My niece is getting married in 4 weeks. The wedding and reception will be in an outdoor grass area in Palm Springs. It’s my understanding that there will not be a tent. I’ve checked the weather stats and it is typically mid to high 70’s in the daytime and low 50’s in the evening. The sudden change in weather patterns here in SoCal have brought rain that we haven’t had in a while so I hope it will be dry on that day.
I can’t decide what to wear. I’d like to try something new - a dressy pantsuit since we’ll be outdoors. I’d like something light colored. No black or navy. Even though I’m not in the wedding, I will be in the family photos and don’t want to stick out with bright colors or patterns. Also, my kids are in the wedding party and will be wearing a taupe color. Her theme is Country Chic with ivory and lace. I wear a petite 4 and I just don’t have the time or interest in shopping for inspiration. I’d like to try shopping online. Any online ideas?
How fun - a wedding in Palm Springs! What is your price range? Do you need help with finding shoes or are you all set in that department?
My first recommendation: if you don’t have one, get a tissueweight cashmere (blend) pashmina from Nordstrom. Those things can be packed into a purse are so versatile: mine work as shawls with fancy dresses, neck scarves, airplane blankets, you name it. And they are washable!
No suggestions, but I’m eager to see what you wind up with. My son is getting married next October, and the theme is “rustic chic.” I have no idea what that means.
http://rusticweddingchic.com/real-country-weddings
A barn, some burlap, mason jars, and nicely dressed people. 
[deleted because CC won’t allow me to link to pants]
^^Whaaaa!? That’s crazy! 
I went to a wedding at a barn a few years ago. The seats were bales of hay. And yes, there were mason jars.
What types of dresses do you like? I am also a 2 or 4 and I like dresses that hug my body so I buy a lot of Nicole Miller/Theory etc. What is your budget?
I would recommend calling your local Nordstrom and making an appointment with a personal shopper. Ask for a shopper in your age range and tell them your parameters. They will pull ideas for you and you can try them on and go from there. I find it to be really efficient.
Yesterday, I was shopping with D. She has usually bought bras at WalMart because Macy’s never had her petite size. We tried them and they had nothing and she felt it was quite scuzzy. We went to Bloomingdale’s to return something I bought S that he didn’t like and while we were there, we went to the lingerie section and were pleasantly surprised at how helpful the saleslady was. She measured D and brought her several selections to try on. D was able to find two bras that she liked and now knows her size so we can order it online. Win/Win! This is an aside, and just another vote in favor of telling the salesclerk at high end stores like Nordstrom’s and Bloomingdale’s what you are thinking of and letting them serve you, especially if they’re not too busy at that time. It was a much less exhausting and stressful experience that way, as the clerk knows how and where to find the desired merchandise.
Saks is having a 75% off sale. I wouidnt buy anything online as it’s final sale - but if there is a store near you it might be worth a look.
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/search/EndecaSearch.jsp?N=306418059+1553
Hard to find petite formal pant suits - they do seem to trend plus size! There’s a taupe outfit halfway down this page with a lacy top and sheer jacket - is that the sort of look you have in mind? http://weddingdress.wifi-mart.com/women-s-formal-pant-suit-for-wedding/ It seems to be a British web site so no idea where these outfits are available. But it does give some ideas.
For starters consider flat shoes- dressy sandals perhaps. You do not want to have problems with heel getting sunken into the grass.
I would definitely wear a dress/pants outfit you can use for other occasions. As far as bright colors- why not? Go with what suits you. In the future the couple will look at their photos and be reminded of Aunt X and her personality as reflected in what you wore. Hopefully others will consider interesting, colorful clothes instead of being dull. It is the bride’s privilege to choose boring colors but that does not mean you need to.
Look at the stores where you typically shop. If you’re the high end type of person go with those. Otherwise look elsewhere. I can’t get excited about so called high end fashion- and if you are trying to fade/blend into the background you are not trying to make a wow! statement.
Marilyn, that’s a great link. I am pleasantly surprised at how lovely they are.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/eliza-j-cold-shoulder-jumpsuit/4420619?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=BLACK (I think those sleeves would drive me crazy)
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/eliza-j-wide-leg-jumpsuit-regular-petite/4425227?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=IVORY%2F%20BLACK (this is the only one I’d wear)
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tahari-ombre-chiffon-jumpsuit/4524537?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=MIDNIGHT%2F%20NAVY (I like this one too.)
A major issue about a jumpsuit I’d be concerned about is the gymnastics and gyrations of getting out of it to go to the bathroom, especially if the facilities may be somewhat “rustic.” A pantsuit would be much easier to handle for such needs.
Being petite like the OP, I can’t wear anything that is flowy like those jumpsuits.
I’m petite also, and if they’re truly cut for a petite person, they can look good.
I agree about the bathroom issue. All the suits I looked at seemed to business like. I’ve seen flowy on petites that looked fine - it’s partly a matter of your personal style, though I think those on the less “sturdy gal” end of things look better. My sister-in-law is on the tallish end of petite and overweight, but I cannot imagine her wearing anything but all the flowy, purple and blue outfits she wears. Tops like this : https://www.softsurroundings.com/P/Pretty_Paisley_Top/ with palazzo pants.
My D is petite at 100 pounds and 5’2" size 00. She tends to favor fitted styles. I can see how solid colors could make her seem taller and be a good choice. If it is a lightweight fabric, flowy things can also look nice and she does have some such tops.
From the idiot who wore a tight one piece jumpsuit on a very small plane 30 yrs ago…make sure you know the bathroom situation before wearing one.