Our internet friend Rubi writes:
Dear Francesca,
Much to my surprise, it is likely that I’ll be getting married in the not too distant future — and I’m wondering what to wear! It’s likely to be a daytime wedding, at a courthouse, with a small reception at a restaurant or friend’s house afterwards. I’m an hourglass, in my mid-forties, and not given to froufrou in my attire. My best features are my bosom and small waist — I’m not as keen on my big bottom or heavy legs. But I want something that is more than just a vanilla suit!
I am imagining myself in a tea-length dress, or slightly shorter. As for color, I would not be adverse to cream, but I am blonde and rosy of complexion, so a non-wimpy pastel would also be a good choice.
I should also add that I love hats, and wear them well. I have been also considering building an outfit around a hat…
I await with interest your good counsel.
Aha! A bride who loves hats!
Francesca has been waiting and waiting and waiting for someone to write in saying that she has a need for a spectacular hat and a matching outfit, because she frankly adores the hats and the matching suits at WomenSuits.com, but as you will see they are simply too FANTASTICAL to recommend for just any old event. But the wedding! The intimate affair of the confident woman in her mid-40’s and the wonderful man who wishes to share his life with her! The small celebration of the family and friends! The chance to wear the SPECTACULAR HAT!
Francesca is also very pleased to see that Rubi is not “married” (ha!) to the idea of wearing bridal white. The tradition of brides wearing white is relatively new, and quite unnecessary, especially when one has a pretty complexion which would be beautifully shown off by an equally pretty color.
Here is an outfit which may please the Rubi if she interested in indulging in a little wee bit of “froufrou,” in a color which looks fetching on blondes:
Francesca acknowledges that how this outfit will go over depends greatly on one’s style, and greatly on the region and culture in which one lives.
If that is too “froufrou” for the intimate affair, or if Rubi wants a somewhat shorter hem or more generously cut skirt, she might consider this plain-but-pretty dress in a similar color, from Igigi, which would do much to show off Rubi’s lovely bosom and hourglass figure. Style your hair in an up-do, put on the pretty jewelry and grab the flower bouquet, and you will be a beautiful bride!
(PS There is also a tea-length bridal dress at Kiyonna you might like, though it is white, not cream. More about Kiyonna Bridal in the next post!)
Please write to us after the wedding and tell us how it went! Francesca is so happy for you!
xoxo
The hats are indeed spectacular, and I am tempted to buy lots of them. Alas, one only has so many hat-wearing opportunities in life…
Comment by Rubi — June 13, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
Dear Rubi, I too am a pear-shaped lady with large legs. I would encourage you to go long if you do not like the look of your legs and ankles. This is one of the few days you can challenge the received wisdom, for you are The Bride, and should of course wear what you like. Also, Zaftique has a number of lovely dresses at very reasonable prices. Were I to marry again, I might wear this one with a suitable hat.
Comment by Jane — June 13, 2008 @ 7:20 pm
I love this look (and the color!) If I were in your shoes (i am the same shape but younger) this would be mine! http://www.womensuits.com/9648.html
Good luck and congrats!!!
Comment by Alyson — June 14, 2008 @ 12:28 am
can I put in a vote for gender-neutral wedding language when the reader letter doesn’t specify whether the bride’s spouse-to-be is male or female? This is more & more a reality (go California!)
I shall also, of course, enter a vote for HATS. Yay hats!
Comment by Laura V — June 17, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
Everyone duck for the PC police….
Comment by OyVey — June 17, 2008 @ 6:46 pm
Very good site. Thank you.
Comment by arm rest — November 23, 2008 @ 1:58 pm