Wedding Fashion Survival Tips
By Sarah Carlos
I don’t know about you, but nothing says summer more to me than weddings. The weather is beautiful, love is in the air, families get together, boom. Weddings. But finding the right outfit can be a challenge. Do you dress based on the couple’s personalities? Location? Time of day? It can be a hassle – a real challenge.
And when you are celebrating the union of a family member or close friend, the last thing you want to be worrying about is whether or not you look like your Aunt Mildred. Based on research, and, years of mistakes, I have come up with the ten most vital wedding fashion tips to make your summer weddings a breeze. So, go ahead, drink champagne and dance with the best of them!
1. Pay attention to the time. The time a ceremony takes place is an excellent gauge for how dressed up you need to be. Ceremonies that take place at or after six p.m. are considered black-tie, so when in doubt, dress up. Wearing a black floor-length gown is a sure fire way to turn heads and make a smashing entrance! Even if you overshoot, it is far better to be overdressed than under.
NOTE: Under NO circumstances should you EVER wear flip-flops. Even if your cousin is getting married on a beach, it looks tacky and can be construed as disrespectful.
2. Never wear a white dress. I know it sounds silly, but for years it has been understood if you show up wearing white to a wedding, it looks like you are trying to compete with the bride. I will say however, that white accessories are the best thing to invest in. White strappy sandals or pumps with a white clutch pair nicely with lavender, yellow, coral, and green – top colors for summer dresses.
3. Leave the minis at home. It seems very obvious, but there is always someone who makes this fatal mistake and spends the evening trying to cover themselves up. You will want a dress you can comfortably dance and move around in, so be sure to sit down in your dress in the dressing room before you buy and bust out some of your favorite dance moves!
4. Be careful with sundresses. Although sundresses are probably the most widely accepted attire for outdoor weddings, you have to be careful. Some can appear too casual due to childish embroidery of ducks, suns, flowers, etc. If you are going to go that route, pick a sundress with a more formal A-line cut, devoid of any plaid patterns, in a solid peach, light blue, or black. If it still appears to be a little too casual, dress it up with a neutral metallic pump and either pearls or diamonds.
5. Pick a department store over a popular chain. The worst feeling in the world is to look around a wedding and discover that there are four other people wearing YOUR dress. I know some of us are huge fans of popular chains like Banana Republic and Ann Taylor, but when it comes to weddings, you will want to stand out for your originality, not blend in with the crowd.
6. Never wear pantyhose. No matter what you have heard over the years, it is more proper to exposure your bare legs and refrain from wearing pantyhose, than to wear them. If you are worried your skin is too pale, pick up some Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer. It gives you a glow immediately, and if used daily, will develop into a natural-looking tan.
7. Floral patterns always win. If you would rather wear a skirt instead of a dress, a floral pattern is the way to go. Keep the top appropriate and elegant – no t-shirts — but with the right jewelry and pumps, a floral patterned skirt can look nicely pulled together.
8. Keep the jewelry simple. In terms of jewelry, less is definitely more. Wear either pearl or diamond studs with a nice bracelet or watch, and a simple necklace. You want the dress to do all of the talking – not the bling.
9. Wear comfortable shoes – your feet will thank you. To avoid cringing with every step, or worse – carrying around your shoes with you at the reception, make sure you find shoes that are as functional as they are stylish. I have always had luck with Nine West shoes. If you are on a tight budget, check out the TJ Maxx in Cool Springs. They have the best shoe selection of any TJ Maxx I have ever been to. And believe me, I have been to a lot!
10. 15-second test. When shopping or trying things on at home, remember that if it takes you more than 15 seconds to decide whether or not you like something, odds are, you won’t end up wearing it. An initial reaction is a far more accurate indicator of our true feelings than 15 minutes would be. (This test was handed down to me during my modeling days and has proven to be effective for me ever since.)
Have a fantastic, wedding-filled summer!
