You need to remember two things when you receive an invitation to a black tie wedding – gowns and tuxedos. Don’t even think about showing up in a short dress. Use this occasion to wear that elegant gown collecting dust in your closet, or treat yourself to something shiny and new. Strappy, sky-high shoes and a crystal-encrusted clutch are perfect for rounding-out the look.

Fairly self-explanatory in name, a cocktail hour wedding is exactly what it sounds to be. The reception typically begins between 5-7 pm with a cocktail hour and dinner to follow. By all means, wear a gown if it's not too formal, but do feel free to wear a cocktail dress. Nothing so short your ass is hanging out, but sparkles are always welcome and encouraged. Metallic heels and statement earrings are perfect accessories. This look was inspired by

Both the ceremony and reception take place during the morning and afternoon at a daytime wedding, so lighter colors and fabrics, prints and playful accessories are welcome. Dress like you're going to a proper, formal high tea. You can never go wrong with a floral dress, classic shoes and a fun, quirky bag.

And when I say "casual," I mean for a wedding; this is not an opportunity to wear cut-offs and a tank top. These tend to take place outdoors, on the beach or in a park, so dressing for nature is key. Flow-y fabrics look great in the breeze, and wedges won't sink into the ground when you stand. A large sun hat is both stunning and protects you from UV rays.

A chic, asymmetrical camel coat gets even better with a beautiful oversized collar.

Give your best blue steel in this steel blue, double-breasted beauty.

A statement for sure, this coat will brighten even the dreariest fall day.

As classic as the trench can get, sit down to high tea in this belted version.

One of the handsomest we've seen, this military-style wool coat boasts swanky gold buttons.

Navy and black have never looked this good together, and the shawl collar is sure to keep the fall chill at bay.

Plaid at its finest, we like it in graduated blue and trimmed in leather.

This navy wool coat has a removable black collar for maximum versatility.

Channeling pre-Raphaelite romanticism, this draped wrap coat is reminiscent of the lust and drama of a Bronte novel.

In the warmest paprika hue, this contemporary coat has just enough adorable retro details.

Like a chic, oversized boyfriend blazer but tailored for you young lady.

Three-quarter sleeves and a waist-dusting length make this the perfect fall faux fur.

Orange may seem too trendy, but this burnt, retro shade will keep you warm for years.

Tobacco brown leather cinched at the waist is oh so sophisticated.

This bright red statement coat will perfectly complement your fiery, attention-grabbing personality.

Become a vision in voluminous draping with this lightweight, wool tweed swing coat.

Gaga wore it and you can too - luxe green leather is a contemporary fall statement.

Wrap yourself in a cocoon of blue and see the future of spacey prints.

Satin and cashmere turn up the volume on this classic, military-inspired pea coat.

Utilitarian pockets, short sleeves and a drawstring hood make this the perfect lightweight coat for a fall shower.

An investment you surely won't regret, it doesn't get more classic than this belted black trench.

Not quite a coat, but a stately fall cape like this belongs in every lady's closet.

Neck frills give this cotton number an innocent edge.

Get the luxe English look for less from our favorite Japanese retailer.

Double-breasted with hand-warming flap pockets, this coat comes in seven different colors and patterns.

Browns has been an English institution for four decades now. Mrs. B isn’t one to let an occasion like that go under-celebrated. For the store’s 40th anniversary, the pioneering retailer—who brought Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Sonia Rykiel to England and was an early booster of Hussein Chalayan and Marios Schwab—put together an exhibition, opening tomorrow, of 40 Browns “ambassadors” in finery pulled from its archives. Paolo Roversi shot Marc Jacobs in Halston (above), Eva Herzigova in Mark Fast, and Ann Demeulemeester in her own collection (both below), among many others. And as for Mrs. B herself? The lady chose Marni for her close-up (bottom, left).

PLUS: For more on Browns, check out our Q&A with Mrs. B.

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What if I told you rocking a designer clutch could be done for as little as $80? They might not be quilted lambskin or alligator leather, but Oonagh O’Hagen x Browns recently released three adorable totes with screen-printed Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton clutches on them! Hey, might as well be glamorous while lugging groceries home from Trader Joe’s! 

GET IT AT: Browns 

Thanks Refinery 29!

A black straight leg jean from Meadham Kirchhoff with contrasting blue stitching. Zips run down the middle of both legs with criss-cross lacing over the top. Cut out sections on the back of the legs. Further zip detailing at the ankles. Five pockets. Button fastening at waistband leads to a zip fly, available at Browns

LINKAGE: highsnobette

Thanks for the tips Selectism!