Top 10 Best Wedding Outfits for Dogs

Are you obsessed with your dog? Many dog owners are, to the point that dressing them up in things like doggie sneakers is a must. I know how it is — my wife and I have three dogs and we're obsessed with them. We don't go so far as to dress them up regularly, but if we were to get married today, you can bet we'd invite them to the ceremony.

If you're planning a wedding that your dog gets to attend, make the most of it by dressing them up, too. There are a variety of roles your dog can play as either a member of the wedding party or as a fashionable guest. It's a special day, you've paid for the photographer, and your friends and family will all be assembled, so it's a perfect opportunity to put your dog in an adorable costume for all to see.

We've discussed dog costumes in the past, and we know how much everyone gets a kick out of seeing a dog pose as a human. For this list, we've suggested outfits for each role a dog might play in your big day. If you've got multiple dogs, you can find a separate role for each of them, even if it's just distinguished guest.

The best part about all of these outfits is that unlike your wedding dress, any of these can be worn more than once. Holiday celebrations, parties, or other landmark events are all good times to toss a tux on your dog and parade them around.

As your wedding day approaches, don't forget about these top ten best dog wedding outfits so your pup can participate, too.

1. Dog Wedding Dress: Rubie's Classics Collection Pet Wedding Dress Costume

While you can't marry your dog (please, please do not attempt to marry your dog), we all know at least one person who might say something along the lines of, "Marrying me means being married to my dog, too." You know, the people who love their dog so much that any potential partner must learn to love them nearly as much. If you feel that way, you can toss a wedding gown on your dog to match the one you or your intended will be wearing. This lacy ruffle dress complete with veil comes in six different sizes to fit just about any dog. As an alternative, the "Yappliy Ever After" dress from East Side Collection is also very nice.

2. Dog Tuxedo: Alfie Pet by Petoga Couture Oscar Formal Tuxedo

As with the bride, your dog can be dressed up like the groom, too, though this will work for a best man, groomsman, or just a very fashionable guest. This is a fully lined formal tux, available in eight different sizes. The set includes two ties — one red and one black — so you can match the style of your wedding. The subtle pinstriping adds a fashionable, if non-traditional, flair. Other options include the East Side Collection tux which goes with the wedding dress mentioned above, or the simpler I See Spot Tuxedo Shirt.

3. Dog Ring Bearer: I See Spot's Ring Bearer Pet Bandana

The most popular function for a dog at a wedding (or the proposal that comes before it) is probably ring bearer. Having your dog run down the aisle with the rings is a pretty easy thing to accomplish, so this is a good job for them. Make it official with this bandana that declares their special function for the day. Simply tie the rings to the included ribbon and send your dog up to the altar.

4. Dog Flower Girl: Kirei Sui Ivory Rosettes Tutu Party Dress

With a little bit of outside help, your dog can also perform the role of flower girl (girl part not necessary). This dress is covered in little rosettes to perfectly style your pup as the bringer of flowers.

5. Dog Bridesmaid: Genuiskids Dog Rose Princess Lace Dress

Even for most humans, being in the wedding party means being a bridesmaid or a groomsman. Dress up your dog in one of these fantastically over-the-top bridesmaid dresses. You choose between pink or purple among six different sizes that are mostly aimed at smaller breeds.

6. Dog Groomsman: Zunea Small Dog Clothes Shirt Overalls Outfit

I'm going to a wedding this year (no dogs invited, for some reason) as a groomsman. The selected attire is a pair of slacks, a white shirt, tie, and suspenders. Put together, it looks an awful lot like this outfit. If you want your dog to be a groomsman at your wedding, this makes a pretty dapper option and comes in five sizes, again aimed at smaller breeds. It's a handsome, classic look.

7. Dog Best Man or Maid of Honor: Hello Hazel Company Best Dog or Dog of Honor Bandana

As the cliche goes, a dog is a man's best friend. And a best friend is likely to be the best man at a wedding. Declare your dog as such with this U.S.-made, professionally screen printed burlap style bandana complete with bow tie. The Dog of Honor bandana swaps the tie for flowers, if you prefer.

