What to wear to a wedding?
It is a minefield of decision-making.
It’s not our day, we are not the main attraction but still, a day of celebration requires some thought. Circa now what we wear to a wedding means pretty much anything goes. Even in the case of black tie formal wear. Once upon a day, a black tie meant exactly that for the men and a long evening gown for the women, with no exceptions. Now a formal affair can see everything worn from shorts to cat-suits, from minis to long and uneven hemlines. Worn with flair, anything goes.
Remember when black was a no, no and white the major crime?
Now oftentimes the bridesmaids wear dark and there is absolutely no taboo about black outfits being worn. I’m old fashioned and would never wear white or cream as a guest unless requested – In Europe it doesn’t seem to be a problem and cream can be a firm favourite, especially for the mother of the bride.
The rules have moved on and now if you feel right, wear it. So much easier, or is it?
These last few weeks I have thought about the “what to wear” question when it comes to weddings as I have a couple to attend and both are formal affairs. I’m not interested in a dress to wear once and never again. I want to look my best but there are also practicalities involved. Unless you are the mother of the bride or groom, there are ways to get around, “what to wear”. We not only want to be our best selves but also we must consider this as an opportunity to enhance our wardrobes.
Tips and Tricks To Help You Choose
Be You.
Don’t dress how you think you should; dress in what you love and what suits you. Wearing the frou frou if that’s not you or the tailored if that’s your idea of waiter apparel will only make you squirm. A wedding is a major celebration and our attention wants to be focused on what’s around not discomfort within. Follow your own style and stay individual. No need to panic, remember these days pretty much anything goes.
The Power of an Accessory.
An accessory, a new pair of shoes or a change in jewels can take the simple into the dressier with very little effort. On an upcoming trip, I will be wearing the same dress to three totally different events and style them differently each time. The shoes will change and the earrings will be on and off just as the bracelets will be. The long dingle dangles and heels will dress me up – the flats and an armful will bring me back down to earth.
Be Comfortable.
Wedding celebrations are generally long affairs. There is nothing worse than feeling awkward through discomfort. Take the lower heels to change into when the toes start screaming; stash a shawl for later if it is an outdoor event. And watch those pinching earrings – I don’t know about you but once my earlobes start aching nothing helps. If they are a delicate balance and you must wear them try not to touch or move their position. The same goes for my hair, once it is up or tied back i can’t change it.
Dresses are my answer to the what-to-wear-as-a-wedding-guest question.
Why?
I can dress them up for the occasion and dress them down for every day. As much as I would love to go “gala” it is too impractical. I want to wear a dress, slightly longer than mid-calf, that has the party impression without the impossibility of formality.
Fullness can do this – a fitted bodice and fuller skirt – or a longer sheath dress with an embellished style. One that is simple in shape but intricate in detail. The best part of choosing a dress is once you find the right one it is an easy option. Less to think about; more time for other things.
That’s where I started. xv
The ‘Wedding Guest’ Dress
run don’t walk
topshop plissé midi || topshop feather midi || alfred sung cocktail dress || js collections soutche lace
js collections soutche mesh || tadashi shoji lace tea-length || dodo bar or ruffle-trimmed lace
divine inspiration
lela rose bow waist || oscar de la renta leaf print || malene oddershede bach floral
roksanda sibella bow || hillier bartley short-sleeve silk || chufy embroidered kimono || co bubble-sleeve
image, the style co australia
