Style me up, style me down
July 20, 2022 7:38 AM Subscribe
I always love reading these asks, so I'd love your opinions on my own. I'll be wearing this dress in dark purple for my stepson's wedding. The neckline will be a bit higher. I'm thinking either a large bracelet or a giant ring, but even that's up for grabs. Looking for literally all accessory ideas.
Gold? Silver? Some other color? Shoes / jewelry / bag? Do I need a bag? Wedding will be outside ceremony / inside reception. I'll be walking down the aisle.
Some caveats:
- No flats, but I can't do higher than a 3 1/2" heel unless it's a platform
- No slingbacks or mules
- I prefer a closed toe but don't let that limit you
- I have pierced ears, but anything too heavy can hurt and I plan to DANCE (that's also why no mules)
- My hair is a long curly bob, so I can't do an updo
- I have tiny fingers and wrists so a ring has to come in at least a minimum size 5
- Assume a healthy but not unlimited budget - willing to pay more for jewelry if it's real silver or gold.
Thanks!
Gold? Silver? Some other color? Shoes / jewelry / bag? Do I need a bag? Wedding will be outside ceremony / inside reception. I'll be walking down the aisle.
Some caveats:
- No flats, but I can't do higher than a 3 1/2" heel unless it's a platform
- No slingbacks or mules
- I prefer a closed toe but don't let that limit you
- I have pierced ears, but anything too heavy can hurt and I plan to DANCE (that's also why no mules)
- My hair is a long curly bob, so I can't do an updo
- I have tiny fingers and wrists so a ring has to come in at least a minimum size 5
- Assume a healthy but not unlimited budget - willing to pay more for jewelry if it's real silver or gold.
Thanks!
A dress with a neck like that calls for a necklace, a pendant on a thin chain. Silver would be my preference with purple but it depends on your coloring.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 7:56 AM on July 20, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by TWinbrook8 at 7:56 AM on July 20, 2022 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: Without threadsitting (and thanks already for the responses!) I'm also looking for specific item suggestions if you have any - go ahead and shop for me :)
posted by Mchelly at 8:01 AM on July 20, 2022
posted by Mchelly at 8:01 AM on July 20, 2022
I am the last person to give fashion advice, but I wanted to say congratulations on your stepson's wedding.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 8:02 AM on July 20, 2022 [5 favorites]
posted by JohnnyGunn at 8:02 AM on July 20, 2022 [5 favorites]
Here's what I'd do if I were in that dress in purple.
I would definitely go with a large bracelet, in silver. Silver and purple look really lovely together. Oxidized silver would look especially elegant.
You may need a bag if you want to hang on to some stuff during the wedding (phone, credit cards/cash tho I assume there will be an open bar?, lipstick for touchups before photos etc) but you don't have to hold the bag while walking down the aisle, either get someone else to hang on to it for you for that part or if you know you have an assigned seat once the aisle-walking is done just place it there. I would go with a clutch instead of a bag with a strap, maybe in a coordinating color (I'd go with orange or pink honestly but I'm kind of into sharp color pops) or in silver (don't match the bag to the dress, will look odd).
Silver shoes, no matter what type you spring for. A shawl or sweater would be nice to have on hand if the reception space gets chilly at night but don't wear it down the aisle, that beautiful neckline will be lost.
Simple silver earrings would be nice - I too have a short bob and earrings that are sliiiiiightly longer than your hair is a cool look. You can get such earrings that aren't super heavy - look around on Etsy and see if you find something to your liking, you may be able to find earrings and a bracelet that coordinate if you buy them from the same seller. I would not wear a necklace with that neckline - again, will distract from the cowl effect, which defeats the purpose of the cowl, which is essentially a way to accent your neck. Ring is up to you, I hate wearing rings that I don't typically wear everyday because they change how my hand feels and I spend the evening super-conscious of that which is distracting.
It's a gorgeous dress and I hope you have a great time at the wedding!
posted by nayantara at 8:04 AM on July 20, 2022 [4 favorites]
I would definitely go with a large bracelet, in silver. Silver and purple look really lovely together. Oxidized silver would look especially elegant.
You may need a bag if you want to hang on to some stuff during the wedding (phone, credit cards/cash tho I assume there will be an open bar?, lipstick for touchups before photos etc) but you don't have to hold the bag while walking down the aisle, either get someone else to hang on to it for you for that part or if you know you have an assigned seat once the aisle-walking is done just place it there. I would go with a clutch instead of a bag with a strap, maybe in a coordinating color (I'd go with orange or pink honestly but I'm kind of into sharp color pops) or in silver (don't match the bag to the dress, will look odd).
