My friends are getting married outside in Florida at 4pm, and their web page has suggested that it is a formal occasion. I just had a baby and don't really want to have to buy something new that I will only be able to wear once. Unfortunately, I don't have anything "formal" that fits properly. What is appropriate attire?

Formal for a wedding usually means pretty dressed up! Women are mostly in dresses, men definitely in suits. More like for church on a big holiday than, say, a very adult party, like New Years can be. Do you have anything rather plain and classic looking that you can dress up with accessories, hair and make up? Or can you shop the second hand stores for something within budget soon enough? Just a few thoughts I hope are helpful.

My friends are getting married outside in Florida at 4pm, and their web page has suggested that it is a formal occasion. I just had a baby and don't really want to have to buy something new that I will only be able to wear once. Unfortunately, I don't have anything "formal" that fits properly. What is appropriate attire?
I would consider a 3 piece pant suit; loose pants, shell or t-top and long (possibly knee length) jacket. You will be able to wear it to almost anything for a long time. Go with a darker shade of a neutral color such as navy or green, and it will disguise the "new mommy" figure. If you are nursing your baby and have to feed or pump while "dressed", having the three pieces instead of a dress will make life a lot easier. You can always remove the jacket if you get too warm - go with 3/4 length sleeves. And wear comfortable shoes. With pants, you have more options that if you wear a shorter length dress. You will also be able to avoid panty hose.

I would suggest a nice simple dress, like the ones with a thick band just under your chest (I think it's called empire waist) and then they just come out and are flowing... That way you can wear it again because you won't have to worry about it fitting around your tummy and when you lose weight it will still look good. Just put on some really classy jewellery, strappy sandals, get your hair, make up and nails done nicely with a fake tan and you're good to go!

Here are some examples I found online for what I meant by empire waist... you can get a nice 3/4 sleeve button sweater to go with it in case you get cold:

1. Google Image Result for http://images.overstock.com/f/102/3117/8h/www.overstock.com/images/products/P10321722.jpg (http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://images.overstock.com/f/102/3117/8h/www.overstock.com/images/products/P10321722.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.overstock.com/%3Fpage%3Dproframe%26prod_id%3D2018584&h=300&w=250&sz=12&hl=en&start=8&um=1&tbnid=UqYFcCR9k1Pj-M:&tbnh=116&tbnw=97&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dempire%2Bwaist%2Bdress%26svnum%3D10%2 6um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN)

2. Google Image Result for http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/angelisophia/DVFDress1.jpg (http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/angelisophia/DVFDress1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://tops2bottoms.com/2006/06/t2b-a-list-strapless-empire-waist-dress/&h=434&w=282&sz=91&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=fhzhlSzO6GVYIM:&tbnh=126&tbnw=82&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dempire%2Bwaist%2Bdress%26svnum%3D10%2 6um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN)