As wedding invitations stack on tables, and new save-the-dates and envelopes
full of registry information seemingly arrive in mailboxes every day, wedding
guests might find themselves fretting over one question—what should I wear?
With the cost of attending a wedding on the rise — a survey published by NBC
News in April found that the average guest spends around $700 per event — the
late summer-early autumn wedding season can bring with it a great deal of
financial stress for invitees.
Between the cost of gifts, travel and hotel expenses and an average of $164
per guest spent on clothing and accessories, it is easy to understand why
wedding season can leave some people feeling a bit strapped for cash.
Financial dilemmas aside, many guest are left wondering what, exactly, the
proper attire is for each wedding.
With some brides opting for quirky dress codes and other couples choosing not
to give any direction at all, it can be a fashion minefield out there.
Local fashion experts have seen it all, and have some tips to make sure your
event calendar is all fun and no stress.
The common perception that women should buy a brand new outfit for every
event?
Not only is the idea untrue, it’s a bit silly.
Kristin Snyder, owner of Sophie Stargazer boutique in Lancaster, has a
background in wardrobe and bridal styling. She advises wedding guests to “buy
something you genuinely love. Then you won’t mind wearing it a million
times.”
Kaitlin Behmer, owner of TMB in Lancaster, suggests a classic little black
dress when you’re looking for something versatile and chic.
“You can get a lot of mileage from it, wearing it for different levels of
formality,” Behmer says.
Behmer also believes in the versatility of other solid colors.
Molly Adams, buyer and general manager of Pappagallo in Lancaster, has seen a
trend towards “neutral or metallic palettes, nothing real trendy.”
Snyder feels that a simple pattern featuring only two colors can be
versatile, depending on your usage of different accessories.
According to Snyder, accessories that are “very simple and delicate” work
well at a country club wedding, while a more artistic or bohemian crowd might
prefer something bolder, like a chunky necklace.
“You’ll know your friends,” she says about picking the right style. “With
different jewelry, people won’t even notice or care that you’re wearing the same
dress.”
Bold accessories allow a guest to change up her look at a more minimal
cost.
A statement necklace or fun pair of earrings can steal the show, removing
focus from an oft-worn dress.
And, if you decided to treat yourself by buying a new outfit for a special
event?
“Buy something you can wear other times, to work or out with friends,” Behmer
says. “Something you can add to your wardrobe, so it’s not such a splurge.”
“Buy a dress that you’d be OK going on a date in and with your mother seeing
you in it,”Snyder advises.
A well-fit dress, one that is flattering to an individual’s body type, is
always a fashionable investment.
“Wear something that’s an expression of yourself,” Behmer says. “Whatever
fits your personality and fits your body type.”
“Know how to dress for your body,” Snyder agrees. “Be willing to get
something tailored. It doesn’t matter if the dress cost $30 or $300, it’s all
about the fit.”
Adams also believes that alterations can change up a look when there simply
isn’t money in the budget for a brand new outfit.
Perhaps an alteration to shorten a long dress, add straps or remove sleeves
is more affordable?
Even the use of a basic skirt with a few different tops is a possibility
these days, as weddings decline in strict formality.
“Two pieces are OK as long as the wedding is not black tie,” Behmer
explains.
“You can mix and match the same black pencil skirt with five different tops
to get to all of your weddings,” Snyder says.
But what about making sense of trendy new wedding dress codes?
When couples looking to host a unique event ask guests to follow a dress code
of “Gatsby chic” or even “fabulous” (actual requests featured on wedding blogs),
it can be enough to send some less adventurous guests running for the hills.
Let’s say an invitation specifies attire should be “bohemian black tie?”
All three style experts suggested a maxi dress, maybe in silk, according to
Snyder, or paired with a jeweled headband, Behmer advises.
How about for a “farmhouse chic” event?
“I’d just wear a party dress, but mixed media — linen with lace,” Adams
suggests.
Snyder would choose something, “lacy and vintage inspired,” while Behmer
suggests a short or sleeveless dress, perhaps with ruffles to add a bit of
whimsy.
What about the moment when, in a fashion panic, you realize that you have
absolutely no idea what to wear?
“My advice is always to be overdressed. If you doubt it before leaving the
house, you shouldn’t leave,” Adams says. “You’re never going to offend anyone by
being overdressed.”
And, when the weather turns cool and leaves begin to change color? Don’t
think of packing away that summer dress quite yet.
Snyder says the addition of tights and a cardigan, or well-fit blazer or
jacket, will move an outfit into autumn.
Adams suggests a wrap, as well as switching out summer shoes and accessories
for something “metallic or darker.”
More important than following any fashion rule?
Guests should wear something they truly love and feel comfortable in.
“Pick something you don’t have to think about,” Snyder says. “You want to
have fun at a wedding, not fuss with your dress.”
