25 highest paid NBA players: Find out where Kawhi Leonard ranks

The Secret Of Twinkling Christmas Lights

With the holidays over, many of us are braving the elements to take down all those holiday lights. LED lights have largely taken over the market, but in some places, you can still get classic incandescent bulbs. There are some effects that LEDs can't quite mimic yet. One of those is the magic of "twinkling" light sets, which [Alec Watson] explains in a Technology Connections video. Everyone has seen bulbs that flash, and strings that dim. But the twinkle effect until recently has been hard to describe.

Typical flashing bulbs use a bimetallic strip. As the filament of the bulb heats up, the strip bends, opening the circuit. Then the strip cools and closes the circuit again. Twinkling lights do exactly the opposite. The bimetallic strip shorts the bulb out rather than open the circuit. Twinkling sets also use a lot of bimetallic strip bulbs – typically every fifth bulb has a strip. The result of the bulbs being shorted out is that all be the bulbs in set see a higher voltage. This makes the entire strip shimmer in time with the flashing. That's where the twinkling magic comes from.

It occurs to us that the voltage on the strip would be a great source of random seeds. Sure, you'd have to replace bulbs now and again, but how many people can say they get their random numbers from a set of Christmas lights?

If you're curious how incandescent Christmas lights can blow and not take out the whole strip, check out this article about anti-fuses.

TRES Report Reveals Wavering Faith In TradFi – 1 In 5 Americans Trust Crypto Over Banks

KEY POINTS

Most Americans would still choose cash over other assets, but 20.93% prefer crypto compared to 14% for banks

Over 90% of the respondents demand 'complete transparency' over banks' management of their funds

There is an apparent gap in the way the American public perceives traditional banking

The voice of people demanding change in the United States' current financial system is getting louder, as proven in a new survey by Web3 financial data platform TRES, which found that one in five Americans would opt for cryptocurrencies as an alternative to banks, stocks, and bonds.

TRES surveyed 1,032 respondents in the 18 to 60+ age range across the U.S. On Aug. 15, 2024 "to gauge their sentiments around the transparency and trust for banks today," as per a copy of the survey's results shared with International Business Times.

Public Trust in Banks Crumbling

The majority of Americans still trust banks, but approximately one in seven of them do not trust banks – the cornerstone of traditional finance (TradFi). "This statistic raises significant concerns as these institutions are an integral part in our everyday financial system," TRES' Banking on Trust: What Do You Really Know About Your Money Survey noted.

The report also found that "only 14%, or 7 out of every 50 people surveyed," chose banks as their most trusted asset class. A little over 22% of the surveyed chose real estate, and 28.88% opted for cash. Notably, 20.93% of the respondents chose cryptocurrencies.

Crypto comes before banks among Americans who were asked which asset they trust the most. TRES Banking on Trust Report

"Our recent survey shows that nearly 90% of Americans want full transparency from financial institutions about how their money is managed, showing the undeniable demand for greater accountability in banking. As trust in banks continues to decline, we're seeing more consumers turn to alternative assets like crypto, which offer the transparency and control that today's consumers want. A fifth of the population would choose cryptocurrency as a more trustworthy alternative to banks, and we only expect to see that number increase," Tal Zackon, the CEO of TRES, told IBT.

Majority of Americans Demand 'Complete Transparency'

In terms of transparency, a staggering 90.70% of the respondents – almost exactly split between men and women – believe that banks should be mandated to provide "complete transparency" in their management and use of customer deposits.

Respondents in the 30-60 age group were most concerned about transparency, with nearly 90% of them indicating that they would be "more likely to use a service that discloses how their money is being used."

Majority of Americans demand transparency from banks and other traditional institutions. TRES Banking on Trust Report

Further proving the importance of transparency among American consumers, a total of 79.84% said they would no longer trust in their bank if they found out their money had been used to invest in risky ventures.

Knowledge About Traditional Banking

The survey found that more than 60% of adults aged 30-60 believe their money is always in the bank, while 55% of adults aged 18-29 and those over 60 believe their money isn't always in the bank. An overwhelming majority believe they can still withdraw all of their money deposited in a bank without problems.

"The survey also reveals a significant knowledge gap in how the public perceives banking operations, with many consumers unaware of how their deposits are actually managed and protected," TRES said.

For TRES, the survey's results uncover the current sentiment among Americans regarding traditional financial systems. It also provides banks with an idea of how U.S. Consumers want their financial system to be: transparent, secure, and one that puts its clients' trust above all.

"We are committed to advocating for a future where transparency is the cornerstone of finance. Both consumers and businesses deserve more visibility over their funds, and we're taking steps to ensure that transparency becomes standard practice across the financial landscape," Zackon said.

