What to wear to a summer wedding: 6 Style Panel tips that are anything but boring
We’re in the midst of May, which means wedding season is once again upon us. While we may not be able to help you out on the gift-giving front, we’re your go-to when it comes to getting inspired on what to wear, especially when it’s no easy feat to stand out from the wedding crowd without upstaging the bride. But before you brush us off and reach for the closest little black dress, we’ve asked our Style Panel members to share their fashion expertise on new and unique ways to dress for a wedding this upcoming season.
When it comes to making a statement, prints are definitely the fave trend. While Sandy Joe Karpetz of The Pretty Secrets continued last week’s all things stripes, Lion Hunter’s Mo Handahu and Velvet and Vino’s Becky Kung worked show-stopping prints that will definitely get heads turning at wedding receptions. Barbara Ann Solomon of Barbara Ann’s Style Blog proves that a crop top is definitely appropriate for weddings (done tastefully, of course). Teaming it with a full-length ball skirt, this look has chic and elegance mixed into one. And if straying from the LBD makes you feel a tad queasy, To Vogue or Bust’s Alex Grant shows us how to wear the timeless shade with a colour-blocking twist to keep things interesting.
Question 103: What to wear to a summer wedding? Read the answers now! »
ALEX GRANT, VANCOUVER | BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | BECKY KUNG, CALGARY | MO HANDAHU, HALIFAX | SANDY JOE KARPETZ, EDMONTON | VICKIE LALIOTIS, EDMONTON
Vickie Laliotis, 28
Edmonton | Adventures in Fashion
Wedding season is the perfect time to treat yourself to a fun new dress, which is exactly what I did with this bright Topshop number. When it comes to special occasions, I tend to favour vibrant hues with subtle embellishments that can be reworked into my wardrobe throughout the year. This dress is great because it works just as well on its own as it would paired with sandals, a denim jacket and a panama hat for a casual summer look, or tights and a cute blazer in the fall. Afterall, a girl’s got to have options!
So when looking for something to wear to your next summer wedding, pay attention to silhouette and pick a shade that compliments you — there are no rules, so be as flashy or as understated as you like! And if you happen to select a more versatile piece that can be remixed time and time again, that’s just icing on the (wedding) cake.
Vickie’s wearing: Dress, Topshop. Heels, Pour La Victoire. Clutch, vintage Yves Saint Laurent. Bracelet, Joe Fresh.
Alexandra Grant, 26
Vancouver | To Vogue Or Bust
If you feel more comfortable going the LBD route for your next wedding this summer, opt for one that at least has a standout element: whether it’s a block of cobalt blue fabric like this dress here, sheer paneling or some beautiful draping, look for interesting design details that will make this dress one to remember!
Alex’s wearing: Dress, Zara. Bag, Mary Nichols. Heels, H&M.
Sandy Joe Karpetz, 25
Edmonton | The Pretty Secrets
I like to keep it interesting at weddings by subtly power clashing with conservative pieces. Striped satin, woven straw, and a dash of leopard print for good measure will be my staples for this summer wedding season.
Sandy’s wearing: Dress, Topshop. Necklace, vintage. Clutch, The Pretty Secrets vintage. Heels, Pour La Victoire.
Mo Handahu, 29
Halifax | Lion Hunter
There’s something special about summer weddings. Everything from the weather to the collective energy around just feels right and picking an outfit for such an occasion warrants something other than the traditional LBD. As a print lover, I gravitate towards dresses that have a little added character but it can’t be too loud a print. This wrap dress is perfect as the sailboat print is subtle and fit gives me such a womanly shape!
Mo’s wearing: Dress, Old Navy. Shoes, Shoe Dazzle. Purse, Value Villag. Earrings, Suzy Shier.
Barbara Ann Solomon, 25
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
With spring comes a surplus of bridal celebrations, and dressing appropriately for a wedding is often a very stressful part of getting ready for an event. What are the bridal colours? How formal is it? What kind of dress? I find it important to invest in a few amazing pieces that are timeless just so you always have something amazing to wear. If you’re feeling brave why not bare all like this season’s hottest trend on the red carpet and rock a crop top. My favourite way to dress up the crop is by adding a full skirt and some beautiful sparkly jewellery.
Barbara’s wearing: Crop top, Zara. Skirt, Joe Fresh Runway. Necklace, Fallon Jewellery.
Becky Kung, 30
Calgary | Velvet & Vino
I think it looks fabulous when wedding guests are dressed in bright colors and prints to celebrate the occasion, especially for a summer wedding. My favourite wedding look is taking a floral print dress and elevating it with pops of accessories and layers. With unexpected add-ons like this bold cape coat and ultra-strappy heels, this look will transition perfectly from daytime to evening.
Becky’s wearing: Dress, Farminista Online Boutique by Tulle. Coat, J. Crew. Heels, Le Chateau. Necklace, Aldo Accessories.