wedding attire

Signature Style- Wedding Guest Dressing

April 12, 2022 By kimwheeler 22 Comments

Hello it’s that time again for our monthly style report with Cindy and Sarah. This time we thought it might be helpful to chat about wedding guest attire since 2.5 million weddings are happening this year in the U.S… the most since 1984, according to the NYTimes. So many of you may be attending a wedding this year. Since I begun this blog in 2011, the question I get most persistently is, ‘what to wear to a wedding?’

I haven’t been to a wedding since before the pandemic. Here with Max above at an outdoor wedding in Carmel Valley. I wore a one shoulder dress which felt chic and perfect for the day. (Dress was Ralph Lauren from a few years ago similar here, here, and here.)

Invites often tell you the attire, which is helpful, and can be stressful, so let’s navigate shall we?

Cocktail is the most common and a step below semi-formal, but now there are destination weddings, beach nuptials and more. First of all, take into account the venue. If you need more, this chart by Bride’s magazine and accompanying article will help you decode the particulars. This kind of says it all.

Start by planning ahead!

Take the time to pull looks together at least a month before.

What we all want most of all, is to be appropriate, look good and be comfortable. It’s wonderful if you can find something in your closet that is lovely and hasn’t seen an outing in the past few years. Try on all you have in a good full-length mirror. While in that mirror, take some pictures of you in the outfit with different accessories. Often what I like in the mirror, I dislike in the camera. It’s good to evaluate. Maybe all you need is an updated pair of sandals or a clutch. If you own beautiful things, rewear them!

Here I am in three dresses I love that have been gathering dust in my closet. I made these work for a daytime wedding with the addition of a clutch ( I have a little collection of them) and some nicer sandals and dressy earrings. I added my tribal pearls I have had forever, which dress things up. Obviously it looks like I gravitate toward pink and florals..

Sometimes though, we just need new or updated. You may have avoided shopping the past couple years, like many of us and even stopped shopping, like a few friends have confessed. If so, it’s time to add something to your wardrobe you will hopefully wear more than once, so go for classic and quality!

A few tips

Classics that will work for a cocktail to semi-formal and beyond are dresses that hit knee or a bit above or midi. What always flatters are pretty colors and patterns or florals. Try to avoid white or the color of the wedding party.
If you go with a printed dress, go with simpler accessories and shoes. . And on the same note, a simple dress could be made fun with a printed clutch, a cool shoe or flamboyant earrings.
Ask yourself is this an elevated look? It should feel special and not something you’d wear day-to day.
Stockings are optional now, but wear what feel good to you. Examine your look for the need for support like Spanx. Some dresses definitely look better with support layers.
Expect pictures will be taken. It’s nice to have a memory of these special days so bring your best you and get your hair freshened up, do your makeup, nails and so on.

For cocktail as well as day ceremonies..

I’m trying to give options that work for all body types and ages. Here’s what stood out to me of recent collections. Feel free to comment and make suggestions!

I love this bell-sleeved crepe dress by Caroline Rose, which comes in three colors. I have a beautiful crepe dress like this with almost identical sleeve and it still is the nicest dress in my closet. Crepe always is your friend and skims the body, falls beautifully and flatters. This shape is modern yet still dressy and the price is good for a closet classic at $295.

I also love this Trina Turk one shoulder Dress, and Rickie Freeman Shirtdress..

This Milly Brushstroke Dress, and Eliza J Ruffle Dress..

Also nice is this Eliza J floral number, and this cute Cece tie sleeve shift in 6 colors in Plus sizes,

I kind of think this gold dress could be nice for mother of the bride or groom, and this pink one is lovely too.

For formal affairs and black tie

I have zero experience with this kind of wedding, but my stylish pal Juliet does. She just attended the weekend wedding festivities of her stepson Kyle and she documented it all including her events and all the accessories. You can find Juliet’s post here if you missed it. I love her look here- long dress and the gold jacket topper! California chic.

There are many formal choices curated here at Neiman’s and also at here at Bloomingdale’s for fancier weddings and events. A few formal looks that caught my eye – this dreamy dress by Ramy Brook and this blue Chiara Boni dress…

The countryside/ beach or casual wedding

These weddings are growing in popularity and many have opted for small more impromptu weddings the past year or so. The nice thing is you can get more festive with your look and go floral, boho, long or short. You can feel more free to be creative with your ensemble at these types of weddings.

Some choices in this category this Cinq a Sept in blue and this colorful look by Staud..

..a tiered color block look, and a one shoulder Santorini dress.

From Anthro offerings are this square neck maxi from and this one shoulder look …

This pretty floral dress below, can go from casual to dressier. Everyone should have something like this in the closet as a go-to. All the Anthro dresses I showed here, and many others include plus sizing and petite. Anthro also has the most wonderful wedding looks for brides, attendants and guests- which you can find here.

Another new brand that I like is Ba&sh (not a typo), which has some lovely dresses like this below, and also has a borrow option, so for example you can borrow this dress for $69 and return after or have the option to buy. Very cool idea and so much greener than buying things you might not wear again, and easier on the budget

I also love Tuckernuck for very girly dresses and cute accessories. This Ulla Johnson dress is darling.. All the Tuckernuck wedding looks are curated by venue and with accessories here.

