Jumpsuits at Weddings: Why and How

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Dear Frank,

In a few weeks, I will be attending a cold, boggy spring wedding. I was contemplating a jumpsuit and (fancy!) flats for the occasion as I get chilly easily. Are jumpsuits appropriate for weddings? Dressy jumpsuits? A maxi dress would drag and the thought of baring my legs is unappealing. Please advise.

Sincerely,
Jumpy at the Thought

Hey Jumpy,

I'm pro-jumpsuit. I think you should go for it.

It should certainly be an evening-appropriate jumpsuit—this is not an opportunity to break out the denim short-alls or floral onesies. Your wedding jumpsuit should be full-length and cut from silk or silk jersey or satin or one of those rayon/polyester frankenfabrics that create the illusion of silk or silk jersey or satin.

Further—and this will come as a surprise from someone like me who tells everyone who might maybe listen that mixing plaids is utterly fine—I would err towards a solid-colored jumpsuit. A printed jumpsuit can be adorable. But in a very day way, right? In a way that could be a little dismissively junior. Or, worse, it could be a bit art teacher. Go with black, navy, or gray; white or bone if you absolutely hate the bride (obviously); or even red. Why not? You're already wearing a jumpsuit. Wear red too.

As for the flats—I'm leery of this. Again, you're already going to be the one wearing a jumpsuit instead of a dress (which is great!) But do you also want to be the one wearing flats? I mean, wearing a jumpsuit to someone's wedding is already kind of a statement. Do you want your statement to be about something sort of cool and fresh and liberated? Or do you want it to be about being so lazy and lackadaisical in terms of dressing that you're the one wearing (gasp!) pants with a top sewn on to the waistband along with a pair of practical flats?

I'd go for a heel. And, I wouldn't shy away from a pop of color or a glint of metallic or a bit of embellishment. An indigo jumpsuit with turquoise pumps? A black one worn with black shoes featuring a stacked metallic silver heel? Hot.

As for the rest of the look—I'd go for a simple but modern and dressy jewelry; a clean little clutch; and a tuxedo jacket.

So have fun and stay warm and, like, don't be lazy or practical.