8. Dog Bow Tie: Bingapet Diamond Bow Tie Pet Collar

If your dog is simply a guest at your wedding, adorning them with a bow tie can provide just enough of a look to fit in. Of course, casual bow tie wear for dogs has been popular for awhile now, but if your doesn't yet have one, a wedding is a perfect excuse. This one comes on a rhinestone-studded collar in red, black, or pink across three sizes.

9. Casual Dog Wedding Guest: Fitwarm Casual Dog Plaid Western Shirt and Bowtie

Perfect for casual fall weddings (the best kind, in my opinion), your dog can arrive as the consummate guest in this cozy shirt and tie combination. Dressy enough for a special occasion, but not in danger of outshining the bride or any of the wedding party.

10. Dog Wedding Announcement: TooLoud Personalized Mr and Mrs Design Dog Bandana

Whether at the reception or on the honeymoon — dogs go on honeymoons, right? — this personalized bandana will announce your recent nuptials to the world. Enter your name and year or date so your dog can sport this personalized celebration of your marriage. Rather than the MC at the reception making the announcement, just send your dog running in wearing this.

Faff-free party dresses and duvet coats

It is is late August, which can only mean one thing: we now declare the new fashion season open. Here's how to use the upcoming trends to help you achieve your best autumn ever.

If you want to get promoted … wear red

There's lots of talk this season about the appeal of tonal dressing – ie wearing the same shade head-to-toe. The Kardashians have been on this for ages, but the catwalk moved it on by spinning the colour wheel to red, AKA the no-brainer 80s-worthy symbol for power. It's indisputably the colour of the season and the death knell for the ubiquitous millennial pink. A pair of red boots puts a pleasing full stop on any office look on a day when you haven't got the bandwidth for Dulux-style colour matching.

If you want to have 10 minutes extra in bed every morning … wear a long-sleeved dress

Seen everywhere from Erdem to Michael Kors and Dries Van Noten, the long-sleeved floral dress is not only pretty, but it is also joyous, because it is so useful. The satisfying life hack of a dress versus separates – no rummaging for the right T-shirt to go with the tweed skirt – plus the statement of the floral print means you have a look without thinking about it. This is win-win dressing at its best. Invest immediately.

If you want to demonstrate your cultural prowess … wear the Americana trend

To get a take on the US now, with intellectual weight, Raf Simons – a Belgian who references rave and collaborates with artists including Sterling Ruby – is a good shout. His debut for Calvin Klein was all cowboy boots and denim with one model wearing an American flag as a skirt. His ad campaigns, meanwhile, feature models on a deserted highway, with – keep up – a Calvin Klein billboard in the background showing other models looking at Andy Warhol's Elvis. If that sounds meta and knowing, so is your conscious choice to wear an indigo denim jacket and jeans, as seen in Simons' collection.

If you want to take your hangover look outside … wear a duvet coat

You know those Sundays when you don't leave the house until 5pm for a trip to the local shop to procure Hula Hoops? They are totally fashionable this season. Mulberry brought duvet days on to the catwalk with a selection of eiderdown jackets worthy of the Queen tucking into a box set at Balmoral. A longline padded jacket is the norm's version – and handily doubles as a blanket when you get back from the shop.

If you want to look vaguely on trend but basically wear the same jeans you always do … wear a double-breasted blazer

Newsflash to those still wearing athleisure: tailoring, and general smartness, is back. But this doesn't mean the kind of pointy shoes and bobble-prone neat black suiting typically worn by a first-jobber. Instead, make sure your tailoring is oversized and somewhat 80s in flavour. Think Princess Di off-duty – she owned the jeans and blazer look and is the first retro fashion reference to trip off the tongue of any self-respecting millennial in 2017.

If you want to do party dressing without the faff … wear chainmail

Forget about the dry-cleaning issues – party dressing is a yolo kind of affair. A chainmail dress brings drama to any autumn 2017 dates in your diary and is surprisingly chic, in a 90s Met Bar kind of way. For inspo, Campbell and Moss walking the runway together at the Versace show in 1999 is everything here.

