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What to wear to a summer wedding Wedding season is upon us, and finding the frock most fitting for the occasion can be a puzzle. Fortunately, a profusion of dresses in tangerine, turquoise and hot-pink prints paraded down fashion runways for summer 2012, offering a welcome alternative to the still-practical-but-oh-so-predictable black cocktail dress. Here, we’ve imagined four typical summer wedding scenarios — swanky black tie, destination beach bash, conservative country club and low-key backyard ceremony — and what to wear to each. Story by Janet Bennett Kelly
BEACH WEDDING
Aqua, green and gold patterns swirl over Banana Republic’s shiny cotton strapless dress, which is from its new collaboration with designer Trina Turk. Blue Pisces Printed Cora dress, $150. Available June 7 at stores and www.bananarepublic.com.
Deb Lindsey
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FOR THE WASHINGTON POST
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BEACH WEDDING
Decorate your decolletage with a coordinating Trina Turk citron bubble necklace. Blue Pisces Printed Cora dress, $150. Available June 7 at stores and www.bananarepublic.com.
BEACH WEDDING
If the ceremony is set for the sand, choose a pair of metallic flat sandals. Cole Haan Air Tali sandals, $127.50 at www.amazon.com.
Cole Haan
BEACH WEDDING
Daytime events call for a wide-brim hat, while a lightweight shrug protects bare shoulders from the evening chill. Christys’ Surfside sun hat, $46 at Proper Topper, 1350 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-842-3055, www.propertopper.com.
Proper Topper
BEACH WEDDING
An interior corset and boning at the sides for extra support makes this splashy silk strapless dress wearer-friendly. Slip Cole Haan’s metallic flat sandals on your feet. For a cover-up on the beach, grab your favorite denim jacket. Dress, $139.99 at select J. Crew stores and www.jcrew.com .
Deb Lindsey
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FOR THE WASHINGTON POST
COUNTRY CLUB WEDDING
If you cringe at the color tangerine or feel faint at the thought of wearing a bold print, think monochromatically. For a daytime or evening event at a country club, the Julia Farr-designed pale coral pink sheath with a subtle check and slight gleam in the fabric flatters a variety of figures and ages. Pair it with nude sandals and a Kara Ross cuff and . Dress, $320 at Julia Farr, 5232 44th St. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-364-3277.
Deb Lindsey
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FOR THE WASHINGTON POST
COUNTRY CLUB WEDDING
Pair the sheath with matching coral earrings by Kara Ross. Earrings, $140 at Julia Farr, 5232 44th St. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-364-3277.
Kara Ross
COUNTRY CLUB WEDDING
Add a Kara Ross coral python cuff. Bracelet, $290 at Julia Farr, 5232 44th St. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-364-3277.
Kara Ross
COUNTRY CLUB WEDDING
Finish the look with neutral sandals. Zara high-heel sandal with methacrylate heel, $129 at www.zara.com .
Zara
COUNTRY CLUB WEDDING
Another option for a country club wedding: Halston Heritage’s blue-and-purple silk crepe de chine dress. Wear with high-heel black or neutral sandals. Dress, $425 at Julia Farr, 5232 44th St. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-364-3277.
Deb Lindsey
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FOR THE WASHINGTON POST
BLACK TIE WEDDING
When the invitation says “black tie optional,” your hosts won’t balk if you don’t wear an evening dress, but lean toward the more formal option. Keep accessories minimal with this dramatic Halston Heritage navy gown with flowing black cape. Dress, $125 rental fee at www.renttherunway.com.
Deb Lindsey
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FOR THE WASHINGTON POST
BLACK TIE WEDDING
The attached cape adds a dramatic flourish.
Deb Lindsey
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FOR THE WASHINGTON POST
BLACK TIE WEDDING
Sparkling sleek sandals with rows of crystals and an ankle strap accent a shapely leg meant to be seen through a revealing high slit. Glint Milly sandal, $65.90 at www.nordstrom.com.
Milly
BLACK TIE WEDDING
Judith Jack’s marcasite and blue topaz earrings add lightness around your face. Earrings, $150 at www.amazon.com.
Amazon.com
BLACK TIE WEDDING
If a chill sets in from the air conditioning, keep a metallic wrap at the ready. Satin gray wrap, $195 at www.simplysoles.com.
Robert Sullivan
BACKYARD WEDDING
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg may have worn a suit (and loose tie) and bride Priscilla Chan a traditional wedding gown for their own backyard fete, but we’d bet their guests donned attire expected of cool California techies. Channel your own inner hipster with a coral top dress, exposed back zipper and ribbon hem skirt. Sachin + Bibi dress, $425 at Julia Farr, 5232 44th St. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-364-3277.
Deb Lindsey
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FOR THE WASHINGTON POST
BACKYARD WEDDING
A better view of that exposed zipper on the back of the dress.
Deb Lindsey
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FOR THE WASHINGTON POST
BACKYARD WEDDING
Add hammered earrings for a glittery accent. Hammered brass earrings, $98 at www.anthropologie.com
Anthropologie
BACKYARD WEDDING
For the ceremony, you may be sinking heels into grass, so forgo the stilettos for flats or a wedge sandal, such as these leg-lengthening espadrilles. JCrew Sardinia wedge espadrille, $118 at www.jcrew.com.
J. Crew
BACKYARD WEDDING
Wear this Versace Caspian Sea figure-defining sheath dress to a dressier backyard bash (the kind that usually comes with tent and dance floor). During the day, protect your face under a sun hat. Cover bare shoulders in the evening with a lightweight bolero. Dress, $150 rental fee at www.renttherunway.com.
Deb Lindsey
/
FOR THE WASHINGTON POST
BACKYARD WEDDING
Already covered in poppies, daisies and cornflowers, Anthropologie’s Primary Blooms dress doesn’t need much embellishment. Pair with hammered brass earrings and tangerine espadrilles. Dress, $168 at area Anthropologie stores and www.anthropologie.com .
Deb Lindsey
/
FOR THE WASHINGTON POST
Brightly colored espadrilles to pair with your print dress. Seychelles espadrilles, $89.95 at www.amazon.com .
Amazon.com
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Section:/lifestyle/weddings
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