Let’s talk accessories

Good news the block heel is in and they are lot more comfy than your old school stilettos which I don’t even think I can or wish to wear anymore. These block heels work with dresses of all types so I am choosing to highlight them as they can be worn on many occasions and are a modern update for your closet as well…

Stutz block heel / Dolce Vita sandal/ Staud sandal/ Ully block heel /J.Crew rosegold sandal.

I rarely wear heels, so last year I saved my money and splashed out on Valentino Rockstud slides. I saw a woman wearing these with the prettiest maxi dress and they looked so elegant, I though they could be my new shoe for dressy events. Love them! One of my favorite items in my closet, comfy and they travel well too.

I also love a pearl for weddings and these pearl hoops kind of bridge the modern and formal, these flower earrings in many colors, and these drops and these inside out Nadri hoops come in many sizes and gold or silver, and these cultured freshwater pearl drops, and raffia/pearl drops.

A small bag or clutch is important and can make your look. Don’t try and bring a tote or your everyday bag. This is the time to look sleek and holding a pretty jewel of a clutch is fun.. A few that are worth collecting….

This Chrysanthemum Clutch by Trina Turk, Sondra Roberts Woven Clutch, Loeffler Randall Mini Clutch, Staud Small Bean Bag, Cult Gaia Rattan Box Clutch, Crystal Gathered Clutch, Aqua Checked Box Clutch, Sondra Roberts Metal Mesh Clutch, Wicker Wings bag.

Well, thats my small take on wedding attire… I will update this post as we move through the wedding season!

Please go see what my lovely pals have for you about spring wedding today on their blogs. I always love what they share..

Cindy Hattersley

Sarah London Style

Thanks for being here!

Kim

You might also like last month’s Signature Style post on Sunglasses and Readers.

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Shop some of the looks I mentioned and a few more..

What to wear to a Summer Wedding or Occasion II

June 5, 2013 By kimwheeler No Comments

Kate Moss attending a wedding.

Summer is coming fast and along with that so many special events. That means weddings, graduations, reunions and vacations. I’m thinking that is why one of my most popular and older posts is what to wear to a Summer wedding… It can be a bit stressful finding the right thing to wear that is flattering and is appropriate. Sometimes you aren’t happy with your body or your closet.

Try not to worry. Remember the most attractive people are those who are confident and fun. It’s never the thinnest or ones wearing the most expensive clothes! Heck I personally think it’s the women who think out of the box and wear something older or vintage or totally different that impress me!

Jessica Alba is perfect here for a Summer wedding.

The thing is you need some time to plan what you are going to wear to any special event. You probably shouldn’t be looking the night before! Go through your closet a few weeks prior. This may be a good time to do a Spring cleaning out. Try on all your potential outfits. See what fits, what still works and what needs to go. Be ruthless. Take a good look at what you still love and has lasted. Notice what flatters you and forget trends. Know what you feel good in. That way if you need to shop you have some idea of what works for you. You won’t buy something just like you already own or buy something that just doesn’t flatter.

I just did this and for me I noticed the dresses and things that I still love and have lasted were J Crew. I also noticed shift dresses stay in style and I have several that are over 20 years old. One is a raw silk sleeveless shift with pockets and a scalloped hem from Ann Taylor. Also sadly, some dresses like halters no longer look great on me. I honestly look better more covered up than showing all my moles and spots off. I realized the most flattering length for me is right above the knee.

I purged my closet of 6 bags of clothes that had been there a while. It felt great to have a clean closet and smaller wardrobe. Everything had to fit perfect and be really loved. Shopping after doing this was surprisingly easy. I came home with nothing the first few trips because I knew exactly what I had and that I didn’t want to add anything that wasn’t going to be just what I needed. Loving this white bracelet, but…got one already! Another striped top was darling and hey I already own about 5. You get where I am going. It felt liberating to walk out of stores with nothing.

Time is crunched this part of the year so I have resorted to online shopping and it’s been amazing how many store I can hit from the couch. I’m especially enticed by the free shipping and returns at Nordstrom. You really have nothing to lose. I also find I can tell by the models body type if something is going to flatter me or not. I also read the customer reviews on items at the bottom of the page. Some customers state their height, weight, size and body type and will let you know is someting is too big or tugs or they had to order a size up. Very helpful.

Kate Bosworth in a floaty dress, clutch and pretty sandals at a wedding.

Another friend who is short on time calls the personal shopper at her local Nordstrom and they have many choices in her size already waiting for her along with possible shoes and bags. It’s all complimentary and many store have this. If you hate shopping or just can’t find the time, use these services! It’s just like when the stars use a stylist. They do the same for you. It’s great to have the opinion of someone who puts together clothes all day long. They know what works and what doesn’t! It’s free. You tell them your budget and they will work on making you look good within it.

I’ve linked to some of my favorite picks of all the pretty things out there this season. I have to say I spent some serious time online and there are more dresses than ever. I particularly like the sites that have culled certain dresses together and grouped them as wedding guest dresses. Makes it way easier. Nordstrom was one in particular and you can find it here.