Where To Shop Online For The Best Wedding Guest Dresses Of 2024

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You hear that? Those are the wedding bells in the not-so-distant future, signifying it's time to grab one of the best wedding guest dresses you have in your closet.

Oh, you don't have one? That's about to change!

An end-of-summer or fall wedding could mean an outdoor occasion, perfect for breezy, beautiful dresses and decor. Or, it could be an indoor soirée you plan on attending this winter with twinkle lights and a dance floor.

If you're not one of the lucky few who have their outfits already pre-determined, you'll need to start looking for the perfect dress to wear to the reception that makes you look and feel amazing — while not upstaging the bride, of course, like a bodycon mini or a one-shoulder cocktail dress.

RELATED: Most comfortable heels we reviewed

From well-known brands like Reformation and FWRD, to boutique newcomers like PinkBlush and Simple Retro, here are our favorite places to shop for dresses for weddings in 2024.

Whether you're looking for a formal wedding guest dress or a boho wedding guest dress, we have a pick for you.

Best Places to Buy Wedding Guest Dresses Best Overall: Reformation Reformation Pros:

Sustainable and ethically crafted

A large, seasonally rotating selection of styles

Offers sizes 0-12

Cons:

Sizes larger than 12 are not offered

Elevate your wedding guest ensemble with Reformation, renowned for its of-the-moment silhouettes and commitment to sustainable fashion. Its ethically crafted dresses, like the sleek Daniela Silk Dress ($398), exude timeless elegance but also contribute to a greener future, making them the perfect choice for conscious consumers. From romantic florals to sleek silhouettes, Reformation offers a diverse range of options to suit every style and venue, ensuring you look and feel your best while celebrating love and sustainability.

Best Budget: Lulus Lulus Pros:

Largely affordable

Large selection of styles

Sizes XXS-3L offered

Cons:

Quality may vary on the style

Discover the perfect blend of affordability and style with Lulu's extensive collection of wedding guest dresses like the Classic Elegance Wine Satin Sleeveless Mock Neck Maxi Dress. Whether you're attending a beachside ceremony or a formal soirée, Lulu's offers an array of on-trend designs to suit any budget and taste, proving that you don't have to break the bank to look fabulous.

Best Splurge: Net-a-Porter Net-a-porter Pros:

Fast, reliable shipping

Large selection of styles

Large, seasonally rotating sale section

Cons:

Designer prices are often high

Designer size ranges are often limited

Indulge in the epitome of luxury and sophistication with Net-a-Porter's exquisite selection of designer dresses like this Solace London Zaya one-sleeve belted crepe gown. From renowned fashion houses to emerging designers, Net-a-Porter curates a meticulously curated collection of high-end pieces that are sure to turn heads at any wedding, especially if you're looking for a long-sleeved wedding guest dress.

Best for Petites: For Love and Lemons For Love and Lemons Pros:

A large, seasonally rotating selection of styles

Typically shorter lengths across the range

Sizes XXS to XL offered

Cons:

Larger sizes tend to sell out quickly

Lingerie-inspired styles may not suit all tastes

Petite wedding guests rejoice in the flattering designs of For Love and Lemons, like the Jewel Maxi Dress ($319), which are practically tailored to complement smaller frames and ideal for those seeking a semi-formal wedding guest dress. Embracing femininity and romance, their dresses feature delicate lace, whimsical details, and tailored silhouettes that accentuate your curves in all the right places.

Best for Plus Size Wedding Guest Dresses: ASOS ASOS Pros:

Large selection of styles

Sizes 12-26 offered in plus size section

Cons:

Quality may vary across the brands

Celebrate diversity and inclusivity with ASOS's extensive range of plus-size wedding guest dress options, including a generous size range with its Pretty Lavish Raleigh Cowl Back Maxi Dress ($130 $97.50), ensuring every wedding guest feels confident and beautiful. From trendy styles to classic silhouettes, ASOS offers a selection of dresses designed to flatter and accentuate curves, allowing guests to embrace their individuality with fashion-forward looks.

Best for Formal Wedding Guest Dresses: Revolve Revolve Pros:

Fast and reliable shipping

Designer brands carried

Styles tend to be of high quality

Cons:

Size ranges tend to be limited

Make a lasting impression at formal or black-tie weddings with Revolve's glamorous and fashion-forward dresses. Featuring sleek silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and intricate details, much like this NBD Luna Gown ($278), Revolve offers an unparalleled selection of dresses that exude sophistication and allure.

