Hi Nikki,

I have not attended a wedding since I was 10! I am now 23 and have been invited to two weddings this summer. I am at a total loss as to what to wear! Should it be more “summery” or more formal? And nope, there are no specifics on the invitations! Worst of all, one of the weddings is two weeks from now. Help!

Elle

Been there, done that, my dear. Contrary to rumors (yes there are rumors about Nikki!), I still get the occasional “I don’t know what to wear/I have nothing to wear!” days. There is nothing tougher than picking a dress for a wedding. Should the dress transition for day to night, if you’re attending the ceremony then the dinner? Should it be knee-length or ankle-length? How gown-like or prom-like can I go and not look idiotic? Can I skip the dress and go in a pant suit or women’s tux? As soon as a girl gets the invitation, these and a hundred more are the questions they face in deciding what to wear. Let’s not even mention hair and make-up.

My guy friends always ask me, why girls love shoes that pinch our feet and hurt to walk in. Because they make us look (say it with me!) FAB-U-lous! Any heel will add height to your build, but because the heel is at the back it also pushes our bodies forward slightly so that we look bustier and slimmer. And of course, ‘extras up top’ are always welcome, right?

Outfits to celebrate a wedding should definitely be dressy, if not formal. A first-date dress or office suit are not good ideas. Who wants to be mistaken as part of the waitstaff? Before looking at fancy dresses and sky-high heels however, figure out what you’re most comfortable in. Not everyone is a full-length-dress-and-three-inch-heels kind of girl, so why make that your uniform for this fancy occasion? A cocktail dress with low heels or even jeweled flats is fine, because when you’re comfortable in and confident about what you’re wearing, you make any outfit look beautiful!

Summer weddings generally call for lighter fabrics and alluring cuts. A cotton and linen blend is a great choice, especially if you’ll be outdoors for the most part, because this fabric is much more breathable than synthetic fabrics such as rayon and polyester.

Romantic and Flirty

Maybe it’s because the bridal party is in them, but something about weddings always says floor-length dresses or even gowns especially if elaborate evening celebrations are involved. Long flowing pieces are very dressy and elegant and can be worn to weddings as long as the volume is minimal (hint: avoid the prom look). For this season, floral patterns sing of love and romance so you may want to opt for a subtly patterned dress or one with subtle rosette detail. To keep your look youthful and fun and from hogging the limelight from the true stars of the show, look for strapless or one-shoulder figure-hugging cuts rather than anything that is full A-line.

Short and Sweet

The short cocktail dress is one of the most popular dresses when it comes to weddings, especially for the twenty-somethings. Versatile, contemporary and very stylish, the dress usually just needs a change of accessories to create a different look for each occasion. To keep the look youthful and pretty, the dress should be cinched at the waist if not figure-hugging, and it should hit mid-thigh or just above the knee. Petites, make sure your hem hits above the knee and nothing higher than your thigh – you’re attending the wedding, not the hen night. Strapless and one-shoulder cuts again are playful and youthful although sleeveless and short-sleeves offer a demure and graceful vibe that balance the high hemline. Bold colors or wild patterns are definitely the way to go for summer.

Smart and Sharp

A dress isn’t your only option. Opt for a menswear-inspired look with a pantsuit. There isn’t anything more sexy and sophisticated than a woman in a suit. Keep corporate out of your look by choosing flirty tops or blouses with sleeveless, draped or lace detail instead of button-front dress shirts. Sleeveless tops are a good choice for hot weather, for example if the ceremony will be held outdoors. Accessorize with bold, statement jewelry rather than the minimalist pieces you usually wear in the office.

Best Foot Forward

Strappy heels are a hit this summer, with thin straps that wrap around the ankle. Embellished cut-out ankle boots carried from fall are still stylish, if you can manage them in the heat. But if heels just aren’t your thing (you don’t want to trip and fall between vows and picture-taking), then opt for a pair of pretty flats. Choose a pair that’s embellished or with a bow so that they stand out from your weekend plain-as-Jane flats.

Whatever outfit you go with, make sure you’re not in white – that’s for the bride only!

Nikki

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