The phrase, “always a bridesmaid, never a bride,” has taken on a negative connotation for years. I haven’t experienced bridehood (yet…) so I can’t speak to the feeling of walking down an aisle – friends and family surrounding you, dad (mom? both parents?) on your arm, walking toward your soon-to-be husband – which I can only assume is magical, but I do know that attending a wedding as a guest, bridesmaid or otherwise, can be just as awesome. Dancing, creative desserts, and festivities aside, being part of a wedding usually means dressing up and stepping out in a snazzier look than normal (unless you wear cocktail dresses on the regular, in which case, you go, Glen Coco). Being asked to be a bridesmaid is an honor that comes with planning, supporting, and of course, choosing a dress. I don’t have it totally mapped out yet, but I’m pretty sure I’m in the camp that says, “let your bridesmaids decide on their own dresses in the color scheme of your choosing.” That way, individuality takes the cake (pun so not intended) and everyone is comfortable and looking fabulous.
I recently had a friend who was put in this exact situation and was on the hunt for a bridesmaid gown in the requested “champagne” hue. She wanted something appropriate for both cocktail attire and July-in-Napa-Valley weather, and she asked for my help. I referred her to Weddington Way, basically the dream web destination for anyone seeking a classic bridesmaid dress, and she found one in no time. Because they primarily filter their dresses by color, Weddington Way was a great first place to look for a dress because my friend’s only parameters were “champagne-hued” and “cocktail attire.”
With July being one of the most popular months to exchange nuptials, I decided to pull my ideal bridesmaid look that centers on a balance between stylishness, comfort, and danceability. You really can’t go wrong with an A-line cut in classic navy. For weddings that take place in the most summery and patriotic of months, this festive look would make a statement that classic Hollywood beauty Audrey Hepburn would undoubtedly agree with.
1. This polished dress by Weddington Way can be worn over and over again. 2. Crystal ear jackets from Rue Gembon add some edge to the outfit. 3. Add a little sparkle to your wrist with a simple bangle by Nadri. 4. Before you walk down the aisle, who knows how long you’ll be standing in the sun … no squinting with a pair of Clubmaster sunglasses from Rayban. 5. The perfect wedding clutch is not too cumbersome but roomy enough to carry the basics. I love this one from Vince Camuto. 6. Marc Jacobs makes this “new nudes” lipstick that goes on sheer but not too sheer. 7. Bring a roller ball of your favorite fragrance along (mine is Lys 41 by Le Labo) when you need to freshen up. 8. Delays in the wedding schedule can occur and the last thing you want to be is hungry. Health Warrior chia bars are delicious and clutch-sized. 9. Strappy metallic heels, like these from Tory Burch, with a navy blue dress are a match made in summer wedding heaven.
NATALIE WAY 