Wedding guest fashion is a minefield. Fact. The first challenge is dressing appropriately for the occasion. The second? Actually liking your outfit.
Because for some reason that word, occasionwear, leads us (sartorially speaking) to places in which we would never have previously ventured. Entire stores, in fact, committed to coordinating shift dresses with matching fascinators and Pashminas. Is this really what tradition demands?
And how much were you planning to spend on said ensemble? You can only wear it once because the only things that a fuchsia fascinator goes with are the equally fuchsia counterparts of its package look.
We say why not spend that money on things you actually want? Shop smart and you’ve just got four new amazing pieces to work into your everyday wardrobe. It's all in the breakdown, you see. Imagine the compliments, genuine envy, from your fellow guests (all dressed in protocol Pashminas) when they see you wearing… well, it’s just a more polished version of your regular amazing style. Because that’s what getting dressed up is really about, isn’t it?
The Church Wedding
Protocol states: Must look ‘church-friendly’. Must withstand cold drafts. Style solution: Classic courts don’t only come in nude. Inject punches of colour to your formal silhouette and whip off that crop jacket for the reception. Wear it again: Use someone else’s special day as an excuse to get something really special for yourself. That Mulberry mini bag will start its life as your confetti carrier for the day, but will accompany you to every lunch date, work function and birthday dinner hereafter.
Jacket, £59.99, Zara; Top, £30, River Island; Skirt, £120, Reiss; Shoes, £250, Kurt Geiger; Bag, £495, Mulberry
The City Wedding
Protocol states: Tailoring for the town hall. Style solution: This season’s structured culottes and board shorts were designed for an occasion like this. Metallics enhance the vibe. Wear it again: Try the shorts at work with a grey jumper and sharp black heels, or for drinks with a silk vest and wedges.
Shorts, £110, Topshop Unique; Waistcoat, £24.99, H&M; Shoes, £185, Whistles; Clutch bag, £220, Lanvin; Shirt, £28, Miss Selfridge
The Garden Wedding
Protocol states: Must not sink in grass. Style solution: Block heels or a substantial wedge are essential. Florals are allowed but make them more exciting with an exaggerated scale print and offset them with stripes. Wear it again: Team that dress with flats and a leather biker for work, or just a pair of sliders on your summer hols.
Dress, £170, French Connection; Shoes, £55, Coast; Clutch, £85, Michael Kors; Choker, £8, ASOS; Blazer, £69.99, Zara
The Beach Wedding Protocol states: There will be heat (hopefully) but also sand to contend with. Style solution: Easy breezy minimal fuss. The right sunglasses will make this look. Wear it again: Festivals, holidays, or just sunny days out – throw that luxe kimono over everything from bikinis to jeans.
Dress, £30, Warehouse; Sunglasses, £40, Le Specs; Kimono, £412, Athena Procopiou; Floral headband, £6, Monki; Shoes, £28, River Island
And, if you’re just going to the reception…
Protocol states: You’re going to a party, but it’s really still the daytime. Rocking up in a sparkly mini, then desperately pulling it down to your knees when you realize that the bride’s grandmother is jiving in her Sunday best, is never a good look. Style solution: Strike the balance. Antipodium's pleated skirt has it all – formal length and party shimmer. Wear it again: Team the skirt with a plain white tee and flats for a date, wear those heels for every important meeting at work and take the candy-coloured box bag for a day at the seaside.
Skirt, £195, Antipodium; Top, £215, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania; Shoes, £19.99, New Look; Bag, £30, River Island Find even more wedding guest outfits...