Just to be clear, I’m not giving advice here, I’m asking for it (like I should give advice on what to wear anyway! ha!). I’m not very practiced at wedding-dressing anyway, I’ve not been to many, and have never been to a beach wedding.
My husband’s best friend is getting married next weekend in Tampa. On the beach. You might remember that I bought this Acne Studios dress specifically for the occasion, but I don’t really like the way it looks on me, so I decided against wearing it. Now, back to the drawing board. Since I already bought a dress for the wedding, I don’t want to buy another one, so I need to try and find something already in my closet.
I know that I don’t have anything in my closet remotely appropriate for a beach wedding, although I’m not so sure I even know what that is. I guess if I were buying a dress today, it would be something lightweight, shorter, and delicate. But then, where else would I wear it? Anyway, I can’t buy something else right now, so I need to choose from what I have.
The more I think about it, I feel like shorter is better for a beach wedding. And I don’t own any short dresses that aren’t black. I can’t wear black to a beach wedding, right? I mean, the only remotely appropriate black short dress I have is the silk shirtdress by Madewell, and silk feels a little fancy for the beach. Oh, and I do have this LnA asymmetrical dress that is sort of basic, but still “nice” looking, and easy to wear (it fits me better now).
I was also planning to wear my gold Melissa sandals (they’re plastic, but don’t look like it) since it’s on the beach. But could wear my “nude” Tibi leather flat sandals, but I feel strange wearing leather on the beach. I guess I could take them off? Ugh. I have NO IDEA how any of this works!!
Anyway, the photo above features a few dresses I’ve been thinking about wearing; I’d love your input on any of them…
I did wear the Ella Moss dress for my niece’s wedding last summer, and I think it was appropriate. I’m sort of leaning towards the Splendid one, but then I threw the Bailey44 dress in for a shorter option (or the LnA dress if you think all black is appropriate). Oh, and since this is in Tampa, I’m traveling for the wedding, AND I’m staying the rest of the week in Orlando with my dad, so I need whatever dress I bring to do double-duty. Obviously any of them are completely appropriate for casual wear in Florida, but I haven’t worn any of them very often the last couple of years…
Or, I could just wear the Acne Studios dress anyway 😉
What do you think? I’m anxiously awaiting your opinions!!
I love all your choices above with the 3rd (Splendid) dress as my fav as I like the water fall effect of the top part. What about the colorful Rachel Pally dress (melissa sandals link). That dress would look nice (definitely beachy) with a white shrug type sweater .. 🙂
Monica
I LOVE the Bailey 44 dress–it’s incredibly flattering, and I’ve tried them on, so I know it’s comfortable. I’ve made the mistake of passing up on several other versions at Anthropologie and completely regret it. I think it’d be great for a beach wedding.
If not that, then the Splendid one. I think the solid colors skews it less casual than the Ella Moss one, and a good necklace will dress itup.
i thought about that rachel pally dress, but it’s completely backless (!), so i would definitely have to wear something over it, and i don’t have anything that i’d really consider “beach appropriate” to wear with it…but i will look again…
**haha…i don’t mean COMPLETELY backless, obviously…i mean that it’s backless to the waist.
i agree on the bailey44 dress – so comfortable…but then i worry about wearing flats with it. and i definitely don’t have any beach appropriate heels…
thank you!
These all look great on you! Tough choice. To me, a beach wedding cries out for maxi length and a floatier look, I don’t know why. Personally, I think the Bailey44 is too body con for the beach. I’d vote for the Splendid one, as it’s probably more versatile to do double duty outside of the wedding and the rouching on the top seems quite elegant. Also, the chevrons on the Ella Moss dress seem a little too casual for a wedding to me for some reason. Just my two cents! (Really, you’d do great in any of these.)
I vote for the outfit #3 with the Splendid dress – It’s very elegant and flattering while not overdressed for a beach wedding.
– I would add any kind of nice, light stole to wear on the arms, off the solders, as an accessory but also to cover up a bit in case of a breeze (a beach wedding can get cold!)
– A silver grey (matching the necklace) small purse or clutch rather than a big purse;
– Sandals so as not to have sand stuck for ever in shoes you like, like the ones you have on the picture, knowing that I would most likely remove them if I had to actually walk in the sand!
I like the Splendid dress best of these three. But I LOVED the color of the Acne studio dress. That would be stunning on the beach. I thought it was a very elegant look.
I still remember the Madewell dress you wore to your ceremony – it’s shorter, more delicate.
wow! you’re good 🙂
yes, that would have been perfect to wear to this wedding, but in a crazy person moment, i got rid of it 🙁
Out of the three pictured, I would go with the Splendid dress. The Ella Moss, while adorable, looks very casual to me, and the Bailey 44 dress is not beachy in the least.
That said, I would actually consider going with the asymmetrical LnA dress and adding a pop of color (I know, not your thing) via jewelry or a bag.
Whichever dress you choose, the gold sandals look much more appropriate to me. Definitely a good chance that lots of people will take their shoes off, so it might be moot!
Still love the Acne Studio dress. Maybe add a thin belt for a bit more shape? And with one of your Inhabit sweaters because sometimes it gets chilly on the beach in the evening. That said, choosing from the options above, the Splendid dress looks most beachy.
