Style Stop
By Linda Peavy
It’s wedding season! If you’re anything like me, though, no matter how glad you are for the happy couple, there’s only one thought that runs through your head when you first see that invitation: What should I wear?!
It can be harder than you think. You don’t want to be overdressed or underdressed, and, of course, you never want to outshine the bride. But fear not! Follow these dos and don’ts and you’ll always be nicely dressed for the nuptials!
DOs
- Ask the couple if they have any preference regarding what their guests should wear.
This inquiry will save a lot of time, money and drama. Your vision may not be the same as theirs, so just ask. The four most common types of weddings are:
Black Tie: Floor-length evening gowns, black ties, tuxedos
Consider the following:
Alex Evenings Ruffle Sequin Lace Formal Gown
Plus-Size Option:
Sydney’s Closet All Things Lace Formal Gown
Formal: Floor-length gowns, tuxedos optional, black suits acceptable
Pisarro Nights Beaded Mesh Column Gown
Plus-Size Option: Sydneys Closet Stunning Evening Dress
Semi-Formal: Below-the-knee dresses, dress shirts, slacks
Betsy & Adam Cape Sleeve Crepe Sheath Dress
Plus Size Option: Alex Evenings Plus Size Side-Tie Midi
Casual: Sundresses, collared shirts, khakis
Eliza J Floral Ruffle Trim Dress
Plus Size Option: Buxom Couture Print Tiered Shirtdress
- Consider the Location:
What you will wear to a destination wedding in Jamaica will, naturally, be much different than a black-tie wedding at the Waldorf hotel!
- Check the Weather. Then check it again. And again.
This is especially important if you live in a region where the weather swings between a blizzard one day and 80 degrees the next. And don’t forget about the wind! Nothing is more frustrating than spending a fortune on the perfect hairdo only to have it ruined by Mother Nature.
- Love Your Layers
Even during an indoor wedding, the temperature can fluctuate. Bring a lightweight cardigan or shawl for when you’re sitting down to dinner and cast it aside when it’s time to cut a rug on the dance floor.
Nordstrom Metallic Lightweight Wrap
- Wear Proper Fitting Undergarments and Shapewear
The last thing you want the bride to remember on her special day is one of her guests having a major wardrobe malfunction! Remember, you’re going to be moving around a lot (from the church to the reception hall, to the dance floor, etc.) so ask yourself what you’ll need to feel comfortable, no matter what you’ll be doing. Should your dress have a slip to keep it from riding up? Should you wear a strapless bra in case your shoulder straps slide off when dancing?
- Wear Comfortable Shoes!!!
Flats or wedges are usually your best bet to avoid a day-after emergency chiropractor appointment. If you can’t live without your heels, stick to kitten heels.
Naturalizer Vanessa strappy silhouette sandal
- Check out Bridesmaid Dresses
As long as you don’t wear the same color palette as the wedding party, bridesmaids dresses are pre-approved for wedding guest attire!
Sachin & Babi One Shoulder A-Line Gown
- Top it Off
Hats are back! Top off your beautiful choice with a fabulous hat.
DON’Ts
- Wear White
Or champagne. Or cream. Or ivory. Or even light shades of gold and tan.
- Wear Jeans
As obvious as this sounds, some guests today take the idea of a “casual” wedding much too literally. Instead of jeans, wear wide-leg pants, trousers or khakis. Instead of sneakers, wear ballet flats, lace-up sandals or ankle boots.
- Go Too Bold
Repeat after me: this is NOT your day! As tempting as it is to wear an all-over animal print or super bright sequins from head to toe, you will be competing to steal the bride’s thunder.
Instead, choose a more subtle dress and throw in a bold statement necklace, earrings, bracelet, or even shoes as a wink to your creativity.
HEIDI DAUS Double Tiger Necklace
- Show Too Much Skin
Too-short dresses, too-low-cut blouses, and see-through dresses are simply in poor taste, no matter what type of wedding.
Still not sure what to wear? Ask Linda in the comments section below!
Where to Shop:
- Aliceandolivia.com
- All Things Bridal, Solon
- Darla Foxx, Cleveland
- Eloquii.com
- Galleria Gowns, Highland Heights
- Net-a-porter.co
- Nordstrom
- Nordstrom Rack
- Radiant Bride, Rocky River
- Sachinandbabi.com
- Towardstore.com
- Zelieforshe.com