Silver shoes, no matter what type you spring for. A shawl or sweater would be nice to have on hand if the reception space gets chilly at night but don't wear it down the aisle, that beautiful neckline will be lost.
Simple silver earrings would be nice - I too have a short bob and earrings that are sliiiiiightly longer than your hair is a cool look. You can get such earrings that aren't super heavy - look around on Etsy and see if you find something to your liking, you may be able to find earrings and a bracelet that coordinate if you buy them from the same seller. I would not wear a necklace with that neckline - again, will distract from the cowl effect, which defeats the purpose of the cowl, which is essentially a way to accent your neck. Ring is up to you, I hate wearing rings that I don't typically wear everyday because they change how my hand feels and I spend the evening super-conscious of that which is distracting.
It's a gorgeous dress and I hope you have a great time at the wedding!
posted by nayantara at 8:04 AM on July 20, 2022 [4 favorites]
Silver or bronze or multi-color metallic strappy sandals.
Either long earrings or choker or shorter necklace. The neckline is beautiful, so not a really big statement necklace. You can put a beautiful pin or pendant on ribbon to make a choker. With long silk sleeves, you could wear a big sleek silver bracelet over the sleeve.
posted by theora55 at 8:57 AM on July 20, 2022 [2 favorites]
Either long earrings or choker or shorter necklace. The neckline is beautiful, so not a really big statement necklace. You can put a beautiful pin or pendant on ribbon to make a choker. With long silk sleeves, you could wear a big sleek silver bracelet over the sleeve.
posted by theora55 at 8:57 AM on July 20, 2022 [2 favorites]
Re necklaces, I just googled Silver Pendant Necklace on Etsy. It really depends on your style. I like plain silver hammered disks or rings myself but that might be too everyday for a wedding. For something a bit OTT and attention-getting, this "antique" intaglio comes in silver (no photo, just the gold version) and here is the storefront with a similar ring. You might be able to change out the aquamarine stone for a purple one. I don't know this vendor, just something that came up when scrolling and thought it looked a bit unusual. The length of the chain/pendant should rest an inch or so above the neckline.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 9:00 AM on July 20, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by TWinbrook8 at 9:00 AM on July 20, 2022 [1 favorite]
Sorry, no suggestions, but that is a really nice dress!
posted by dianeF at 9:48 AM on July 20, 2022 [3 favorites]
posted by dianeF at 9:48 AM on July 20, 2022 [3 favorites]
These silver shoes could be nice. I think they meet all your requirements and reviews indicate they are very comfortable for dancing in. With a dress that long and stunning, I don’t think you need the shoes to be the star of the show.
posted by Night_owl at 9:50 AM on July 20, 2022
posted by Night_owl at 9:50 AM on July 20, 2022
I'll let you be the judge of the appropriateness*, but I sure do love a fascinator for a wedding. This etsy seller has some great examples (though she's shipping from the UK, so you might want to source elsewhere). Even just a headband, feathered clip or stylized flower can really lift an outfit to the next level.
*I love vintage and eccentric fashion and I literally wore a plastic lobster on my head (there was a theme, I swear!) at my friends' recent wedding, but I get that wearing any kind of hat can be interpreted as "too much".
posted by annaramma at 9:58 AM on July 20, 2022 [4 favorites]
*I love vintage and eccentric fashion and I literally wore a plastic lobster on my head (there was a theme, I swear!) at my friends' recent wedding, but I get that wearing any kind of hat can be interpreted as "too much".
posted by annaramma at 9:58 AM on July 20, 2022 [4 favorites]
What a gorgeous dress! You will look great, whatever you do.
Someone I know wears several different thin gold chains with no pendants, and though I rarely wear any jewelry I often copy that style if I feel the need for some bling. The way she does it makes it look a bit rockstar, not too dressy. For that dress, they should be relatively short, not interfering with the neckline. I have a couple that have little details in color, like this (there are several color options, I have one white and one coral). If you go with gold, green might be a great color for other accessories, like silk shoes, gold earrings with a little green gemstone, a gold ring with a big green gemstone.
