Reader Question:
Hi mamas,
I have to thank you again for your amazing blog and how much more confident I feel about how I look. It was a pretty big ego boost to be on your blog for my "punk librarian" date outfit! But I really need help now. My sister is getting married in March and I am her matron of honor. I picked out this dress and love the way I look in it, and I love the pretty charcoal color my sister picked for the bridesmaids' dresses.
However, it hit me last night that this being an evening wedding, I may freeze my butt off in a one-shouldered dress during the reception. It can be either warm and springy or cold and miserable here in March, so I want to be prepared. Can you suggest something I could wear that would stay on while I am chasing my 2-year-old, looks cute and goes well with the dress? I need you guys, I am not a satin bolero jacket or chiffon wrap person! (Well, I could do some kind of wrap, but I need help styling it. I am lost.)
Much love,
Shannon
Answer:
Hi Shannon! So nice to hear from you! And I laughed out loud reading your question - my sister is also getting married. I am also the "matron" of honor (I hate that word). Aaaand, we are also wearing gray. In fact, I have, hanging in my closet, a very similar dress that I was trying on for her wedding (but is going back - love how it vees at the pooch and hits at the widest part of my calves. Snort.).
So instead of a collage, I thought I'd play around with that dress (let's ignore its shortfalls, shall we?) to see if I could warm it up in a chic and practical way. Here's the dress:
And here's what I came up with:
A Basic Wrap
Remember Pashminas? They are classic, and would definitely work...they are just not the most exciting or unexpected choice. You can drape it shawl-like over your shoulders, or....I knotted mine to make it more interesting.
Of course, you can always just use a big scarf.
(wearing: J.Crew Juliet dress, ancient pashmina from Nordstroms - similar here or a budget friendly option here, J.Crew factory bracelets, earrings from old chandelier parts bought at Chelsea boutique in Boulder, CO and purple heels by Kimel - similar here)
Try a Knit Poncho or Cape
This is one of my favorite ideas. It's easy, comfortable and warm. And you can chase kiddos in it. I love the slightly boho vibe.
(wearing: J.Crew Juliet dress, Elizabeth Gilet poncho - similar here or maybe even here, J.Crew factory bracelets, earrings from old chandelier parts bought at Chelsea boutique in Boulder, CO and purple heels by Kimel - similar here, vintage clutch from my mom's prom)
Try a Boyfriend Blazer
Boyfriend blazers are fitted across the shoulders, but long and lean in the body. Roll the sleeves. They tend to look amazing with everything. I don't actually have a boyfriend blazer, so I just grabbed one of my longer-and-leaner work blazers. It works OK. I kinda like the whole tomboyish vibe - like you borrowed your husband's tux jacket for the night...but it somehow fits.
(wearing: J.Crew Juliet dress and wool jacket - similar here, pearls are just old costume jewelry, and purple heels by Kimel - similar here)
Oooo...the Cropped Jacket
My hands-down favorite is the shrunken, cropped jacket. Mine is knit and endlessly stretchy. It's also pricey, but I think I found one with cropped shape and a little stretch at Express. Crazy comfortable, warm, and cute.
(wearing: J.Crew Juliet dress, DVF Knit Jacket - similar DVF here or budget friendly here, earrings from old chandelier parts bought at Chelsea boutique in Boulder, CO and purple heels by Kimel - similar here, Express feather clutch - similar here)
You could also try a faux-fur wrap or shrug, or even a cool leather jacket (faux or real) unless your sister is anti-edgy. A little cardigan is always fine...but the tight, thin fabric would bunch funny over the shoulder detail on your dress.
Have fun, Shannon! Thanks for writing in!
xo,
S