If you want to feel the benefit … wear a hat

Expect to see guides to avoiding hat hair soon – headgear is essential for AW17, and not just because of the long-held parental theory that you lose heat through your head in winter. The beanie is over but take heart, the beret is your friend this season – it is a subtle nod to your wokeness in hat form. Che Guevara is an icon of the beret, after all.

If you want to up your Insta game: wear a T-shirt with a quote

Moving on from the “We Should All Be Feminists” T-shirt of last season, the newest sartorial sandwich boards are less about female empowerment and more a way to show off your cleverness. Enter the highbrow T-shirt. Rihanna's Gucci tee appealed to philosophy graduates with a Baudelaire quote, while others reference song lyrics and Bible verses.

4 Trends to Shop Now

Regardless of what the Gregorian calendar says, for many of us fashion folk it's September that feels like the start of a new year. Perhaps it's because the magazines stretch their bindings on their biggest issues, or that, on the runways, we get a glimpse of what is to come. Or it may be the persistent association with back-to-school prep that lingers long after the last bell.

Whatever the reason, autumn puts one in mind of fresh beginnings. We can hardly be blamed, then, for wanting to jump-start the seasonal update now, even as we wait for temperatures to cool. Luckily, the stores have plenty of fresh offerings that play into fall's biggest trends.

Statement Velvet

Velvet is to fall what florals are to spring. The cozy material is always a mainstay of the season. This year, though, the volume has been turned way up. Not only is it more omnipresent than ever, but instead of the usual navy, black and burgundy, it's showing up in loud hues like hot pink and mustard gold.

The Hottest Hue

There are those of us who love to wear red and those who swear they can't. This season may convert some of the naysayers. All over the runways, at Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana and, most notably, Givenchy, which showed a completely crimson lineup, the potent color comes in many iterations — hipster-approved ensembles, sophisticated separates — that will appeal to all sorts.

A Different Kind of Suit

It's always nice when a trend comes along that's as comfortable and practical as it is cool. The tracksuit, seen on the runways at Marc Jacobs, Chloé and Yeezy, is one such gem. Updated in a variety of fabrics and slightly tweaked silhouettes, the tricked-out suits invite a certain swagger.

Laced Up

It's a little odd that, at a time when feminism is arguably thriving more than ever, the corset, that hallmark of the patriarchal oppression, should be enjoying a moment of popularity. Of course, the 2017 versions are a good deal less restrictive — and pair perfectly well with a finely honed sense of social justice.

Your Everyday Makeup Questions, Answered

A big night out may be a good excuse for a fun new makeup look, but most of us need our makeup to work Monday through Friday, and we count on a few reliable products to get the job done. Unless you're ready to risk a faux pas — your smoky eye gone singed, let's say — the workweek isn't the best time to go experimental. Instead, we offer advice from experts on the best ways to apply your daily makeup and, along the way, clear up a few confounding makeup questions.

Foundation

Conceal blemishes, smooth your complexion and create a flawless face.

Should I wear a primer underneath my makeup?

Primer can be a controversial topic, and even professionals are divided. Well-known makeup artists hail its effectiveness in creating a smoother surface for makeup, evening out skin texture and providing longer-lasting wear. Others insist that primer serves only a minimal purpose for the general population. Jamie Greenberg, a makeup artist who often works with the actress Rashida Jones, suggests thinking of primer as a problem solver. "If you find yourself having trouble keeping your makeup in place, and you've already tried different foundation formulas, you might want to try a primer," she says. "It will make your makeup last longer, so if you have a special meeting or aren't able to touch up during the day, it helps."Generally, Ms. Greenberg finds that a good primer can get you "four hours where your makeup will look top-notch." Apply it all over with a flat foundation brush. It adds a few minutes to your morning makeup routine, but it can save you time on touchups.

How do I determine which foundation is best for me?

Skin type plays a key role, but Ms. Greenberg would argue that most people already know their skin type. The issue, she says, is more nuanced. "You have to think, ‘Is your foundation compatible with your moisturizer?' As you know, water and oil don't mix, so if you're using, say, an oil-based moisturizer and water-based foundation, you might have an unwanted pilling effect." This remains true throughout the seasons, she points out, so you may want to pair a water-based foundation with a water-based moisturizer during the summer but switch to oil-based products in the winter.

