Wednesday, August 15, 2012

What do I Wear? Wednesday

Hi Ladies!

I am happy to let YOU do the talking today.  I have at least three readers who chatted with me about being "event appropriate".

Take a look!


Reader from Tennessee, age group, 30's.

I was embarrassed when I went to a “girls night out” dinner and realized that my clothing choice was quite frumpy compared to my friends more glitzy and chic outfits.

I’m in my 30s and am an on-the-go stay-at-home mom who also works part-time in an office



Reader in Atlanta, age group, 50's

Was invited to a corporate event by my husband's company.   All previous events were very dressy, and he did not let me know that this one was different (and I obviously didn't ask) - I was VERY over-dressed compared to everyone else.   Totally embarrassing.




Reader Megan, age group: 20's

I have often struggled with dressing for the occasion. Being over-, under-, or dressed just right. This seems worse for me when it comes to weddings. I have been underdressed, it was uncomfortable when my husband introduced me to his college friends. I would have wanted to wow and impress.

I was overdressed once, but I almost preferred that, and obviously did not compete with the bride.

If I could re-do, I would wear the dress that I wore to the "over-dressed" wedding to both of the "under-dressed" weddings. It is a v-neck, sleeveless, floral print dress from Express.  The colors work, the length works, the fabric doesn't wrinkle, so it is great for travel, too. 

I am more comfortable with dresses than I am with seperates, in a know-how sort of way. When in doubt, I now own a few go-to dresses for various events, seasons. 



Then Reader Megan added this line... LOVE IT!!!
"I feel my best when I look event appropriate, age appropriate, and still get my husband to notice."


So ladies... it's up to you to discuss.  Use this opportunity to chat with fellow readers down in the comments or on Facebook.  



How do you determine what to wear to an event?

How has an embarrassing occurrence changed the way you dress?

Would you rather be over-dressed or under-dressed and what situation are you thinking about right now?

Feel free to send me a note as well!  I love hearing from you.  Laura@FashionMeetsFaith.com


Let the fun begin!

~ Laura

10 comments:

Penny said...

Love your posts! Since reading Shari's book and using my swatches when shopping, I feel much more confident about my appearance. I, too, would like to see more photos of "real women". I want to see examples of outfits that are modest, age-appropriate, flattering, and, yes, stylish! Keep the great info and advice coming. Bless you!

Anonymous said...

I would much rather be overdressed than underdressed. I'm actually usually dressed a little dressier than others at an event anyway.

Anonymous said...

I would much rather be overdressed than underdressed. I'm actually usually dressed a little dressier than others at an event anyway.

Sandi said...

I would rather be overdressed than underdressed, too. I feel like others look down on you when you are underdressed but might just be a little embarrassed for you if you're overdressed. :)

Nicole said...

This is a major issue in my world. As a professional wedding photographer, I am both aware of the difficulty in guests finding their own balance of what to where, as well as aware of my own struggles. To fine something that is formal enough to be respectful of the occasion, doesn't draw too much attention but isn't boring, and allows me to bend, move, and lay on the ground as needed is a challenge. I've tried dresses with shorts (too awkward, because people don't necessarily know I have shorts on), capris (too casual in my opinion, even though it was for an outdoor wedding), and black pants and a white shirt (boring). As far as guests go, from my perspective its a better to be a little overdressed than underdressed for a wedding- it shows the bride and groom you think there day is important! I find you can rarely go wrong with a sundress in a dressier fabric (say chiffon). Just my two cents- well, maybe three : )

~Brenda said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
~Brenda said...

When going to an event I would rather be overdressed than underdressed. Living in a rural community; I have learned to dress more casual yet, still look good. :)

Deb C said...

Accessories. A great way to dress up or dress down an outfit. Jewelry, scarfs and cardigans can all be used to dress up or dress down an outfit. I have been known to take 2 choices in the car and make the final decision in the parking lot after seeing other guests!

Laura said...

This goes for men too. My brother and I were singing a duet for my cousin's wedding. I came in a sparkly blue dress, but he had on dress pants and a polo shirt! Have you ever tried to pin a boutonniere on a polo shirt? My aunt found a spot for it somehow. My corsage looked great on my dress. The polo shirt was too casual anyway for a wedding, but quite inappropriate for one of the singers! Too bad my brother's wife hadn't given him better advice on what to wear.

Janine said...

It seems to me that it's always better to be over-dressed than under-dressed. And with how casually people dress now days, it doesn't take much to be over-dressed! If you're the host of an event/party/meeting/etc., it's always best to be dressed one level above what you anticipate your guests to be dressed. So if your attendees are going to wears jeans and casual tops, then wear khaki pants or a nice skirt and a dress top. It's a sign of respect to the attendees. My other thought is that, in part, you show the respect you place on an event by what you wear to it.