Is this dress too casual for a wedding?

I own two navy dresses, but they are both casual, and a dressy one has been a HEWI for a while, and even more so since I acquired the navy British Wedding Hat. The last failed attempt was the Tahari dress from NAS.

Anyway, I got to thinking about whether or not I could actually get away with wearing one of the casual dresses with the hat for a wedding. One of them is definitely a no-go, but I think my trapeze dress might work. What do you think? The fabric is like a very lightweight ponte (so knit, but more structured than jersey). The swingy shape is comfy and fun but I feel like it's more casual.

I actually do have a wedding to go to this weekend. I'm not totally sure it's a wedding hat-appropriate event, but I might just do it anyway if we think this dress might work. I would dress it up with the accessories in #3 (which also shows the hat). Maybe a long necklace or a cuff bracelet too. Ceremony is in a church and evening reception is at a country club. Is the navy too dark or not summery enough?

Or I could just wear #4 instead, which would definitely be summery and appropriate, but then I can't wear the hat.

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COS

Dress with tie back

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8 years ago

carter

Veteran

Whoa! #4 is stunning! I think the Country Club reception does make the navy dress seem too casual. #4 for the win!

Maneera

(website)

Omg - 4 is beyond gorgeous on you!

But....I think you should totally wear that hat! Do you own any pearls? In my experience, anything and everything becomes lady-like and dressy with pearls. If you do, dress 1 will so work with the silver sandals, gorgeous hat and that clutch bag!

Summer

I'd go with 4, too, Diana. That dress is so gorgeous and glamorous.

Diana

Nope, no pearls. I actually really, really dislike classic pearls.

Susie

I think that you could make the navy one work, but I see #4 as perfect for a dressy summer wedding so that would be my first choice.

Oops! Even a statement necklace should do, Diana. When I said pearls, I imagined grey pearls actually. But a pretty silver necklace will do just fine.

celia

It might be a bit casual, #4 is beautiful on you and dressier.
If you don't mind the question why can't you wear dress#4 with the hat ? It is not matchy matchy but the colors seem to make a good contrast.

kkards

i'm agreeing with the other, i think #1 could be worn to a wedding, but #4 is a winner for a country club wedding....

AviaMariah

I think #4 is so stunning that I'm not sure why you'd consider anything else. I do think you might be able to get away with the hat with that dress for a hat appropriate affair. Try it all on and let us see.

Thanks, everyone. I think I'll go with #4 for this particular wedding. I think you are all right and the navy dress could work for a more casual event so I'll keep it in mind.

Celia, I don't love the coral with navy, to be honest, and it also clashes a bit with the hot pink feathers in the hat (the dress is slightly more orange-toned IRL, so a warm tone vs. the navy+hot pink which are cooler toned). I guess it could work if I had all navy accessories, but I don't. As it is, I think there's just too much going on. Last year, I wore the hat a lot with my hot pink Vera Wang dress, but that particular dress feels too body-con to me right now and I prefer it with a jacket, which would be too hot.

Glory

I really feel both could work for the wedding. I love the cut and color of 1 and with those accessories I don't feel it is too casual. The coral is stunning as well. Looks like you have 2 great options to choose from.

Joyce B

Number 4 is fabulous on you!

annagybe

Yeah I'd go for #4, with a bit of a *sniff* for not being able the wear the British wedding hat.
I would not do a statement necklace. I think they peaked already and wouldn't look right with that neckline.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Wear #4 instead. There is NOOOOOO comparison. Navy frock is cute, but very casual.

MsMaven

Yes, #4!

Anonymous

Another vote for 4. It's a beautiful dress!

rachylou

catgirl

There's the right decision!

Thank you for indulging my curiosity
It makes sense what you say. The coral dress by itself seems a great choice, you look stunning in it.

TraceyLiz65

The coral is so wonderful, jump at the chance to be dazzling in that option. There is truly no comparison, though I fully understand the want to wear the hat....

shedev

I love the navy and silver accessories, but for this event you should go with #4.

Elle

Love you in #4. The navy (although very cute) seems too casual for a country club

donnat

Good choice.

Vix

Glad you were leaning towards 4 for this occasion earlier in the thread, hope you're squarely there now. As great as the hat is, I'd be looking for more reasons, not fewer, to wear a dress that looked amazing on! Have fun.

pcs5054

Active Member

#4 is the winner. Hope you have a good time.

Alyssa

3-4 blows 1-2 away, even at only a passing glance (although I did look at all the photos a second time more closely LOL).

1-2's dress is not too casual in and if itself, it's really those sandals that make it casual. 1-2 would be good with the 3-4 sandals, but even then it's still 3-4 without a doubt. That outfit is so pretty.

I'll go with #4, it's just gorgeous on you. No hat -- the dress is a statement unto itself, and should stand alone, except for some well-edited jewelry and shoes. Have fun! I can just see that dress whirling around a dance floor...

harmonica

#4 is beyond gorgeous! #1 is beautiful too, but maybe for a more casual occasion?

kerlyn

#4 is gorgeous on you!

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