Are there tricks to blending foundation?

When it comes to makeup tools, Ms. Greenberg says a damp sponge by beautyblender wins hands down. You add foundation to the moist sponge and use stippling motions to apply it to the face. "It really helps set the foundation into the skin," Ms. Greenberg says. "You get coverage but without looking like you have a pound of product on your face."

Why do some base products look more natural than others?

Whether or not a base looks natural hinges on texture and consistency. Generally, matte or thicker foundations will have a more artificial-looking finish. Natural skin tends to reflect a bit of light. Ms. Greenberg also finds that color plays an outsize role. "The No. 1 issue I see is that the color is off," she says. She suggests that it might be worth it to buy two foundations, one light and one dark. Then practice mixing them and adjusting as needed. "Don't forget that skin color can change every day depending on the season or exposure to sun," she says. Another tip for a flawless finish: "It sounds crazy, but I have combination skin, and I'll often use two different foundations in the same shade," Ms. Greenberg says. "I'll use one that is more oil-absorbing for my T-zone and one that is dewier for the rest of my face."

What's the best way to apply concealer?

"For spots, I like ZO Skin Health's Offects Correct & Conceal, which has a salicylic acid to heal at the same time," Ms. Greenberg says, adding that concealers meant to cover blemishes need to be on the dry side to stay put. She likes to apply concealer with a Bobbi Brown Concealer Blending Brush. "When covering a zit, your product can get too concentrated and you end up with a ring around it," she says. "This brush buffs gently so you don't have any ‘seams.'" For undereyes, she recommends finding a concealer formula that also hydrates so it's less likely to accentuate fine lines. "Also, don't apply with a heavy hand," she cautions. "If you add too much product, it can be aging as it will settle in and bring out fine lines." Apply the concealer with your ring finger. Using the pad of the finger, gently tap it onto the affected area.

If I'm in a rush, what's the quickest way to enhance my complexion?

Given the choice of more sleep or a more complex morning beauty regimen, sleep generally wins out. In such a case, a concealer fix is ideal. Ms. Greenberg suggests tapping on concealer where needed and blending. Otherwise, she likes a tinted moisturizer, which is fairly goofproof. "You can get away with it not being perfect because it's sheerer," she says.

Nordstrom Unveils New Fall Fashion Campaign

The campaign vision and concept was developed by Olivia Kim, Vice President of Creative Projects at Nordstrom, who has set the creative tone for the retailer's last five brand campaigns. Kim along with her creative team tapped Farago and Cullen, the husband and wife creative duo favored by the fashion world, to bring their vision to life.

The campaign features intimate and honest portraits of models and non-models alike, minimally edited and styled how people really dress to depict a modern and relevant perspective on a high-fashion campaign.  The full campaign imagery and videos can be seen at Nordstrom.com/Fall2017.

"People are the foundation of Nordstrom," said Kim. "Our customers and employees are at the center of everything we do. They are our friends and our friends-of-friends, and this season we wanted to convey a sense of community and celebrate real people who are doing great and extraordinary things, who inspire us in our everyday lives.

"We see the brand campaigns as our opportunity to tell our most fashion-forward story, yet this season we put the focus back on the people. We cast people we find inspiring, who have something to say and use their voice for positive impact and influence whether through art, education, journalism or mixed media. Most of all, we wanted to celebrate them and their immense talents."

Farago is a Los Angeles-based photographer whose work has been exhibited at New York's Canada Gallery, London's Jonathan Viner Gallery and The Future of the Photography Museum at Foam in Amsterdam. His commissioned features and portraits have appeared in Vogue Paris, Purple Magazine, The New Yorker, and the New York Times, to name a few.

Cullen is a director who works in a range of mediums, proposing new ways of showing moving image using the newest technologies and the internet as her primary platform. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, NOWNESS, Purple and Love Magazine, with commissioned work for various fashion brands.

