Day.Night.Weekend: A Casual Wedding

Sep 29, 2021

With COVID continuing to impact our lives, many of my friends are scaling back wedding plans.  One good friend is getting married in a few weeks, in a nearby town.  And the relaxed event includes a simple ceremony, a dinner, and a brunch the next day.

The reception is a small affair, at a nice restaurant, and the dress code is “low-key, but this is still a wedding.”  And while that may seem like an obscure description, all 22 people in attendance know the bride and groom well, and none of us are confused by what they’re asking.  (No jeans. No ties. No Spanx. Don’t buy anything new. Wear your church clothes)

Free People Ottoman Tunic // Vuori Leggings // Adidas Cloudfoam Runners // Rothy’s Weekender // Ray-Ban Aviators

We’re driving, so I need to be comfortable, but arrive looking nice enough.  Guests are meeting briefly in the hotel bar for snacks at check-in, so an outfit that is casual, but pulled together is the rule.

This Ottoman Tunic from Free People is my favorite thing.  It wears well, washes well, and is super comfortable.  In cold weather, I wear a cotton tee or tank under it to keep the breeze at bay.  I’m a size 6, and I can wear a S or XS.  It’s oversize and boxy, but works on most figures.

These Vuori Leggings are my comfortable leggings.  They’re easy to wear, but not constricting.  And paired with a sneaker, they are relaxed.  Not feeling an athletic shoe?  This would be a good time to work in that combat boot trend.

I finished the look with this cool, camouflage weekender from Rothy’s and what my Father refers to as my “Joe Cool” sunglasses.  I like these a lot because they’re black and gold, so they’re sporty but interesting.

H&M Boucle Dress // Lele Sadoughi Earrings // Loeffler Randall Clutch // Sarah Flint Kitten Sandals

I just bought this H&M dress, and it’s fabulous. It comes in black boucle or ivory boucle.  The gold buttons on the waist are a great detail, and you could easily dress it up or down.  I plan to wear it to work in the spring.

Because I’m wearing a less expensive item, I always like to pump up the accessories.  A great wedding clutch is a must.  I have an older, gold, Valentino clutch that comes to a lot of weddings.  It really dresses up an outfit.  And the shoes from Sarah Flint are the kind of staple piece you can keep in your wardrobe for years.

Looking for a clutch under-$25?  This pleated pouch is a nice option.  For a similar sandal for less, try these Sam Edelman’s.

Tie-Front Dress // Zac Posen Crossbody Bag // Skylar Slouch Boot // J.Crew Hoop Earrings // ZeroUV Sunglasses

There’s a brunch the morning after the wedding, so I wanted something that would look nice but would also be comfortable for the drive how.  This tie-front dress from Fourteenth Place comes in two colors, is perfect for fall wear, and costs under-$75.

Tall boots are not currently in vogue, though if you love them, wear them, I dare anyone to stop you when there are people wearing Lululemon to weddings.  For an in-between option, I love a good slouch boot.  It’s stylish and fun, and not an ankle (which is just not the most flattering look for a lot of us).  For something under-$125, this boot from Bella Vita is a nice option.

This Zac Posen bag is a fun option for a mid-tier designer bag for under-$150.  It comes in this purple and an oxblood hue.  I like the hardware for something different, and the bag is a good size.

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Day/Night/Weekend

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  1. Sharon says:

    Abra, how is the sizing on the boucle dress? I know H&M can run small.

  2. Anna says:

    I’m glad you brought up the boot thing. Is there a way to style riding boots so they look a little more on trend or at least not dated? I’m not getting rid of my cognac Frye boots, but I can’t think of a way to wear them that doesn’t scream 2013. I’d prefer that they didn’t just sit unused in my closet until they’re back in style.

    • Belle says:

      Don’t wear them with skinny jeans if possible, they look great with dresses and pleated skirts. If you must, choose a cool jean with some distressing.

      Keep them shined up. The tired ones just look tired.

      Make sure the other pieces look current. Puff sleeve top with a square neck. Shorter, chunkier cardigan. Etc.

  3. SLG says:

    I love ALL thee pieces. And you know someone was gonna ask: for the dress+boot combo, what color tights would you wear for cold weather?

  4. e says:

    I am loving that the tie-front look is on trend right now. I find it super flattering on my figure! I had a few short sleeved options in the summer and am looking forward to carrying this into the Fall.

  5. Deb says:

    Would sheer black tights with the black dress (different shoes) make it dressier or make me look dowdy? Thanks!

  6. Ana says:

    Great series and great outfits! This is how most of social events/weekend trips are when I travel.

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