Love in a cold climate — what to wear with this dress?
November 7, 2022 4:56 AM Subscribe
I'm getting married in Scandinavia in the first week of January. I have purchased this dress, but have no idea how to accessorize it. I turn to you for help.
Me: cropped brown bob, tall (would prefer to wear flats as my partner is a shortie), pale skin. My usual wear is jeans, black tshirt and boots. Not polished at all, although I wish I was. I'm not super bridal and I've never actually had a 'wedding vision' — aside from the dress — but I am a bit lost on what to wear with it. I am wearing my everyday jewelry — yellow gold earrings & rings. But will the dress work with boots and stockings? Big coat?
Wedding: Think elopement vibes at a town hall, with a midday ceremony, brief photographs, and lunch afterward. Expected temperature: 36°F/2°C.
Things I already own: these Chelsea boots and this black wrap coat. Would they work?
Things I'm considering: Would a headband like this make it bridal/special enough or would you add more glitz? If this big fluffer came in white I'd go for that.
The budget is open but I'd like to be able to wear things again :)
Me: cropped brown bob, tall (would prefer to wear flats as my partner is a shortie), pale skin. My usual wear is jeans, black tshirt and boots. Not polished at all, although I wish I was. I'm not super bridal and I've never actually had a 'wedding vision' — aside from the dress — but I am a bit lost on what to wear with it. I am wearing my everyday jewelry — yellow gold earrings & rings. But will the dress work with boots and stockings? Big coat?
Wedding: Think elopement vibes at a town hall, with a midday ceremony, brief photographs, and lunch afterward. Expected temperature: 36°F/2°C.
Things I already own: these Chelsea boots and this black wrap coat. Would they work?
Things I'm considering: Would a headband like this make it bridal/special enough or would you add more glitz? If this big fluffer came in white I'd go for that.
The budget is open but I'd like to be able to wear things again :)
As far as I can tell, everything works with boots and stockings these days. I would definitely consider colored stockings or tights, not black. Also, a faux fur coat, wrap or cape definitely ups both the glamour and bridal vibes. The headband would work beautifully with a white faux fur top. If you want to add more, in one of the small photos of the dress, the person is wearing a sizable necklace that echoes the v-shape of the neckline. Personally, I think one piece of statement jewelry would just bring the look home. Regardless, you'll look great. Mazel tov!
posted by ALeaflikeStructure at 5:27 AM on November 7, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by ALeaflikeStructure at 5:27 AM on November 7, 2022 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Your black wrap coat is nice, but I think the difference in the sleeve styles between the dress and the coat mean that the sleeves on the dress will be crushed up in the coat sleeves, making them wrinkly or just bunchy and uncomfortable. I also though immediately of a faux/fur wrap, but to align with your regular style sense and taking into account the boots, I'd opt for a black one. And I think your instincts about adding an accessory for your hair is right, it will dress things up. However, that wide headband might overwhelm a bob. (I dunno. I have a small head so most bandanas and headbands don't work for me.) But what about a "lighter" tiara-like band that will go with your jewelry, like this one?
posted by cocoagirl at 5:38 AM on November 7, 2022 [6 favorites]
posted by cocoagirl at 5:38 AM on November 7, 2022 [6 favorites]
I would get a gold headband. There are many choices on Etsy, here's one.
posted by pinochiette at 5:54 AM on November 7, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by pinochiette at 5:54 AM on November 7, 2022 [1 favorite]
I love that dress so, so much. I would be so tempted to get something like this brown faux fur stole -- I think the warmer colour would do a lot for the dress, make it special and still give you a bit of an "edge."
If you want to make it a bit glitzy-adjacent I'd be tempted to get some vintage-looking hair chain or comb. I think that would be easy to do yourself and would look awesome with a bob.
