Summer Black Tie: What to Wear
Posted by bellastraniera - 18/06/09 at 02:06 pm
One takeaway from the recent CFDA Awards red carpet: Black tie in the summertime has always presented a fashion quandary. You want to look formal, but not wintry, done to the nines, but not sweaty. (See Goths in Hot Weather for that one.) Not only does it seem a little over-the-top to wear a full-on J. Lo Oscars gown, it’s also exorbitantly expensive for those of us who can’t just borrow our clothes.
There are several ways around this: shop Bluefly.com and the new Net-a-Porter outlet TheOutnet.com, buy little-known designers, or sell an expensive dress after one wear like many savvy socialites do. Here’s a shopping guide from low to high price points with both gowns and cocktail dresses that will get you black-tie ready without the hand-wringing.
Look #1: Beachy Chic
This gorgeous and surprisingly inexpensive gown comes from Phoebe Couture, a spinoff of Kay Unger. Pair it with beachy elements like a vintage straw bag, woven sandals, and a House of Harlow ring for a Rachel Zoe-esque, easy going California chic.
Clockwise from top left: Phoebe Couture Flyaway Gown ($390), House of Harlow 1960 Gold-Plated Carnelian Dome Ring ($65), Vintage ‘70s Straw Mermaid Clutch ($17), and Nina “Gavin” Evening Sandal ($36 on sale).
Look #2: Bollywood Charm
Like Padma Lakshmi’s gown, this one-shoulder BCBG dress telegraphs a summery but luxe vibe. Though her Padma by Padma Lakshmi jewelry line is definitely covetable, here’s a secret: you can get fabulous Indian baubles from designer Amrita Singh for much, much less.
Clockwise from top left: BCBG Max Azria gown ($450 on sale), Amrita Singh Karina Hoop Earrings ($30 on sale), Abas Cylinder Clutch ($198), and Amrita Singh Ashanti Bangle Set ($20 on sale).
Look #3: Organza Extravaganza
It’s true: there’s no way to get this Christian Siriano look for cheap. But the good news is that other designers have gotten in on the action and are now creating similar confections for hundreds, not thousands. Plus, we’re betting this Notte by Marchesa dress will have a great resale value – if you can bear to part with it.
Clockwise from top left: Notte by Marchesa Strapless Organza Dress ($750), YSL Belle de Jour Clutch ($395), Carolee Lux “Glamour Girl” Earrings ($95), Manolo Blahnik Tuccio Pumps ($575).
Look #4: The New York LBD
Forget the image of the demure LBD paired with pearls – the fashion set pairs it with a badass necklace for extra edge. Barneys Co-op was one of the first to carry Subversive jewelry by CFDA winner Philip Crangi; look here for up-and-coming jewelry designers at gentle prices.
Clockwise from top left: Maggy London Strapless Sweetheart Sheath Dress ($158), Fallon Slater Choker ($210), Lodis Large Ballet Wallet ($119 on sale), Calvin Klein Persia Sandals ($120).
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bellastraniera
a.k.a. Marcy Swingle - obsessed with food and fashion.
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