[nabrunson]

I will be attending an outdoor wedding with reception to follow in Florida in May. I have a black below the knee dress with wide straps or a purple at the knee open shoulder dress. The black dress looks better on me, but the purple dress looks fine. Is it frowned upon to wear a black dress to an outdoor wedding? Would the purple dress be more appropriate for a Spring wedding?

[Etiquette Now]

Dear Wedding Guest,

These days, it is more about the weight of the fabric not so much the color. Choose a dress that feels like Spring--lighter weight fabric. Purple is a dark, more Autumn color also. So, the color of both dresses, in that respect, are similar.

Best wishes,

[Bridal Stylist]

It sounds like you are more comfortable in the black dress. Whenever you feel more beautiful and comfortable in a dress, the answer is easy on which dress to pick... the black one! Just because the wedding is outdoors, it doesn't mean that you have to be in lighter colors.

If you want to add some color then accessorize with it. Pick your favorite color and be creative and have fun. You could get a beaded bag, a sheer scarf, put a flower in your hair, drop/chandelier earrings, even a fun necklace with matching bracelet. My best advice is to have fun with it and get accessories that you will wear again.

Have fun!