Best for Maternity Wedding Guest Dresses: PinkBlush PinkBlush Pros:

Large selection of maternity styles

Use the promo code ONEDAY30 for 30% off your order

Carries plus-size styles

Cons:

New styles only a couple of times a year

Embrace motherhood in style with PinkBlush's elegant and comfortable maternity wedding guest dress, like the Pink Mesh Tiered Long Sleeve Maternity Maxi Dress ($86), for example, tailored to accommodate your growing bump with flair. From flowing maxi dresses to chic cocktail options, PinkBlush offers a range of designs that prioritize both style and comfort, allowing expectant mothers to feel beautiful and confident on special occasions.

Best for Wedding Guest Cocktail Dresses: Adrianna Papell Adrianna Papell Pros:

Large selection of wedding guest dress-specific styles

Higher quality than fast fashion labels

Sizes 0-20 offered

Cons:

Prices are slightly higher than competitors

Elevate your wedding guest look with Arianna Papell's chic cocktail dresses, like this floral sequin beaded dress, designed to make a statement with sophisticated silhouettes and intricate details. Whether you prefer timeless classics or contemporary trends, Arianna Papell offers a range of options to suit every style and occasion, ensuring you exude elegance and charm. Perfect as a fall or spring wedding guest dress.

Best for Casual Wedding Guest Dresses: Free People Free People Pros:

Fast and reliable shipping

Easy to find and shop in person

New styles many times a year

Cons:

Sizes vary by style

Typically shorter lengths may not suit all shoppers

Embrace bohemian flair and laid-back elegance with Free People's collection of casual dresses, like the Louise New York Marie Dress ($489), ideal for a relaxed and effortless wedding vibe. From flowy maxi dresses to breezy sundresses, Free People offers a range of effortless styles that capture the spirit of carefree romance. This dress is cute for a beach wedding guest dress or a casual wedding guest dress as it's très demure.

Best Trendy Wedding Guest Dresses: FWRD FWRD Pros:

Fast, reliable shipping

Large selection of styles

Large, seasonally rotating sale section

Cons:

Designer prices are often high

Designer size ranges are often limited

Stay ahead of the curve with FWRD's trendy dresses, showcasing the latest in fashion-forward designs for the style-savvy wedding guest. From bold prints to statement silhouettes, like with the Norma Kamali Long Sleeve Deep V Gown, FWRD offers an eclectic mix of dresses that capture the essence of contemporary chic. So plan ahead for those black-tie wedding guest dresses.

Best Wedding Guest Dresses on Amazon: BTFBM Amazon Pros:

Affordable pricing

Fast shipping

Sizes XS to XXL offered

Cons:

Quality may vary by style and size

Explore affordable and stylish options with BTFBM's collection of dresses, including this chic Grace Karin Ruffle Mermaid Dress ($32), conveniently available on Amazon for easy shopping and accessibility. Whether you're searching for a classic silhouette or a trendy statement piece, BTFBM offers a diverse range of options to suit any wedding style or theme.

Best for Modest Wedding Guest Dresses: Simple Retro SimpleRetro Pros:

Affordable pricing

Often has a sale (save 30% now with the code SR30)

High quality for the price

Cons:

Size options very limited

Shipping can take up to 20 days

Embrace understated elegance with Simple Retro's collection of modest dresses, perfect for guests seeking refined and demure attire for any wedding occasion. From timeless classics to contemporary interpretations, such as the Ariella Round Neck Puff Sleeve Dress ($59). Simple Retro offers a range of dresses that prioritize modesty without sacrificing style. It's like Reformation, with an affordable twist.

Best Rental Wedding Guest Dresses: Rent the Runway Rent-the-Runway Pros:

Designer options available at little cost

Ability to purchase styles at a discount for members

Can exchange styles an unlimited amount of times

Fast and reliable shipping

Cons:

Can only rent for a certain amount of time (depending on your subscription)

Some styles may show mild wear and tear

Enjoy the ultimate flexibility and variety with Rent the Runway's rental service, offering access to designer dresses for a fraction of the price (like this Badgley Mischka Royal Blue Draped Gown). Whether you're attending multiple weddings or simply seeking a one-time statement piece, Rent the Runway allows guests to experiment with different styles and trends without the commitment of purchasing.

Best for Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses: Nordstrom Nordstrom Pros:

Designer options

Plus-size friendly

Tailoring options for Nordy members

Cons:

Not every item has reviews, so it's difficult to know how something will fit

Has Nordstrom ever given us anything that wasn't upscale or chic? We don't think so, and did you know the retailer also has a wedding shop? It's true, and it's filled with options for wedding guests. From gowns to lacy maxis, even the sundress options feel luxe. Best of all, they're affordable, especially considering the designer picks and higher-quality options.

