8   76
7   167
2   31
3   53
6   131
25   139
5   184
16   118
21   280
16   118

Decoding Wedding Dress Codes: Black Tie Optional

Decoding Wedding Dress Codes: Black Tie Optional

There are two seasons in my life, football season and wedding season. Engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, and weddings fill my spring weekends! Though I enjoy reuniting with old friends, sharing memories, and celebrating the unity of marriage, my bank account takes a hit from my wedding season wardrobe. This inspired me to create looks for popular wedding dress codes, with the help of Goodwill of course.

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Cape Blazer: Gentle Fawn via Goodwill;  Tank: Topshop; Pants: Express; Clutch: Koret via Goodwill (Similar Splurge // Save); Shoes: Dolce Vita, old (Similar Here); Necklace: Shop Goodwill Online (Similar Splurge // Save); Bracelet: CC Skye

Though less strict than Black Tie (which I covered on the series last week), the rules for Black Tie Optional are a little murky. While women may wear long dresses, most of the women I see at Black Tie Optional events opt for a classic cocktail dress in a neutral color. Guys have it easy (le sigh) with the choice of a tux or classic suit in a dark color.

While the LBD is a safe bet, I chose to elevate a classic Black Tie Option look by adding this trendy cape blazer (purchased at Goodwill for under $10) with  a couple of wardrobe staples, black wide-leg pants and camisole. Layering a trendy piece transforms a few basic pieces into a chic, modern look. Wearing an all-black ensemble allows you to let your personality shine through with funky accessories and glamorous hair and makeup.

Do you have an upcoming Black Tie Optional wedding? Leave me a comment below telling me what you plan on wearing!

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9 Comments

  1. April 25, 2016 / 10:25 am

    Love that cape/blazer! I’ve been looking for one similar. Not sure how you find such great steals, I can’t seem to come across anything quite as elegant!

  2. Tine
    April 25, 2016 / 10:41 am

    Incredibly stylish! I always struggle to know what to wear to a wedding and am so worried about over/underdressing. Next time I have to go to a wedding, I’ll definitely check your blog for inspiration!

  3. April 25, 2016 / 12:46 pm

    Such a great outfit. I’ve never thought of wearing black to a wedding but I might just give it a try 🙂

  4. April 26, 2016 / 8:52 pm

    I love this look! So different from the LBD, and so classy.

    • April 26, 2016 / 8:53 pm

      Thank you! Though I love my LBD, I like to change it up sometimes!

  5. April 27, 2016 / 4:51 pm

    Wow! You look so chic! <3

  6. April 28, 2016 / 1:28 am

    Very stunning !

  7. May 13, 2016 / 4:23 pm

    I LOVE this series, it can be SO hard to figure out what to wear to these sorts of events and I love that you put your own spin on things and went for pants! You look gorgeous!

    La Belle Sirene 

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