Fall/ Winter 2008

Best-Dressed Guests

Tips on showing off your sense of style, even if you're not walking down the aisle.

by Loukia Borrell

Going to a wedding? If you think only the bride’s dress will get attention, think again. Guests shouldn’t outshine the bride (or groom), but they certainly can be noticed and admired for their sense of style.

Here are a few tips to take the guessing game out of what to wear:

• Take a look at the fine print on the wedding invitation. If it says “black tie,” that means the wedding party is going to be really dressed up and you should be too. This means tuxes for guys; floor-length dresses for women. “Black tie optional,” “black tie preferred” and “black tie invited” all mean the same thing—gentlemen can get snazzy in a tux or wear a dark suit; ladies can do a floor-length gown, an elegant pantsuit, or a knee-length cocktail dress. The most formal event is one that is “white tie.” For this, men wear a black tailcoat and pants and a white shirt, vest and tie. Women are in formal gowns.

• Women should be careful not to choose attire that reveals too much skin. This is especially important with a church wedding. You don’t want to bring unwanted attention to yourself or be a distraction.

• Black used to be considered too somber and funereal for weddings, but that thinking has changed. “Black can be worn anywhere and anytime,” says Ellen Evans, owner of Williamsburg Bridal & Formal. “It is more the style of the dress rather than the color black which would be of concern,” she says. If you choose a black dress, jazz it up a bit to keep from looking too serious or business-like. Beading or accessories, like strappy heels, a colorful pin or an elegant clutch will dress up your look in a special way, without making you seem too solemn.

• A morning wedding doesn’t automatically mean “informal.” While they are less formal than evening events, you still have to put forth some effort with your look. You can probably expect guests to wear outfits that fit into the “Sunday best” category, says Amy Elliott, senior editor for Brides Local Magazines. Tuxedos, sexy cocktail and fancy party dresses in high-luster fabrics with glittery jewelry are likely to be too much. Instead, guys can try a suit in a lighter hue, such as taupe or a light gray; ladies can wear a classic skirt with a silk blouse or twin sweater set, or a street-length dress with stylish accessories.

• White has always been considered taboo for wedding guests, for fear of upstaging the bride or being mistaken for her. Evans says there should be no concern about wearing white, as long as the guest leaves the veil and train at home. Besides, white isn’t every bride’s first choice. “Many brides today choose ivory and champagne as opposed to the traditional white wedding gown,” Evans says. White is also a popular color for guests at destination weddings, where the climate is tropical. If you are unsure, check with the bride and find out a little more about her dress. If it is pure white, select something ivory or champagne. If her dress is ivory or champagne with colorful accents, like a bright sash or metallic thread, choose white. You can always accessorize with shoes and jewelry to personalize your look.

• Choose fabrics to go along with the season. If it is spring or summer, ladies should try linen or cotton blends; for a winter wedding, go for rich velvets, cashmere or wool blends. Men can wear linen or seersucker suits in the summer; wool suits for winter weddings.