https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:09:26 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice/page/2#post-1288101 Thu, 26 Jun 2014 06:51:33 +0000 CocoLion 1288101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have an easier time defining what country elegant is NOT. &nbsp;It is NOT:</p> <p>- avant garde<br />- rock 'n roll<br />- high fashion<br />- trendy<br />- ostentatious/showy</p> <p>I read country elegant to be "classic but please wear sensible footwear and be practical," i.e, have dressed for the weather. &nbsp;Country folk, no matter if high or low, are more in tune to the outdoors than city folk.</p> <p>If there is a strong Western culture from ag or ranching in this Oregon community, it could also mean dressy&nbsp;cowboy boots for the men along with custom-made bolo ties.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice/page/2#post-1288097 Thu, 26 Jun 2014 06:26:32 +0000 Adelfa 1288097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, the groom grew up in Oregon and went to an exclusive little college in Minnesota. I don't think he's even heard of the Southern type of country! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice/page/2#post-1287568 Wed, 25 Jun 2014 18:24:56 +0000 Zibbets 1287568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a fun wedding!&nbsp;</p> <p>"Country elegant" to me means Ralph Lauren…gorgeous clothes with great-looking, yet sensible&nbsp;shoes that can walk for miles, won't sink into soft grass and won't get wrecked walking on gravel. This would include, but certainly not be limited to cowboy boots and&nbsp;jean jackets with a charming frock.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1287532 Wed, 25 Jun 2014 17:48:24 +0000 rachylou 1287532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm. I don't think country western first when I hear *country* either. I think English countryside, to be honest. I divide up *country western* into Nashville, Appalachian, Willies, etc. And boy, I have no idea what country elegant means in the context of Oregon.</p> <p>I think I'd go for a striped seersucker pantsuit and a giant pearl choker. That should cover all bases, yes? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1287526 Wed, 25 Jun 2014 17:43:26 +0000 Rambling Ann 1287526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like an&nbsp;opportunity for a great hat. It can skew country, elegant or casual, and dress up/down just about anything already in the closet. Put some flowers on it in the bridal colors and it could be spectacular, just right for family but not the immediate family. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1287449 Wed, 25 Jun 2014 15:39:28 +0000 Jules 1287449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would tend to agree Mo, but what does that specifically mean in terms of dress? To me, not much that Adelfa hasn't already considered in terms of practicality, formality, etc.. Sometimes I think these made-up dress codes create more confusion than clarity! </p> <p>As an aside, I&nbsp;actually did get invited to a country or&nbsp;western-themed Jack and Jill once, less than an hour from my home,&nbsp;and several people were wearing denim on denim, boots,&nbsp;and&nbsp;so on. As a city girl with no interest in country music, it just had not occurred to me to dress that way. And I kept waiting for them to put on the "real music", lol. Made me realize my own bias/perspective. I clearly have no idea what "country" means in Oregon since I don't know what it means here&nbsp;;)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1287439 Wed, 25 Jun 2014 15:21:01 +0000 Mo 1287439@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting. &nbsp;I didn't read country to be country western, but rather outdoors, grass, in the country, not city. &nbsp;Hmm. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1287411 Wed, 25 Jun 2014 14:53:54 +0000 Jules 1287411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with JAiLeen - I have just about no western/country influence in my wardrobe and would not be stressing to come up with one. I'd interpret it only as a formality guideline, and I think you were already heading in the right direction there.&nbsp;Although a jean jacket is a good general suggestion in that vein, I don't think I'd wear one to the reception except as a late-night topper (you know, once the ties and heels -&nbsp;and rules -&nbsp;are off). It'd probably do fine for the Friday night events though, and "cover" you in the event it does quite chilly later Saturday night.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1287337 Wed, 25 Jun 2014 12:59:34 +0000 chadya 1287337@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>wedding reception in a non a/c room <br />that would not go over well in New Jersey </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1287184 Wed, 25 Jun 2014 03:52:53 +0000 Debbie 1287184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have the EF draped neck dress and I think you would look fabulous at any event in it. You can dress it up or down. This wedding sounds like a typical Tx event. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1286732 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 17:12:15 +0000 rachylou 1286732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>60F is pretty uncomfortable in my book. Boy, I'd be tempted just to wear a pants suit... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1286632 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 15:00:09 +0000 JAileen 1286632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My interpretation of country elegant : Don't wear a silk suit. Also, don't wear denim cutoffs.</p> <p>I think if you look nice, aren't too too dressy, and wear shoes that work for the terrain, you'll be fine. In my opinion a dress code is so people know what to expect and don't feel uncomfortable. If country is in your DNA, wear a denim jacket, otherwise don't sweat it. Pretend you never heard country elegant and just go for elegant.</p> <p>Several years ago we went to a wedding in an old silver mining town. I think the history was used somehow in the wedding. None of the guests wore any kind of "costume" though. Because it was so hot, I wore a very lightweight but elegant cotton dress, and dressy sandals, and felt very appropriate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1286531 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 12:05:41 +0000 Elizabeth P 1286531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, for the wedding, I'm going to suggest the EF drape neck dress, if you want to do some shopping :)&nbsp;&nbsp; Easy to dress up to whatever level you feel appropriate, will travel well, and you'll wear it forever.</p> <p>For the rehearsal, I think wedge sandals would be perfect.&nbsp; Cons are screaming "I wanna play!"&nbsp; I also think you should think about dressing up a bit more than jeans and a tee.&nbsp; Jeans and a silk(y) top?&nbsp; Linen sweater?&nbsp; the people who's style I admire the most are those people who are always dressed about half a notch better than others, but still appropriate.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1286509 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 11:03:15 +0000 kkards 1286509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>gingham dress and pearls?</p> <p>i don't know, but i think if you can channel your inner rachylou, you'll come up with the perfect outfit.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1286504 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 10:51:15 +0000 Suz 1286504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"Country elegant."&nbsp;</p> <p>Hah!&nbsp;</p> <p>That would mean completely different things in different parts of the country.&nbsp;</p> <p>Well, I'm sort of at a loss. If it were me, I would wear wedge heeled sandals for sure. Apart from that? Heaven only knows.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1286482 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 10:07:46 +0000 Karie 1286482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I didn't read the other responses yet, I will go back and do that when I have more time - but for now, here are my suggestions as I just attended a casual outdoor wedding on Cape Cod (the rehearsal dinner was indoors). </p> <p>Although the invitation said to dress casually, everyone had a slightly dressy vibe. I was going to wear dressy ankle pants to the rehearsal dinner but everyone I saw prior to the dinner was wearing a casual dress, so I did a quick switcheroo and wore the "spare" casual dress I had brought. If you have a tube skirt/any casual skirt or casual dress, I would wear that. It would work for both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding, although every woman I saw at the wedding was wearing a casual dress, not a skirt.</p> <p>Wear wedge sandals. Mine had a regular heel and I wished they were wedges, as wedges won't sink in the grass. A thick heel will also work. I put a pic of the SE Trina's in "Finds." I didn't find these in time, but if I had, I would have worn those. Here's a link to what I wore for the events:<br /><a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-wedding-rehearsal-dinner-and-fun" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....er-and-fun</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1286475 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 09:19:19 +0000 Caro 1286475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You say its in Oregon and not too formal... have you thought about going for something like a maxi dress that you could put a cute leather (or jean) jacket over if you get chilly in the evening? You could wear it with <a href="http://www.spartoo.co.uk/Sandals-women-st-10217-10148-0-brand21.php" rel="nofollow">a pair of comfy wedge sandals</a> which are easier to walk on the uneven terrain but still have the look of a heel. The maxi dress could cover your legs for the chilly evening, but is light and flowy enough to not be too hot during the day. With some pretty hair and makeup, it could be a nice look for an outdoor summer wedding IMO... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1286452 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 07:09:08 +0000 rae 1286452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm... cobalt dress with a denim jacket? Or western-inspired booties? Or both? Your Sigerson booties might be fun. