You know the scenario, you have been invited to a summer wedding and as it approaches the weather is blowing as hot and cold as your typical high school boyfriend on a bad day. Oh what should I wear?
Lots of you have asked about summer wedding guest outfits and I think the typical response to a wedding invite for many is to hit the big 3 "wedding guest dress shops" - Coast, Ted Baker and Reiss - and buy a single wear satin prom dress with matching bag and shoes. You wear it, look like a "Wedding Guest" and you will never wear again and definitely not to another wedding because all the same guests are invited...
So being the practical pig I am I have pulled together three outfit options for a summer wedding which are also really wearable AGAIN & AGAIN!
OUTFIT 1 - SUITS YOU SIR!!!
I love the idea of a suit for a wedding guest, there are countless ways you can wear all the pieces again as separates and if you can find a 3 piece suit then OMG you need to get it immediately! I looked hard to find one but as we are in the grips of sale it is impossible. Mango has one but the separate pieces are sold out in too many sizes to include.
However this Massimo Dutti 2 piece is to die for, I saw it when I was researching something else the other week and I cannot stop thinking about it, can someone please invite me to a wedding soon? Both pieces would be a great addition to any wardrobe who wouldn't reuse an off-white blazer and trousers again? And as for those who say you cant wear white to a wedding I disagree for a suit. Probably just don't turn up in a white lace dress?
For the wedding the fun bit will be how you make this your own, a cami, heel and clutch in a statement colour would be fun, I like the idea of mixing jewel tones with the white in summer, Zara has a fantastic range of colourful sandals and bags. I would probably wear this with either a neutral vest and gold accessories or contrasting black for a wedding. A monochrome look is a great eye catching contrast and might make use of favourite shoes or bags you already have lurking in your wardrobe?
WEDDING GUEST LOOK
Blazer - Massimo Dutti - £189
Jogger Fit Trousers - Massimo Dutti - £89
H&M Black Cami Top - £12.99 (H&M do great camis and typically you will find one with decent straps so you can wear a bra).
H&M Black Mules - £49.99
Arket Clutch - £90
DAY TIME LOOK
I would dress down the blazer with flares and a tee for everyday and use the trousers again all through summer with sandals.
EVERYDAY:
Blazer - Massimo Dutti - £189
Other Stories Mood Cut Flared Jeans - £65
Other Stories Boxy White Tee - £17
M&S Mules - £49.50
H&M Straw Bag - £39.99
STRAW BAG & SLACKS
I love a cardi on its own, you might chose to wear a vest or cami under if you need the coverage.
H&M Chunky Cardi - £29.99
Jogger Fit Trousers - Massimo Dutti - £89
Mango Leather Strap Sandals - £29.99
Mango Straw Bucket Bag - £29.99
OUTFIT 2 - THE STATEMENT DRESS
A dress is an easy wear for many and I have chosen one that I think would work for any occasion after the fact. Rather than go for the really 'wedding guesty' traditional looking fairy off a Christmas tree dress, try to chose something you can dress down after the fact. Those wear once wedding guest looks are such a shame, you spend all that on a dress that is worn once. Buy something you love and will wear multiple times!
Now I don't typically do florals but this one is an exception I could make, I love the 60s print and the shape - tea dress - is a shape that will suit most figures. Nipped in at the waist and easy to wear. Here is how I would wear it to a wedding and then rewear this item...
WEDDING GUEST LOOK
I have kept the same black accessories as above, I just love them! Nude would also look great with this dress.
Free People Lydia Dress
H&M Black Mules - £49.99
Arket Clutch - £90
SUMMER DAY TIME LOOKS
Dress & trainers is such an easy thing to wear, I love these neutrals with this OTT print.
Veja Rio Branco - £105
Mango Straw Bucket Bag - £29.99
Other Stories Oversized Cardi - £65
WINTER LOOK
I love the idea of the bright dress for winter, you can add a sheer polo underneath to make it warmer or chuck a black wool coat or blazer over.
Other Stories Black Chunky Book - £135
M&S Thermal Polo - £12
COS Leather Shoulder Bag - £135
OUTFIT 3 - IT LOOKS LIKE A DRESS BUT ITS NOT
Nothing is more versatile in my opinion than separates - you might already have a slip skirt lurking around somewhere do you have or could you get a matching cami and hey presto your done! This Ghost set in the Charcoal or Taupe is just lush and so rewearable. If I was wearing either to a wedding I would wear with lots of chains and a belt. Ghost is a great brand for form fitting tea dresses and rewearable clothes.
WEDDING LOOK
For a wedding I would wear it with a half tuck for sure.
Ghost Taupe Skirt - £79
Ghost Taupe Top - £49 - A matching cami might work really well too.
Other Stories Straw & Gold Clutch - £45
Jigsaw Layered Chain Set - £55 Lots of high street stores do similar, Mango, H&M & Zara if you can face the sale queue's!
Sezane Gold Sandals - £160
DAY LOOK
I love the idea of this belted over flares, so 70's! I feel like I need to wear this today!
Isabel Marant Belt - £135
Other Stories Mood Cut Flared Jeans - £65
M&S Mules - £49.50
SKIRT DAY LOOK
The skirt would work so easily all year paired with any of the shoes I have above, the chunky boots and knits or the sandals and a tee. I like the idea of it with these Veja and a chunky knit. I have this sweater and love it!
Other Stories Chunky Jumper - £65
Veja Rio Branco - £105
THATS ALL FOLKS!
So that is it in a nutshell, I favour things that you can wear again, as much as possible. I hate buying clothes that gather dust or pigeon holing outfits into one category "wedding guest" looks or "work clothes". Whatever you buy, make sure it's as versatile as possible. Then its never a waste of money! If you have any suggestions or ideas for future blogs let me know!!!