Many of us have been mystified as to what to wear to weddings. If you are one of the many fumbling for the appropriate attire wedding after wedding, you are in luck my friend.

Here is a quick break down of wedding types and what that "black tie" or "beach casual" notation really means.



Black tie

Many people are immediately thrown when they see the words "black tie" scrawled across an invitation. Though many rules of dress are more lax today than they were even a decade ago, you still need to think in terms of tuxedo and evening gowns. Choose a dress that hits mid-calf or longer in a deep hue (black, navy, grey, plum) and pair it with heeled, strappy sandals and some sparkle.

Semi-Formal

Most often a semi-formal wedding will not follow the traditional after 7:00pm reception at a super classy hotel. Though certainly not casual enough for flip flops, these affairs are often a lot less stick up the *insert verb.* It gives you a little room to play because you can either wear an easy cocktail dress or a nice, tailored pants or skirt suit. Try something in a solid hue with a bit of shimmer and shine and simple metallic accessories for a great day to night transition.

Casual

The new trend is a beachy, outdoor, or uber casual wedding. While this does imply that you can take the dress down a notch, it is still a wedding so a dress, skirt or tailored pants are essential. However, you can up the casual ante with bright, summery colors, outdoor themed items, and flip flops or low sandals. Anything by Diane von Furstenberg will do.

A few rules of thumb:

• Never, ever wear white unless you're planning on a beat down from the bride for stealing her thunder.

• Don't go to an ex's wedding. It's just weird. (We know... not a clothing tip but an excellent life tip.)

• If your still stumped, you can never go wrong with black.