FabSugar

What to Wear to a Black-Tie Wedding

Noria Morales — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 03:34:34 PDT

Black-tie events - like a wedding or gala - are the most formal kind of event, usually taking place in the evening, requiring men to wear tuxedos (hence the black tie) and women to don gowns. Today, the terms are looser, and many events will be "black-tie optional," which means you have a bit of leeway (think cocktail dresses in addition to gowns). Keep reading for our tips for dressing for black tie, and our shopping widget is full of perfect dresses, statement jewelry, and even some dressy jackets in case you want to add a layer.

To see our tips, just keep reading

Mommy Dearest: Black Tie Required Wedding, Even For Tots?

LilSugar — Wed, 06 May 2009 05:00:00 PDT

Mommy Dearest,

Our family was invited to a black tie wedding, which we will attend in a few weeks. Understanding that it's a formal affair, I purchased a long gown to wear and my husband is renting a tuxedo. But, I think the bride's request for even our 2-year-old son to wear a tux is ridiculous despite my offering for him to wear comfortable chinos and a button-up shirt. He's not even in the wedding. Should I tell her that my child isn't going to abide by the required pricey attire in advance or just dress him the way I see fit?

- Black Tie for Tots Is Beyond Reason

To see the response from Mommy Dearest,

Black Tie For Tots Is Beyond Reason,

While you raise valid points about your son's comfort level and the expense of renting or buying a two-year-old a tux, it's the bride's day and as a guest it's best to abide by her rules. Since you already addressed the issue and she wasn't accepting of your offer to dress your child in slacks and an oxford shirt, your only real option is to outfit him in a tux or not bring him to the festivities. You may also want to consider how kid-friendly this formal affair will actually be or if your youngster would be happier staying home with a sitter.

- Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.

Fab Finding Follow-Up: Black Tie Wedding Bells

FabSugar — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:00:22 PST

Last week I told you a co-worker has a black tie wedding to attend in February and needs our help. She's having a hard time finding a long dress that's flattering on her petite frame. My advice was to find something form-fitting. Oh, and no crazy colors, cuts, or jewels please. She's a simple gal.

I started you off with this Vera Wang Crystal and Tulle Bracelet ($295) because it's simply stunning. Let's see your outfits!

Look #1, created by maria212134, is breathtaking. That dress will turn heads for sure.

Roberto Cavalli Crystal embellished clutch �\|�NET-A-PORTER.COM	Christian Louboutin Very Prive Satin Platform Pump�-� Bergdorf Goodman
Zasha - Open Brio Charms - Saks.com	Amsale Blush - Strapless Sweetheart Gown - Saks.com	Vera Wang - Crystal & Tulle Bracelet ($295)

To see the rest,

Look #2, created by jasmint, is perfect for my co-worker because she loves simplicity. The color scheme is heavenly.

Vera Wang - Crystal & Tulle Bracelet ($295)	David Yurman - Sterling Silver Earrings w/Diamonds - Saks.com
Bottega Veneta Metallic leather box clutch \| NET-A-PORTER.COM	BCBGMAXAZRIA Strapless Split Neck Silk Chiffon Gown	D&G Dolce & Gabbana - Metallic Goatskin Sandal

Look #3, created by EllaB, is sharp, elegant. A Roland Mouret dress never disappoints.

RM by Roland Mouret Apollinaire taffeta gown \|NET-A-PORTER.COM	Mayle Samira Soft Fold Bicolor Clutch
Betsey Johnson CZ Earrings	Dior - Retro Patent Pump - eLUXURY	Vera Wang - Crystal & Tulle Bracelet ($295)

Come Fab Finding With Me: Black Tie Wedding Bells

FabSugar — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:00:22 PST

A co-worker has a black tie wedding to attend in February and needs our help. She's having a hard time finding a long dress that's flattering on her petite frame. My advice is to find something form-fitting. Oh and no crazy colors, cuts, or jewels please. She's a simple gal.

I'll start you off with this Vera Wang Crystal and Tulle Bracelet ($295) because it's simply stunning.

Let's go Fab Finding. Be sure to come back and tell me your Fab Finds are up, or just tag your Fab Finds with black-tie wedding.

Now, you can build outfits by creating a list of clothing items. We have everything you need to build outfits, and you can use your Fab Find bookmarks, too. This is an even better way to put together an entire outfit when you are completing your Fab Finding missions.

Learn what a Fab Find is and how to make one. And here is a more detailed explanation of bookmarks from geeksugar.

To see some of my favorite online stores,

Active Endeavors
Banana Republic
Bluefly
eLuxury
J.Crew
Jildor Shoes
Live Natty
Neiman Marcus
Net-a-Porter
Pink Mascara

Tessa and Tyrell's Lakeside Glamour Wedding

Tara Block — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:35:55 PDT

It's time to celebrate the most romantic season of the year with our first featured wedding! Each week we will be sharing an inspiring real wedding with insight from the bride on everything from the decor details to the honeymoon plans, as well as lots of gorgeous photos from the big day. Pin your favorites to take part in our Pinterest contest - you could win a romantic getaway! Kicking off the series is Tessa and Tyrell's glamorous Canadian wedding!

