Robin writes to ask:
I would like to know what is appropriate attire for a female guest at a New Year’s Eve wedding. HELP!
Well Robin, I’m going to assume that the invitation didn’t specify black tie/formal and that it’s at night. I say throw on your favorite party dress and go! The only true no-gos (although this is becoming more lax) are black, white, and ivory. And this year, jewel tones are all the rage. My only advice is that you pick something that isn’t super-bright, as those tones tend to really come out to the forefront in pictures and you don’t want to outshine the bride!
{All dresses from Nordstrom – clockwise: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8}
If you feel the situation calls for a more formal gown, these are some great choices in longer lengths:
{All dresses from Nordstrom: 1, 2, 3, 4}
Anyone have other suggestions for Robin?
E.
black is a no go? I certainly agree with not wearing white or ivory, but I disagree about black.
I actually would have said that black was ok. I’ve been to several weddings where several people were wearing black and no one thought anything of it – and those were afternoon weddings. I would have said that for a New Years party, black was probably a viable option. That being said – the last dress on the right is my favorite!!
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@kelly @starry – i think all of it is becoming more free-for-all and i love it! :) but to be totally safe, i personally like to stay away from black/white/off-white just because of the historical etiquette. that being said, if the bride is OK with it, go for it!
I think as far as the black, it all has to do with the region of the country in which you reside. I’ve heard that in the south and the mid-west, black is a no-go. But in my social circle and the weddings to which I’ve attended, black is a staple, and always an appropriate choice. That said, the weddings tend to be evening weddings — not afternoon or garden variety. So while I often opt for black, were I to be invited to a southern wedding, I would probably pick something a bit more colorful.
I was going to say the same thing, I think black (esp. for New Year’s) is lovely and classy, esp. if you add a splash of color in shoes, belt, sash, wrap, or jewelry, etc.
Just check with the bride! But I was totally o.k. with guests wearing black at my wedding.
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black is a go for the weddings i’ve attended in nc and sc. usually people are more afraid to wear red than black. i second the recommendation about being careful about your color choices and also recommend that you be mindful of the fabrics as well. a nice emerald green silk dress may appear to be the loudest dress known to mankind when a flash is used and no one else in the picture is wearing a reflective fabric… *blush*
i have to say that i love the jewel tones. i agree, don’t pick the loudest and brightest, but you can definitely get away with a beautifuly green or deep red
I love all the jewel tones! Those colors are so festive!
I agree with Julie. The appropriateness of black at a wedding is regional. I’m from Virginia and black at a wedding seems to only be accepted for formal evening weddings. However, here in Southern California, black seems to be standard wear regardless of season or time of the wedding. I like a LBD as much as the next gal, but with so many color choices available it wouldn’t hurt to go for a splash of color.
My nephew is getting married on december 31, 2010. And I am a 60 year old woman, I would like to know what will be good for me, to wear at the wedding? a dress with boots, or a nice pantsuit with very low heels. Please help me? also what color will be good to wear for a winter wedding. thank you, Josie
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hi josie – it depends of the dress code of the wedding, but a beautiful black dress and low heels always works for new years eve! good luck!