Best for Beach Wedding Guest Dresses: Mango Mango Pros:

Minimalist but elegant designs

Looks under $200

So, you've been invited to a beachside wedding? Lucky! Also, maybe shop for your dress at Mango? It has a variety of pretty options in lightweight fabrics, which is what you want for ceremonies in a warmer climate. None of the styles are over the top, so you'll be able to wear whatever you choose again for another fancy occasion, even if that occasion is a hot date!

Best for Bohemian Wedding Guest Dresses: Anthropologie Anthropologie Pros:

Filter by wedding type option

A variety of styles, skirt lengths and prints

Cons:

Not every item has plus size options

Weddings are meant to be fun, so we like the idea of wearing a fun and flirty frock. Anthropologie has plenty of those, and then some! While many of the items in the retailer's dress catalog may work, we strongly suggest checking out the wedding guest section. There you have the choice to filter by wedding type and style, making the whole shopping process a touch easier.

Best Feminine Flair Wedding Guest Dresses: Petal & Pup Petal & Pup Pros:

Flirty, girly options

Fits true to size

Comfortable, well-made fabrics

Cons:

Limited plus-size options available

One of our favorite clothing brands, unlocked. Petal & Pup fits true to size and offers a variety of wedding guest dresses that have that feminine flair and girly style that's oh-so-elegant. Options like the Arlo Midi Dress ($89) are timelessly photogenic, and any head-to-toe number you reach for will turn heads at your next wedding with the cutest wedding guest cocktail dress.

Best Wedding Guess Dresses Under $100: H&M H&M Pros:

Sizes up to XXL

Simple pieces that are easy to dress up with accessories and shoes

Cons:

Items may not be as durable or long-lasting as those from other retailers

Maybe you're someone's date. Or, maybe you have other things to spend your money on besides a new dress. If so, H&M has your back. It has plenty of choices that won't break your wallet. Although none are as extravagance as several other retailers on our list, they're still nice, and can also be worn to things like graduation, dates or other events where you want to look your best. A great selection as a modest wedding guest dress and very classy.

What is the best dress code for attending a wedding?

You've been invited to a wedding — hooray! Now it's time to figure out what to wear.

Many couples include the dress code in the invitation. However, if it's not mentioned, most wedding attire falls into one of five categories:

Formal or Black Tie: These types of weddings typically call for women to wear floor-length gowns or fancier style cocktail dresses, such as ones with sequins or embroidery detail. Men wear dark suits or tuxedos.

Semi-Formal/Cocktail Attire: While black ties are not required at these types of weddings, guests are still expected to wear elevated clothing. Traditionally, men wear dark suits, while women opt for longer or midi-length dresses. Accessories and colors will be dependent on the season, time of the wedding, and what the bridal party is wearing.

Theme Specific: Based off someone's cultural background, the dress code may require guests to wear or avoid a specific type of clothing or color. At Indian weddings, for example, it's discouraged for women to wear red, because that is the color the bride wears.

Destination: The season and location matter. Although it's best to defer to whatever dress requirements the bridal party has declared, it's generally acceptable to allow the weather and venue to influence what outfit you choose. For a beach wedding, for example, it's appropriate to wear a maxi or sundress. Men can choose lighter fabrics for their suits, such as linen, and ties may be optional.

Dressy-Casual: This type of wedding attire is exactly what it sounds like. Although no one is expected to wear a tux or sequin gown, jeans or shorts are not appropriate. It's important that your clothing signal you're still attending a special event. For men, chinos or dress slacks paired with a button-down work well. For women, sundresses, flowy skirts or even pants or jumpsuits can do.

While the above guidelines will steer you to the right retailers to find the best wedding guest dress for you, it's always wise to check with the bride or a member of their party if you're truly not sure.

Is it okay to wear black to a wedding?

It's absolutely okay to wear black to a wedding. The color is universally flattering and no longer solely associated with mourning. As long as you keep in mind any bridal requests, as well as the wedding venue and dress code, you should be good to go.

If you're going to a formal wedding, we suggest considering this slinky but sophisticated number from Net-A-Porter. The KHAITE Nonya Crepe Maxi Dress ($4,400) is perfect to dance the night away in, and you can definitely wear it more than once!

Another LBD we like (especially since it's an affordable dupe to the above) is the Lovers and Friends Odessa Gown ($190). It has a similar side split and neckline but also has some ruching for extra detail.

For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America's go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We're not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren't already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we're known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.

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