In her role, Kim focuses on creating energy, excitement, a sense of discovery and a bit of disruption through engaging and unique shopping experiences at Nordstrom, both in-stores and online. Kim joined Nordstrom in February 2013, and her Creative Projects initiatives have established Nordstrom as a retail platform to test new partnerships, concept shops and to bring limited distribution collections to customers, as well as introduce customers to the best up-and-coming brands and new talent.

With her creative mind and unique perspective as a merchant, Kim took on the role of setting the vision for the company's brand campaigns in Spring 2016, the retailer's first in 15 years. Following her inaugural "See Anew" campaign, "We Are Here" from Fall 2016, and "Love, Nordstrom" from the holiday season, and the Spring 2017 campaign shot by Petra Collins. The Fall 2017 campaign marks Kim's fifth developed for Nordstrom.

Dressmaker Elevates Beautiful, Bold African Prints with Thriving Online Business

With a creative eye for traditional textiles and unexpected color-matching choices, Malacia Anderson boldly goes where few designers dare.

She skips the trendy nude palettes for bright, colorful fabrics that command attention — and people take notice. Anderson designs primarily for women who crave confident colors and loud, African-centered prints. Ankara, a fabric popularized by the West African fashion market, is the recurring theme that weaves her collections together. She sews a majority of her garments to order, creating custom-tailored silhouettes that fit each client like a glove.

 "I make things that allow a woman to remember who she is and how beautiful she is," Anderson said.

Anderson's memories are vital to her design aesthetic. In 1977, she was far from the master seamstress she would become. She watched intently as her mother hunched over the sewing machine, stitching a dress for her daughter to wear. In the morning when the young girl opened her eyes, there would be a completed dress waiting for her. Anderson was mesmerized by her mother's resourcefulness and the speed at which she could turn a bundle of fabric into a complete outfit.

That same year, Anderson was enrolled in the 4-H Club in her hometown of Long Island, N.Y. In the 1800s, 4-H was a government-subsidized youth program that functioned as a pipeline to introduce new developments in agriculture research into rural communities through the malleable minds of youth farmers. By the time it reached more urbanized communities like Roosevelt, Long Island, it had developed into a program that fosters youths with vocational and life skills. Given the option to study woodworking, cooking or sewing through the program, the seamstress's daughter chose sewing. Anderson excelled and continued to sew well into her high school years. After less than three years as a student in the program, she was offered a position as a sewing teacher. The young clothier competed in several New York State fairs with her designs and won during her junior year.

POTENTIAL SEEN

During her senior year, Anderson's art teacher began taking note of her commitment to sewing and unique design perspective. He encouraged her to apply to the Fashion Institute of Technology at the State University of New York (F.I.T.), which is consistently ranked as one of the top five fashion education institutions in the world. Anderson was confident that her sewing skills would make her stand out in such a competitive environment, but she struggled with sketching. Despite that obstacle, she worked hard to improve her drawing skills and ultimately created a promising portfolio.

"I knew my sewing would overcompensate for my drawing because a lot of designers can draw but they can't sew," Anderson said, laughing.

With her technical skills and her teacher's artistic coaching, Anderson was accepted into F.I.T. As she continued in the program, she noticed that the emphasis on drawing became more pronounced. Still, Anderson's garments shined, reflecting years of hard work honing her craft. After graduating with an associate's degree in Fashion Merchandising, the seamstress set her sights on entrepreneurship, enrolling in the business program at Temple University. Despite moving to Philadelphia to continue her education, Anderson continued to sew, mostly creating clothing for herself and her sorors of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. While competing in step shows with her chapter sorors, she met a tailor from West Philadelphia who was known for making elaborate costumes for stage performances. Anderson worked under his tutelage until she graduated with a bachelor's in Business Administration. 

LEAP OF FAITH

With degree in hand, Anderson returned to New York to take an administrative job in finance and begin her career as an entrepreneur. She named her business In His Glory Creations and focused on creating custom formal wear for bridal events. Although the money was good, Anderson found the work to be taxing. Sewing began to feel like more of a job than the passion she had loved most of her life. So, she put her sewing machine away to focus on work and regroup.

