How to Be the Best-Dressed Wedding Guest_ EP 84

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03/25/22 • 19 min

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OMG! Did you know that there is a 2-year backlog of weddings after the COVID pandemic? This means that you will be invited to 400% more weddings this year. WHAT?? Welcome to the “Wedding Boom,” y’all!

Whether it’s a black-tie event or a fun backyard family get-together, Holly is here to keep you from panicking by telling you exactly “How to be the best-dressed wedding guest!”

Get the new episode here now: https://apple.co/2XXKHfC

If you need to know what to wear and how to wear it, believe us, you came to the right place. This week we cover traditional and non-traditional wedding attire, how much you should be spending, and how to create a killer outfit from your existing wardrobe.

Your favorite stylist, Holly Katz, dishes out a bunch of different scenarios of wedding events: time of day, dress codes and outfit ideas.

Let's be honest, it would be great if we could all wear something that we already have in our wardrobe. If you have a ton of to choose from in your own closet, Holly will always recommend that you start there. Always, Always!

Event Number One: Cocktail Attire

The 6 p.m. wedding with dinner and dancing, and the dress code says “Cocktail Attire.”

Is that black-tie? No.

So let's start with the dress code. Cocktail dress code means nighttime, dressy dress, something that you would not wear during the day. And this is where it gets a little confusing, we are not gonna lie.

Can you wear sequins? Yes. Can you wear sequins during the day? If you're Holly? Yes. Can you wear said sequins for a cocktail wedding and make it a nighttime look? Absolutely.

It's all in how you style it. There are some very clear examples on Holly’s Pinterest board of amazing dresses, and even a couple pictures of Holly as well, of course, for your viewing pleasure.

Can you wear a long dress? Yes.

Can you wear an evening dress? Yes.

Can you wear a daytime dress or a casual sundress? No.

You need to aim to look dressier than you would look during the day. This is very important for people who don't have a dressy lifestyle, or who don't have a wide variety of dresses in their wardrobe.

Final note on Cocktail Attire:

The key is to look special. Get something that makes the evening dressier than you would normally dress. It could be fabulous shoes and evening bag, or just your jewelry that can be bigger and flashier and fancier than normal.

Insider Stylist Tip:

Shop for fit, not for price. We know that price needs to be consideration, however, you need to be shopping for fit first.

Holly calls this little formula “Shopping forward vs. Shopping backward.” This is actually in her corporate styling presentation.

When you shop backward, the fashion crime is when you strictly shop for color or price. This is the ultimate way to do yourself a huge fashion disservice.

Translation: don’t buy shit because it's on sale, thinking you'll find somewhere to wear it one day. That's how you end up with clothes in your closet with tags on them. Don’t shop without a plan or shop aimlessly spending money on things that are not right for you.

That is shopping backward. You don't need this fashion crime!

When you shop with a purpose, when you know your body type and you buy something because it fits really well: that is shopping forward.

Event Number Two: the 4:00 PM Outdoor Wedding

This is one of the hardest time slots to decide what to wear. When in doubt, be on the more dressy side.

How long does the four o'clock wedding go? Until sundown? That would be beautiful!

Until 10 PM? Then is it a sit-down dinner? It may not technically be dinner, but may be heavy hors d'oeuvres?

So, you have cocktails, you may or may not have seating, and you may be standing on your feet for a long time. Consider your shoe choice and the temperature after the sun goes down.

Any-who, there will be people who are just as dressed up as you, and some that are much more casual. Who is right here? Holly thinks it can honestly be interpreted either way. But again, she recommends being dressier than not.

Dress brands Holly mentions in this episode and recommends:

Whether it’s a black-tie event or a fun backyard family get-together, Holly is here to keep you from panicking by telling you exactly “How to be the best-dressed wedding guest!”

Get the new episode here now: https://apple.co/2XXKHfC

Your favorite stylist, Holly Katz, dishes out a bunch of different scenarios of wedding events: time of day, dress codes and outfit ideas.

Event Number One: Cocktail Attire

The 6 p.m. wedding with dinner and dancing, and the dress code says “Cocktail Attire.”

Is that black-tie? No.

Can you wear sequins? Yes. Can you wear sequins during the day? If you're Holly? Yes. Can you wear said sequins for a cocktail wedding and make it a nighttime look? Absolutely.