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1286438 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 06:28:18 +0000 Adelfa 1286438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So I just talked to the mother of the groom, my cousin. She informs me that her son shared that the dress code is "Country elegant"!!! Oh my goodness. I'll have to think about that for a while! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1284707 Sun, 22 Jun 2014 05:19:43 +0000 Adelfa 1284707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Firecracker, you should see my pretty wedding spreadsheet! It tells me so many things. For instance, graphic tee and Cons are probably too casual for the rehearsal dinner. Also, I should probably wear a dress (or fake dress) of some type to the wedding.</p> <p>I truly loved everybody's ideas. They got me out of that stuck place and got my brain moving. Thank you, all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1284705 Sun, 22 Jun 2014 05:17:25 +0000 Adelfa 1284705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Crutcher, I love the idea of dressing so the lawn games won't work--my cousin's sons are all expert ultimate frisbee players! And soccer! I also love the idea of a maxi.</p> <p>Aquamarine, there's something irresistible about a sleeveless sheath, isn't there? I love mine. I agree a nice top might be better for the night before.</p> <p>doubleh, I love your idea of soft dresses. If I decide to shop for this event, that is what I'll be looking for. After all, it's a wedding! Also, dying for a pair of cowboy boots!</p> <p>Suz, you hit the nail on the head!!! I think not being able to wear my Okalas, my automatic outfit makers, was the source of 90% of my stuckness! &nbsp;I love the idea of a denim jacket/tube skirt combo. I wonder if my citron split neck top would be TMGO.... also love the idea of the linen ensemble. Do you think a linen sweater would be cool enough in the 85 degree heat? A tube skirt "dress" is a great idea, too.</p> <p>Mo, you're right, a sandal is better! And you're making me think I should sooner or later acquire the perfect wrap dress to have on hand for these things!</p> <p>Nadya, it's been a while--you are so right! Thanks for the reminder!</p> <p>Denise, I love your suggestions and especially the packing list! I have a thing for packing lists, they are like a tranquilizer to me!</p> <p>Rae, I didn't even know there *were* small handheld steamers.... now there's an idea! I do feel good in that cobalt sheath dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1284690 Sun, 22 Jun 2014 04:50:56 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1284690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm just reading and soaking up the ideas, because I'm totally confounded by situations like these. And I had to laugh when I read, "when I feel lost, I fire up Excel!" hahahhaha! My husband can solve anything in Excel. It's a major struggle for me to set up anything in the program, let alone solve anything with it. [confused face here] </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1284603 Sun, 22 Jun 2014 02:43:52 +0000 rae 1284603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you should use the casual context of the rehearsal to wear whatever you will feel great in. The other ladies had great ideas about sandals to avoid the lawn games. </p> <p>For the wedding, what about wearing lightweight trousers? Maybe the bottoms to your linen suit with a dressy top and bling? Kind of a notch down from a femme tuxedo? Or what ifyou got an inexpensive handheld steamer and wore the cobalt dress after all... I used to have a really easy to pack steamer I could fill in the sink, smaller than a hair dryer. You could wear your leather moto at night. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1284372 Sat, 21 Jun 2014 20:51:42 +0000 CocoLion 1284372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Probably you already know this, but I would suggest a sheath dress with a topper, following one of Angie's suggestions in her recent blog post about "<a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2014/06/16/topper-with-a-sleeveless-dress-dont-do-it-but-heres-how/">Topper with sleeveless dress -- don't do it -- but here's how.</a>" &nbsp;(I think that was my #1 favorite YLF blog headline ever!)</p> <p>I attended a wedding last year with uneven ground, at 6000 ft elevation so similar hot in the day, cool at night temps. &nbsp;I was fine with even a 3" wedge heel. &nbsp;The wedge really helps in the grass. &nbsp;There is always seating so I didn't tire with an all-day 3" heel. &nbsp;I wore a silky blouse and an ancient pencil skirt, it was not a great but an OK look.</p> <p>As for the casual rehearsal dinner, what about cons with a tube skirt to make it a bit more chic? &nbsp;</p> <p>For your carry on I'm thinking:<br />1 dress<br />1 jacket/topper (bring 2, carry one on plane)<br />1 tube skirt<br />2-4 tops<br />Shorts &amp;&nbsp;Jeans (wear one of them on plane)<br />3 pairs shoes total.