What dress length for groom's grandmother?

Q: In August, my grandson will be married in a 5 p.m. church ceremony, followed by a reception at a country club. I am unsure whether to wear a long or short dress.

The two mothers and bridesmaids will be wearing long gowns. Although there may be no rules, I would like to wear what is most appropriate.

A: Generally, short dresses are worn for events that begin before 6 p.m. But that is not a hard-and-fast rule. If all the women in the wedding party are wearing long dresses, a grandmother is certainly important enough to do likewise.

You might ask the bride whether she has a preference for your dress length. If she does not, choose whichever length you feel most comfortable wearing.

CAMOUFLAGE FOR VITILIGO

Q: I have started to develop vitiligo on my face. It is a disorder that causes depigmentation of skin. The result is ugly whitish patches. My regular makeup does little to hide the blotches. Can you suggest a foundation or concealer that will hide the patches completely and blend with my natural color?

A: Do check with your dermatologist, who should have recommendations, and possibly even samples for you to try. Beyond that, there are a number of products that promise to cover a variety of blemishes, including vitiligo, and even tattoos. I have not used them, so cannot rate them. Here is a selection for you to test, along with Web sites where you can find detailed descriptions, prices and where-to-buy information:

ColorTration by Primary Color Foundation (colortration.com). The company offers a trial kit with six custom colors for $17, which is a handy bonus feature. To order the kit, call 1-888-350-4504.

Covermark Face Magic Foundation (covermark.com).

Keromask masking cream (keromaskconcealer.com).

Kamaflage Cover Cream (sachacosmetics.com).

Killer Cover Total Block Out Makeup (judithaugustcosmetics.com).

Max Factor Pan Stick Ultra Creamy Makeup (maxfactor.com).

Designer Shaping Cream Foundation or Lasting Silk UV Foundation, both by Giorgio Armani Beauty (giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com).

Dermablend Cover Creme Foundation (dermablend.com).

Fashion writer Jean Patteson can be reached jpatteson@orlandosentinel.com