The greatest fashion mistake you can make (apart from upstaging the bride) is to don on a wow outfit, only to be let down by a worn-out bag or scruffy, scuffed shoes. The second mistake is to wear an outfit that is too tarty, or to wear heels which are so sky-high and impractical that you are in agony throughout the ceremony and almost crippled by the time you get to the reception.
Unless you have money to burn, choose a wedding outfit that suits the occasion but one where the whole ensemble can be worn again, with a few creative modifications and new fashion accessories. This is investment dressing as its best.
A woman’s wedding guest outfit no longer means having to put on a demure pastel skirt suit and a large floppy wide-brimmed hat. If you feel self-conscious in a hat then wear a floral or feathered headpiece, or one of this season’s gorgeous embellished headbands.
Fashion Rules for Summer Weddings
- Your shoes and bag should match. Satin is a hot item in shoes this season, a perfect fabric for a summer wedding.
- Carry a clutch purse rather than wear a shoulder bag. Choose one that neatly fits under your arm, to free up your hands when you are tucking into the wedding buffet and downing champagne.
- If you are likely to be teetering about on grassy lawns then bear this in mind, should you choose stiletto shoes. Summery espadrilles or wedges should be left at home, go for something more lady-like.
- If you want to make a very individual statement, they buy vintage. There is so much choice these days, from an ever expanding number of vintage stores, to some wonderful online sites.
- Hems should not be too short. If you don’t opt for a maxi length then go for one that finishes at the knee, the most flattering hem length, which will serve to elongate your legs.
- Wear a skirt suit, or a dress. A strapless or backless one should be covered with a fine capelet, shawl or wrap.
- Whilst some wedding rules have long-since gone out the window (like wearing black), it is still bad form to wear pants or a trouser suit, and wearing white should also be avoided, unless you have first checked with the bride-to-be.
- If you choose a little black dress, then spice it up with some brightly colored shoes and a bag. Black and white print dresses are safe; and provide a touch of class. The current craze for metallics is best avoided during the ceremony but is fine for the evening.
Gill Hart - Gill Hart is a fashion and image professional who specializes in women's fashion over 50.
