Wedd-iquette: It’s OK To Wear White!

With wedding season in full bloom, I am often asked, “What is modern fashion etiquette for a wedding guest?

Today’s wedding dress codes can be a challenge to navigate.  We want to dress to impress, but don’t want upstage the bride. How can we find the right balance?  Read on for my wedd-iquette“I do’s”:

Tip 1 – Wear White!

We’ve all heard the rule that you should NEVER wear white to a wedding. That’s only partially true.

While there is only one person allowed to wear white head to toe, guests CAN wear white without upstaging the bride — as long as it’s worn in small doses. Here are my tricks for avoiding a fashion faux pas.

Try printed dresses that incorporate white:

1) Marni Watercolor dress, Now $529.50 (70% off)

2) Nicole Miller Drape Back Dress, Now $170.90 (55% off)

3) Twenty8Twelve Silk Chiffon dress, Now $120 (70% off)

4) Tibi Lace Shift Dress, Now $147.50 (60% off)

5) Ella Moss Striped Maxi Dress, Now $91.20 (52% off)

Or add hints of white with accessories:

6) Dolce & Gabbana Crochet Pumps, Now $436 (20% off)

7) Alexander McQueen Classic Skull Clutch, Now $870 (30% off)

8) Kate Space necklace, Sold Out

9) Michael Kors Patent Platform Sandals, Now $139.99 (67% off)

10) Lanvin Silk Satin Pochette, Now $269.50 (65% off)

If you’re dying to wear a white solid, just break it up: wear white only on top or bottom and complement it with a bright color:

11) Marc Jacobs Long Embroidered Dress, Now $1470 (70% off)

12) Opening Ceremony Button-Back Dress, Now $352 (50% off)

Tip 2 – Pastels are Powerful

Another great array of wedding-appropriate colors to try are PASTELS.  They’re soft and flattering, but they’re definitely not the bride’s color.

13) Tibi Strapless Dress, Now $244.30 (65% off)

14) Marc Jacobs Ruffled Pearl Embellished Satin Dress, Now $1,000, (60% off)

Tip 3 – Black Tie Alternative:  The Evening Short

Take a cue from the well-dressed men in your life: stand out fromthat sea of chiffon in a pair of structured shorts.  Try classic black, or be daring in sequins:

15) Stella McCartney Tailored Shorts, Now $267 (65% off)

16) Rag and Bone Cuffed Shorts, Now $92 (65% off)

17) Marc Jacobs High-Waisted Shorts, Now $280 (60% off)

Tip 4 – Put Your Best Foot Forward

Whether your dancing all night or leaping to catch the bouquet, 4-inch stilettos can make it tricky to move with grace. Instead, kick up your heels in these embellished flats:

18) Loeffler Randall Flat Twist Sandals, Now $188 (36% off)

19) Miu Miu Peep Toe Flats, Now $504 (20% off)

20) Giuseppe Zanotti Suede Ballerina Flats, Now $299.25 (65% off)

If you feel you must add height, try a comfortable evening wedge like one of these:

21) Michael Kors Wiley Wedge, Now $132 (52% off)

22) Dolce Vita Sandals, Now $83.25 (55% off)

23) Elizabeth and James Metal Strap Sandals, Now $275.99 (30% off)

So don’t panic when the next invitation arrives. With these simple tips, you can walk down the aisle in style – and not end up banned from future guest lists.