Reader Question: What to Wear to a Wedding

Posted on | June 16, 2009 | 9 Comments

We recently received a reader email asking for input on a possible wedding outfit. Reader J. is planning on wearing a lovely teal dress with red patent leather sandals and a red flower belt:

Her question to us:

Would a little red clutch be too much red?

We love the bold red and teal color combo and the lovely details with the flowers of the belt. The perfect outfit for a summer wedding! Although a red clutch would certainly work, we think that introducing a third color would make for a more interesting and surprising finishing touch.

Here are some of our choices…

One route might be to add a neutral clutch or purse in a rich texture or pattern that adds further visual interest to your entire ensemble.

If you’re willing to splurge a little, then check out this gorgeous J.Crew silk clutch in ‘warm desert’ color. The flower embellishment draws on the flower accents on the belt and the soft caramel color goes easily with the existing color palette.

For a sleek evening look, how about a metallic clutch? The silver works as a neutral and adds a little more sparkle to the outfit. While it may be a bit formal for this wedding, we can’t help but love this sparkly vintage number from the White Hind on Etsy.

And since the teal dress and red accessories make for bold colors but no pattern, you could add a patterned clutch for an unexpected burst of print. This mini satin clutch from White House Black Market reflects this season’s black-and-white trend, but it is classic enough in shape and print to become a long-time staple.

While the previous suggestions add textured or patterned neutrals to your ensemble, you might also consider embracing a bold split complementary color scheme. On the color wheel red and orange are situated on either side of turquoise’s true complement, red-orange. So, since you’re already planning to rock some great red patent accessories, you could finish off the look with an orange clutch, like this vintage one from Lucilla’s Attic on Etsy.

We hope these ideas have provided a good starting point in your search for a perfect clutch to finish off this already beautiful outfit. We’d love to hear what you found in the end and we hope you have a lovely time at the wedding!

Comments

9 Responses to “Reader Question: What to Wear to a Wedding”

Carey
June 16th, 2009 @ 10:33 am

I vote for silver or the black and white print to top off that lovely outfit!
Sarah
June 16th, 2009 @ 10:37 am

I would definitely go with the silver! Using a red clutch or one with flowers seems too matchy-matchy to me. I also think red, black and white look great together, so that seems like it would be super sharp too.

But ultimately I think silver would be so hot! I have a vintage silver clutch that I thrifted for $1.00 ten years ago, and I still use it for every “evening” look, whether I am wearing a cute dress or styled-up jeans. If you go with silver, you will likely wear it more times than you can imagine!
Alison
June 16th, 2009 @ 10:57 am

I love the orange clutch. I really like split complimentary combinations!
spacegeek
June 16th, 2009 @ 11:03 am

And I like the J Crew neutral clutch as a fresh counterpoint to the bright colors. Stands out as a quiet oasis in the color, IMO.
Julia
June 16th, 2009 @ 11:10 am

oooh, I love the black and white print with that outfit! That’d be my favorite :-)
piglet
June 16th, 2009 @ 2:32 pm

ORANGE!!!
olivia
June 16th, 2009 @ 3:21 pm

Definitely the orange clutch!!
Aussie
June 16th, 2009 @ 11:26 pm

Silver or Orange!
Have fun and send us a pic from the day!
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September 15th, 2009 @ 1:01 pm

[...] reader J’s question about what to wear to a summer wedding? She had a teal dress and red accessories and was looking for the perfect purse. After our suggestions and your thoughtful comments, this is [...]