These days, the idea of buying a newdress and wearing it for just one occasion feels a little outdated and even irresponsible, doesn’t it? My university-age self, who bought a new Topshop dress every week, would be mortified if I had had as much education then around the damaging effects of fast fashion and the disposable culture that surrounds it. But that doesn’t stop us from craving a wardrobe refresh every now and then, and that’s totally normal. After all, there’s nothing quite as confidence-boosting as wearing a new,fabulous dress to an event you want to feel really good at—such as your ex’s wedding, for example.
Luckily, there are a few options these days that involve more mindfulconsumption. First, you can choose to rent your wedding guest or big-birthday dress from destinationssuch asHurr,Rotaro or By Rotation. Another option is turning to vintage or second-hand resellerssuch asVestiaire Collective to givean existing dress a new lease on life. But if you’re thinking you’d still like to invest in a newdress to wear for lots of occasions, the key is versatility. Find something that you can dress up and down, and you’ll get double the amount of wear out of it in the years that follow.Beautiful dresses shouldn’t just be kept for fancy dos, after all.
The ability towear something for a range of events and across different seasons is something I always tryto consider beforeinvesting in any wardrobe piece these days—but especially dresses. And so below, I’veincluded five styles that have particularly impressed me this season for their versatilityand added suggestions to show exactly how I’d wear them dressed up for awedding and also for everyday outings like office days and park dates.
Keep scrolling tosee and shop the stylesyou’ll never regret buying.
1. Rixo'sSandrine Dress
SHOP THE LOOK:
Rixo
Sandrine - Mini Dot Navy
This timeless cut is universally flattering, and navy-and-white polka dots will never go out of style.
Mango
Natural Fiber Handbag
This also comes in a natural rattan colourway.
& Other Stories
Pearl Pendant Mini Hoop Earrings
Wear these to all the nuptials in your calendar.
M&S Collection
Rhinestone Pearl Hair Clip 2 Pack
An elegant finishing touch.
Manolo Blahnik
Callasli 90 Leather Slingback Sandals
There's no better time than a wedding to pull outa pair of gold shoes.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Rixo
Sandrine - Mini Dot Navy
The simple print and neutral colourmean this dress is so easy to style for different occasions.
H&M
Oversized Cable-Knit Cardigan
A slouchy knit is the quickest (and comfiest) way to make your outfit feel casual.
& Other Stories
Large Woven Straw Tote
Roomy enough for all your on-the-go essentials—plus some weekend-away extras.
Mango
Cat-Eye Sunglasses
If you're on a budget, turn to Mango for on-trend sunnies.
Veja
Campo Trainers
These eco-friendly kicks are an influencer favourite.
2. Stine Goya'sJasmine Dress
SHOP THE LOOK:
Stine Goya
Jasmine Floral-Print Recycled Polyester-Blend Mini Dress
Perfect for spring ceremonies, this voluminous Stine Goya number will undoubtedly earn you compliments.
Zara
Pearl Bead-Shaped Minaudière
Another gem I can't believe I found on the high street!
& Other Stories
Bow Hair Scrunchie
The perfect playful addition.
& Other Stories
Mother Of Pearl Covered Leather Mules
Just wow.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Stine Goya
Jasmine Floral-Print Recycled Polyester-Blend Mini Dress
Pick out any of the pretty colours to match your accessories to.
Charles & Keith
Cream Edna Tote Bag
So sleek.
Mango
Sunglasses
These classic shades will go with everything.
& Other Stories
Chunky Chelsea Leather Boots
Stompers are a year-round staple if you live in the UK.
3.Dôen'sSofia Dress
SHOP THE LOOK:
Dôen
Catrinette Cotton Maxi Dress
Dôen has so many beautiful dresses to choose from, but the embroidery and puffed sleeves on this one really stood out.
Mango
Flower Pendant Earrings
Statement earrings will make your dress feel fancier in no time.
& Other Stories
Straw Flap Bag
Rattan is a key fabric for summer weddings.
Zara
Strappy Satin Sandals
This heel is low enough for all-day wear.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Dôen
Catrinette Cotton Maxi Dress
This seafoam shade can also be carried into autumn.
Arket
Leather-Trimmed Straw Bag
Our editors are huge fans of this Arket bag.
Arket
Gold-Plated Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings 12 Mm
Minimal gold hoops will work with every outfit. Period.
& Other Stories
Criss-Cross Leather Sandals
You'll wear these every time the sun comes out.
4. & Other Stories'Flowy Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
SHOP THE LOOK:
& Other Stories
Flowy Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
This is one of & Other Stories' bestselling designs, and for good reason. It also comes in four other colours (blue, green, black and pink), if siren-red isn't to your taste.
Alaïa
Red Cœur Bag
A romantic bag for a romantic occasion.
Missoma
Lucy Williams Flat Curb Chain Necklace
Simple but effective.
Missoma
Molten Gemstone Doughnut Charm Mini Hoop Earrings
The white stone will pick up on the white in the dress.
M&S Collection
Leather Strappy Statement Sandals
Well done, M&S.
SHOP THE LOOK:
& Other Stories
Flowy Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
This dress doesn't just look good—it's also incredibly comfy, thanks to the stretchysmocked bodice and fluid skirt.