</p> <p>Great idea to bring a scarf. &nbsp;If it cools too much at night, remember you can always escape indoors into the non-climate controlled room.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1284364 Sat, 21 Jun 2014 20:32:54 +0000 Nadya 1284364@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You may know this, but in case you don't: the The Columbia Gorge is known for its wind - it's a Mecca for wind surfers. So that 60 could be a very chilly 60 with a brisk wind. Just something to factor in to make sure you have enough layer options to be comfortable. E.g. If I were planning on a dress and a topper, I'd bring a scarf I could add for an extra layer, just on case.</p> <p>So now we've warned you it can be HOT and it can be COLD :). Hopefully it will be nicely in the middle. Sounds like a fun wedding. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1284357 Sat, 21 Jun 2014 20:28:11 +0000 Adelfa 1284357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love these ideas so much! I have to run for the moment but just want to say that I'm putting every single idea into a spreadsheet--when I feel lost I fire up Excel--thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1284352 Sat, 21 Jun 2014 20:19:50 +0000 Suz 1284352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh. Love the idea of a DVF. Do you wear a wrap, Jody? Maybe now is the time to begin....</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1284341 Sat, 21 Jun 2014 19:34:59 +0000 Mo 1284341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd definitely do a sandal instead of Cons for the first event. &nbsp;And&nbsp;if you have a DVF silk jersey dress hiding in the closet, that would be an ideal packable, yet presentable choice for the ceremony itself.<br />I lived and worked outdoors on a patio setting a restaurant one summer in the Gorge and it can get HOT. &nbsp;but does cool down most nights. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1284330 Sat, 21 Jun 2014 19:07:59 +0000 Suz 1284330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The really, really bad subtext here is that you cannot wear your Okalas!!!!!&nbsp;</p> <p>I think we need to observe a minute of silence here. Mourning is perfectly appropriate at this wedding!! &nbsp;:)</p> <p>Okay, now that the bad part is over with, let's consider this a fun challenge. (Easy for me to say, I know. Not my problem.)&nbsp;</p> <p>I will say that this is the kind of situation I often find myself in -- having to dress in contradictory, inconsistent ways and no opportunity to change for changing weather conditions. All part of the casualization of our lives, I guess. Why can't people just get with the program and realize that a wedding is an opportunity to <b>dress up</b>??? Why dress everything down.....</p> <p>Wait a minute, I was supposed to be offering helpful advice here.&nbsp;</p> <p>So. Here is what I would do:&nbsp;</p> <p>For the rehearsal, I would wear a tube skirt and casual shoes -- a wedge sandal, maybe. A nice top -- something a step up from a tee. And a denim jacket or similar. For me, this would strike the balance between casual and dressier and would possibly make it easier to sit out the games, if that is what you desire. Nobody needs to know that the tube skirt is as comfortable as pyjamas. :)&nbsp;</p> <p>If I didn't go that route, I might wear linen trousers, BF style, with a nice linen sweater and wedge heels. Basically, Angie's linen formula from the blog. It looks elegant and a bit dressy but is actually quite casual.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the wedding itself, I would probably go with one of my jersey Kamalikulture dresses or similar. Easy to pack, easy to wear. And basically no worry dresses -- they are so inexpensive that if something happens to them, no biggie.&nbsp;&nbsp;I would add some kind of topper, maybe my kimono, maybe something warmer. For shoes, again, I'd go with some kind of low-ish wedge if you have it. Forget any heels.&nbsp;</p> <p>You <b>could </b>wear a tube skirt again -- for sure -- if you had the right top and topper. Best would be if you could concoct a pretend "dress" with the tube skirt and another piece, the way I recently did with my navy tube skirt and navy linen tee.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outdoor-wedding-event-advice#post-1284325 Sat, 21 Jun 2014 18:46:52 +0000 doubleh 1284325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a very similar style wedding coming up at a winery in hunt country, virginia. &nbsp;I imagine the aesthetic is along the same lines. &nbsp;Personally, I am looking for a maxi dress that is a notch above jersey - or a jersey print that isn't a stripe,&nbsp;for this wedding. &nbsp;I went to a similar wedding a few weeks ago in stilettos and poly-rayon dress and I was miserable. &nbsp;It was step-sink. &nbsp;step-sink, step-sink. &nbsp;So, yes, I think your footwear would be fine. &nbsp;(The past wedding the bridesmaids wore cowboy boots.)<br />For the rehearsal dinner, I might consider a casual jersey dress and cons or cowboy boots or non-dainty sandals.<br />Have fun! &nbsp;As much as it sounds like I was complaining- I love these rustic weddings! &nbsp;</p> <p> </p>