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17th June 2014

How to look cool at a wedding {Part One}

Fashion - By Alexandra Stedman
Sunglasses: Valentino. Shirt: Uniqlo. Skirt: Debenhams. Clutch: Anya Hindmarch. Shoes: Boden

The actual title was ‘How to look cool at a wedding without looking like Kate Middleton’ but I thought better of it…

I always get asked what is appropriate to wear at a wedding and ‘can I get away with….’ type questions. Even I asked on twitter last week whether I could wear a cream short playsuit – it’s a fine line. 

And I have to be honest, there isn’t much choice out there – floral dresses from Coast and girly fitted dresses with a court shoe just aren’t me. So I thought I’d do a post on what I’d wear and how to go against the grain.

DO

  • Wear pink. Especially if it’s not you. But team with something unexpected like a casual shirt – dressed down girliness is the epitome of effortless chic.
Skirt: £45, Debenhams
  • Try flats if you’re brave enough. All your friends will be jealous when you’re still on the dance floor by the end of the night.
Chunky sandals, now £20 in the sale, River Island
  • Experiment with jewellery. Try an earcuff or a cool knuckle duster as a statement piece to make an old outfit 2014 ready.
Earcuff, £6.50, Topshop
DON’T
  • Wear sheer tights. Try a moisturiser with shimmer or fake tan instead (if inexperienced, use a daily subtle version like St Tropez Gradual Tan and make sure you really rub it in)
  • Go too formal. This pencil skirt would look far too Royal Wedding with a blazer or a dress coat.

PS my Anya Hindmarch ‘Valerie’ clutch was my wedding day ‘special’ bag it was one of my best investments. I’ve found the gold version on The Outnet at 50% off:
‘Valerie’ bag, reduced from £350 to £175, Anya Hindmarch at The Outnet

5 wedding looks to try now:






LOOK 1: Top, £50, Topshop. Skirt, £75, Topshop. Sandals, £36, Next


LOOK 2: Top, £12.99, H&M. Skirt, £55, Marks & Spencer. Sandals, £65, Dune London


LOOK 3: Top, £75, Whistles. Skirt, £75, Topshop. Shoes, £278, J Crew


LOOK 4: Top, £38, Topshop. Skirt, £50, Oasis. Sandals, £375, Sophia Webster at Net A Porter


LOOK 5: Shirt, £29.95, Gap. Skirt, £110 in the sale, Whistles. Sandals, £49, Miss KG

** Styling tip 101: if it’s chilly, wear your jacket or cashmere cardigan shrugged over the shoulders. Keeps your outfit looking modern as well as keeping you warm.

By Alexandra Stedman

Fashion Editor, Blogger, Realist

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Comments

  1. Sallytangle says

    17th June 2014 at 1:21 pm

    Love this. I spend so much of my day (and my job) trying to urge people not to buy floral dresses and dare i utter the word *fascinator* 🙂 So many people buy into that even when its a million miles away from their normal style. I always want to look like me, just a slightly more 'done' version of me. Otherwise you just don't feel comfortable. I love the casual shirt and pencil skirt!

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      17th June 2014 at 8:09 pm

      It is so hard! Especially when it's all the stores sell and push…!

      Reply
  2. Katie Faulkner says

    17th June 2014 at 4:10 pm

    This post is so helpful thank you. I'm currently trying to work out what to wear to graduate and am coming to the conclusion that a skirt and blouse with excellent shoes are probably the way forward! (Graduation = wedding? who knows).

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      17th June 2014 at 8:10 pm

      I think this goes for most formal occasions….! Keep the shirt quite casual and you'll look great (I am having horrid flashbacks of my graduation – I think I wore a suit! Gah!)

      Reply
  3. www.pantsandtea.com says

    17th June 2014 at 7:20 pm

    Great post. Would love to hear your thoughts on the traditional Qs. Can you wear red or black at a wedding? White is obviously a step too far still. Also wondering about red lipstick?

    Xxx

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      17th June 2014 at 8:12 pm

      Funnily enough, I was wondering the same thing…I saw a cream short jumpsuit which I would do….as long as I had another flash of colour in the outfit. I think a flash of white is fine, a skirt for instance. I think navy is very chic at a wedding, and a good alternative to black, so as not to offend. And red lipstick – YES!

      Reply
  4. Rhi Sager says

    17th June 2014 at 7:34 pm

    Brilliant post, as always! I was just wondering what kind of jackets/cardigans you would recommend to pair with these outfits? X

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      17th June 2014 at 8:14 pm

      I think a light weight blazer, in a nude or even a navy would work, or a biker jacket if you have – but hang it over your shoulders so your outfit still feels 'done'. I often team a cashmere longline cardigan with a maxi dress but shrug the sleeves up, so it feels relaxed. If it's chilly, a trench and if it's freezing -faux fur!

      Reply
  5. Beany says

    18th June 2014 at 1:05 pm

    What's the sizing like on the RI sandals please? I'm tempted to order some.

    Reply
  6. Hollie Brackenridge says

    18th June 2014 at 9:07 pm

    oh wow I need that ear cuff! beaut alex! x

    Reply
  7. Dorset Fashionista says

    20th June 2014 at 5:38 am

    Love the idea of dressing like this for a wedding, looks smart enough but with a much more modern edge, will be copying this at some point I'm sure!
    Abbi x

    Reply

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