I try to stay positive when it comes to fashion and style and not point out the terrible choices that people make day to day because there is no reason to berate someone that I don’t know. However, there are some bits of advice that I would like to pass along, and so I thought a “What Not To Wear” section would do just that.

First edition – Summer Weddings. Enjoy!

No White – This seems like an obvious one but sometimes people slip up because there are so many great white dresses out there (thanks J.Crew & Club Monaco). Keep the whites to Sunday brunch. The bride is the only one who gets to wear white, even if she chooses to wear cream.

No Black – Black made a big comeback for weddings about 10 years ago. I think black is OK for fall/winter weddings, but for a summer soiree, as a guest you should lighten it up a bit. The bride (and you) will appreciate it when she gets her pictures back and instead of fading into the background on the dance floor, your magenta dress pops. Choose a color that flatters your skin tone and one that you may not wear every day (think orange or pink). If you are hesitant about bold colors, choose camel or grey, and then make a statement with great jewelry.

No Watches – Watches, no matter how expensive, are not appropriate with eveningwear/wedding attire (unless you are a man). Therefore, they should be left at home next to your big handbag.

No Work Clothes – Again this may seem obvious, but if you would wear it to work then you are probably not getting dressed up enough. If you want to wear pants, dress them up with a beautiful top that you wouldn’t wear to work and evening hair/makeup…which brings us to…

No Work Hair - If you wear your hair straight and parted on the left side every single day, then why would you want to wear it like that on a Saturday night while in a beautiful cocktail dress and dancing to “Crazy Love”? Mix it up a bit. Wear your hair in a loose bun parted down the middle. Or wear it big and curly with an antique barrette. You will feel more dressed up and glad that you experimented a bit.

No Uncomfortable Shoes – If you know me, then you know that one of my biggest pet peeves is people taking their shoes off at weddings (or anywhere). Unless you are pre-K you should never take your shoes off in public (the beach is an exception). Do not wear uncomfortable shoes. It will make you miserable and you will be tempted to ditch them. Wear beautiful 3-inch heels only if you are comfortable in 3-inch heels. If you are more of a flats person, wear a slight heel. There are so many beautiful shoes out there now, you won’t need to wear Crocs to be comfortable.

No Big Bags – Gigantic bags should be put away past 6pm on a Saturday. Wear a clutch or a small purse to complement your dress/shoes. Your purse should not detract from your outfit. (Plus, where are you going to put your gigantic bag during the reception?)

Do you have your own list of “What Not To Wear”? E-mail me! aliprivitera@yahoo.com

So, what TO wear then?

A beautiful, brightly colored dress (think bright pink, orange, yellow or lime green)

Fun shoes that you can dance in (metallic peep toes would work)

Metallic clutch

Styled hair that complements your dress. Going backless? Wear you hair in a low bun. Strapless? Wear your hair down and curly with a side barrett (think Veronica Lake). One Shoulder? Wear your hair straight-parted down the middle.