Dear Ask the Stylist
I’m going to a wedding this summer and want to wear a stunning dress (don’t we all?!). I don’t feel that I can do maxis (am short, though love heels) and like colour and structured shapes.
I’m put off by the sales but haven’t had a good look either so don’t know what’s out there and am considering the dress rental route.
Finding “the dress” for a summer wedding has to be the stress of our lives. And I’m only talking about going as a guest!
Everyone just wants to find an amazing dress that is comfortable for the whole day. I had a wedding recently and borrowed a dress from a good friend, so that’s always an option too.
Bearing in mind what you are looking for I found you three options:
Reiss, £169, €199
This fuschia pink dress is my favourite high street dress at the moment and if you like structure and colour, then this is for you. It has boning inside and is very Preen inspired.
DVF, €390, Netaporter
If your budget stretches to the designer end of the spectrum this DVF dress is super cute. Also it could be totally worn again with a leather or denim jacket over it!
Halston Heritage, €273.41 Netaporter
The label on everyone lips at the moment is SJP’s Halston Heritage. My fave dress from the collection so far is this gorgeous one shoulder print mini dress in silk-satin which makes it doubly on trend! Love it!! And, at this price, it won’t break the bank either.
Rent a designer dress for a wedding
For dress rental, try Covet.ie where you’ll find designer and vintage dresses. They even rent out wedding dresses (for brides!), hats, handbags and shoes.
Some other tips for finding the perfect wedding (guest outfit):
Beach wedding
The dress code here is less formal so go for a long silk maxi (take it up if you’re short) for the wedding itself – Monsoon is great for these but most of the shops are full of maxis at the moment.
Opt for glam kaftans for the rest of the holiday (Aftershock online or at House of Fraser have a great selection of cool Kaftans as does Malene Birger at the designer end of the scale). Complete the look with hippy luxe earrings and bejewelled sandals.
Country Wedding
Think feminine and soft. This season’s florals would be perfect, especially in pastel shades. High heels might look out of place (heels and grass don’t mix well), so try wedges or kitten heels instead.
City Wedding
Super brights would look perfect here – steer clear of dark colours to avoid being mistaken as going for a drink after work! Statement accessories would not look out of place at a city wedding.
Cocktail wedding
If it’s an evening ceremony then it’s your chance to turn up the glamour factor. That means lots of colour or base coloured dresses worn with “pop” coloured accessories. Go all out, but remember, that it is a wedding afterall, so watch out for your hemline and cleavage!
The “can I wear white?” rule
Guests’ wearing white at a wedding is a no no. Unless, of course, the bride is not wearing white herself or if it’s an informal do and the dress you’re wearing can’t be mistaken for a wedding dress!
Enjoy the wedding ladies!!
Ingrid x
Catch more of Ingrid’s style tips here.
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July 21, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Wow, Ingrid has seriously great taste and insight. Loving her work!
July 21, 2010 at 5:31 pm
FYI – the fuscia pink dress is sold out in Reiss Grafton Street – they have it in beige and Black but not as impactful. Maybe its available online..
July 21, 2010 at 6:14 pm
Thanks for checking mis jo jo. Yes it’s still online, in every size! shipping from the UK to Ireland costs £10.
August 31, 2010 at 5:20 pm
Hello you have great advice on the above article but wondering if you can advise what to do for a wedding taking place in Naples in September this year, my husband would love to wear a white linen suit and panama hat!!(I know…mid forties crisis maybe) and as I am not a fashion trend follower but more of a follower of hippy/vintage/bo ho styles I really need us both to look reasonably sane! Can you advise what we should do as a couple, can he hire such a suit to bring with us and what shall I go for. I know the church ceremony is at 3.30pm and all the guests go by boat to the church and then back to the reception at the hotel on the Sorrento coast. Love to know your thoughts on this tks Tess
September 1, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Hi Tess, am prepping an answer for you now.. will be published via an article asap
September 2, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Tess, here are some suggestions http://www.whatshewears.ie/index.php/2010/09/what-to-wear-to-a-wedding-in-italy/