It's all in how you style it. There are some very clear examples on Holly’s Pinterest board of amazing dresses, and even a couple pictures of Holly as well, of course, for your viewing pleasure.

Can you wear a long dress? Yes.

Can you wear an evening dress? Yes.

Can you wear a daytime dress or a casual sundress? No.

Final note on Cocktail Attire:

Insider Stylist Tip:

Shop for fit, not for price. We know that price needs to be consideration, however, you need to be shopping for fit first.

Holly calls this little formula “Shopping forward vs. Shopping backward.” This is actually in her corporate styling presentation.

When you shop backward, the fashion crime is when you strictly shop for color or price. This is the ultimate way to do yourself a huge fashion disservice.

That is shopping backward. You don't need this fashion crime!

When you shop with a purpose, when you know your body type and you buy something because it fits really well: that is shopping forward.

Event Number Two: the 4:00 PM Outdoor Wedding

This is one of the hardest time slots to decide what to wear. When in doubt, be on the more dressy side.

How long does the four o'clock wedding go? Until sundown? That would be beautiful!

Until 10 PM? Then is it a sit-down dinner? It may not technically be dinner, but may be heavy hors d'oeuvres?

So, you have cocktails, you may or may not have seating, and you may be standing on your feet for a long time. Consider your shoe choice and the temperature after the sun goes down.

Dress brands Holly mentions in this episode and recommends:

Previous Episode

How to Style Shorts | EP 83

Our Fashion Friends wanted to know: How does a woman of a certain age wear shorts? It’s too cold in the Northeast; it’s spring in the South. How does a girl style shorts – and more importantly, should she?

Your favorite personal stylist Holly Katz recently received a styling request (who even knew that was a thing, but it is now!!) from a dedicated fashion friend - and we are here to answer it: How To Wear Shorts?

Get the latest episode here: https://apple.co/2XXKHfC

Obviously we all ‘know’ how to wear shorts. You put one foot in, you put the other foot in... But at a certain point in a woman’s life, or in a specific season, are shorts a Fashion Crime or not?

Well, it depends. Like many women, Holly was a bit self-conscious about her legs and showing them off in shorts until HER personal stylist, and our fairy gay mother, Nolan Meader told her she was being RIDICULOUS. There are many ways to wear this very stylish and comfortable item that can work for all ages, all body types and all seasons.

What Holly loves about shorts is that they can be super casual or super dressy, depending on how you coordinate everything together. The type of shoes, accessories, and legwear you add to the mix can make all the difference. And yes, you can totally wear shorts in the winter and year ‘round.

Now before we go any further, everything we are talking about on this episode has been posted on Holly’s Pinterest board called “Holly’s Hot Picks, Spring Shorts.”

To help visualize this conversation, go to https://www.pinterest.com/hollykatzstyling/hollys-hot-pics-spring-shorts

What are the different types of shorts?

If this is a trend you would like to try, we always have to go back to the drawing board and figure out what your body type is - and what type of shorts will look best on you. The type of shorts that will look best on you will probably not look best on someone else.

Denim shorts
High-waisted shorts
Bermuda shorts, which are longer
Linen, silk or fine-knit shorts
Work-out shorts
High-rise shorts
And the list goes on and on

Which shorts are right for you?

Here is your free fashion tip: Short-shorts are a Fashion Crime for most humans. Short-shorts are NOT appropriate for anyone, unless you are 6-feet tall and 19 years old. Write this down for anyone who might need to know this.

How to style shorts so you can wear them year-round:

Find shorts that fit your body type, and a length that accentuates your legs.
High-waisted shorts or shorts with a belt to help draw your waistline in.
Add a short jacket, a ‘shacket,’ a cardigan or a kimono to dress up your shorts.
Add a heel or boot to give your legs length.
Wear very on-trend stockings that are opaque for winter, or with patterns to hide you flaws. We recommend our BFFF Vienne Milano stockings to add sophisticated style to any short. www.viennemilano.com.
Wear a chunky sweater or sweatshirt over shorts in the winter. Try our BFFF tie-dye designer for super fun sweatshirt ideas at www.madebykeeper.com.
Wear a glam bodysuit under shorts to dress them up.
Accessorize with statement jewelry or mixed-metal jewelry. See our BFFF Criscara Jewelry for layering ideas and truly unique and fun pieces. www.criscara.com
Choose the price point and quality of fabric you need to look your best. Linen is lovely, until it shows every bit of your bumps and cellulite. Faux-leather is on-trend, very forgiving and totally comfortable!
Wear denim shorts – if you must – over your swimsuit at the beach. Very appropriate and practical.

