Let Your Inner Bride Be Your Guide for Wedding No. 3
Dear Fashion Police: I’m in my late 40s and am getting married for the third time. We are going to be married on a Sunday with a worship service. I want to wear a dress that is not like a traditional wedding dress worn at first weddings, yet I want the dress to look very special. Bridal magazines, etc., have been no help at all. What do you suggest? And what sort of length would be appropriate?
--ONE MORE TIME
Dear One: Congrats on your third-time’s-the-charm wedding, and kudos for knowing that you shouldn’t wear a big fluffy white gown to nuptial No. 3. Of course you want your dress to be special--what bride doesn’t? But since you didn’t give us even a hint about your tastes and preferences (tsk, tsk), we’ll have to give you some general pointers.
How dressy you get depends on the formality of the ceremony. If it’s during the day and you’re inviting a small group of family and friends, wear a knee-length to mid-calf suit or dress, and don’t haul out the sequins and beads. If it’s an evening wedding with a large crowd, then you can opt for a short or long dress--if long, not white and poufy with a train--in luxe fabrics such as silk or velvet in colors that suit the season.
You have the advantage of having a defined sense of style, which should be reflected in the outfit you choose. If you prefer traditional looks such as notch-collar jackets and pleated pants, a silk suit might work. If you’re a true Bohemian, then something funky and flowing would be appropriate. But if you’re a minimalist, don’t think you have to go froufrou just because it’s a wedding. Don’t abandon your inner fashion goddess for something you think you’re supposed to be. Whoa, that’s deep.
As for where to find The Perfect Outfit, start with your favorite stores and boutiques. Some boutiques specialize in special-occasion clothes, which might be perfect for a third wedding. So what if it’s off the rack? No one’s going to be whispering, “Hey, she got that at Ann Taylor! On sale!” They’re only going to be talking about how beautiful you look.
You can also try resale boutiques, where some gems can be found at bargain prices. And if you truly want a one-of-a-kind dress, consider having it made from a pattern. That way everything can be exactly as you like it, from the fabric to the fit. If you find a talented, experienced seamstress, she can also change details such as collar shape and sleeve length.
We couldn’t leave you without a few possible outfits--it is what we do, after all. At Neiman Marcus’ Web site (www.neimanmarcus. com) we found two Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon suits, one in silk gazaar and the other in a silk/wool blend; both have three-quarter-length sleeves and flattering notched collars. Neiman’s also has a gorgeous deep ruby silk long taffeta skirt and wrap blouse by Lafayette 148 New York.
At Bloomingdale’s (www.bloom ingdales.com) we found a silk shantung dress and matching jacket in French vanilla. St. John’s spring 2002 collection (www.st johnknits.com) includes a sapphire blue suit decorated with pailettes. At Bluefly (www.bluefly. com) we spotted a gorgeous elegant Velassco Anderson chocolate brown silk/cotton dress and a Michael Kors stretch wool scoop-neck dress in pale blue that can be dressed up with accessories.
Dear Fashion Police: Is there a specific season for corduroy?
JUST ASKING
Dear Just: Corduroy is a fabric--usually cotton--categorized by vertical rows of velvety ribs or ridges, called wales. The wales can be teeny-tiny (pinwale) or big and fat (wide-wale). Corduroy usually makes its appearance in fall since it tends to be heavy, showing up in pants and jackets. But a lightweight, mini-wale jacket or pants in a light color could make an appearance in spring without raising too many eyebrows.
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