A sequined dress, vinyl leggings and new shoes?!
Sequins and VINYL?....at a wedding? Over 40?!Sounds hellish, right?
Totally inappropriate!
Well, to be honest, I did have a black and white, satin, polka dot, wiggle dress looked out...which is lovely. And, yes, it would have been much more in keeping with tradition, expected, predictable, boring, ZZZzzzzzzz (sorry, just dozed off for a moment).
I knew the reception was going to be full of shift dresses and court shoes,
and of course they look lovely.
BUT, if you are not a 'shift dress and court shoe' person normally, why wear them for a wedding?
It just makes you look and feel uncomfortable.
You lose your style mojo.
You don't feel like yourself and end up missing out on the fun by not dancing or just constantly pulling and rearranging your clothing and shapewear.
I don't understand it.
I wanted to be comfortable and confident...and feel like myself.
I also wanted to dance all night and have lots of fun.
Oh, did I mention that I had new shoes?!
I really HAD to wear my new shoes :o).
I chose to wear this tunic dress because I had recently found it in a Charity shop (thrift shop) and it was another 'squeal out loud and do a little dance' moment.
It is by Antik Batik and I have seen similar styles by this designer on Net-a-porter for about £200-300, so £10 (and my size) was a genuine bargain.
It put me in mind of 1920's flappers (and it moves very satisfyingly on the dance floor, with it's side splits and swooshing panels).
So the obvious thing to do (for me) was to avoid ANYTHING 1920's-esque and grab a pair of vinyl leggings.
They do add a different texture and some more interest to the outfit.
My NEW SHOES (did I mention I had new shoes?!) are a delight to wear.
They are so comfortable and just different enough to make me smile without being OTT.
My chunky necklace seemed a little too much at first, but I felt that delicate jewellery looked out of place with the vinyl and chunky shoes, so (breaking the rules, AGAIN) more was definitely more for this outfit.
A box clutch and my sleeveless jacket (vest) finished things off nicely.
So, I admit that this look might not be for everyone BUT it worked very well for me.
I felt comfortable and confident, was dancing all night (embarrassing my children nicely) and not sitting fiddling with an uncomfortable dress or complaining of aching feet.
All-in-all the perfect choice.
What would you wear for a wedding reception?
Do you feel comfortable in the shift dress and court shoe combo?
Would you wear vinyl?
Please let me know your thoughts.
XXX
Samantha
Dress: Antik Batik (Charity shop find)
Leggings: Pamela Mann @uktights
Jacket: French connection now in the sale!
Clutch: Tkmaxx
Necklace: Topshop
Earrings: Newlook
Shoes: Topshop unique (now on sale!)
Samantha,
ReplyDeleteAnother awesome outfit! LOVE the combination/contrasts of fabrics and textures. :-)
I can only imagine how much fun you had last night!
Hugs,
Brooke
Thank you Brooke, that is very kind of you.
DeleteI love a mixture of fabrics and texture...or a clash of colours... or both!
XXX
You Look Absolutely Gorgeous and Elegant!!! love that you mixed your dress with vinyl leggings and chunky fabulous shoes, and your vest looks perfect! such an amazing outfit!!
ReplyDeleteLoving your vinyl leggings, so cool!!!
You rock!!
besos
Thank you so much <3
DeleteThese leggings are so much fun to wear....and surprisingly comfortable too.
XXX
What a bargain with that tunic! It's amazing what you can find thrifting sometimes. And brave to wear new shoes to a reception, especially with all that dancing! I think you can be freer with the 'dress code' for an evening reception and yes, I agree you have to be true to yourself. I I like wiggle dresses and peep toes for all day weddings myself. I imagine, however fleetingly that I'm rocking my inner Rita Hayworth, albeit a short one! That necklace is fab with the tunic.
ReplyDeletehttp://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
I commented instead of replying! oops.
DeleteX
I agree with the new shoes point....normally I would need to break them in for a few days (clumping around the house in socks on too) but these are made of fabric and were instantly comfortable...such a joy (usually I am in agony).
ReplyDeleteI think if I had been all-day I would have wiggled too!
The shoes were a definite though, wiggle or not. :-)
I love the thought of a petite Rita...beautiful!
Smantha
XXX
Unusual for a wedding but you look absolutely stunning! I love your haircut and color!
ReplyDeleteHello Caramella and thank you of your lovely comment.
DeleteI have to agree to it being unusual for a wedding... I had planned on my polka dots (much more "grown-up") BUT at the last minute I decided on this. It just seemed to fit my mood.
I think that sometimes a snap decision can work out for the best.
Getting up to dance and having fun is the best thing to do as an wedding evening guest (miserable faces not allowed!)....and I was certainly up for that.
Thanks for stopping by!