#1 Rachel Pally dress with the gold sandals
#2 Splendid dress above
You look beautiful and stylish in the Acne Studio dress. That would be my first choice.
Second choice would be the Bailey 44, short but very flattering on you.
Hope this helps! Enjoy the wedding!
All those dresses look great on you, including the Acne (my fave choice) but I don’t love any of them for a beach wedding. I live on the beach, about an hour south of Tampa and attend many weddings on the sand. If the wedding is in the summer or fall, it will be hot. You may be too warm in a long dress unless it’s lightweight cotton. I know you don’t want to buy another dress, but consider an inexpensive short cotton sundress in a summery print or tropical solid and wear it with your gold or nude sandals and a little clutch. You can wear it at least the rest of the time you’re in Tampa. If you’re getting to Tampa early, you may find something perfect in the beach shops. Have fun and enjoy the beach!
I love the 2nd dress. In my opinion looks the best on you. I think it would work with flat sandals but then I don’t wear heels ever. I wouldn’t worry too much about the location of the wedding as you will find that guests will dress in a range from caual to dressy depending on their personal style. I was recently at a wedding in Hawaii which had a dress code of semi formal but quite a few women just worn cotton shift dresses. Wear what you will be comfortable in because at the end of the day you will not have a good time if you are not comfortable.
What materials are these dresses made of? You will want something breathable, lightweight, with a light coverup if it gets chilly at night. Ask the bride how “dressy” the bridal party will be: barefoot in delicate cotton lawn or a knee length silk sheath and ballerinas or a midi boho gown? Is it <> the beach or at a waterfront setting at the beach? The answers could inform your decision.
If the dress is fairly casual, I give two thumbs up to the ella moss dress. The proportions are fabulous, the stripes/chevrons are not only of the moment but are terrific on your frame. The outfit gives you a coverup. My only suggestion would be to carry a clutch, maybe a metallic silver or pewter?
Have fun!
That same thought about the colorful ( and SO not Grechen, but still SO cute and beach-wedding appropriate!) Rachel Pally dress with the Melissa sandals. That would be perfect with a shrug/thin cardi. I’ve been to a few beach weddings out here in the Hamptons and I’d sat that the Splendid dress would be perfect, especially if it’s going to be hot. Just a little accessorizing and it would be perfect. I see a lot of people wearing maxis on the beach, so I think it’d be perfect. Of course, if you want to go short, I don’t think the old prohibition against black at weddings holds anymore, so the LnA would be great! It’s kind of like “no white after Labor Day”…an old holdout by “church ladies”! If you ask me, you’ve got some great options!
Everyone takes their shoes off at a beach wedding!
While all these dresses are lovely, I feel the Splendid dress is the only one that skews formal enough for a wedding, even a beach wedding.
The others could be dresses to go to the movies or shopping in. The stripes and chevron make the Bailey and Ella Moss too casual for the occasion, in my opinion. Then again, I ALWAYS feel it’s better to be too dressed up for an event like a wedding than underdressed – it shows respect for the couple. Add the gold sandals, jewellery and a clutch and the Splendid dress will definitely do it.
thanks lex!
thanks val – i just don’t have anything i think i can wear over the rachel pally dress. and since it’s backless, i have to go braless too (the dress is double layered on top), which feels a little weird for a wedding. beach, fine, wedding, not fine 😉
thank you for your suggestions amy!!
thanks!! out of all of the dresses, the acne one is the lightest weight – but i do have to wear a slip underneath – and it has slits up the side, so it’s “short” in all practicality!
i’ll look around for something affordable this week and see if i can find anything i’ll wear again. i like the idea of short and floaty…
thanks karen!!!
i tried the belt, it just makes it REALLY blousy on top! like, really really… 😉
but i may end up wearing it anyway, you guys really like it!!
haha! you know me so well…
thought about taking my red jerome dreyfuss bag with me this time. that’s a pop of color, right? 😉
i don’t have any colorful necklaces/jewelry.
I would definitely wear the Splendid one! It looks great on you and seems just right for a beach wedding.
I’m from Tampa – and have been to many weddings having grown up there.
Gosh, this is a tough one. Really none of the 3 pictures scream beach or wedding for me (which I realize is the problem), but of those 3, I’d say the Splendid one is the closest. However, I’d be really worried about sweating through the light colored fabric on a hot beach in FL. I think a print is really your best bet. I’d try to figure out a way to make the Rachel Pally dress work, either by adding a light white/neutral cardi or wrap.
Yes! Yes! To the red Jerome Dreyfuss bag. I saw that on one of your posts. Perfect with either the Splendid or the LnA. Just wear earrings and a cuff bracelet. Ta da!!
I won’t recommend a specific dress, but I will suggest you make perfectly sure you understand what the bride means by “beach” wedding.
You probably do–but five years ago, I assumed I did, and I was wrong–the wedding and party were in a clubhouse and terrace overlooking, not on, the beach–and everybody wore high, spike-heeled pumps. Except me. Everybody wore spanx-lined cocktail short dresses with little jackets, and I wore a floaty frock and carried a stole. In short, they all looked like they were clubbing, and I looked like I was garden-partying.
My suggestion is to ask the presiding female relative of bride (providing she is not actually in the wedding party) to send you a snap of her dress, and then choose your outfit to be similar, but one degree less important (grin).