The Event-Season Trends Nashville Boutiques Are Loving Right Now
Whether this season's special occasion invites call for black-tie or semi-formalwear, these beloved Nashville boutiques have you (and your plus one) covered. Image: Kenzie Barron
When it comes to dressing up, Nashvillians always understand the assignment. We caught up with the style experts at H. Audrey, Bella Bridesmaids, and Oak Hall to bring you this seasonβs ultimate guide to formalwear. Whether the invitation calls for a gorgeous garden party, an outdoor wedding, or the Swan Ball, thereβs plenty of fun to be had with Wuthering Heights-inspired romance, bold color play, and eye-catching patterns for the ladies β and classic silhouettes and colorful accessories for the gents.
*Please note that not all the clothing featured in todayβs article is available for online shopping, but all items are stocked in-store. As a bonus, weβve included glam makeup tips fromΒ Private Edition, and their inventory IS ready for you to add to your online cart!
H. Audrey
Neighborhood: Green Hills
More Info:Β h-audrey.com
When it comes to having just the right look for every occasion, H. Audrey never disappoints. For the summer social season, Creative Director Dakota Conn suggests retiring your go-to little black dress in favor of bold, beautiful color. Candy-colored hues of cobalt blue, bold pink, bright green, and lemon yellow make a cheerful, chic statement, especially when paired with a romantic silhouette.
βItβs the Wuthering Heights trend,β Dakota says. βThe dresses are colorful, but flowy and feminine, with interesting texture and details.β
Those details include corset-like bodices, floral appliquΓ©s, and styles that feature matching scarves that fall loosely down the back or drape elegantly over the arms.
βThe extra scarf is kind of a trend,β says Dakota. She adds that many women want to cover their arms, but the challenge is finding a wrap that matches the look and feel of the dress. βA different color or fabric doesnβt look pulled together,β she explains.
For something more subdued, lean into the summerβs unexpected shade of gray β taupe to be specific. Dakota says this go-with-everything neutral is a great choice for wedding guests who donβt want to wear black, but understand that cream or white are best left to the bride.
Speaking of weddings, from second-look to getaway dresses, many brides today are embracing more costume changes than Taylor Swiftβs Eras Tour. Thatβs where white evening gowns and cocktail dresses come in. As Dakota explains, βThese are a great way to keep the feel of your bridal gown, just in a different style.β
Bella Bridesmaids
Neighborhood: Brentwood
More Info:Β bellabridesmaids.com
Donβt let the name fool you! Bella Bridesmaids isnβt just for bridal parties. It is the go-to boutique for the perfect gown for a formal occasion. βOver the course of the next year, weβll be going through a rebrand, with the introduction of The Bella Edit,β says owner Melanie Brown, who explains the new name will better reflect what the shop has become.
For the summer social season, Lead Stylist Lindsay Jernigan also notes the return of romantic, feminine styles. Think drop-waists, full skirts, ruffles, and bows.
βAnything that screams romance is what people are leaning toward right now,β she says, adding florals are a good way to embrace the softer side. βFlorals are huge, and they will continue to be strong through fall and winter in more muted or tonal variations,β she says.
Melanie echoes the floral sentiment and adds there is a resurgence of jacquards, brocades, mikado, and other structured fabrics. This Mac Duggal pink metallic brocade is perfect for a summer gala or a mother-of-the-bride moment.
Formal and fun can go hand in hand with prints and vibrant visual elements. Embrace a playful polka-dot pattern, or make a strong statement with pink flowers popping against a navy background.
If youβre looking for a new take on a neutral, shades of brown are still going strong. βToffee browns work all year long,β says Lindsay. She suggests pairing it with bright colors for spring and summer, sunset tones for fall, and metallic hues for winter. βI think this will be the next big neutral trend,β she predicts.
Oak Hall
Neighborhoods: Green Hills & Franklin
More Info:Β oakhall.com
It might seem like men have it easy when it comes to dressing up for a formal or semi-formal event. But the truth is, thereβs a lot more that goes into it than meets the eye. Oak Hall guides some of the Southβs sharpest-dressed gentlemen as they navigate the social circuit, ensuring they always look appropriate for any occasion.
When it comes to black-tie events, the classic black tux will always reign supreme. βA black tuxedo never goes out of style,β assures Lead Buyer Chris Levy. For a traditional style, look for a single-breasted tux with peak lapels, and donβt forget the studs, cufflinks, and bow tie!
If the invite says βcocktail,β a suit is a good option. βThere are three must-haves for every man,β says Wardrobe Consultant Juan Farfan. βA navy suit, a navy blazer, and a great attitude.β While a navy suit should be a staple in every manβs wardrobe, Juan notes charcoal suits are gaining traction. βItβs year-round, and you can wear it anywhere from dinner to a wedding, an evening event, or even a funeral with a white shirt and black tie.β
Accessories are where men can have fun with their formal fashions and let their personalities shine through. Pocket squares, once a staple of your grandpaβs generation, are back and have taken on a new shape. The pocket round, with its fluted edges, spills out of the pocket with a fluffy, flower-like effect. Whichever shape you choose, think of it as the perfect punctuation mark to a solid suit statement.
βA pocket square shows you care how you look,β says Juan, who adds the pocket square and tie should complement one another β not match. βItβs like a womanβs lipstick or handbag. Itβs the finishing touch.β
For a more casual event, this seasonβs sport coats go beyond basic, allowing men to express themselves through color and pattern play. βDonβt be afraid to mix and match,β advises Juan. Try a windowpane sport coat worn over a shirt in a smaller pattern for a look that leans fresh and modern without veering into trendy.
Private Edition
Neighborhoods: Green Hills
More Info:Β privateedition.com
You donβt need a glam squad to get gala-ready. You just need the right products. A little shimmer and sheen are all it takes to go from day to night with ease! Private Edition Makeup Artist Felicia Jennings shares her tips for creating glam looks that last through dining and dancing the night away.
βEvening is the time to go a little heavier-handed, but still polished,β she says.
For dramatic eyes, smudge out your liner. To create the smoky look, Felicia turns to kohl liners from Sisley. Top it off with a plum or dark navy By Terry mascara to make the eyes pop, and define the brows with a brow pencil like this one from Surratt Beauty as a finishing touch.
The rest of the face takes a cue from romantic fashions, with what Felicia describes as βwatercolor blushes.β To get the look, she likes Trish McEvoy Liquid Face Color for a candlelit glow. Color Cloud from Sisley is another great option for adding a soft wash of rosy color to the cheeks β and it gets bonus points for doubling as a lipstick. Top them with a powder blush from By Terry to add depth to the look.
To keep putting your best face forward all night, try Laura Mercierβs Translucent Hydrating Setting Spray Ultra-Blur for a flawless finish. Or pop a Laura Mercier Setting Powder Ultra-Blur compact into your purse to keep you camera-ready.
Go ahead and send that RSVP. Youβre ready to celebrate in style!
This article was made possible byΒ H. Audrey,Β Oak Hall, Bella Bridesmaids, and Private Edition.
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Bonny Osterhage
Bonny Osterhage is a professional journalist with more than 25 years of experience in both print and digital media. An avid fitness fanatic, when she isn't exploring the next trending topic, Bonny can be found cycling, running, and leading classes at SolidCore. Find more of her work at Mind Body Green, The List, Business Insider, and more.