Best Dressed Guest

It’s easy to overthink it, to feel like a wedding demands something you wouldn’t normally wear, and there’s nothing worse than spending an entire day feeling uncomfortable.

I’ve pulled together the three formulas I tend to stick to when approaching wedding guest dressing. Getting the tone right depends on a number of things, the venue, the time of year, the couple (and how well you know them) and how confident you’re feeling.

The best wedding guest outfits look like you, just with the volume turned up.

1. Let the accessories do the talking

My favourite formula, as it usually means pulling something together from what you already own. A simple slip dress with well-chosen accessories. A statement bag, earring or necklace. An interesting shoe. Add a layer with a cape or leather jacket. Keep the base as simple as possible and have some fun with the extras.

The Brief: A clean, simple slip or minimal dress. The work is done by the bag, the shoe, the earring. No last minute panic buying of a dress that will never see the light of day again.

2. Two-Piece

A suit, co-ord or two-piece set is a great alternative if dresses aren’t your thing. The short suit Kate Moss wore to a wedding in 2006 still stays in my mind as one of the coolest wedding guest looks ever. An oversized tailored suit worn with just a lace bra and a statement earring, a coordinating jacket and skirt set with a nod to the 80s, or a flowing skirt and matching top all feel a little alternative but still entirely wedding appropriate. Worth thinking about fabrication too, especially in the height of summer.

The Brief: Make an impact with a matching set. Elegant, cool and a little different.

3. An Unforgettable Dress

I love the drama of a statement dress, one you instantly fall in love with and will wear year after year. There are so many good ones around right now from brands like De La Vali, Siedres, Dôen and Arakii. I’d opt for a simple sandal and bag and let the dress do everything.

The Brief: An unforgettable dress doesn’t need much else. Simple slicked back hair, minimal makeup and understated accessories.