I just love me a good wedding. I've been lucky enough to go to so many phenomenal ones over the years before the pandemic. It's an excuse to see friends and family and an opportunity to get dressed up for a day filled with love and fun. What's not to adore about that? I've been to three weddings in Spain (including my own), had a luxurious jaunt to Puglia, travelled to various parts of the British countryside and even enjoyed a few ceremonies in my home city of London.
Location: Leytonstone, London
What I Wore: Alexander Terekhov dress; Chloé sandals; Vintage bag
I was taking a trip down memory lane recently after finally attending a wedding again—scrolling through a huge back catalogue of candid shots my photographer husband has amassed—and I started to realise that there are three particular outfit formulas I turn to as a wedding guest (no matter the season or location). These two trusty ensembles save the day, and so I wonder if they might do the same for you too. With wedding season in full swing (and maybe you're on the lookout for a last-minute wedding guest outfit idea), take a look at the three formulas I reach for, and then shop some of my favourite picks to re-create your own versions in 2022. Just please excuse any shots where I may have had one too many glasses of prosecco…
WEDDING OUTFIT OPTION 1: THE PRINTED MIDI DRESS
There's nothing complicated or even unexpected about this time-trusted formula—it just works, with ease. I try to look for more unique prints in order to feel as considered as possible. So I'd probably steer clear of a more generic ditsy and opt in for a fruit print, louder flower or vintage motif.
Wedding Location: Mijas, Spain
What I Wore: Stella McCartney dress; vintage belt from my Mum; Dune sandals
Wedding Location: Puglia, Italy
What I Wore: Gül Hürgul dress; Mango earrings; Chloé sandals
Wedding Location: Leamington Spa, United Kingdom
What I Wore: Vintage dress; Mango earrings; Roksanda bag; Chloé sandals
Wedding Location: Iznájar, Spain
What I Wore: Alexander Terekhov dress; Burberry sunglasses; Dune sandals
SHOP MY PRINTED-DRESS PICKS
Never met a Zimmermann dress that wasn't cute! But also, after recently trying some on I realised just how well made they are.
This print! My heart! Rhode always serve up interesting florals in flattering shapes and this Lottie dress is no exception.
If you're looking for a more affordable but still unique printed option, may I suggest Never Fully Dressed? They have some unusual patterns and many of the pieces are available in plus sizes.
Celia B's joyful dresses are nothing short of extraordinary! I love that this one can be jazzed up for a wedding (just add gold everything) or worn on holiday (pop on some flip flops et voilá).
Subtle peekaboo with retro-look tropical florals… it's transporting me to a '60s holiday in Hawaii and I like it. Perfect for a destination wedding.
WEDDING OUTFIT OPTION 2: THE COLOUR-BLOCK DRESS
I'm not reinventing the wheel here, folks! Simply giving you the reassurance that a joyful, colour, plain-ish dress is totally suitable for a wedding in the countryside, city or abroad. I often default to red because it makes me happy and goes easily with white, gold or neutral accessories.
Location: Shropshire, England
What I Wore: Olivia Rose the Label dress; Ganni bag; Loeffer Randall shoes; By Alona necklace
Location: Los Angeles, US
What I Wore: Paper London dress; Wandler bag; Charles & Keith shoes
Location: Islington, London
What I Wore: Rejina Pyo dress and sunglasses; Ganni bag; Bobbies Paris sandals; Alighieri necklace
SHOP MY COLOUR-BLOCK DRESS PICKS
Such a pretty shade of green.
Don't wake me up from this dream!
I know you'd probably associate Reformation with chintzy florals but I'm a big fan of their plain pieces.
ASOS Design provides directional pieces for straight and curve sizes, and thank goodness for that!
Do you speak Taller Marmo? Try one on and you'll understand why they are a fashion language of their own—utterly dreamy.
WEDDING OUTFIT OPTION 3: THE SASSY-BUT-COVERED-UP LBD
Okay, I know this one is a little bit controversial because some brides feel it is inappropriate for guests to wear black to a wedding. However, when you're really in a bind and just want to feel chic, a LBD is normally the answer! You can either ask the bride or just read the room—she may not want to be bothered with such trivial details when neck-deep in planning stress!
Wedding Location: Stockbridge, United Kingdom
What I Wore: Preen by Thornton Bregazzi dress; Bionda Castana sandals
Wedding Location: Cotswolds, United Kingdom
What I Wore: H&M jacket; Opening Ceremony dress; Tabitha Simmons sandals
Wedding Location: Peterborough, United Kingdom
What I Wore: H&M dress; vintage belt; Topshop shoes
I could imagine another VB in this!
I know this seems almost too casual to even consider as a wedding guest dress but add a belt, earrings, a clutch and heels and it will absolutely be appropriate.
Self-Portrait's dresses fit like a dream and are such a pleasure to spend all day in.
This dress is going viral on TikTok but we spotted it weeks and weeks ago as SUCH a chic high street buy.
The kind of timeless style that will still look good for decades to come.
Up next, The Row's best investment buys.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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