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Wedding guest? Great! Now, what to wear?

"Formal.""‘Destination wedding.""‘Casual." Avoid a fashion faux pas with Judy Gordon’s guide to those invitation code words.
/ Source: TODAY

Everybody loves a wedding — until it’s time to choose what to wear.

How formal is “formal”? How much do you dress up for an afternoon wedding? What do you wear to a destination wedding like the one taking place on the “Today” show this fall?

So many questions!

No worries — we have many answers for you right here in this special edition of our weekly fashion and beauty update.

READY TO WEAR FALL WINTER 2004/05
SONIA RYKIEL
PARIS FASHION WEEK
from march monday 1rst to tuesday 9th 2004
READY TO WEAR FALL WINTER 2004/05 SONIA RYKIEL PARIS FASHION WEEK from march monday 1rst to tuesday 9th 2004

Sunbelt chic If, like the guests at the “Today” show’s destination wedding this fall, you are attending nuptials in a warm-weather zone, bright-colored, bare and beautiful is the way to go! Because this kind of look can do double duty in your wardrobe, there’s a great opportunity to tap into your favorite trends of the season. Right now, solid colors are hot, hot, hot. Go for any shade of green (especially juicy apple green), the shimmering turquoise and azure blues of the sea and sky, or rich, ripe shades of fuchsia or red. Bare your shoulders with trendy strapless styles or spaghetti straps, then go for a modern knee-length or the edgy look of a fluttering asymmetrical hemline.

When traveling to a warm-weather destination wedding, choose a dress that is comfortable and wrinkle-free. Look for a touch of Lycra or a fabric such as matte jersey.

OSCAR DELA RENTA
New York fashion  week January February  9th 2004
Ready to wear  fall winter 2004/05
OSCAR DELA RENTA New York fashion week January February 9th 2004 Ready to wear fall winter 2004/05

Don’t limit your search to the eveningwear racks. This season, even some daytime suits are likely to be bejeweled or trimmed with embroidery or fur. To dress up a solid-colored classic suit, add a fur collar or stole with a satin-tied ribbon — and voila! — you’re an instant trendsetter. (For more details, see “afternoon delight” item, below).

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 
Ready to wear  Fall winter 2004/05
VERA WANG
Tuesday february 10 th 2004
NEW YORK FASHION WEEK Ready to wear Fall winter 2004/05 VERA WANG Tuesday february 10 th 2004

Trend Tip:  This season, brooches are THE must-have accessory. Wear them traditionally — on the top right side of a gown — or more daringly, pinned on a waistband or in another unexpected place. The trendiest look? A cluster of three brooches (but don’t make them too matchy-matchy).

Ready to wear Fall winter 2004/05
BILL BLASS
New york fashion week tuesday  february 10th  2004
Ready to wear Fall winter 2004/05 BILL BLASS New york fashion week tuesday february 10th 2004
New York fashion week 
MARC JACOBS
Ready to wear fall winter 2004/05
February monday 9th 2004
New York fashion week MARC JACOBS Ready to wear fall winter 2004/05 February monday 9th 2004

Trend Tip: Not a fur fan? No worries. There are plenty of lovely faux-fur variations. For the most versatility, opt for an abbreviated wrap that can also double over the collar of a coat.

Judy Gordon is a New York-based style consultant and the “Today” show’s style editor. She has been covering the fashion and beauty beat for the past decade. To learn more, you can visit her Web site, , which highlights style trends in America.

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