Summer cocktail attire

Parent Cafe
1

<p>So, we just received a wedding invitation and the preferred dress is “summer cocktail attire.” This will be in an elegant outdoor setting, although I am sure there will be a tent for the sit down dining reception. Can I get some wise CC advice from the fashion mavens as to what might be appropriate for both women and men?</p>

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<p>What part of the country? This sort of thing is regional. What plays in Los Angeles might not work in Newport RI.</p>

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<p>Suburban NYC-very upscale region</p>

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<p>Well…
for the West Coast I’d go [Emilio</a> Pucci Printed Twill Sheath Dress, Blue/White - Neiman Marcus](<a href=“http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Emilio-Pucci-Printed-Twill-Sheath-Dress-Blue-White/prod152210103_cat13820744__/?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FitemId%253Dcat13820744%2526pageSize%253D30%2526No%253D30%2526refinements%253D&eItemId=prod152210103&cmCat=product]Emilio”>http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Emilio-Pucci-Printed-Twill-Sheath-Dress-Blue-White/prod152210103_cat13820744__/?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FitemId%253Dcat13820744%2526pageSize%253D30%2526No%253D30%2526refinements%253D&eItemId=prod152210103&cmCat=product)</p>

<p>For upscale East Coast? (a little more conservative)</p>

<p><a href=“http://thehistorychicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/boucher-mme.depomp..jpg[/url]”>http://thehistorychicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/boucher-mme.depomp..jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>;)</p>

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<p>thanks for the smile musicamusica!</p>

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<p>I would probably wear a nice sundress and flat shoes so they would not sink the heel into the ground when walking if it’s a grassy area. </p>

<p>Sent from my DROID BIONIC using CC</p>

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<p>Maybe a long, flowing not too formal maxi dress?</p>

<p>For men: stylish blazer jackets? Bow ties? :wink: Not sure-</p>

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<p>What time of day?</p>

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<p>Too funny musicamusica!</p>

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<p>Flats…or wedges yes…the hosts will bless you for saving their lawn. If the celebration starts when the sun is shining wear a hat…or some really strong sunblock.</p>

<p>A long gauzy dress or the sheath dress are great. I would look (depending on your budget) anything from Chanel/St John to Tibi or Milly…</p>

<p>have a wonderful time!</p>

11

<p>If you like a lot of color I would suggest a Barbara Gerwit. Some of the dresses have too much pattern for my tastes, but I have a few of the tamer ones and it is my “go to” cocktail wear in the summer months. Her line is VERY affordable (underpriced in my estimation) and they are the most comfortable dresses I have ever worn.</p>

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<p>For the guys, summer cocktail means a little bit of variation for the 20-somethings and the 50-somethings. Earlier in the day also means lighter fabrics and colors.</p>

<p>Older - neutral summer weight business suit, plain shirt and solid color tie, no peacocking allowed. I have a tailored dark gray suit with a subtle stripe for these occasions. It may be OK to remove the jacket and tie at the reception depending on the formality.</p>

<p>Younger - Even in NY there is likely to be a variety: suits, sportcoats with slacks or jeans, bright summer colors, with and without ties.</p>

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<p>Thanks, everyone!
ELY, the wedding is called for mid-afternoon. And as guests, Magnetron, put us squarely in the 50+ category. :slight_smile: Keep these suggestions comin’!
musicamerica-LOL to your conservative suggestion. That blue & white twill dress seems very casual to me, but I think it may be because I’ve never been invited to a wedding with this type of attire.</p>

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<p>LOL, musica! :)</p>

<p>fendergirl’s suggestion of shoes without spiky heels in spot on. However, I think the lawn owners would appreciate if you wear something like [these</a> shoes](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Unknown-B7380-Lawn-Aerator-Foot/dp/B005V1SP28/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1365703108&sr=8-3&keywords=lawn+aeration+shoes]these”>http://www.amazon.com/Unknown-B7380-Lawn-Aerator-Foot/dp/B005V1SP28/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1365703108&sr=8-3&keywords=lawn+aeration+shoes) . Will save them a bundle on lawn care! :)</p>

<p>Good advice! Here is my 2 cents. I usually bring light wrap to outdoor events just in case to prevent a major breakout of goosebumps.</p>

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<p>Bunsen, I literally just snorted. Now I want to buy those for my mother!</p>

<p>Sent from my DROID BIONIC using CC</p>

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<p>You want wedges or flat shoes if it’s outside. I’ve seen Adrianna Papell pleated sheaths in every color possible (and it comes in different styles for different bodies) the past couple years for summer events calling for summer cocktail. It’s safe. It’s a workhouse. It works in any part of the country. It’s a wardrobe staple. You can accessorize to your style. And, they aren’t terribly expensive. I own one in black with cap sleeves when I need a LBD and one in a champagne color that has bare shoulders when I don’t know what to wear. I’m planning on finding one this year with 3/4 or long sleeves for cold weather. And they pack well.</p>