Rob and I spent last weekend at the super lovely…
What to Wear: Beach Bridesmaid
I haven’t been so lucky to attend a beach wedding, but they seem so lovely. Heather has a request:
My best friend is getting married at the beginning of May, on the beach, in Santa Cruz. I am a CA native, but no longer reside there. My issue with wedding attire is that I am a bridesmaid, but my friend was pretty lax about what we all chose to wear (what with it being a beach wedding) as long as we chose a dress in espresso. I chose this dress from J.Crew.
When I chose it, the picture was more formal looking and I am appalled at how informal it is. Even thought it is a beach wedding, the bride’s dress is very formal and I think the other girls are choosing the strapless or halter option. I chose mine because I thought it would make a good spring/summer dress. Is there a way to dress this up with accessories/shoes? I would like flats because the ceremony will be on the beach. The reception will not be at the beach, however, so maybe a different shoe option for that would be a good idea?
Dressing up the dress shouldn’t be too hard. It is all about accessories and panache:
Dress – From J.Crew.
Beach Shoes– Ask your bride if these would be okay. The flip flop style is good for the beach and the heels give them a tiny bit of dressiness when you’re not sinking in the sand. Also, some brides want you to go barefoot? A good pedicure is a must.
Reception Shoes – Switch into these gold sandals with brown and blue beads along the toe after the service.
Bracelet – A gold cuff has an elegant, beachy style.
Earrings – I think button style earrings are more formal than a dangly pair, especially when you wear your hair up.
Bag – In blue satin to match the shoe details and on sale.
Have fun on your trip!
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Dear Bridesmaid: the great thing about this dress is that you really, truly will be able to wear this again.
Great job as always, Emily! 🙂
Living in Florida and having had a beach wedding myself… don’t wear heels period. Also I know what you mean about the J.Crew dresses being very casual. I think the biggest problem with them is the lack of any structure. Maybe go to a traditional bridal shop and buy a small crinoline to give it more fluff
I wore the same dress for my best friend’s wedding at a winery in Northern California. Although it was more casual than the other bm’s dresses, it ended up looking great in the pictures and was super comfortable to wear.
I had to wear a similar dress to a wedding but to dress it up, the bride chose to have all of us tie a wide piece of satin fabric to match her wedding colors around our waist that tied in a bow in the back. It was an inexpensive and easy way to add a little flare to the dress
beautiful! and I love a bouquet of daisies.. they are the happiest flowers I think 🙂
I love the combination of the deep brown of the dress with the turquoise of the bag!