South Florida Sun-Sentinel Palm Beach (Sunday)
Finding an appropriate dress for every wedding occasion
Dear Answer Angel Ellen:
During the pandemic, for the most part, my biggest fashion decision has been what color sweatshirt I would wear. My question is, I’m going to a wedding in March (first one in a couple of years). I’m wearing a black with white polka-dot midi skirt, black dressy blazer and black lacey camisole. Can I wear black suede pumps that have some black leather trim on them? Or is it too close to spring? I think
I’ve lost my confidence in making fashion decisions during the pandemic!
— Joni G.
Dear Joni:
Wear those shoes, Joni. Like so many fashion “rules,” these days they’re made to be broken. Lots of us wear suede shoes year-round. My advice on wedding wear is pretty simple: Don’t steal attention from the bride. A super short dress, or one so low cut that it could be distracting to others? Those are to be avoided. Your outfit sounds perfect. And if the suede pumps aren’t made for dancing, bring along some shoes that are. Many brides nowadays wear sneakers with their wedding gowns or at least switch to them on the dance floor, and you should too.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen:
You recently answered a question from Harry W. regarding what to wear to a black tie event. You suggested, for men, they wear a purchased, rented or borrowed tuxedo. My question is, what do you suggest for women? I am invited to a black tie only wedding this summer. Do I wear a full-length gown? Can I wear a dress with summery colors or must I wear formal colors like black or navy? I am thrilled to be invited, and want to be dressed appropriately for the occasion.
— Barb W.
Dear Barb:
Long or short for a formal wedding is always a quandary. If the wedding is in the daytime, midcalf or shorter is what you want. (Maxis for beach weddings are OK too.) For evening, any length goes. But, if you are unsure, why not ask the bride, her mother or someone close to the family what they recommend? Wear any colors you choose (even black or white).
Moving on: Renting formalwear is not just for men. There are options for renting formal (and informal) clothing for women too but unlike men’s tux sites, most women’s rental sites require a subscription. Read the fine print!
If it’s a formal work event, some companies will pay the rental cost for men’s tuxedos or women’s formalwear. Let’s hear from readers who have recommendations for one-time-only women’s dress rental sites (no subscriptions).
Reader Rant
From Pamela J.: Will you remind readers that tights aren’t pants! It’s almost obscene when women wear opaque tights with just a blouse or shirt. They leave nothing to the imagination.
From Ellen: I’ve said this before. Skintight leggings (like you might wear for exercise) aren’t pants either.
Now it’s your turn
Send your questions, rants, tips, favorite finds — on style, shopping, makeup, fashion and beauty — to answerangelellen@gmail.com.