The wedding guest outfit dilemma...
What to wear to a wedding, when you want to feel you and still adhere to the unsaid dress code rules!
Let’s talk wedding season! I was recently approached by a woman about what to wear to a wedding she had coming up. She was a little overwhelmed and stuck with ideas on what it was, that she should wear vs what she wanted to wear… I must confess I am too! Wedding season for me is well and truly done with, we’re now looking at divorces and separations season! But I do have one wedding coming up in precisely one and a half months and I’ve still not found anything, that I feel fits the bill. I’m thinking smart/put-together, but not so smart, that I don’t feel myself. I also want an element of ease and comfort and most crucially, the want to wear said outfit again for many seasons to come!
So what to wear to a wedding when it’s been years since you did the wedding run and if like me, you’re averse to anything too colourful. Especially pastel pinks, blues and yellow and you’re more attracted to light creams, off whites (I think its still traditionally frowned upon to wear any sort of colour that could be seen as competing with the bride!) and black! You also don’t do florals! So with that criteria set, the hunt is well and truly on!
First things first, lets set the mood…
I’m really loving sheer and loose, pleated layers; a more relaxed and slouchy, yet feminine silhouette. Effortless yet elevated with a little whimsy, but not cliché. You could add playful elements, to what is a very paired back dress or suit - in the form of accessories and jewellery, whether that be with colour, texture or shape.
Here’s my edit of what’s in the stores at the moment, I think there’s something for everyone keeping within the above mood. I hope this is of some help, if like me you’re finding it a difficult one to navigate. I also envisage this edit to not only satisfy the need for wedding dressing but all matter of spring/summer and early autumn occasions and events!
I’m personally erring towards a Toteme parachute skirt option (in my outfit set below) as I know I will get a lot of wear out of it, even in winter with boots… For now I would pair it back with a simple asymmetric top, chunky silver jewellery and my current obsession; snake print flat sandals. It’s a bit of an investment but when I look at it long term it makes sense to me!
I also like this Massimo Dutti long, pleated, silk skirt, paired with a chic deep red heel and tones of tan and bitter chocolate topped off with a wide brimmed straw hat - a little nod to a look I love on Kristin Scott Thomas, in Four weddings : ) I Possibly wouldn’t wear this skirt as much as the latter, but still a good option for outfitting with other pieces, I reckon it could look equally great worn with a simple white T, flip flops and oversize blazer for a more casual affair!
And on that note I leave you with my ultimate wedding season style inspiration and one of my all time favourite films… “you Charlie, it’s always been you”