I see no harm in wearing your Chelsea boots, but honestly that dress is so beautiful why not get some fun, dressier flats? (Sorry - I don't know why I'm trying to turn you into a stylish villain, but honestly that seems like a GREAT wedding aesthetic to me! haha). For stockings, I would choose something more sheer than just an opaque black tight.
posted by Mrs. Rattery at 6:23 AM on November 7, 2022 [4 favorites]
If you want to make it a bit glitzy-adjacent I'd be tempted to get some vintage-looking hair chain or comb. I think that would be easy to do yourself and would look awesome with a bob.
I see no harm in wearing your Chelsea boots, but honestly that dress is so beautiful why not get some fun, dressier flats? (Sorry - I don't know why I'm trying to turn you into a stylish villain, but honestly that seems like a GREAT wedding aesthetic to me! haha). For stockings, I would choose something more sheer than just an opaque black tight.
posted by Mrs. Rattery at 6:23 AM on November 7, 2022 [4 favorites]
I think the Chelsea boots are too short and aren't dressy enough for such a lovely dress. I'd either go for a taller boot or a dressy flat. I think the challenge with finding a tall boot will be finding an elegant one without a heel. A riding boot (for example) is nice, but I don't know if it will give the wedding vibe you want.
I also really like the full wrap/stole idea for a cover up. And with that neckline, I'd be tempted to go for a nice necklace. I know you said you're wearing gold, but pearls would lend a nice bridal vibe. If you don't want to go in that direction, now is the time to get yourself a nice gold necklace or chain.
posted by sardonyx at 6:48 AM on November 7, 2022 [2 favorites]
I also really like the full wrap/stole idea for a cover up. And with that neckline, I'd be tempted to go for a nice necklace. I know you said you're wearing gold, but pearls would lend a nice bridal vibe. If you don't want to go in that direction, now is the time to get yourself a nice gold necklace or chain.
posted by sardonyx at 6:48 AM on November 7, 2022 [2 favorites]
full=fur
fur (fake or real, depending on preference) wrap/stole
posted by sardonyx at 6:54 AM on November 7, 2022
fur (fake or real, depending on preference) wrap/stole
posted by sardonyx at 6:54 AM on November 7, 2022
Nthing the faux fur cape. If your bob is long enough to curl (and not curly already) I’d skip the accessories and just get it curled or waved for the wedding, I feel that would look lovely with the slight 1930s vibes of the dress. I love chonky boots but I would skip them with this dress. Could you invest in a dressy pair of flats or comfortable heels with rewear appeal? I would do black shoes and sheer black tights.
posted by vanitas at 9:37 AM on November 7, 2022
posted by vanitas at 9:37 AM on November 7, 2022
It’s stunning. I’ve been to a couple of ice weddings, they were such fun. I agree faux fur stole / cape is the way to go, you could also look at some long gloves?
posted by tardigrade at 9:51 AM on November 7, 2022
posted by tardigrade at 9:51 AM on November 7, 2022
I don't think those chelsea boots are the right thing, at all, especially with yellow stitching. A sleek calf boot or mid-calf would work, but I think a clean shoe or flat with a slight heel is the way to go.
The coat is lovely but I agree that it may wreck the sleeves of your dress.
Don't wear a white headband if you're not wearing anything else white. Gold hair accessories- either some nice barrettes or a headband.
I'd skip a pendant and wear drop earrings, especially if you have a bob.
posted by oneirodynia at 9:57 AM on November 7, 2022 [1 favorite]
The coat is lovely but I agree that it may wreck the sleeves of your dress.
Don't wear a white headband if you're not wearing anything else white. Gold hair accessories- either some nice barrettes or a headband.
I'd skip a pendant and wear drop earrings, especially if you have a bob.
posted by oneirodynia at 9:57 AM on November 7, 2022 [1 favorite]
I'm going to amend my response- I think you could do an ankle boot as long as it was clean and sleek- no ankle pull tab, and no wide swaths of elastic. A sock boot or a discrete zip.
posted by oneirodynia at 10:30 AM on November 7, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by oneirodynia at 10:30 AM on November 7, 2022 [1 favorite]
That dress is just gorgeous! I think chelsea boots are great, but I'd elevate the look with some flat, tall boots. Shorter boots are more popular right now, but something like this pair of Clarks seems like they'd be wearable again, too. Then I'd wear them with dark tights.