Tessa and Tyrell met as staff members at Camp Firwood in Bellingham, WA, and they tried unsuccessfully to keep the relationship from getting too serious due to all the family ties at the camp. Tessa says, "Since we both have lots of family that has worked at Firwood, our first conversation was about how we could never get married - otherwise all of the Camp Firwood staff would be related!" But just a year later, they began their two-year dating relationship. They were engaged for six months before tying the knot.

Taking place outdoors at Tessa's family's home on Lake Okanagan in British Columbia, the wedding had a beautiful, nature-filled backdrop that didn't require much in the way of decor. "We didn't really have a theme for our wedding," Tessa says. "I just wanted it to be elegant. We chose to have it in the evening and have purple, charcoal, and black as our colors. We had lots of damask pattern in the dark colors, which I think helped us achieve the classy/sophisticated look that I wanted."

See more stunning photos of the wedding and learn more about how it came together now!

Photos by Glen Durrell Photography

The Boho Dance: Beautifully Bohemian Wedding Decor

Lizzie Fuhr — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:39:34 PDT

While buttoned-up or black tie certainly suits some brides' ideal aesthetic, we can't get enough of these beautifully bohemian weddings. Colorful, playful, bright, and airy, each of these designs offer dreamy inspiration for hippie-chic brides or grooms. Click through, and prepare for true bohemian rhapsody.

Brad Pitt Lets Loose in Cannes With a Drink in Hand

Lauren Turner — Tue, 22 May 2012 18:48:11 PDT

Brad Pitt was still decked out in his tuxedo when he was spotted at the Eden Roc Hotel in France today. He held onto a glass as he left the building in his black-tie look. Earlier today Brad promoted Killing Them Softly with a photocall, press conference, and a red-carpet premiere. He was without his real-life leading lady Angelina Jolie for the glamorous events, as she's busy getting ready to start filming her next project. She was the topic of conversation, though, when Brad revealed that they have yet to set a wedding date despite becoming engaged last month.

Here Comes The . . . Best-Dressed Pregnant Wedding Guest!

LilSugar — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:47:37 PDT

If your maternity wardrobe has you dreading the upcoming weddings on your Spring calendar, we're here to help. All it takes is a little savvy shopping and you'll see that there are as many options for your pregnant frame as there are kinds of weddings out there. From black-tie to beachside, check out these nine gorgeous options, and you'll be the best-dressed pregnant wedding guest at the party!

First Look! Over 80 Photos of Ann Taylor's Cool French-Girl-Inspired Fall 2012 Preview

Marisa Tom — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:29:34 PDT

For Fall 2012, Ann Taylor's head designer Lisa Axelson crossed the pond and took to the banks of the Seine, to the cozy-chic cafés of Montmartre, and to the gardens of the Tuileries. The result? An autumnal collection not only reminiscent of her travels, but also totally inspired by la femme jolie. Apart from the brand's signature animal-print wares (this time, in a digital dalmatian iteration), we spotted pretty peplum tops paired with colorful pencil skirts and patterned trousers with striped blouses for the Parisian girl on the go; '60s boxy gamine peacoats and styled and cropped fur capes with retro tweed separates fit for the refined fashionista; and an ethereal capsule of black-and-white wedding pieces for the bride-to-be. On the accessories front, Ann Taylor proved its cool-girl status with a plethora of covetable cold-weather must haves, showing off leather two-toned crossbody bags, printed calf-hair ankle boots, pointy T-strap heels, slick bow-tie belts, and bold-hued felt fedoras. Want to see what else Ann Taylor has in store for Fall? Just click the slideshow to see over 80 photos of the new collection.

There Are Few Things Quite So Stunning as the Red Dress - Elizabeth Olsen's the Proof

Hannah Weil — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:39:00 PDT

Elizabeth Olsen's Valentino gown at last night's Grand Chefs Dinner in NYC had our jaws dropping for two very simple reasons: its statement-red hue and ultrafeminine fit (in that order). It's the kind of dress that leaves a lasting impression - and one that calls to mind the diaphanous red bridal wear we just saw from Vera Wang. We already knew red was a standout color - now we're wondering why we ever shy away from it. It calls to mind totally confident, classic beauties like Cindy Crawford and it has unmatched red-carpet impact. You may not be walking the red carpet anytime soon, but you may have your own reason to slip into a killer red dress. Be it your prom, a black-tie wedding, or a Spring gala in your future, we promise, there are few things quite so stunning as arriving in a red dress like this. We sought out the most glamorous red options; just shop to channel Elizabeth Olsen's totally magnetic red-carpet moment.