An other option, if you go for silver rather than gold could be a necklace of large grey pearls. My daughters tell me pearls are all the rage these days, and grey pearls go very well with other silver details, such as silver shoes, a silver clutch and perhaps a bold but simple silver bracelet. You could even have a grey/silver pashmina or shawl, and silver or purple nail polish. Oomph it up with tiny diamond (or Swarovski) earrings.
posted by mumimor at 10:11 AM on July 20, 2022 [3 favorites]
Someone I know wears several different thin gold chains with no pendants, and though I rarely wear any jewelry I often copy that style if I feel the need for some bling. The way she does it makes it look a bit rockstar, not too dressy. For that dress, they should be relatively short, not interfering with the neckline. I have a couple that have little details in color, like this (there are several color options, I have one white and one coral). If you go with gold, green might be a great color for other accessories, like silk shoes, gold earrings with a little green gemstone, a gold ring with a big green gemstone.
An other option, if you go for silver rather than gold could be a necklace of large grey pearls. My daughters tell me pearls are all the rage these days, and grey pearls go very well with other silver details, such as silver shoes, a silver clutch and perhaps a bold but simple silver bracelet. You could even have a grey/silver pashmina or shawl, and silver or purple nail polish. Oomph it up with tiny diamond (or Swarovski) earrings.
posted by mumimor at 10:11 AM on July 20, 2022 [3 favorites]
I got u sister. It’s gold
Bodacious earrings
Giant Statement ring
Dainty bracelet
Simple pointed flats White or like baby blue if it matches The Ring
posted by St. Peepsburg at 10:41 AM on July 20, 2022 [4 favorites]
Bodacious earrings
Giant Statement ring
Dainty bracelet
Simple pointed flats White or like baby blue if it matches The Ring
posted by St. Peepsburg at 10:41 AM on July 20, 2022 [4 favorites]
Necklace you ask? Fuck the necklace. Go naked. That dress cries for it. Just put some finishing powder / shine powder on that chest it sells itself.
posted by St. Peepsburg at 10:43 AM on July 20, 2022 [8 favorites]
posted by St. Peepsburg at 10:43 AM on July 20, 2022 [8 favorites]
Agree with St. Peepsburg, no jewellery, bronze or gold sandals
posted by Ardnamurchan at 11:32 AM on July 20, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Ardnamurchan at 11:32 AM on July 20, 2022 [1 favorite]
Agree with St. Peepsburg. No necklace with that gorgeous neckline! I'd do a cuff bracelet on one arm and maybe a statement ring on the other. Smaller earrings to keep the chest area bare and sexy, and more danceable too. I'm leaning towards gold, not silver, but think either would look nice. Gunmetal gray would look amazing too.
Some gold cuff bracelet suggestions here, here and here.
posted by widdershins at 12:01 PM on July 20, 2022 [5 favorites]
Some gold cuff bracelet suggestions here, here and here.
posted by widdershins at 12:01 PM on July 20, 2022 [5 favorites]
Google Images "Angela Bassett dress." The look is very elegant. The dresses are scrumptious.
Hair down and curly or sleek or else simply pulled back. Few photos have hair accessories.
No necklace, statement earrings. Many of the dresses feature her neck and shoulders and chest, but some do not.
Good manicure but not busy. Clutch purse. Sometimes a bracelet or rings, sometimes neither.
Nice heels, but sometimes the dress goes all the way to the floor. Bassett is 5 ft 4 in, so it may be a method to make her appear taller.
I also agree with the influence of Dame Judi Dench. And I love a figured pashmina with a solid color dress.
Congratulations to you and yours!
posted by TrishaU at 12:11 PM on July 20, 2022 [2 favorites]
Hair down and curly or sleek or else simply pulled back. Few photos have hair accessories.
No necklace, statement earrings. Many of the dresses feature her neck and shoulders and chest, but some do not.
Good manicure but not busy. Clutch purse. Sometimes a bracelet or rings, sometimes neither.
Nice heels, but sometimes the dress goes all the way to the floor. Bassett is 5 ft 4 in, so it may be a method to make her appear taller.
I also agree with the influence of Dame Judi Dench. And I love a figured pashmina with a solid color dress.
Congratulations to you and yours!
posted by TrishaU at 12:11 PM on July 20, 2022 [2 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
Also, there's some precedent - Dame Judi Dench will often wear a long dress or pantsuit in a solid color and accessorize it with a huge shawl or stole, draped over one shoulder. Sometimes she also adds a simple necklace.
Etsy has scores of pashmina-type wraps that would work with a deep purple, too.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:53 AM on July 20, 2022 [3 favorites]