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My family is invited to my cousin’s wedding in May in Los Angeles. The ceremony is at 3:00 p.m. outside at a ranch, in a natural setting. Dinner and a reception will follow. I am in my mid-40s. What should I wear?

I am mostly curious about what colors are appropriate. I would assume black would be fine for a slightly later start time, but I am not sure about 3:00. Also, what other colors are appropriate? I also need to buy a new dress for my 8-year-old daughter. What colors would be appropriate for her? My husband and son will be wearing grey suits.

–Daria, Oakland, CA

What a mother and daughter wear to a May wedding in LA when they’re from the Bay Area is a challenge, but since LA fashionistas appreciate on-tend looks, finding dresses designed by local, chic San Francisco designers should be considered. For instance, for a start look at dresses for you:

http://www.alyssabird.com/

http://www.cameliaskikos.com/

Usually, to illustrate trending fashions we recommend the Halsbrook website, because it also shows the best accessories for each outfit. It is a wonderful style website for women over forty. To get ideas as to what to wear to a three o’clock wedding, look for knee-length dresses, especially these: http://www.halsbrook.com 

Lyn Devon: Ella Parrot Print Dress (charming for a 3:00 wedding)

Peserico:  Floral Stretch Cotton Dress (florals are big this spring)

Les Copains:  Green Cotton Shift Dress (green is a great spring color)

Tara Jarmon:  Blue Floral Solid Dress (good wedding guest color)

Tara Jarmon:  Blue Floral Jacquard Dress

Issa:  Parker Printed Jersey Dress

Alberta Ferretti:  Sunset Color-Blocked Stretch Dress

Paule Ka:  Knit and Cotton Pique Dress (black + white with pink bow)

Elie Tahari:  Amymarie Blue Sheath Dress

Issa: Coral Bay Printed Knit Dress

Issa:  Lilac Bay Printed Knit Dress

Alberta Ferretti:  Floral Embellished Dress (above top left image)

Alberta Ferretti:  Fuchsia Textured Cotton and Silk Dress (fabulous)

Once you’ve decided on your outfit, find your daughter a solid colored knee-length dress in a similar color to one of the colors in your dress. You don’t have to be too matchy-matchy.

For instance the floral knee-length Alberta Ferretti dress in the image above top left, would give you a wide choice of colors to work with in finding her a solid color dress. For instance these two pink dresses:

On the other hand, your daughter could wear a blue or green print dress —  in either a floral or stripe — and you can wear a solid color dress in one of the colors in her dress.

The point is this. You wouldn’t wear clashing prints. Think of the wedding photos. You don’t want to match perfectly, but you should be in sync.

Also, when there are a lot of charming design elements in a girl’s dress – such as pleats, smocking, eyelet, ribbons, puffy sleeves — you would go for a solid color and let the lovely details cheerfully speak for themselves. Party dresses can look overwhelming when the wearer is under five feet tall.

Let her wear party shoes of her choice that are warn-in so that she’s not tempted to take them off and leave them hidden somewhere. In LA, she won’t need tights in May.

Oh, yes, you can happily wear your favorite little black dress and find a sweet knee-length party dress for your daughter. A stripe or polka-dot would be wonderful alongside your LBD.

~Didi