For a Summer wedding the easiest option is a lovely dress, a pretty clutch and a small wrap or scarf to drape on your shoulders. Notice below. She’s got chic hair, small bag (don’t even thing of bringing your regular daytime shoulder bag), wrap or sweater, dressier earrings and pretty shoes. Simple.

In my search for a dress for my son’s graduation and to pack on my travels, I came across quite a few that are perfect for many occasions. I’m sharing some of my favorites and hopefully there is a link to each one on the description should you want to buy or find out more information!

Michael Kors at Nordstrom

One of the day looks that is flattering on almost everyone is the shift dress and if it has a print you can pair it some terrific wedges or a bright clutch for a graduation. I’d skip a necklace and add some larger drop earrings. Love this Michael Kors.

Trina Turk

A sleeveless shift here from Trina Turk is paired with flesh tone pumps. Some bright thick bracelets would look great with this.

J Crew

I’m loving this J Crew dress which is currently on sale and also comes in a coral. You can glam this up for evening with silver accessories or make it more day wedding appropriate with strappy sandals, a bright clutch and fun earrings.

Laundry at Bloomingdales

Have to admit, I’m loving all the prints and florals this year.

Carmen Marc Valvo at Neiman Marcus

Tory Burch

Modcloth

Nordstrom

This above, would be very cute on a young teen or pre-teen.

J Crew

DVF at Nordstrom

The lace trend is pretty and feminine. This DVF dress is perfection and also comes in navy and white lace over grey.

Vince Camuto

Eliza J- Nordstrom

Warm colors are so attractive on most people…

Sue Wong

Alice + Olivia at Neiman’s

I’m trying to include some sleeved items for those gals that want them like above. This would look great on anyone.

Ralph Lauren

One shoulder looks are flattering on many body types!

BCBG

Colorblock Tank Shopbop

Loving the blue this year as well.

Kate Spade at Nordstrom

Maxis dresses can be cute, but for a formal wedding, you’ll need to add heels and a wrap along with dressier hair if you plan on wearing one. The fabric shouldn’t be t-shirt material if you are wearing it to a formal event. Most maxis are beach and cover-up attire so keep that in mind and I don’t think I need to say here that flip-flops are not an option-unless it’s a beach wedding..Then anything goes!

Nordstrom

Lili Pulitzer at Bloomingdales

Patio Cross- Back dress – Banana Republic

Ralph Lauren at Nordstrom

This could be cute for a younger gal as well as a stylish mature lady…Don’t want to forget them.

Lili Pulitzer at Bloomingdales

Have fun whatever you do! Remember the fun people are always the most attractive no matter what they have on.

Do you have a go to you wear for weddings or do you shop for each occasion? Love to hear what all you ladies out there do!

Kim

What to Wear to a Summer Wedding

May 11, 2012 By kimwheeler No Comments

The Middleton sisters attending a wedding. I love their style.

Are you attending a wedding this season? I am lucky enough to be invited to two this Summer. One is this weekend for my cousin Jill. I am very excited yet a bit stressed about getting my outfit together. It’s an evening wedding and so, a bit fancier than the usual. After getting my two boys and husband’s outfit’s together, I am left with no time to think of myself. Yikes! I trolled the internet for advice or images on what to wear and I tell you, there’s not much out there. It’s every guest for himself and your own instincts. I think there was a cute column in Allure a while back titled: classy, crassy or trashy. For weddings, you should always try to go classy.

Let’s see a few guests.

Patty Hansen & Keith Richards at a wedding. I kind of love this dress. He may not be the best accessory. via REX

Let’s talk day weddings . With all these luscious fruity shades this Spring why not wear one?

This Valentino looks demure, but the sheer arms and shorter length make it appropriately sexy.

Maggie Boutique at Nordstrom.com

Vera Wang Lavender dress Neiman Marcus.com

This Nicole Miller dress really says summer to me. Neiman Marcus.com

Evening weddings require attire more in the cocktail spectrum and a bit of sparkle, lace and a little skin is okay or even expected.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren. This is gorgeous.

JS Boutique- Nordstrom. All you need with this is a sparkly clutch.

Lace is very chic now. This could look good on a lot of ladies. Adrianna Papell at Nordstrom.

This is pretty for a evening wedding with the chiffon and jeweled shoulder. JS Boutique. Nordstrom

Now remember go classy, not crassy or trashy. This means no white or even close to it. Not too much skin. This is not your high school reunion. If you would wear your dress to go out in Vegas, then maybe you need to rethink your choice.

Do only one or two sparkly accessories for evenings only and no pantyhose unless you are close to the Queens age. You need a wrap or cardigan for the church and cooler nights and try to bring a small evening bag. Clutches are perfect. I really like this Drew box clutch from Banana Republic and it does in a cream color too.

Men, let’s see some effort!! You need to wear a tie with a jacket. Yes, you do. Sorry I’ve been to too many California weddings where the men don’t. They just look scrappy. Do you know how handsome you look dressed up? I’m training my men early. Exhibit A: