Do you follow Andrea Cheong on Instagram or TikTok? If you don't, you should! She has become the trusted and approachable authority in an arena that many find daunting to step into—sustainable fashion. On her platforms, Andrea breaks sustainable shopping down into bite-size pieces of information one can easily digest and use for more sensible shopping tactics in the future. With her wealth of knowledge and very good taste, it's no wonder we had to knock on her virtual door. In this month's column, she shares with us her top tips for buying jewellery. Read on to discover what she has to say…
For perhaps the first time in fashion history, women are consciously considering alternative options to buying new when it comes to thinking about what to wear to occasions like a wedding. The plethora of rental services that have popped up over the last few years, the allure of shopping pre-loved (I absolutely love going on a hunt for a vintage designer piece and wearing it with something I already own) and even good old-fashioned borrowing from a friend’s wardrobe have made shopping for a single event feel really outdated.
That’s not to say that there’s no reason for it at all. I ask myself three questions when I shop new to make sure that a piece isn’t a one-and-done kind of deal. Firstly, is this something that could be circular? If you haven’t opted for a rental, for example, is it something that could be rented out after you’ve worn it? Could it even be resold at some point?
Secondly, and related to that point, is it made of a natural material? Exceptions can be made for occasionwear depending on the piece, but as a general rule of thumb, natural is best, as it leaves less of a negative impact once it no longer has use, and it’s far more comfortable (and less sweaty). Thirdly, is the item actually worth its price? Is it made well enough that it will last through a few years worth of wear? As we’ve seen time and again, so many gorgeous garments inspire us to get that cost per wear, but it simply wasn’t designed to fulfil the best of our intentions.
So this month, I’m putting my money where my mouth is and have rounded up the five wedding guest outfits that I feel tick those boxes and, most importantly, are as lovely on the inside as they look in photos. Scroll on to discover my picks.
Shop My Wedding Guest Outfits
1. The City Wedding Guest Dress
Style Notes: Aje is an Australian brand that has taken the hearts of women in the UK and, well, everywhere. Think of a voluminous sleeve and Aje’s signature styles pop into mind. I love the Elysium style, as it’s dramatic yet restrained. Those puffy sleeves and the beautiful draped maxi skirt are offset with the cinched waist and cool-toned blue. The raw edges of the trim add a softness to the piece, which appears to have been cut on a bias, meaning that the fabric is unlikely to fray.
Even better, it’s made of a linen and silk blend and lined with 100% cotton, so it’s a higher-quality fabric blend than the more common linen and viscose mix that we often see in the spring and summer. The dress also features a shirred panel. I usually suggest staying away from visible elastic when it comes to wedding guest attire, as it’s a clear sign that it’s not a formal piece and can often make wearers feel a little underdressed. However, this one is cleverly concealed when it’s worn, as it sits by the armpit. This helps with comfort and flexibility. Perfect if you’re planning to dance at this wedding!
2. The Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dress
Style Notes: There are enough perceived rules in fashion, so it literally drives me mad when people say that you can’t wear black to a wedding. Of course you can! This is especially true when we’re talking about a more formal occasion, which is usually signified by a high gsm (weight) of paper, and the invitation comes through with the words "cocktail attire” or "black tie.” The only colour that’s taboo is white, and beyond that, you may want to shy away from the exact shade of the bridesmaids’ attire. Otherwise, all other colours are fair game unless otherwise disclosed or you are dissuaded for cultural reasons. A black dress is also one of the easiest pieces to rewear multiple times. It’s likely that you already own plenty. But if you were looking for something versatile to wear for all formal events in the future, Esau Yori’s understated 100% silk dress is truly beautifully made. This piece is fully lined and features intricate pleats, which use more fabric to create, and a mock bustier detail that cinches in the silhouette.
3. The Casual Wedding Guest Dress
Style Notes: Maje is one of those retailers where you especially need to know how to shop in order to find great gems. One of those is this gorgeous butter-hued 100% cotton backless shift dress. It’s double faced, meaning that the same material on the outside has been used on the interior. Sporting a ’60s-inspired hemline and the prettiest silhouette, it’s perfect for casual summer events. It’s a particularly good option for petite ladies, as it’s a mini style, which wouldn’t look inappropriate for a wedding reception. A pair of mules and vintage-inspired statement earrings would be the perfect styling for this piece.
4. The Fashionable Wedding Guest Suit
Style Notes: When in doubt, wear a suit. Arguably, it makes far more of a fashion statement without ever upstaging the bride. When it comes to what to wear as a wedding guest, sometimes the simplest thing is to go for a coordinating jacket and trousers, which is ideal for mixing and matching, especially when it comes with a waistcoat. It is a timeless piece but is particularly on-trend this year when worn as a going-out top. I love Lisou’s luxurious three-piece velvet suits, which come in pink, burnt orange or chocolate brown and are lined with beautifully printed silk. And from speaking to the West London–based designer, I’ve been told that the velvet is cotton, whereas most brands will opt for polyester instead—all of which would be completely wearable from a day celebration to a cocktail reception.
5. The Destination Wedding Guest Dress
Style Notes: There is something about a destination wedding that is so exciting, and not least because it feels like a holiday with friends. The promise of a weekend away with sunshine, romance and a lot of champagne calls for resortwear. But how to do this whilst looking chic and not spending money on something you wouldn’t wear at home? I love Palm Noosa’s seasonal offering. It’s an Aussie fashion label that mainly uses 100% cotton and linen for its floaty dresses. I’m particularly enamoured by the tomato print on cotton poplin of the Leon dress. Poplin refers to the weave. It tends to be lightweight and has a cross pattern, as opposed to a weave that has a diagonal appearance, such as twill. This piece, in particular, is one of my favourite additions to my wardrobe that I can easily wear around London as well as to attend a destination wedding! Worth the investment 100%.
Next Up: These 42 Wedding Guest Dresses Are Next-Level Beautiful
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