How to dress for a summer wedding
The summer season is the peak time for life-changing celebrations. Graduations, weddings, baptisms, communions, and a myriad of other festivities symbolise moments of change, closure (or new beginnings) of chapters. These are moments of excitement and optimism but can also be stressful when we don't know what to wear. Dress codes can be a saviour in our desperation, but they are more of an exception than the norm.
It is important to know the basics of how to dress for a summer night wedding or any other formal occasion. Here are some key points to consider when dressing for formal celebrations in the summer.
The centrepiece - the wedding guest dress
There are many ideas for summer guest dresses, but the common factor is that everything else in our look will revolve around it. The first thing to consider is the dress code, location, and climate. With these three factors determined, we can begin to envision our guest dress.
For outdoor celebrations, especially in the evening, natural tones such as greens, earth tones, blues, or whites will make us stand out in the darkness of the night. The colour ranges from brands like Self-Portrait or Loewe are daring and eye-catching, like flowers on a summer night. Find guest dress options available at OTTODISANPIETRO here.
A lightweight jacket, for when it gets cooler
Yes, even in summer, except in very tropical locations (and even then), temperatures drop when the sun sets. We often make the mistake of relying on daytime weather to judge our evening outfit, only to remember the cold we endured at the party.
This doesn't mean we should carry a leather jacket or a turtleneck sweater. There are two elegant options that won't compromise the formal look of our outfit. The first, and most obvious, is the classic blazer. Anthony Vaccarello for Saint Laurent often uses blazers or suit jackets and coats over evening dresses. If this is not enough justification to demonstrate the elegance of a suit jacket over a formal dress, nothing else will. A suit jacket adds structure to the flowing fabrics of guest dresses, offering a contrast that reflects elegance and critical thinking.
The other option, and perhaps more overlooked, is the cardigan. With cardigans of all lengths and fits available, it's easy to find one that complements our look. The finesse and quality of cardigans at OTTODISANPIETRO, from brands like Loewe and Alexander Wang to Bottega Veneta, provide warmth without being excessive. Let's not forget that it's summer, despite the contrast in temperatures, and something too thick may be too warm for us.
Summer wedding footwear - go for versatility
Some summer celebrations venture into outdoor settings surrounded by nature, so our footwear should be prepared for that. Sandals and flat shoes would be ideal in this case. The resurgence of ballet flats, courtesy of Miu Miu, brings this option back as a fashion trend. Flat shoes remain our best ally for some outdoor weddings.
For indoor weddings or those with a solid floor to walk on, classic shoes like Jimmy Choo or Aquazzura become the most desirable option. In the realm of formal sandals, Bottega Veneta sandals and Miu Miu have a lot to offer. All these brands embrace the empowerment of women through perhaps their most iconic accessory: high-heeled shoes. Heels and pumps enhance the silhouette of our outfits, in addition to adding a few extra inches of height.
Explore formal wedding shoes here.
The party clutch - small but crucial
If there's one characteristic that usually accompanies the concept of a party clutch, it's its small size. However, this small size shouldn't hinder our ability to carry our essentials: mobile phone, various keys, wallet, or cards. Mini bags have had their moment of maximum expression in the late 2010s, so today we have a wide variety to choose from.
From mini Bottega Veneta bags to the quintessential summer mini bag (the Jacquemus bag), you can find our selection of clutches and handbags for weddings here.
Jewellery - the finishing touch
The jewellery market is highly competitive, with specialty brands now competing with major fashion houses. Major houses like Prada, Miu Miu, and Bottega Veneta also have their own jewellery spaces present at OTTODISANPIETRO, offering unbeatable quality and design in line with their respective brands.
When it comes to jewellery for wedding guests, it's crucial to ensure that it harmonises with the rest of the pieces. While a look can be built around statement earrings or a striking pendant, poorly chosen jewellery can undermine an otherwise fashionable look. Our advice: less is more. The discreet elegance of the top creators translates into our store selections, so you can find pieces that are easy to combine with your outfit.
As we mentioned at the beginning, thanks to the rise of personal style, there are plenty of options for dressing as a guest for a summer evening celebration. That's why it's essential (and helpful) to first know the desired dress code of the event hosts. With this in mind, we hope that our analysis in terms of elegance and simplicity serves as a starting point when considering your styling options.
Do you have any further questions? Don't hesitate to visit our stores in A Coruña or contact us through our contact form for personalised advice.
