Every female wedding guest asks herself the same question, “What am I going to wear?!?” We agonize, plan, research, and start shopping for the perfect outfit months in advance. But who can blame us, especially in cases where the said nuptials are bringing together lots of old friends, boyfriends, and/or husbands. No matter how great Demi and Bruce get along you know she wanted to look amazing at this past weekend’s wedding!

To alleviate some of the ivory-induced anxiety, here’s a quick What to Wear Guide for the upcoming wedding season.

The Invitation says: “Beach Wedding”

Think airy, romantic, and easy. A beach wedding is the epitome of relaxed soft beauty and romance. Your look should be exactly the same.

Cheesy quote to shop by: “If your hair doesn’t budge, you picked the wrong dress”

Quick Shopping Tips:
Favorite silhouettes: Silk and cotton jersey maxi dresses, high quality cotton eyelet dresses. Something that looks good with a flat sandal, espadrille or barefoot.

Top designers to check out for something easy breezy: Ella Moss, Rachel Pally

Accessorize: Flat sandals are an absolute key. For those who MUST have a heel, you have to wear an espadrille, anything else will look absolutely ridiculous and you’ll be the stupid girl whose heels get stuck in the sand. Keep a beachy glow and easy hair either loosely tied back or flowing free in the wind. Avoid fancy updos (aka same stupid girl whose heels are stuck in the sand).

The Invitation says: “Cocktail”

Think flirty, fun, and sophisticated. Avoid adjectives such as sexy. Please don’t be the wedding guest in the short short, tight tight.

Cheesy quote to shop by: “Black is fine, white crosses the line.”

Quick Shopping Tips:
Favorite silhouettes: Silk bias cut, one-shoulder or strapless. Silk Jersey halters and wrap dresses. Need sleeves? Go with a cap sleeve and/or pair a Charlotte Tarantola cardi with a basic dress for a little wardrobe energy boost.

Top designers to check out for something unique: Plenty Frock! by Tracy Reese, Susana Monaco, Bailey44, Laundry by Shelli Segal, Milly, and Nougat London.

Oldie, but goodie: BCBG Max Azria (you may match at least 3 other people at the wedding though so don’t say you weren’t warned.)

Accessorize: Use an alternating pop of color with your shoes. Example: Pair a silk turquoise one-shoulder with a long gold link chain and a canary yellow heel. Avoid black shoes this time of year- too heavy and boring.

The Invitation says:  “Black Tie“

Think elegant, classy, and graceful. Imagine a gorgeous ballroom twinkling with candlelight and overflowing with decadent flower arrangements only Colin Cowie could dream up. You want to be the perfect accent to this gorgeous affair, not the one the bride wishes she could Photoshop out of her pics.

Cheesy quote to shop by: “Long is in, synthetics never win”
This is one of the few times in your life you can wear a long gown and while it’s acceptable to wear a shorter dress on some occasions, why not embrace the black tie and just rock it.

Quick Shopping Tips:
Favorite silhouettes: Chiffon empire-waisted gowns, silk charmeuse gowns, high quality silk jersey gowns. Need sleeves? Pair with a smooth or raw silk wrap or a pashmina (avoid any tassle like detail – keep it clean) rather than trying to add a cardigan or jacket. Stay away from synthetic fabrics which will just end up looking cheap and prom-like.

Top designers to check out for something beautiful: Nicole Miller, Laundry by Shelli Segal, Max Azria

Accessorize: Keep it simple, a turquoise and metallic silk gown paired with a gorgeous metallic heel, simple straight drop earrings and an excellent bronzer glow are all you need to turn heads the right way at a black tie wedding.

Hope this guide helps you on your hunt. If you have an questions regarding the items above or any other style questions, feel free to email me at ashley@ineedprettythings.com

Don’t forget to have a good time!

Cheers,

Ashley