Summer weddings: 13 dresses for casual to black-tie events
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With wedding season upon us, what’s a fabulous girl to wear to a summer soiree? “Aim to look polished and pulled together, but in an outfit that can last all night,” advises Toronto-based etiquette expert Karen Cleveland (@schoolfinishing). “Do some recon to find out if there are any variables you should know about. A formal church ceremony calls for a different outfit than a garden ceremony in the bride’s parent’s backyard, for example.” The rules may have changed over the years—you can now say yes to an LBD, and skirt lengths are a little higher (just make sure you can sit comfortably in your cocktail frock)—but remember to dress accordingly while looking your sartorial best. From a casual barnyard fete to a more formal black tie affair, we've tied the knot around our favourite frocks.
Casual company
A dressy trapeze shape works best when you’re looking to hide some flaws and show off those gams.
Get it: Trapeze shift dress, $329, Brose — available at shopbop.com
Perfectly paired with: M.A.C Longwear Lipcreme in Booyah, $20, available at M.A.C counters.
Casual company
Keep hair loose, long and beachy to up the style factor of this laidback shirtdress.
Lucas silk shirtdress, $199, Club Monaco
Perfectly paired with: Braided sandals, $25, Christian Siriano for Payless
Casual company
Pair a patterned maxi dress with simple flat sandals, a bold clutch and low-maintenance pony or side braid, and you’ll be ready in a snap.
Get it: Strapless maxi dress, $150, Banana Republic
Perfectly paired with: Straw clutch, $148, J. Crew
Black tie affair
A classic and sexy 70s-inspired dress does wonders for all shapes. Just add a structured collar and strappy sandals and go!
Get it: Dress, $875, Arthur Mendonca — available at Anne Sarlis, Montreal, Fisher & Co, Maxines, and Your Choice, all in Toronto
Perfectly paired with: Rose gold collar, $265, Dannijo — available at ssense.com
Black tie affair
Channel Old Hollywood in this floor length gown, made modern by its decadent coppery hue.
Get it: T-shirt maxi dress, $106, Topshop— available at The Bay
Perfectly paired with: Armour cuff, $195, Dean Davidson
Black tie affair
A juicy berry shade is perfect for summer, and in a sexy but soft jersey you'll be cool and wrinkle-free all night long.
Get it: Jersey dress, $495, Greta Constantine — available at select TNT locations
Perfectly paired with: Portfolio clutch, $298, Jessica Jensen
Black tie affair
Other guests will be green with envy when you don this elegant wrap cocktail dress with just one accessory - a stand-out collar. Keep the hair and makeup minimal and remember your dancing shoes.
Get it: Wrap dress, $298, Costello Tagliapietra — available at The Bay
Perfectly paired with: Diamond slice earrings, $55, Biko
Cocktail hour
A simple, body hugging dress works well for understated glamour. Keep accessories simple.
Get it: Cowlneck neck dress, $110, Club Monaco
Perfectly paired with: Hoop earrings, $97, Jenny Bird
Cocktail hour
Loose and lovely, with contrasting grey, yellow and white, accessorize the look with strappy sandals — this calls for an arm party of jewels, however you see fit.
Get it: Color-blocked pleated dress, $268, BCBG Max Azria
Perfectly paired with: Ozara heels, $300, Jean-Michel Cazabat — available at eluxe.ca
Cocktail hour
A sheath dress will fit a multitude of occasions - not just a wedding.
Get it: Ava sheath dress, $199, Club Monaco
Perfectly paired with: Lippy Girl Organic Lipstick, $16, available at ebeauty.ca
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