My new wedding guest dress
Considering my late-20s age, I haven't attended very many weddings recently. Because of that, I have just one go-to wedding guest dress, my red silk Madewell dress, and one I've worn just to give the red dress a break (this old navy floral piece by H&M). The last time I wore my red dress was at a friend's outdoor wedding last August. It ended up being a bad idea. I sweat so much, and sweat is not cute in a silk dress because it shows through! So, now it's reserved for mild weather/indoor occasions.
When one of my best college friends planned her wedding for the end of this June in a location that can either be super warm or super cold, I decided I needed another outfit option. I don't like to buy items for specific occasions like this because I typically won't wear them outside of said occasion, and I want to wear all the items I add to my closet multiple times. But, I did go through my dress and skirt collection multiple times to see if I could throw something together. While a couple of skirts would have worked, I didn't have quite the right top (nothing I own seemed "fancy" enough for a wedding). So... it was time to find a new dress or skirt.
I made the mistake of casually browsing for dresses about a month and a half before the wedding, but man, I am just not a fan of most of the trends these days! I can't get on board with off-the-shoulder, one-shoulder, ruffles...I knew I wouldn't wear any of those dresses. I actually really like Madewell's chambray pintuck ruffle dress because it wasn't too ruffly, but it sold out in my size before I could consider it for myself (Shopbop is the only retailer I found that still has it in stock...and in only one size). I saw this other chambray dress with the cut-outs, and even though I really don't like spaghetti straps (yay for sticky bras?), I got it because the buttons and chambray are my style. Plus I felt like adding something a little spicier to my wardrobe. ;)
This is exactly what I ended up wearing for the wedding: simple, comfortable, a little bit sassy. It was nice to let the dress stand out and not worry about accessorizing. I was, however, worried about my sticky bra coming off, but I had no issues because we lucked out and had absolutely perfect weather—80°F with a few clouds. I probably could have worn my red dress in the end, haha! I didn't even need to wear my cardigan for most of the night, but it was definitely appreciated once the sun went down.
Now I need more excuses to wear this dress since it most definitely is not work appropriate. Perhaps a wine date is in order, either out with friends or on my couch while watching The Bachelorette? ;) I can definitely say that it will be making an appearance at future weddings as long as I still fit into it!
OUTFIT DETAILS
ModCloth cardigan / old; similar from Macy's
Madewell dress / exact (also available from Nordstrom and Shopbop; limited sizes)
Steve Madden sandals / old; similar
Madewell clutch / exact (also available from Shopbop)
Moorea Seal sunglasses / old; similar by Le Specs
Dior Addict Lip Glow in pink / exact