Don’t be afraid of your legs. As Holly always says, “The first step is awareness.” Know your body type. Dress for the season. Accessorize. Cover your butt.

Do you have fashion questions? Drop us a DM on social at https://www.instagram.com/hollykatzstyling/

Do you need help with your personal style? Then you need Holly! She is the best fashion friend you never knew you needed. She is happy to help clean out your closet, help you shop, and ultimately make fashion your friend, not your enemy. Send her email at [email protected]

FASHION CRIMES PODCAST

“The best fashion friend you never knew you needed”

www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

Next Episode

Oscars Red Carpet Review 2022 | EP 85

For us, the Red Carpet at the Oscars is the best part of this totally boring annual awards show. And despite all the fireworks of this year (ugh), as always, the celebs brought LOTS of fashion choices to talk about.

Hold onto your seat, because Nolan is back, and we are talking about our "Yeses!" and "Girl, No's" of the 2022 Oscars Red Carpet - and we are #sorrynotsorry.

Listen to the full episode at https://apple.co/2XXKHfC.

First, it was Nolan’s birthday week. So we have to hear about all the fabulous food and drinks and places he has been in NYC. He is such a lady about town. It’s just exhausting.

Then, Holly gave him some very specific restrictions on his fashion commentary, because, well, he can go overboard.

So, to start, Nolan loved Mindy Kaling’s Dolce and Gabbana one-shoulder dress with a yellow silk-draped sash and skirt. Her makeup was perfect!

Holly’s point of view? Girl, no. It looked like a leotard with a sarong. Not impressed. At all.

Holly’s first choice was Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Schiaparelli black gown with large gold embellishments - which FYI – are a huge trend right now. She tells us she thinks this gown is a work of art.

Nolan? Not so much.

Nolan’s next fav was Zendaya’s Valentino Couture white silk satin cropped shirt, silver organza skirt with all-over embroidery, designed by @pppiccioli and styled by @luxurylaw. She just exudes effortless chic, and we just can’t get enough of it!

Holly’s second fav was Jessica Chastain in a Gucci in a custom tulle gown embellished with sequins and an organza ruffle-trimmed hem. Holly loved this dress because she just looked so different than everyone else, and she was gorgeous. Duh.

Our first controversial outfit choice comes from Nolan and Amy Schumar’s Oscar de le Renta custom navy and black velvet bow gown with shattered crystal embroidery.

While the dress says ‘red carpet,’ Nolan wished she would have put on a fucking pair of earrings.

Because "if you can have an haute couture designer make you a fucking dress, you can put some fucking earrings on it!"

(Nolan had a few strong feelings about this.)

Next, even though Holly has no idea who Sofia Carson is, she loved her a Giambattista Valli Haute Couture 21 dress. Holly loved the Cinderella ball gown aspect, the on-trend one-shoulder, and sheer fabric. This hit all the boxes for Academy Awards, folks!

As for the men, pretty much everyone agrees that Simu Liu in a red Versace tuxedo took the cake. LOVE. HIM.

To be honest, from this point on, things sorta turn the way of Joan Rivers – and it is hilarious. Nolan is on a roll because

a.) he is hungover from his birthday, and

b.) he really knows high fashion and a lot of the celebrities just got the assignment wrong.

We have two recommendations for you:

Listen to the full episode at https://apple.co/2XXKHfC, or wherever you get your podacasts.
Read Holly’s latest blog, because she brings red carpet high fashion down to earth with insights for real people: http://www.fashioncrimespodcast.com/blog/how-red-carpet-styles-trickle-down-to-you/

Enjoy the show!! Listen, Download, Share and Review!

FASHION CRIMES PODCAST

“The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed,” hosted by your favorite personal stylist Holly Katz!

www.fashioncrimespodcast.com