Ask the SB: The Orange Bridesmaid’s Dress

Q: Oh my goodness! I am so excited that this website is finally up. :] My GBFF has been reading MB for ages now and I was absolutely dying for someone to ask all of my lady fashion-related questions. (Besides him, of course)

One of my very closest friends has asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding, which is loads of fun… except the dresses are going to be orange! Bleh. I’m so pale that I know the color will absolutely wash me out.

I know that it’s her day, and so it should be entirely about making her happy… but is there a way to politely suggest some alterations to the dress so that they aren’t quite so gaudy? It’ll be a summer wedding, so they should be about knee-length, a-line and probably sleeveless. ENTIRELY orange. Maybe add a cardigan or shawl?

Please advise, I have no idea how to approach this subject, she’s one to have her feathers easily ruffled.

—Jordan

A: Tread lightly, my dear, for you are entering dangerous waters. Hell hath no fury like a pissed off bride. I imagine your GBFF has been practically throwing himself between you and the phone when he sees you getting up the nerve to broach the subject with the bride.

It’s entirely reasonable to ask that you be allowed to add a little cardi to the ensemble at some point after the ceremony and pictures. Simply ask your princess bride if she wants a say in the color. You can also take the dress to the make-up counter and ask for help finding a bold lip to keep you from looking too washed out. Perhaps fuscia?

Other than that, my advice is to suck down multiple gin and tonics and wear the orange and a smile.

Rest easy — you’ll extract your revenge by having her wear sea foam green at your wedding.

Have fun!

SB

Ask the SB: Changing up the Tomboy look

Q: I’ve been wearing a daytime uniform of skinny pants with boots or flats and tailored cotton shirts for a long time and I’m bored with it. I like the ease of these pieces and the tailoring suits my boyish figure, but I’d like to mix it up a little. Ideas? Thanks.
-L

A: You sound like a true blue Tomboy with a very clear sense of  personal style. Most of us covet the ease and simplicity of the go-to pieces you describe, but I understand the yen to mix it up.

I’d recommend one simple addition to your repertoire, L. DRESSES! Throw on some tights and you can keep wearing your flats and boots. I’m sure you have  a closet full of cardis and blazers, so experiment with wearing those over your dresses either open, buttoned, or belted.

There is nothing cuter than a Tomboy in a dress, my dear, so give a whirl and let me know what you think!