Wedding in Portland in February

Hi Fabbers!

It's been a long time since I've posted so I feel a little silly just diving back in but I need a little help! I've been following the forum occasionally but the last year has been a little crazy. My wardrobe feels a little repetitive sometimes but I like most of the individual pieces and overall it has been serving me well.

My younger brother is getting married in early February in Portland, Oregon. My husband and I are heading up before the wedding for a day or two of sightseeing and then spending a few days after at his fiancé's lake house to visit with the newlyweds.

I could use a little advice about Portland/weather/packing. I know winters are milder there, but what can I expect? Will it likely rain? Humid? Do I need my puffer or will a regular coat suffice? Last time I was in Portland it skewed casual, but is that still the case?

And that's not to mention the dress code for the wedding, which is listed as "elegant casual." My brother is not very helpful in interpreting that. It's a lunch ceremony and reception but also will have a family dinner later in the evening. Generally I feel like lunch weddings are more casual, correct?

So, any advice or suggestions you have would be appreciated! I'm hoping to check in more this year but thank you in advance!

6 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Fun! A nice bright dress and shoes, I’d assume...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm heading to a Winter wedding in Portland, OR in Feb too. Mine is a dressy evening wedding though.

The West Coast is soooo much milder than the East Coast. YES, lunch weddings are more casual. A nice dress is an easy option.

Dee

Rachy, but what kind of dress? I mostly own cocktail dresses and cotton t-shirt dresses for the summer. I guess I've found a middle-ground wardrobe hole!

Angie, that sounds lovely - and something I could dress for! Have fun!

Hopefully the milder weather means I can forego tights/hose?

A cocktail dress should be nice... satin might be overdoing it a bit, but then again maybe not. What have you got? Or would you like a new dress?

Zibbets

How fun! I love weddings. But...what sort of cruel mind game is "elegant casual?" I would take it to mean you can wear whatever makes you feel fantastic. A cocktail dress is elegant and casual with the right attitude, or you could go in a completely different direction.
Have a blast with it! Congrats to your brother!

I'll we wearing this - and absolutely YES to hose.

Nordstrom

Spanx Luxe Leg Pantyhose

View Info

Top Pick

Zappos

Maggy London Poppy Power Scuba Crepe Sheath Dress w/ Balloon Sleeve

Amazon

Franco Sarto Franco Sarto Women's Caleigh Pump

Custom Find

by Angie

Diana

Hi! It's so good to see you here again! =) How have you been?

Hmm, for "elegant casual" in Feb in Portland weather, I'd probably interpret that to mean something like a DVF wrap dress or similar. Or the dress Angie posted. I think you could also do a trousers outfit, like tuxedo trousers and a nice silk blouse or something.

kkards

hmmmm..for me, I'd think velvet...maybe a nice velvet top or blazer with a great pair of pants or skirt....dressy but not dresses up....

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

cherylm

Active Member

Some in Portland would interpret elegant casual as clean jeans but I agree a dress is in order or elegant (not business) pants suit. Will it rain in Portland in February- YES, but not likely to be as cold as the east coast. Good moist weather shoes needed for sight seeing. Make sure you go to Powell’s Books and Voodoo Doughnuts.

SandyG

Keep a weather eye on the extended 10-day forecast before you pack for Portland. A 'mild' winter temperature doesn't really represent how damp, rainy and windy a section of the city can be!

Just getting back to this, so thanks for all your responses!

Rachy, I'm never NOT looking for a new dress, but only if it is the right one. I bought a cute purple Eliza J lace dress at Nordstrom rack a couple of months ago. It's got sleeves and everything so I think of it as my winter dress. I'll try to post a few options at some point.

Angie, that print is gorgeous! And I'll make sure to pack hose too.

Diana, hi!!! I've been good. Still doing research but considering new options this year. How are you?? I love the idea of a DVF wrap but they just don't work on me. But that might be that nice in-between range I was having trouble picturing, so thanks!

Kkards and Cheryl, I don't own any non-business pantsuits/trousers. I do love the idea of them, so a shopping trip might be in order. I did make it to voodoo doughnuts last time I was in Portland but DH has never been, so I'm excited to take him!

Sandy, thanks for the weather advice. Also will have to remember to pack my umbrella.

Also when I asked about the dress code, he said anything from suits to khakis for guys and "most of the ladies will be wearing some sort of dress." Ha!

I'll try to post a couple of outfit options later this week or weekend.

At least we are flying Southwest and can check bags for free, so I can always overpack!

fashionsl

If it's going to be a little cold, maybe a long sleeve dress will do the trick? Mini or midi length, whichever you're comfortable with, highlight your waist for a nice flattering shape and pick a bright/nice color - and you're done!

Bijou

Because you are family it gives you licence to be more dressy than other attendees. You will be in the photos, so wear something that makes you feel fantastic. It is nice to feel special on these occasions. For my brother's wedding, I wore a favourite dress (so not something new), but I did get my hair done by my hairdresser. I still like the photos, 10 years later.

Category