Wedding season is on the horizon and we’ve got to admit, we love it. Seeing your friends or family members say ‘I do’ is undoubtedly a joyous occasion and hey, who doesn’t like a party?! Weddings are all about good vibes, great food and lots of dancing, but they’re also a chance for guests to get dressed up and celebrate with their loved ones. Dresses have become a go-to for most, but what if you’re just not that into them? Luckily there are plenty of alternatives to dresses that are just as appropriate for formal ‘dos. Here’s what to wear to a wedding if you’re over dresses.
The Evening Jumpsuit
In recent years, evening jumpsuits have become one of the most obvious alternatives to dresses; they’re chic, modern and look just as elegant. Since you’ve been invited to a wedding, choose romantic colours like dusty pink or ivory, especially if you’re going to the ceremony as well as the reception. Look out for lace accents or embellishments to keep your ensemble formal, and cover up in a kimono or sleek blazer jacket if the weather’s temperamental.
Timeless, Tailored Trousers
Just like jumpsuits, tailored trousers have readily become standard fare for formal dressing. Whether you go for cigarette trousers or choose a wide-leg silhouette, there’s something truly timeless about them. Again, try to stick to a more suitable colour palette; smart trousers in subdued hues like black, dark grey or even navy run the risk of looking too corporate for a celebratory event. Ivory trousers have a smart finish that still screams ‘party.’ Pair yours with metallics or pastels for a seasonally-appropriate finish.
The Sleek Shorts
Remember when Kate Moss wore an achingly cool short suit to the wedding of her pals Bobby Gillespie and Katy England way back in 2006? Well, in case you’ve forgotten, here’s all the photographic inspiration you need.
Whether you’ve been invited to a wedding or not, we’ll all be wearing city shorts this year – they’re set to be a huge trend for summer. But to make your smart shorts work for wedding season, choose a pair that’re perfectly tailored and make like Mossy by wearing yours with heels and a smart blouse or blazer.
Embroidered accents have a romantic appeal that’s perfectly suited to weddings. These delicately detailed shorts will take you from ceremony to soirée with ease.
The Party-Ready Playsuit
Playsuits are great alternatives to cocktail dresses. Lace is a lastingly elegant choice for weddings, though the simple silhouette and wearability of this romper means you’ll be pulling shapes on the dance floor all night long – even if it means kicking off your heels.
The Power Suit
The best thing about the tailoring is the versatility of it. You can make power suits work for almost any occasion, and it’s worth investing in a few styles if you really want to nail the tailoring trend. If you feel like wearing a power suit for a wedding, consider colour and fit; pastel hues and softer silhouettes work better than boxy jackets and subdued shades. Lift your look with statement earrings and a clutch bag, and top it all off with a pair of court shoes or heeled sandals.