I don't know how much you'll be outside and if your coat will be warm enough, but somethings clothing rental places (Rent the Runway, etc) rent outerwear too. Then you could have something warm and special without investing in it forever.
You said you don't feel polished and wish you were. I'd suggest scheduling a haircut for a few days before your trip and, right now, going to some make up places and talking to them about your make up for the day. A fresh hair cut and special set of makeup that you are comfortable applying -- because you've practiced that specific look and combination a handful of times before your wedding -- might really help with that feeling.
Would a special new gold necklace be a nice treat? Also, don't forget that you'll want a lovely scarf and gloves set, maybe matching? I don't usually get matching, but that feels like a a nice indulgence for the ocassion.
posted by bluedaisy at 10:39 AM on November 7, 2022 [1 favorite]
I don't know how much you'll be outside and if your coat will be warm enough, but somethings clothing rental places (Rent the Runway, etc) rent outerwear too. Then you could have something warm and special without investing in it forever.
You said you don't feel polished and wish you were. I'd suggest scheduling a haircut for a few days before your trip and, right now, going to some make up places and talking to them about your make up for the day. A fresh hair cut and special set of makeup that you are comfortable applying -- because you've practiced that specific look and combination a handful of times before your wedding -- might really help with that feeling.
Would a special new gold necklace be a nice treat? Also, don't forget that you'll want a lovely scarf and gloves set, maybe matching? I don't usually get matching, but that feels like a a nice indulgence for the ocassion.
posted by bluedaisy at 10:39 AM on November 7, 2022 [1 favorite]
Indoor in January in Scandinavia will likely be nice and warm unless you are somewhere deliberately rustic/neglected. For any events of the least bit of fanciness you are expected to have indoor and outdoor shoes. Your outdoor shoes should ensure that you don't go ass over tit on your special day. Consider renting an extravagant fur, especially if you happen to get snow for the day.
posted by Iteki at 11:54 AM on November 7, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Iteki at 11:54 AM on November 7, 2022 [1 favorite]
I think a birdcage veil like this in black would look amazing, especially if you did a fur wrap. That dress is gorgeous!
posted by BlueBear at 1:24 PM on November 7, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by BlueBear at 1:24 PM on November 7, 2022 [2 favorites]
It's a great dress - I would pair it with a really elegant velvet wrap, Knee high boots like the ones bluedaisy linked to, and a long pair of opera gloves. You'll have to have a plan for how to deal with the gloves when you put on a ring (get gloves thin enough that the ring can go over them, fingerless gloves, remove gloves before he ceremony) but I think tall gloves with that dress would look just smashing, and warm you up a lot.
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 1:44 PM on November 7, 2022
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 1:44 PM on November 7, 2022
I agree with comments above: that dress is gorgeous; love the idea of a faux fur wrap, or a sweeping cape; and a light, pretty head piece. I love your boots, but not for your special day. What do you think of these boots? You could probably wear them again, too.
Or if not a boot, perhaps these?
Congratulations!! Could you update this post with pictures later? I know I'd love to see them, and so would everyone else!
posted by annieb at 5:20 PM on November 7, 2022 [2 favorites]
Or if not a boot, perhaps these?
Congratulations!! Could you update this post with pictures later? I know I'd love to see them, and so would everyone else!
posted by annieb at 5:20 PM on November 7, 2022 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: Thanks team, you are wonderful! I'm thinking one of these stoles, I see what you mean about the sleeves being weird with a coat. Also, leaning into the gold vibe is a very good idea!
posted by socky_puppy at 6:07 AM on November 8, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by socky_puppy at 6:07 AM on November 8, 2022 [2 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
A faux fur cape probably isn't a wear-again but you could probably sell it on through something like depop or an equivalent if sustainability is a factor?
posted by cilantro at 5:08 AM on November 7, 2022 [21 favorites]