Years later, Anderson became a customer service representative at Pronovias, a Spanish wedding dress company. While working at Pronovias' flagship store in Manhattan, Anderson's co-worker mentioned an online platform for independent creators called Etsy.com. Perusing others' online shops reignited dreams of entrepreneurship that she had put on hold. She joined sewing groups and watched other seamstresses launch their own brands before her eyes. Anderson thought, "I can sew as good as them, if not better. Why not me?"

A week before her 47th birthday, Anderson opened her store on the platform and named it Lili's Creations. Inspired by the sartorial essence of the Harlem Renaissance and her love of feminine silhouettes, the seamstress began designing with herself in mind.

"I really just made what I liked," Anderson said. "I didn't think about some random woman out there. I like vintage. I'm a girly girl. I like dresses and skirts."

A month after releasing her inaugural collection, she got her first sale. Anderson began looking at her day job as a means to an end instead of her means of income. During the day, the seamstress would clock hours to save money and at night she'd make dresses to order. She'd pack her beautiful Ankara skirts and dresses in garment bags and travel around New York to vend at events. As she plugged into her customer base, primarily Black women, orders started pouring in. Anderson soon realized she would likely have to leave her full-time job to keep up with her rapidly expanding business.

In January 2016, Anderson achieved her goal of quitting her day job to work for herself full-time. She continues to be successful, operating every aspect of the business solo. She contributes the success of her business to her faith in God, an unwavering commitment to mastering her craft and the privilege of being in a position to take advantage of tech-based entrepreneurship.

"Don't let the no's or the slow times be considered a failure. Those are the times you allow God to stretch you," Anderson said. When asked what advice she would give to aspiring entrepreneurs, Anderson mentions her strong support system — which includes her mother, who often helps out on large orders — and how instrumental it has been to her brand's success.

"Being an entrepreneur will teach you that you … need a good support system, a mentor," Anderson said.

Sonakshi Sinha gets her party style on fleek with a Lavish Alice rust dress

There's always a party in tinsel town and this time it was actor Arbaaz Khan who turned 50 whose lavish birthday party witnessed the who's who of Bollywood. One of them was Sonakshi Sinha who made a riveting style statement as she turned up to wish her Dabangg co-star. Evoking a wow every time she steps out, Sonakshi Sinha never shies from experimenting with colours and silhouettes. Her off-duty looks are much sought after and styled by the celebrity fashion stylist, Mohit Rai look impeccably well-put together. Her stint as a costume designer at the beginning of her career in Bollywood certainly aids her sartorial sense of style. Fiercely feminine and feisty, Sonakshi Sinha chose rusty orange as her party colour and boy! she nailed it to the hilt.

In recent times, orange has progressed from a fad to a permanent fixture in fashion, highlighting the bright essence of fashion. Orange and its related hues are certainly her colours as earlier this year she had walked the ramp for Monisha Jaising wearing a tangerine short dress at the opening show of the Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2017. Adapting to evolving styles and trends, Sonakshi Sinha aced the party style meter and here's how she did it!

Sonakshi Sinha – Fiery in Orange

Wearing a corset panel orange dress from Lavish Alice which also featured a corset detailing with a front split, Sonakshi layered her look with a classy white trench coat. She flaunted a minimal makeup of blushed cheeks, dark eyes and nude lips, courtesy makeup artist Nilyesh Parmaar. She opted to keep her hair open styled sleek and with a centre parting and rounded up the look sans accessories and nude pumps.

BL Style Verdict – Sonakshi Sinha

Picking up a number that not only enhanced her lithe frame and curves, the addition of the trench lent a sophisticated finish to her look. Certainly a wardrobe must-have colour, Sonakshi made a compelling case for ditching the black and sprucing up the party style quotient.

BL Style Rating – Sonakshi Sinha

Sonakshi clinches a perfect style score of 4 on our style meter. On the professional front, Sonakshi Sinha will be seen essaying the role of Madhvi in the 1969 remake, Ittefaq with Sidharth Malhotra and play the role of a trapeze artist in a movie called Circus.