Stylist Alexandra Greenawalt, of Alexandrastylist.com, helped me find the perfect dresses without any of the normal shopping stress. Special to the Vail Daily

Colorado to Vermont to Chicago to New York and back to Chicago — if you have as many weddings to attend this year as I do, you might want to keep reading.

In attempt to avoid a full-on fashion frenzy, I asked New York City stylist Alexandra Greenawalt, of Alexandrastylist.com, for her expertise on dressing for the various weddings in my near future.

Where do I begin? Greenawalt recommends hitting the large stores first, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, because they have bigger selections. Before you go, she says, it’s necessary to make a list so you don’t get distracted.

“Write down three colors you’re looking for and three styles,” Greenawalt tells me and also warns against something too sexy and something black.

“When you’re young black is OK. As you get older, black ages. As you try on colors ask yourself, do I look brighter, younger and well-rested or is it dragging me down.”

She also advises me to add a red dress to my repertoire, saying “What’s more wedding appropriate than wearing the color of love? Besides, it’s powerful, sexy and feminine.”

But choosing the right color red for your skin tone is key. If you have cool skin, choose reds with blue tones. If you have warm skin, choose orange-based reds or true reds.

With blonde hair, fair skin and olive eyes, Greenawalt determines other colors that could work for me include light, feminine shades like soft yellows, pinks and greens. The electric blues and deep fuchsias coming out now are great for warm skin tones and those with light blue eyes.

Since I have weddings to attend in so many different settings and locations, she suggests I look for two short dresses and one long dress.

“Forget something that has all the ruffles and sequins and all the jazz and go for something a little more basic,” says the petite redhead. “Look for an awesome sheath dress in a beautiful fabric and a dress with a more full skirt dress that twirls when you dance and makes you feel feminine. The long dress should be very basic with a very flattering neckline in a beautiful color.”

Just be sure to pay attention to what Greenawalt calls the danger zone — from below knee to above ankle.

“Look in the mirror and make sure it’s flattering to your leg. Sometimes the difference of an inch can make you look really dowdy,” she says. “Heels can help but if the dress is a flattering length, it will look good even with flats.”

Next, ask yourself what part of your body you’d like to show off. Greenawalt recommends dresses that flatter my proportionately smaller waistline.

Finally, she says, experiment with accessories. Try a long chain, a sparkly necklace or pearls. Play with things you already own. Try a belt. Choose shoes and a bag in a neutral. Metallic is popular and will work with almost any dress.

After meeting with Greenawalt, my anxiety is replaced by a sense of confidence and I’m ready to shop. My favorite style advice from AG: It’s good to be yourself.

“Don’t worry so much about going with the crowd. Marriage in general is about two unique people finding that they are right for the other person,” she says.” The occasion encourages you to cherish what’s unique about you. Fashion’s going in a direction stylistically where its much more acceptable to be unique.

“You’re the one that has to wear the dress. It’s up to you to bring the personality and the energy.”

For more information or to contact Greenawalt, please visit Alexandrastylist.com or read her style confessions at AlexandrAStylist.com.