One Outfit for a Daytime Wedding
and a Nighttime Gala Event?!

About Us

Ask The Style Expert

Clothing Care

Closets

Dressing

Shopping

Ten Things

Travel Guide

Resources

Contact Us

Home

I am going to a daytime wedding, with a reception immediately following, then I have to go directly to a benefit gala auction where the theme is "Unmask the Mystery!" and the desired attire is stated as "mysterious elegance." Please advise, since mystery means black to me, and I know better than to commit the faux pau of wearing black to a daytime wedding.

This is a tough one, but I think I've got a workable solution for you. I'm guessing that "Unmask the Mystery" will also mean black to pretty much everyone else at the gala. Instead of blending into a sea of black, be a mystery in your own way. Wear a color--either bright or very pale (though not white, since that wouldn't work for the wedding) and make yourself stand out. Dial up your makeup a few notches, add some more dramatic jewelry and a strong accessory--maybe a shoulder wrap in a strong fabric like satin, and change into very dramatic shoes. Keep your outfit as tone on tone as possible without looking like an escaped bridesmaid, and you should be good to go.

Another alternative, if you've got the space to do it in your travel plans, is to take a second outfit and change before you leave the reception.

I hope that helps--let me know what you decide to do!

Regards, Kat