Page 106 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2022

SHOPPING
WINTER WEDDING
ATTIRE
story by
Barbara Travis
Women love weddings! It’s simply one of those indisputable facts of life. After all, what’s not to love? Delight begins the moment a beautifully printed-invitation arrives in the mail, and is immediately followed by the anticipation of joining friends and family in the joyful celebration. Mental pictures of fun, flowers, food, music, and bubbly champagne gleefully
pop up in the romance lover’s head. Next comes the big question “What should I wear?”
WHAT TO WEAR
fashion flair. For those who seek a combination of comfort, style and casual chic confidence, pants and their partners are a beautiful way to go.
COLOR CHOICE AND ACCESSORIES
A word to the wise: color matters. It warrants significant forethought regarding winter or any other wedding season. For example, a major faux pas is wearing white
or anything in the ivory, cream, or eggshell family of hues. These are the inherent property of the bride – stay clear!
The same must be said of bold and bright spotlight-grabbing colors like red. Anything that distracts attention from the bride is not the best choice. Deep jewel tones are always good choices. Whether forest green, wine, fuchsia, navy, teal or rust, darker shades radiate elegance and smart winter fashion judgement. Wearing black is safe, but not the most festive choice.
Once you've chosen the perfect outfit, add well-chosen ,classy accessories. An elegant clutch, strappy-but-comfortable heels and a little tasteful bling should do the trick. Most importantly, wear your best smile!
Cooler temperatures call for an ensemble that's both stylish
and weather appropriate. Fortunately, there’s a wide array of excellent and elegant winter weather choices, including rich fabrics, deep jewel-toned colors, and longer sleeve and hem lengths to accommodate the most discerning fashion taste. All this is good news, but wedding guests must also consider how formal the event will be, the location, venue, their budget, and personal style.
Before running off on a shopping trip, a brief review of wedding fashion etiquette might well be in order. The standard wedding guest dress code is upscale for an evening affair and less formal or upper-end dressy casual for daytime. Of course, practicality is a primary consideration. Ask yourself, “Can I repurpose this outfit for another occasion or two or three?” Then there’s the mandatory and strict observation of the “Don’t Upstage the Bride” Rule. Remember, it’s her day to be the star of the show, not yours!
Wedding clothing should fit the occasion and the weather. Though longer midi- and maxi-length dresses may be preferred for colder months, we Mississippians are lucky in that winters
are traditionally mild and often allow for shorter hemlines, off-the-shoulder, or even sleeveless fashion choices. Just because the calendar depicts winter, it doesn’t demand a total cover up. Selection of a rich fabric like velvet, heavy satin, or brocade can add drama while the addition of a warm shawl or wrap can quickly winterize even the slinkiest dress, then be tossed aside once the dancing starts.
WHAT ABOUT PANTS?
Why not? Pair them with a dynamite jacket, heels, and striking accessories and you become a picture of sophistication. Jumpsuits have a definite edge since they’re an all-in-one combination that only need the addition of proper shoes, statement earrings, and sparkly handbag to stroll down the wedding guest aisle in full
106 | February 2022