WTF is moutain chic attire?

[expectantsteelerfan]

We just got the invite to dh's cousin's wedding that is over labor day weekend in Colorado.  Included is an insert about a welcome dinner on Friday, with attire listed as mountain chic.  WTF does that mean?  Any ideas what I should wear for that?

Also, anyone want to help me shop for a dress for the wedding?  The attire for that is listed as formal, so that means I need a long dress, right?  

I had been looking for dresses for this since we got the save the date and booked our flights because, well, I like shopping.  I also lost some weight recently, so it's more fun to shop a bit.  But dresses are HARD for me, and I haven't kept any of the ones I've tried so far.  I'm only 5' tall, but I have large boobs, so I need a petite 12/14.  And my other requirement is that I'm able to wear a regular bra with straps with it because strapless just doesn't work for me.  I can sometimes get away with dresses that are supposed to be tea length being full-length on me, but I also would not be surprised to need to get something hemmed if it fit well everywhere else.  But that means I don't want to deal with intricate hems.  I did have a backup dress I planned on using if I didn't find something, but it's knee-length.  
Budget is probably around $200.

[ellipses84]

I don’t know what mountain chic is? Maybe similar to western that you could get away with jeans with a nice shirt and cowboys boots for guys? I’ve seen a small mountain wedding where everyone including guests had a buffalo plaid accessory of some sort. There was definitely some black puffer vests too since it was cold. For you, maybe a Lacey / crochet / sheer overlay cocktail dress and booties if you don’t have a cowboy boots. For an evening formal wedding I’d definitely go long. Dark, neutral or rich colors would be ok, but I’d stay away from pastels or light florals unless it’s clearly an evening gown.

I posted in one of the other dress posts that Nordstrom Rack is my go-to for nicer dresses and I order a few online and return in store. Macys also seemed to have a lot of options online.

[deadwing]

Mountain chic sounds like something they made up. I don't think I'd worry about it and wear something I feel good in.

[jane6672]

I would read that as “feel free to wear outdoorsy/Colorado clothes, but please dont look like a slob.”

[VillainV]

Googled and found this:

www.theknot.com/content/mountain-wedding-attire

The photos are weird, but looks like maxi dresses and other flowy silhouettes, “nature inspired elements”, earthy tones, etc.

[Jalapeñomel]

Google gave me this:

I’m also going to an out of state wedding over Labor Day, and I’m salty about it.

[ellipses84]

Our measurements are so similar. I look best in dresses that have a defined neckline, an empire waist and a flowy or a-line skirt. Think like a wrap top or a v-neck. High neck sheath style slim cut dresses are the worst on me. Certain halter style are ok, but they are harder to wear a supportive bra with.

I’d wear something like this for the first event. It won’t seem so short on you compared to the tall model.



Things an ideal style for me regardless of fabric or length and could work for the first night.


I’m not finding a lot of great formal options but Macys has a lot of petite. Something like this is good for evening and I don’t think you risk looking like the wedding party.


I know it makes the bra situation more difficult but I love one shoulder dresses for formal events.


I wish the skirt was flowier. It comes in Navy but it’s easier to see the details in this pic. Color is probably neutral enough for evening.

[ellipses84]

You could also consider a skirt and top, which you may be able to wear more in the future.

[maudefindlay]

If dresses aren't working out maybe consider a jumpsuit. They can definitely be formal attire.

[cattledogkisses]

We went to an event a few years ago where the dress code was “LL Bean fancy.” This might be a bit more New England than Colorado, but I wore a dark green midi-length sheath dress, tights, Bean boots, and a tartan wool shawl in a pattern that included the shade of green of the dress.

[expectantsteelerfan]

Do you think this might be formal enough for the wedding?
www.nordstrom.com/s/floral-pleated-high-low-dress/6258956?origin=bag

This is another option I'd consider, but it would definitely need hemmed, and we don't have a Nordstrom that is convenient unfortunately.
www.nordstrom.com/s/sl-fashions-slny-ombre-satin-gown-petite/6106721?origin=bag

ellipses84, I agree about the neckline, but I'm finding a ton of REALLY low v-necks (like all of the dresses that have actual straps from Lulu's) and those do not work for me for sure. I like the 1st formal option you posted a lot.

I might need to just ignore the 'mountain chic' dress code for the welcome dinner. I cannot see anyone in our family wearing anything like what that is. Dh will wear dress pants and a dress shirt, and I'm pretty sure I can find a dress I have that is at least a little 'boho' or natural colored...I definitely have one that is embroidered, but I could probably go crochet-y too if I find anything I like and would wear again. Big no to cowboy boots or hats for us though.

[expectantsteelerfan]

SO many of the dresses that are long and have actual straps are either plain and look like bridesmaid dresses, or matronly mother of the bride type. Boo.

[SusanBAnthony]

I think the first one is fancy, and since it will look close to floor le gth on you, would definitely work for formal.

My brother's wedding is in CO and the wedding itself is some variation of mountain chic. My family is wearing regular wedding clothes. DD has a navy blue midi dress and I have a turquoise knee length dress. Both pretty simple and. Ot super fancy (cotton fabric). We will both bring a cardigan and maybe a scarf in case it's cold. And wear either booties or sandals depending on the weather.

