Figuring out how to dress as a wedding guest can be difficult whether you’re male or female.
However, as well as our clothing and shoes, us girls also have to think about our hair, makeup and accessories.
And it can be quite stressful trying to tie everything together. Right?
That’s why it’s important to break each task down bit by bit.
Whether you’re attending a wedding in the summer heat or in the heart of winter, follow these tips so that you can look and feel your best.
(And party like it’s 1999 in style!)
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First and foremost, there’s no point dressing in a velvet dress and blazer if you’re heading to a summer wedding on a beach. Similarly, a short cocktail dress would look totally out of place at a snowy ski resort in Austria.
How to dress as a wedding guest 101: think about where the wedding will be held and what the weather is supposed to like before you plan your look.
And then you’re halfway through the battle, wedding-guest-outfit wizard.
Do you want to look elegant and refined? Are you wanting to rock something a little more trend-driven? Or do you want to wow the guests with your statement accessories?
Once you’ve decided on an aesthetic that suits you and your personal style, it’s just about finding something that aligns with it, whether this is a fashion-forward jumpsuit, a long sleeved evening gown or a floral maxi dress.
The trick is to invest in the perfect outfit separates and the rest will follow.
Dress – Ted Baker (similar here) / Shoes – Dune (similar here) / Clutch – Lipsy @ ASOS (similar here) / Earrings – Coast (similar here)
As well as considering the venue location and the look that you’re going for, it’s also important to shop according to what suits your frame.
For instance, I know there’s no point in me searching for a sleeveless frock when I severely dislike my shoulders and the tops of my arms.
Why? I’ll only spend the day agonising over every photo convinced that my arms look like they belong to Popeye and not me. (Sigh, the struggle is real.)
Instead, work out what kind of outfit is going to look the most flattering on your figure and shop specifically for it to avoid you feeling self-conscious on the day.
(And having to take the same photo 23 times!)
Spoiler alert: everybody has a certain set of colours that compliment their skin tone better than others.
Generally speaking, fair skin tones look fabulous in neutrals, pastels and jewel tones, whereas medium complexions can wear darker, bolder hues without feeling washed out.
Then, when it comes to deep skin tones, they can rock jewel tones, white, fuchsia, yellow and royal blue like there’s no tomorrow.
Essentially, if you discover your own personal colour palette, working out how to dress as a wedding guest suddenly becomes a whole lot easier.
Sometimes a simple accessory can put the perfect finishing touch on an ensemble and take you from drab to fab in a heartbeat.
In fact, for an occasion like a wedding where you’re encouraged to embrace your inner maximalist, accessories are a must.
That said, it’s about using them correctly and in moderation. Too many glitzy accessories can make a wedding outfit look seriously overdone, whereas too little can give off a carefree impression and make you look too casual.
If you want to do wedding accessories right, I’d suggest tying them into the aesthetic that you’re going for.
For example, for a wedding I recently attended, I decided I was going to go for a pretty, feminine look that was dressy but not too glamorous.
Why? Well, too much bling is just not me.
Therefore, I opted for a glittery gold clutch bag, glitzy earrings and two co-ordinating rings that were sparkly but not too OTT.
And you know what? I think these accessories aligned perfectly with my personal style.
Lastly, in addition to the right outfit and accessories, choose a wedding hairstyle and makeup look that compliments what you’re wearing.
You don’t want to wear an outfit that screams serious style statement to then completely ruin the aesthetic with locks that are scraggly and three days old, or makeup that gives the impression that you’re just popping to the supermarket.
Know what I’m saying?
Figuring out how to dress as a wedding guest is a common conundrum for any 21st century female.
However, it’s about taking the time and energy to work on each piece of the puzzle so that it comes together to form one heck of an awe-inspiring result.
Also, don’t be afraid to shop around and experiment with looks that you wouldn’t usually go for. This way, it won’t be long before you’re winning in the best wedding guest outfit stakes.
Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded The Trendy Tourist. In the last three years, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.