In the olden days, weddings are known for their strict fashion rules, for example, the bride must wear a “flowing white gown”.
But nowadays, the rules have been bent, thanks to the 21st century generation, weddings now have fewer fashion rules because couples are just more progressive than they used to be.
Some brides are passing up traditional gowns for elegant pants, the occasional groom is skipping the typical black tux for a pastel suit, and even bridesmaids are ditching the cookie-cutter dresses for something they can wear over and over again.
You know what that means? Guests also have just as much freedom with their styles.
A Wedding is a ceremony where people gather to celebrate the couple’s decision to stay together forever as husband and wife.
Weddings come with so much excitement that everything present in the ceremony has the ability to add to the excitement, including dresses that are worn that day.
But before you wear just anything in the name of “the rules are now flexible”, there are a few things to remember while getting dressed in order to still be respectful of the ceremony and the people getting married.
Here are some of the dresses to avoid no matter how flexible the rule has become:
1. Don’t wear white
Don’t wear white or off-white, or really pale blue, except if it’s the colour given. White dresses are cute! But just try not to in this instance.
This is the only thing the bride cares about dress-code wise, because she’s most likely wearing white.
So in this case honour her, atleast because she/her family is throwing a party and you are her/their guest. Want to wear something close to white? Try a neutral!
2. Leave the sweats at home.
Even if the wedding is a more casual event, I promise you: It is not that casual. Like it’s always said, “It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.”
If you are concerned about your comfort level for the day, try an outfit in a soft, natural fabric like cotton.
3. No Denim
Jeans are typically too casual for a momentous occasion like this. Plus, why wear denim when you can wear it literally any other day? Try a blue jumpsuit in a different material.
4. Say bye to shorts, Guys.
This applies mainly to the men out there, but stick with pants. Yes, even if it’s a hot day. Women deal with uncomfortable fashion conditions all the time, you can handle it for one day.
5. Cover your shoulders when applicable.
Is the ceremony taking place in a church or in an institution with a more modest dress code? Be respectful of that, and bring a shawl or sweater to cover yourself.
6.Don’t go too casual with the pants.
If you choose to wear pants, still try to be somewhat dressy. Start with tailored trousers and a polished blouse, or make things easy for yourself by grabbing a matching blazer. Coordinating suits are a great way to go.
7. Don’t go against the dress code.
I know I said it’s better to overdress than to underdress, and I stand by that in general. But read the room: Don’t wear a tux or a ball-gown to a backyard wedding—in that case, it’s better to keep it a little more low-key.
8. Rips and holes, even intentional ones, do not belong.
Don’t wear rips or “dresses with holes” like a rip Jean to a wedding. If you like the idea of showing a little unexpected skin, consider a stylish cutout.
9. Rethink the sparkles.
Of course you wanna win best-dressed guest and sometimes that means wearing a glittery option. If you’re worried the bride’s the type who doesn’t want to be outshined, probably you should skip the glitz and go for something equally eye-catching, but less obvious.
Instead of metallics, throw on tons of texture—ruffles would look so good on you.
10. Be aware of your neckline.
I’m here for a great cleave moment, but weddings are generally a bit more family-friendly, so it’s best to keep your J-Lo-level Versace dress in mind for a different occasion. Not saying don’t do a deep V, just saying don’t ask the question “how low can you go.”
11. Leave the flip-flops at home.
Comfort is important, especially if you plan on turning up on the dance floor. But rubbery slippers are absolutely out of the question at a wedding. Even if you’re going to a beach ceremony, keep it a smidge more polished in a gorge flat.
12. Forget about that T-shirt.
Sure, you want to show off your personality But a graphic shirt (or even a plain one), is off limits—just too casual, instead, wear a fancy blouse with tailored pants for relaxed yet wedding-appropriate outfit.
Curled from Cosmopolitan