Arket
Oversized Heavy Linen Blazer
A lightweight alternative to your heavy winter blazers.
Chloé
+ Net Sustain Woody Medium Leather-Trimmed Linen-Canvas Tote
I've been eyeing up this tote for seasons now.
& Other Stories
Slingback Leather Ballet Flats
Who says you need to wear heels to look professional?
5.Ganni's Seersucker Dress
SHOP THE LOOK:
Ganni
Seersucker Check Gathered U-Neck Midi Dress
Ganni's seersucker dresses sell out every year, so don't expect this check-print style to stick around for long.
& Other Stories
Flower Beaded Earrings
These are so fun and summery.
Arket
Leather Drawstring Tote Bag
This compact bag is perfect for carrying your phone and lipstick from church to reception.
Mango
Leather Wrap Sandals
Proof you can find expensive-looking heels on the high street.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Ganni
Seersucker Check Gathered U-Neck Midi Dress
The fabrication and colour scheme lend themselves to casual styling.
Zara
Pleated Bucket Bag
Chuck in a good book, suncream and a towel if you plan on going for a dip.
Mango
Squared Frame Sunglasses
I don't like bringing expensive sunglasses to the beach for fear I'll lose them, so these are ideal.
M&S Collection
Leather Flatform Flip Flops
These look just like some of the luxury versions out there.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Up Next:These 28 Dresses Are Honestly the Easiest Things to Throw on in the Morning
If you are a guest at two different weddings, feel free to wear the same appropriate dress at both. So long as a guest's attire does not compete for attention with that of the bride, the bridal party, and the family of the bride and groom, most people will not even notice the dress was worn previously. Not rude at all.
Usually for men this would mean an evening suit, or dinner jacket with shirt and tie, black shoes. For a woman it is often a long dress, or something form fitting, elegant, maybe with 'sparkle' detail.
Factors to Consider When Wearing a Short Dress to a Wedding
For daytime or casual weddings, a dress hitting 1-2 inches above the knee is usually appropriate. For more formal affairs, opt for a midi length grazing the knee. Pay attention to fabrics too – lightweight chiffons and lace tend to look more dressed up.
A dress with a waist-cinching feature is best for women over 60 because women tend to gain weight on the upper body and lose the natural waist as they get older. A waist-cinching dress gives the eye the illusion that there is a waist.
Traditionally women are expected to wear a floor length evening dress to a formal wedding. Often a sophisticated and dressy co*cktail dress is also appropriate, however if the bride is traditional we recommend a floor length dress. A full length dress means that the ankle is not visible.
On average, brides try on about 4–7 dresses, but we recommend no more than 10. The more wedding gowns you try on, the more confusing things may get. When the bridal gown selection is too big, brides tend to get overwhelmed and struggle to remember what the first gown they tried on looked like.
The colour scheme, when it comes to what to wear, is designed for the bridal party i.e. the groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids, pageboys etc. Unless you're in that bridal party, you'd be best to steer clear of trying to match them.
While some brides prefer to maintain tradition with a single gown, others embrace the opportunity to showcase multiple styles that cater to different aspects of their big day. One of the main reasons brides opt for two dresses is to have one for the ceremony and another for the reception.
As a general rule, "wearing black is totally acceptable, as the hue is very versatile," says bridal stylist Julie Sabatino of The Stylish Bride. Make the shade work for you—at any type of wedding—with these ideas for choosing the right fabrice, length, and accessories.
Men's semi-formal and co*cktail dress codes, also known as party and after-five attire, are for special events. Both call for a dressier, sophisticated look, but there are some differences. Semi-formal dressing is typically more reserved, focusing on darker colours such as grey, black and blue.
A midi or mini party dress styled with heeled sandals, a clutch bag can create an elegant look. If the occasion is slightly more formal, a long party dress would be appropriate too paired with silver or gold jewellery.
The time of a wedding, for instance, can be hugely helpful in determining what to wear. A morning wedding typically calls for casual dress, while a ceremony after 5 p.m. generally calls for formal attire. The location can also help decode the dress code.
When it comes to comfort on a hot summer day (especially if the celebration is outside), a casual dress code is ideal. But don't forget this is an important event. Showing up in shorts and a T-shirt is not a good idea. Pretty, flowy dresses paired with sandals works for women.
The staff suggests that if a wedding is taking place at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., you should wear something that easily transitions from day to night; any ceremony after 6 p.m. should be strictly co*cktail.
The staff suggests that if a wedding is taking place at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., you should wear something that easily transitions from day to night; any ceremony after 6 p.m. should be strictly co*cktail.
For example, is it more correct to wear panty hose to a wedding? It should LOOK like you're wearing stockings. So if your legs are toned, tight and tan, sure go barelegged. Of course, you're still going to want to use a nice tinted moisturizer or leg makeup just to make sure everything is nice and even.
You can think of semi-formal wedding attire as a slightly toned-down, business-esque version of co*cktail attire. These two dress codes overlap in the sense that shorter dress hemlines (think midi-length and high-low skirts) and suits (versus tuxedos) are both appropriate.
Introduction: My name is Van Hayes, I am a thankful, friendly, smiling, calm, powerful, fine, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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