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What to wear to an outdoor wedding

If you are invited to a beach wedding, garden wedding or any other outdoor wedding, don’t fret about what to wear. Follow these simple fashion and beauty tips.

Outdoor wedding

How formal is it?

Just because a wedding is at the beach, don’t assume it’s more casual. Many couples are hosting formal weddings outdoors. Look to the invitation to figure out what to wear.

Adrianna Papell silk floral halter dressIf it indicates “Black Tie” or “Ultra Formal,” you are expected to wear a full length gown. If it is “Black Tie Optional” and the wedding is after 6:00 p.m., a cocktail dress with beading or other embellishments is a good choice. If it’s not indicated, normally a knee-length or tea-length dress is most appropriate.

Pretty in prints

Floral prints are perfect for an outdoor summer wedding, particularly a garden wedding. Look for a dress that is somewhere between formal and casual. A knee-length sheath or halter style dress is perfect. The pretty pink floral dress pictured is available at Nordstrom.

Casual chic

For a casual outdoor wedding, don’t put on a pair of shorts. Instead, choose a colorful summer dress, along with a low-heeled sandal. Choose anything from light pastels to bold brights. Skip the sequins and beading, it’s too much for a casual wedding.

Classy and feminine

It’s true that a wedding reception can be a great place to meet a man. However, that doesn’t mean you should dress trampy. Leave the mini-skirts, platform heels and giant hoop earrings at home. Don’t wear anything too low cut or tight — respect the occasion. You can be classy and a little sassy without being sleazy.

Stenay beaded crinkle silk dress

Beautiful blues

For a beach wedding, a blue dress with a flowing skirt is just perfect. Silk dresses are light and beautiful. The blue silk dress pictured here is available at Nordstrom. If you are traveling to a destination wedding, select a dress in a knit to avoid wrinkling enroute.

Natural makeup

The wedding and reception will last several hours outdoors. You don’t want your makeup to melt in the heat. Keep your cosmetics light and natural. Follow these tips for no-melt makeup.

Strappy sandals

A pair of strappy sandals is perfect no matter what the length and style of your dress. For an evening wedding, choose a metallic sandals with a high heel, but not so high that they will be uncomfortable. For an outdoor daytime wedding, a sandal with a medium or kitten heel is definitely a good choice.

Fashion tips

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