New information! (top of post) "country elegant" wedding contenders

HOT OFF THE PRESSES: a new mass email from the bride and groom states that the interpretation for female guests of "country elegant" would be "summery cocktail dresses"! Glad you all helped me pick something in the ballpark!

Okay, I made a spreadsheet of all of your suggestions and based on it have come up with these two outfit ideas. I liked Rae's idea of using my moto for when the temp drops to 60 (16C as predicted by the groom, who also supplied the dress code descriptor for this Oregon outdoor occasion).

1. I think Suz suggested something like this. (Forgot to do citations in my spreadsheet.)
2. With moto. I changed the sandals because the moto seemed to need some bookending. I have to wear either flats or wedges because there is "uneven meadow-like" terrain.
3,4. Blue sheath dress, as suggested by many.
5. Dress with moto.

I so appreciate your letting me know your preference!

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11 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

I love the skirt and the color of the top in 1/2, but the collar is just reading too casual for a wedding to me. Even for a casual wedding. Maybe wear that to the rehearsal dinner and wear the (fabulously awesome!) dress to the wedding?

Anonymous

Well, I love the blue dress if that wouldn't be too formal. I can't tell what kind of fabric it is, but I always tend to err on the dressy side since that's what I like. It looks terrific with the sandals and the moto. The other outfit reads much more casual, and perhaps more appropriate to the setting. I guess you could always pack both and see if you get a better feel for what others are wearing after you get there. You look amazing in that dress, I must say!

Beth Ann

Both outfits are wonderful in their own merits. The cobalt is a stunner on you, WOW! and it would have to be appropriate in any setting. It's far more important to celebrate the day and feel confident and comfortable!

I saw some FB friends at a wedding in a barn this weekend -- lots of fit and flare dresses with cowboy boots. For some reason, I can see you in a dress with a denim topper, or what about a gingham blouse under soft pants and jacket, with a fedora? Uh, yeah, it sounds a bit costumey, but kinda fun. What about a thrifted floral skirt and your moto jacket? For some reason, your striped midi (which I love)

I haven't seen E in a while -- I'm thinking she dresses country elegant. Now, she's a young gamine, but just a touch of that look would work too.

Adelfa

MsMary, thank you for isolating that element--the collar. That makes sense to me. Also even though I love the idea of dressed up separates, there's nothing like a dress! One of my commenters on the other thread said that at an informal wedding she went to she only saw dresses.

Claire, the dress is cotton! So not overly dressy.

Beth Ann, thank you! I am definitely on SYC for this one. The dress is four years old I think. I was having an Easter Dress Emergency, and I arrived at Macy's 15 minutes before closing time and found it. It has saved my bacon several times!

Gigi

I like the blue dress. There's something about the first outfit that reads a little too casual to me. You look great in both!

Ginkgo

The dress is elegant, the skirt and top are not. Is this wedding small enough that you'll be in some photos? A few years down the road I would much rather see myself in the blue dress than the striped skirt and shirt -- those pieces are going to look very 2014. And yet you look as if you'll still be very comfortable and can move easily in the dress.

bella

(website)

I am finding the dress code very confusing, but I vote #5 all the way.

Gigi, of course you're right the skirt is too casual. Though I find I feel a little bit rebellious about the whole setup!

Gingko, what a great point about pics. Never occurred to me for a single second. I have no idea how big the wedding is.

Bella, thank you! Confusing is the word all right. And it feels so ironic because if the wedding were completely *usual* I would have probably worn a sheath dress in a flattering color. But without the confusion!

lyn67

Blue seath-- for a conventional, but always flatering and looking good, elegant and timeless outfit in all the picties in the world. Nr 5(seath with the moto) for something more edgy. Nr 2(skirt with moto) for that one of your more rebelious self:-). For nr 1 I very much agree with MaryK.

Deborah

The blue dress is stunning and that would be my choice. You look long, lean and gorgeous in that style and colour:)

Jaime

Adelfa I love what LA is doing for your style. I am not going to say which is best for the occasion, since I have no idea, but they are all fab for something!

Joyce B

I love the dress and the Borzoi can be the flower boy or girl.

Tanya

Both outfits are great, but I would definitely go for the dress. I would always rather be slightly overdressed than under dressed, especially at a wedding.

Joining everyone in thinking the dress looks more festive and wedding-appropriate. Although both outfits look wonderful on you!

And am I the only one who thinks an outdoor wedding somewhere where it might drop down to 60F is just cruel? Or maybe I'm just projecting because I'd have to wear hose to stay warm enough, which would really cut down on shoe options.

neonginger

Active Member

Another vote for the blue dress! I think it is both casual and elegant! Your dog is a beauty too!

Suz

For the wedding, I'm a vote for the blue dress. You look fabulous in cobalt and it works well with the sandals and jacket.

I like the other outfit but agree with MsMary that the collar of the top reads too sporty for a wedding. It might be good for the rehearsal, however.

And Aubergine, yeah...if it's only going to be 60 at night, that is really unfair. What makes it most unfair is the fact that the temperature changes a lot. If it were a constant 60 you could dress for that.

Diana

Another vote for #5. Do you have a floppy straw hat?

rachylou

Another vote for the blue. The sandals are great with it.

abc

#5 all the way

This is so official! And I was worried the blue dress wouldn't work! Thanks everybody

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I vote the dress - with doggie - any way. Killer, Jody. Sorry I was late to respond. It's hectic my side. xo

unfrumped

I also think the dress is great and the moto and sandals tone it down a bit. I think you can't really worry too much about the dress code other than not to go super-dressy (long gown etc). I also echo the others that if you would have an occasion to wear the other outfit there, it's a great casual skirt look but still with pizzazz.
I'm afraid that at 60 degrees outdoors, I would be comatose with hypothermia in a sleeveless short dress even with jacket and hose, especially if any wind (I'm thinking of how I feel in indoor AC at say 68 degrees!), and if sitting or there for a long time without Hot Beverages. But if you think it's warm enough for you, the outfit is certainly great-looking and appropriate.

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