Samantha
XXX
Hi Samantha, this is a sensational outfit. I recently went to a wedding and conformed with the shift dress and courts for the sake of the wedding photos, but nipped back to my hotel later and changed into my retro frock and silver brogues for the dancing. It was the best compromise. You have to do what you feel is right and you certainly look amazing and probably felt that too! xxx
ReplyDeleteGood idea, Anna!
DeleteI was once a "Maid or honour" and had a particularly unflattering dress and hideously uncomfortable and frumpy shoes. which I fell off as I walked down the aisle (super-cringe moment).
I could not wait for the photos to be over and to get into a "proper" dress for dancing.
I had much more fun dress as me instead of a sugar-plum fairy :-)
Thank you for popping over.
XXX
Samantha
Gorgeous!!! Love your style XO! Thank you so much for sharing with #LINKUPWITHLISA @ http://www.beauty101bylisa.com/2015/08/linkupwithlisa-29-lace-up-back-dress.html
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa, Thank you so much for popping over.
DeleteXXX
Samantha
The tunic is amazing. Congratulations on your find! Totally loving vinyl right now ever since I got a vinyl jacket in NYC last fall. Its sooo versatile. Thanks for linkin-up with Turning Heads Tuesday. Sabina | Oceanblue Style
ReplyDeleteThanks Sabina...I did a celebration dance in the shop (to my son's horror).
DeleteVinyl is very cool to wear and surprisingly comfy and practical....it stops things looking to girly (or mumsy, in my case!)
Thank you for popping over and leaving a comment, most appreciated.
XXX
Samantha
You look not only gorgeous but powerful and I love the whole attire
ReplyDeleteXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Thank you so much Sacramento!
DeleteI love the thought of looking powerful...I had never considered that before.
XXXX
Samantha
I am all about styling an outfit around a new amazing pair of shoes!! And I love how you were able to be cute, comfortable and wedding appropriate while still staying true to your style!
ReplyDelete-Melissa
www.Mahogany-Closet.com
Hi Melissa,
DeleteI often start from the footwear and work up.
If I love my shoes then the rest of me is usually happy too!
Thank you for your lovely comment.
XXX
Samantha
LOVE those shoes!!! So cute! I adore the entire look!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from the Pleated Poppy Link-up!
-Adriele
www.StyleAssisted.com
Hi Adriele,
DeleteI LOVE these shoes too...if I could I would have had them in the bright green version as well (Unfortunately, funds would not allow).
Thank you for popping over...and for your page link.
XXX
Samantha
i never would have put that dress with the leggings but it really works. Your dress is beautiful and i love your blue nail polish.
ReplyDeleteHi Lornamai,
DeleteThank you for your comment.
I know exactly what you mean...I was not going to be putting this outfit together originally but it just seemed to fall together.
I think I am better not over-thinking things, this applies to more than just clothes!
As for the polish...I asked my youngest girl to choose from a selection for fingers and toes and I liked what she picked out (she has a great eye for a clash).
XXX
Samantha
you had to have been the best dressed at the wedding (other than the bridal party of course) but just sayin' what an awesome way to dress for a wedding reception. I am in love with your heels!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up to "Bloggers WHo Have Inspired Me" this past Tuesday.
Rachel xo
Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me is now LIVE here
Garay Treasures
That is such an awesome compliment...thank you Rachel!
DeleteI did have lots of fun...and thank you for sharing your shoe love.
XXX
Samantha
This outfit looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up Beauty by Miss L Weekly Fashion Link Up!
Thank you very much!
DeleteXXX
Samantha this look and mindset behind the outfit is bloody marvellous! I totally agree, i have been to weddings wearing things i wouldn't normally wear and don't feel me at all! This year i attended a dear friends wedding and opted for comfy but shiny silver shoes and a dress that i would be able to wear multiple times again and i loved it" I enjoyed the wedding, i loved my outfit and was comfy all day (so comfy i got blind drunk and threw some major shapes on the dance floor HAHA!)
ReplyDeleteBut on to your wonderful outfit, the leggings are amazing, i love the texture and contrast against the dress. And those shoes... OH HELLOOO!! Gorgeous!
Wishing you a wonderful week Samantha xxx
Thank you so much Rachel!
DeleteBlind drunk and throwing shapes!? Hahaha THAT sounds like the kind of wedding I want to be at!
We owe it to the couple to have a great time and it sounds like you delivered.
Thank you for your lovely comment.
XXX
Samantha
Fabulous - love it that you are YOU! I went to a wedding in (subtle) leopard print silk trousers (with a black flowy top). The bride's mother was so shocked she could only manage a vague hello aimed at my knees. Loved the way you revved up the spotty dress too. Quirkily, stylishly respectable.
ReplyDeleteSam, this is absolutely brilliant! You look magnificent and that dress is so stunning. I am loving the shoes and your nail color choice! Perfection.
ReplyDeleteShelbee
www.shelbeeontheedge.com