Dress for wedding guest at Montana resort?

[Anonymous]

This one really has me stumped. Wedding is Labor Day weekend (so potentially chilly) at a Montana resort that the bride reports is similar to Aspen in its "feel/vibe." The groomsmen, including my DH, are wearing tuxes, but the overall wedding is not black tie. I'll be in some of the family photos, so I want to strike the right chord with my dress, but I don't know where to start. Advice and links much appreciated!

[Anonymous]

Which resort? Montana has a lot of old money which, for a wedding, translates to understated chic. Don't go kitchy-western but think something more classic with a laid-back feel.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, PP. Resort is the Lodge at Whitefish...I don't know why I'm finding this so challenging. I know it's not city-sleek, but I don't picture country club preppy or warm weather resort wear either.

[Anonymous]

Maybe just an "old money" designer/store or two to get me started in case that's the look I should be aiming to blend with (not pretend to be, of course, no delusions here)?

[Anonymous]

I would maybe go to Nordstrom and ask a personal shopper to help you out. I wouldn't worry about the fact that the wedding is in a somewhat unusual location. (Unusual for those of us who live around here, I mean.) Just think of it as another wedding, consider what time of day it's being held, think about the fact that it's probably pretty upscale, and dress appropriately for that.

Also-- be prepared for cool weather!

[Anonymous]

I just googled "Lodge at Whitefish wedding" and the photo that's on their website-- a photo I assume they chose because it's representative of a typical wedding there-- shows guests wearing pretty standard wedding attire. So don't worry too much about it...

http://www.lodgeatwhitefishlake.com/weddings-groups/weddings/

It looks like a gorgeous place-- I'm jealous!

[Anonymous]

Been here! Its beautiful! But comparing it to Aspen makes me chuckle...I did not find them to be similar at all. Montana is much more laid back than Aspen, in my experience (parents lived there for five years). If it were me I would wear a black, kneelength dress with a bright colored pashmina.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, everyone. I probably should have guessed that the bride was exaggerating the fancy-ness of the resort a bit. I will try to chill and trust myself to pick something appropriate.

[Anonymous]

Wear a dress and cowboy boots!