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What to Wear: Yosemite Wedding
Mary just discovered EmilyStyle.com this week. And just in time, she has a major shopping challenge coming up:
I’m going to a wedding in Yosemite on May 12 and have no idea what to wear. The wedding is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or so, and then we break for a few hours to rest and recuperate before joining family and friends at a campfire.
So really, I need two outfits– a dress & accessories for the wedding, and something to wear to the campfire that night. It’s my husband’s brother who is getting married, and my husband is the best man. He’ll be in a dark brown tux and I’ll be sitting with him & his family, all who are somehow in or involved in the wedding so they’ll be dressed pretty formally. I don’t know if I need to match the level of formality or at least step it up a notch?
I’ll have lost about 30 pounds when the wedding comes along–a size 12 down from a size 16 so I’d like something that shows that off a little bit (but I’m still a size 12, so I feel that limits me a bit!). I’m on a bit of a budget and can spend maybe $250-$300 altogether.
Mary sent a photo of herself with the request. She’s got a great figure, perfect skin and a cute blonde bob. Fitting all these clothes into a $300 budget was challenging, but I think I did it:
Dress – The is the most important piece! I’ve been coveting this dress from Anthropologie but I think I’m too scrawny to do it justice. At $148, the color, price and cut is perfect for Mary.
Clutch – Adorable brocade and only $15!
Earrings – $38 freshwater pearl drops from Anthropologie.
Shoes – Mossimo pumps in light gold from Target. $20.
Blazer – Black eyelet jacket from Forever 21. Can double as a cover up with the dress if needed. $20.
Henley – For $24 from Delias.
Jeans – I didn’t include these in the calculation because Mary probably doesn’t need to buy a new pair.
Shoes – Depending on how formal this campfire will be she can either stick with the pumps or switch to flats.
Headband – $18 from Urban Outfitters.
Final total: $263! Armed with these two outfits, Mary will be ready for anything that comes along at this wedding. Plus, she’ll have a lot of fun new wardrobe pieces after the event.
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Cute outfits. You might consider some wedges instead of pumps for the dress, given that you’ll probably be outside. Also, I’d definitely ditch the heels before the campfire, and you might want something warmer for the campfire.
A word to the wise: I love that dress too, but when I tried it on (in hopes of finding something for weddings I have to attend)it showed a major amount of boobage – and I don’t have a major amount to show!
Hello – I have a fashion problem that I’m having trouble solving. I’m about 3 months pregnant, and none of my regular clothes fit me anymore, but maternity clothes look silly because my belly isn’t big enough for them yet. I’m looking for a few pieces (mostly tops and sweaters) that can last me the next month or 6 weeks before I am truly showing big time. I’m a short curvy girl, 5’2″ usually a size 10, and my boobs which used to be D cup are now even bigger. Finally, I hate my upper arms so sleeveless is not an option for me. Do you have any ideas, maybe some blousey flowy tops or something?
Hi Emily,
I have a small challenge, I’m looking for an essential piece, not necessarily an entire outfit- although one could always be displayed alongside it for kicks. 🙂 I’m in dental school, but am beyond most of the coursework and am now in a predominantly clinical setting. I have always been in school and I am really excited about buying a new bag to carry daily that does NOT need to accommodate tons of books, computer, etc. So I am looking for a fabulous bag to carry maybe one spiral notebook and a folder, lunch, water bottle, those kinds of things. We dress professionally at my school, no scrubs, so though it doesn’t have to be formal, I don’t want something super casual or rugged. I am looking for a shoulder bag, probably, as messenger bag straps just divide and separate me a little too much on top. I can spend around $200 and I love leather, in any color. Thanks!!
Dora – Thanks for the dressing room report! Maybe Mary could pair the dress with a delicate cami.
Jane & Anon – You’re on the list!
Thanks again, Emily! And Doris, yes, thanks for that warning. I’m hopefully going to try the dress this weekend!
Emily, I just realized that the link for the clutch isn’t working for me. Is it from Forever 21? I absolutely love it.
I fixed that link, Mary! The clutch is from Target.
As an adult woman who hovers somewhere between a size 10 or 12, I can attest that there is no way in heck that a jacket from Forever 21 would ever, ever be a possibility on these shoulders, or buttoning over these boobs.