier to decide, as these are all gorgeous dresses.

Echo

I think Claire hit it. Your printed Kate Spade would be perfect. I'd hold off on blue - especially royal blue - until you know what the bridesmaids dresses will look like. I think coordinating is much better than matching, and a black and white print will coordinate with everything. With a royal blue dress you will either be mistaken for a bridesmaid or clash with them, so I'd actually stay away from blue.

RoseandJoan

GP you rock a print, how do you feel about a white based print dress such as this one from Boden?
http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/W.....vGroupID=4

rae

#1 Would look AMAZING on you! But overall I like 9 best so that you would be within the color theme but still different than the bridesmaids. In a pic, you don't want to stand out - the bride should definitely stand out the most. I think you could also do a dark purple or black.

Transcona Shannon

I am in complete agreement with Claire - your black and white print Kate Spade dress. It looks stunning on you, is completely appropriate for the occasion and will look fabulous in pictures.

Aida

I definitely agree that you should ask your sister. If it were me I would look for something that "goes" but isn't actually blue, say emerald or purple OR black/white (love Claire's idea of the fan print dress!) so that you look good in the photos but won't be mistaken as part of the bridal party.

catgirl

I love 1, 5, and 9. But I think your KS dress is the best of the bunch.

Sylvie

Actually the first thing I thought of was your black and white KS dress as well - looks like I'm in good company here. Throw in a pair of blue shoes or a handbag and you're done!

annagybe

Another vote for you Kate Spade.

goldenpig

*smacks forehead*

Why didn't I think of that before? You guys are right! The Kate Spade black and white floral dress would be perfect! Thanks so much everyone!

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lynne

That dress is so perfect on you it should have as many outings as possible.

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