Wedding season is upon us, which means tears of happiness, boogying ’til your feet hurt and plenty of flutes of Champagne, but it also means endless stress over what to wear. From the politics of sporting white to the appropriateness of a short dress in a black-tie setting, wedding-season rules can be difficult to navigate. Here, Rachel gives us her styling advice for 5 perfect ensembles.
Rachel's Expert Styling Advice
Can I wear a short dress to a black-tie wedding?
“Absolutely. But if it’s short, it has to be tasteful. The lines for black-tie dressing are blurred, and there is a lot of gray area, but you don’t have to wear a long gown. If you go for a short dress, make sure it’s special and has a lot of bells and whistles—lots of glitz and glam.”
Is it okay to wear white or cream as a wedding guest?
“Since it’s the bride’s big day, I would veer on the side of extreme caution when it comes to wearing off-white, ivory or cream. Play it safe, and if you want to wear a light color, opt for blush pink or heather grey. If the color reads white, pick a different dress.”
What shoes should I wear to a beach wedding?
“A wedding on the sand is the perfect opportunity to wear gorgeous flat sandals with an ethereal caftan or bohemian dress. Even though you may end up barefoot, I would steer clear of flip-flops and go for a pretty slide or gladiator.”
What does cocktail attire mean exactly?
“Since cocktail attire is open to interpretation (you can wear a short or long dress), dramatic accessories are key. Something about your outfit needs to feel special, so if you wear a simple dress, be sure to dress it up with interesting statement jewelry and strappy heels.”
What should I wear as a guest to a town-hall wedding?
“Wear your version of a chic tailored suit—whether it’s a jumpsuit, trousers and a button-up, or a pencil skirt with a tailored jacket, you can’t go wrong with polished separates.”
