Q. Hi Jordan!
I’m getting married in October, and am wearing a plain strapless dress. The wedding is very casual (the groom is wearing jeans). I’d like a jacket or cover of some sort, and to look cool, casual, stylish, and not too bridal-y. Can you help?
A. OK, first: autumn weddings are my favorite, and if I had to do it again, I’d totally get married in October. Berries and wheat and clear blue skies and pumpkin everything. Yes.
Second, we cannot discuss autumn weddings without first referencing The Fall Wedding Gold Standard:
That movie right there is the foundation upon which every single romantic fantasy of my youth was built.
“Is she worth it?”
“Worth dying for.”
SIGH.
Also, I think you can make a great drinking game out of every time Kevin Costner tries out one accent or another, and never quite hits “British.”
But I digress, and am not necessarily suggesting that you wear hay on your head while you say your vows (although I am also not necessarily not suggesting that).
In any case, congratulations on your wedding! Let’s make you look cool and casual and stylish and not too bridal-y.
1. Cover-Up Number One. If you’re wearing a strapless gown but would like the option to have a little more arm coverage, I have the perfect solution for you: a lace topper (I love the rose lace, but this version comes in ivory as well): it covers your shoulders and wraps around your waist with a satin sash (and is also a nice way to have a totally different look for the ceremony and reception while investing in only a single dress).
2. Cover-Up Number Two. Because it will likely be chilly and that lace topper, while lovely, doesn’t do a whole lot in the warmth department, I have another suggestion for you: a denim jacket. Totally un-bridal in the best way…and your groom is wearing jeans, so why not? I think it’s awesome. Pop that collar.
3. Headpiece. Instead of an uber-feminine tiara, how about a vintage-y hair comb in autumnal colors? I love this version from Bhldn, but you can definitely find similar (and less pricey) styles on Etsy if you do a little scouting. Add crystal drop earrings, and that’s really all you need for jewelry (a pearl bracelet might be pretty, too).
4. Shoes. For your shoes, go for simple suede pumps in a soft rose shade: pretty but still cool, and a great investment, since you can wear them plenty post-wedding.
