You're going to a wedding - but what to wear?
Possibly nothing incites more wardrobe angst than receiving a wedding invitation. Yes, all that love and romance and life-long commitment is wonderful, but ohmigod, what am I going to wear? There's usually more to a wedding than just the big day too: whether it be the hen's do, bridal shower or engagement party, each occasion requires its own special outfit. Here are some tips and ideas.
THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY
A celebration of the celebration to come requires something special, but not too special that you run out of things to wear to the main show (that would be the wedding). Think something simple but sophisticated, like Cybele's draped "Mazarin" dress or a simple printed shift from Helen Cherry.
THE HEN'S NIGHT
Well, it all depends on what sort of night you're in for, so make sure to ask whoever it is who is in charge of organising the bride's "last night of freedom" for guidance. This is the night where the bride and guests can let their hair down, so something fun and sexy is more than suitable - like Madame Hawke's "Bouncy" dress or Karen Walker's ruffles. Wear something that you would normally wear on a night out - but nothing too short, so you can dance on tables, and nothing too restrictive, so you can swing around a stripper's pole. And if there's a theme, embrace it - no one likes a party pooper!
THE BRIDAL SHOWER
Also known as the "kitchen tea", or the respectable pre-celebration for the mother of the bride and older friends and family members who aren't big on the idea of strippers, silliness or late night debauchery. Hence the need for something demure and feminine for when you're drinking tea, discussing things like wedding cake and making a dress out of toilet paper. Bridal showers may be more casual affairs than the wedding itself, but it's still an occasion - so make the effort to dress up a little. A pretty tea dress, girlish floral prints, simple pastel shades, a smart jacket and cute flats will all work whether it's at someone's house or high tea at an upmarket hotel - try Juliette Hogan's pretty pleated numbers, Twenty-seven Names' pretty and simple lace shift dress, or Sylvester's ruffle shirt dress.
THE WEDDING
Dressing for a wedding is a lot like dressing for the races - you need to look like you've made an effort, and your outfit must be "appropriate". And regardless of whether you're into the idea of fashion rules or not, sometimes you need to dress with respect for the occasion. A wedding is not the place to pull out that sexy dress that really shows off your cleavage, or your on-trend jumpsuit. A wedding is basically about dressing up to blend in - and not upstage the bride. It's all about her, so the best advice then? Dress for her. Ruby's pastel "Juliet" Sunday Best style dress would work for a Sunday church wedding, or Cybele's "Virtue" dress for something smart and structured. And yes, you can wear black, and pants are a modern and sophisticated take on smart wedding wear - try Kate Sylvester.