[cattledogkisses]

I feel like different people are going to interpret that dress code very differently, because never in a million years would “mountain chic” make me think of cowboy attire.

[Bad Dingo]

What about this for the wedding?
www.anthropologie.com/shop/dress-the-population-sidney-v-neck-a-line-lace-floral-applique-gown3?category=dresses-maxi-midi&color=050&type=STANDARD&quantity=1

[pixy0stix]

Fancy cowboy - upscale boho - lots of turquoise accessories

[pixy0stix]

May 18, 2024 16:35:56 GMT -5 cattledogkisses said:

I feel like different people are going to interpret that dress code very differently, because never in a million years would “mountain chic” make me think of cowboy attire.

CO mountains has a lot of ranches, so it's very western. I haven't watched it, but I assume Yellowstone is a good example of this.

[loira]

I'm going to a mountain ranch wedding in the fall and I plan on wearing either a dress or a jumpsuit with cowboy boots. But I will probably leave my stetson at home.

ETA: that being said, I have never once heard the term "mountain chic".

[dochas]

It means you're going to be outside and cold but they want you to act like you're inside and fancy.

[cattledogkisses]

May 18, 2024 16:52:12 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

May 18, 2024 16:35:56 GMT -5 cattledogkisses said:

I feel like different people are going to interpret that dress code very differently, because never in a million years would “mountain chic” make me think of cowboy attire.

CO mountains has a lot of ranches, so it's very western. I haven't watched it, but I assume Yellowstone is a good example of this.

Gotcha.  I confess I've never been to Colorado, and "mountain chic" would make me think of fancy ski resorts, but TIL that Colorado has cowboys too. 

[HRH Queen Dick I, Orphan]

It's obnoxious that's what it is

[expectantsteelerfan]

So I ordered the 1st dress I posted, and also this one:
www.macys.com/shop/product/xscape-petite-printed-chiffon-high-low-midi-dress?m_sc=em&m_s=OES-EOD2401CMCOM051824&cm_lm_mo64=amVzc2t1bHplckBob3RtYWlsLmNvbQ&cm_mmc=OpsEmail-_-240_order_confirmation-_-17887111-_-MB&m_sb=OpsEmail&m_pi=MB&ID=17887111&m_l=17887111&m_tp=1C&m_cn=240_order_confirmation

If it doesn't work, I'm tempted by this dress, but I don't know that I trust the quality of chicwish, and it would def need hemmed and I can't tell if the applique goes all the way to the bottom, which would probably make it a $$$ job:
www.chicwish.com/3d-floral-applique-tie-strap-mesh-tulle-maxi-dress-in-black.html

[ECB]

May 18, 2024 13:30:22 GMT -5 deadwing said:

Mountain chic sounds like something they made up. I don't think I'd worry about it and wear something I feel good in.

this. I went to a wedding where the welcome dinner was cowboy themed. Some people came in full attire, some didn’t. It was fine.

[notreal]

I was thinking Sound of Music but apparently it's more Yellowstone.

[tacokick]

This is the vibe I’d go for. Goat optional

[bunnies]

I love this post! I'm a wedding photographer in Colorado and mountain chic is a thing, especially in Aspen. Think long flowy dress and Kemo Sabe hat.

[mrspez07]

I live here and have no idea what that means!
My cousin’s wedding in June seems pretty casual but then they note “mountain formal” with this Pinterest board. I’m guessing they’d be similar?!

Where is the wedding at? For attire, Aspen is very different answer than Estes Park.

Also, for the mountain type style (not the formal), you can’t go wrong with a simple dress or dressy pant outfit and a Jean jacket. That would meet the ideas of mountain dressy style.

[SusanBAnthony]

May 18, 2024 22:16:32 GMT -5 mrspez07 said:

I live here and have no idea what that means!
My cousin’s wedding in June seems pretty casual but then they note “mountain formal”. I’m guessing they’d be similar?!

Where is the wedding at? For attire, Aspen is very different answer than Estes Park.

The one I am going to is Estes Park (literally 🤣). What is the answer for Estes Park?

[mrspez07]

SusanBAnthony
More casual. Anything in the board I posted would work for mountain chic or mountain formal. You could even go more casual than those.

In Aspen or Vail, I’d go with more of a typical formal style dress and heels.

Also, no shame in having a coat or fleece as backup later in the evening.

[expectantsteelerfan]

May 18, 2024 22:19:15 GMT -5 SusanBAnthony said:

May 18, 2024 22:16:32 GMT -5 mrspez07 said:

I live here and have no idea what that means!
My cousin’s wedding in June seems pretty casual but then they note “mountain formal”. I’m guessing they’d be similar?!

Where is the wedding at? For attire, Aspen is very different answer than Estes Park.

The one I am going to is Estes Park (literally 🤣). What is the answer for Estes Park?

Mine is Estes Park too.  I've never been to Colorado at all before.  Dh used to go visit his uncle (this cousin's dad) as a kid, but they only ever went camping and stuff.