Ask the Edit: Vol. V, No. 18

Utility jacket suggestions, wraps for outdoor weddings, and in-between blazers.  You asked, I answered.  Let’s play, Ask the Edit!

Hi Belle —

I’m a long-time blog reader, but I’ve never posted before. I’m actually trying to track down an older post about a dress you’d worn to a wedding (or some other formal event). The dress was long and had birds on it (I think) and you recommended the designer as a good source for more unique party or formal dresses. I recall visiting their website, noting they had lots of intriguing options, and then of course, I failed to bookmark it! Does this incredibly vague description ring any bells? Or did I dream this entire thing? Either way, thanks for always posting such relevant suggestions that I feel like I can trust.

Shawn

You did not dream this.  I wore the dress to a wedding and a charity event at the Belgium Ambassador’s Residence for Stella Artois and Water.org.  The dress was from Reformation.

They don’t make the bird print anymore, but they have a lot of great dresses.  I’m on the waitlist for this Gavin dress for a July wedding.  If it doesn’t come through, I think this Nicole dress will do nicely.  You will probably want to size up, as the dresses are made for 19-year-olds who attend Coachella.

Hi Abra,

Can you help me find a utility jacket that doesn’t suck?  They’re either too masculine or too long.  I just need a basic, and all I find are cargo-pocketed, embroidered ugly jackets.  

Do you have one you like or have you seen one that you like?

Katie

I have this LL Bean jacket in olive.  I like it a lot.  I’m going to have collar stays put in the collar so it will stay “popped”; I just prefer that look.

This Nordstrom Signature jacket is on the pricey side, but it has a feminine flair to it.  Everlane also has a really great looking jacket with pockets that aren’t overwhelming.  Plus-size?  I like this Land’s End jacket.

Not into olive?  This Nic + Zoe jacket is a burnished steel grey-blue.  Also, in plus.

Hello!

Looking for some advice on a cardigan to wear with black and navy blue dresses to formal work events. Most blazers are slightly too formal, but cotton cardigans don’t cut it. I need something in that perfect inbetween spot, and am having a hard time finding the right color and fabric. Happy to send links to the dresses.

– SaRah 

It’s difficult to find something for in-between times, but there are a few options.

My first suggestion would be an open, cropped blazer.  It isn’t as professional as a regular blazer, but still reads as business attire.  It’s even more relaxed if you buy it in a color or white.  I like this blush Eileen Fisher and this white Charlotte Russe.  Also, I said cropped, not bolero-length, don’t get it twisted.

Another option is a woven blazer like this Vineyard Vines.  Think of it like a really structured cardigan.

Last option would be a relaxed, rouche sleeve blazer like this one from River Island.  The pushed up sleeves keep it on the casual side.  On the splurge-y side of the price scale, this Alice and Olivia in mint is just so California cool.

Hi Belle,

I’m attending a wedding in PA in mid-May and plan on wearing either this light blue Ted Baker dress or this blue lace Vineyard Vines dress. The problem is that the ceremony is outside (ugh) and I’m worried I’ll get chilly. Any recommendations for wraps or shawls that won’t clash or make me look 90 years old?

Thanks, L

Both of those dresses are pale blue color, so I would look for a navy, beige, or metallic shawl.  This navy Echo design shawl is nice.  This Cuyana lightweight wrap is a classic that comes in a lot of colors.  These $30 Etsy pashminas also caught my eye.

For a modern, relaxed look, I thought this beachy, striped shawl from J.Crew could be fun.  I also liked this Saachi rose gold stripe scarf.

Abra,

I love these Hermes flat sandals, but I don’t have a trust fund.  Have you seen anything similar?

Mexico Vacay in Three Weeks, Help!

The Steven Greece sandals are almost an exact copy.  I own a gold pair.  They’re a 7 of 10 on the comfort scale.  I wouldn’t walk miles in them, but I can wear them a whole day without issue.