Warmer weather means that wedding season is officially in full swing. While you want to look your best as a wedding guest—or as a member of the bridal party—purchasing a new suit or dress for every occasion this summer may not be practical. Regardless, no matter how many outfits you have to choose from, you want to keep them in the best shape possible. From wedding guest style tips to clothing maintenance, here’s a fuss-free guide to taking care of your best pieces so they last beyond the cake and champagne toast.
Invest in a timeless dress or classic suit
As tempting as it is to purchase a unique dress or suit for each event you attend, it makes sense to invest in timeless pieces that you'll use for other purposes. When choosing your wedding season attire, opt for a classic silhouette that will serve you well on date nights or other dressier events.
Style tip: For ladies, a classic choice like an LBD (little black dress) is always a great option to have in the closet, but the wedding season can be a reason to explore new styles, trends and colors that you may not wear as often. For the gents, most suits can be repurposed for all occasions—business or pleasure. Dress up each with unique accessories depending on the event.
Choose the right fabrics for a touch of personal style
Occasion dressing doesn’t have to strictly translate to formal wear (unless the invitation reads black tie). For a modern approach to cocktail attire, introduce a casual element to the ensemble through unconventional fabrics or accessories. Try mixing dressier silhouettes with more laid-back fabrics for cocktail-appropriate wear with a hint of cool. Choose fabrics that are durable, wrinkle-free and easy to clean. That way, you'll remain unfettered from the ceremony to the after-party.
Style tip: Consider an easy-care fabric such as acetate, jersey or rayon blends instead of pure silk for effortless style that will keep you feeling both polished and comfortable. These fabrics have the added bonus of being easier to clean, for either you or your dry cleaner.
Treat stains in a timely manner
Ernest Hemingway once wrote that Paris is a moveable feast. Weddings often translate to another kind of moveable feast, so the tricky part about formal dressing is tackling the various accidents that can occur during your fine dining adventures. Whether it’s an unwanted souvenir from the reserve wine or that niçoise salad, make sure you treat any stains as soon as you get home, as they become harder to manage once they settle into the fabric. Weddings are messy business, so don’t let those stains sink in!
Style tip: If you're concerned about letting something slip, it doesn't hurt to stick to white wines or champagne. (Even though these spills are less noticable, they do still need to be treated! Apply a damp towel to absorb what you can of the stain, and then have it treated professionally when you get home.)
Employ a dry cleaning service to keep your garments pristine
Even if you've managed to leave the reception stain-free, the best way to care for your choicest pieces are to entrust them to a professional cleaner before putting your clothes back in your closet. This takes care of any potential odors or wrinkles; it also ensures that your suits and dresses are in perfect condition for your next celebrated affair.
Style tip: For best results, store your clothing in a garment bag post-cleaning. Your timeless pieces will always be good to go with these simple steps. Stay stylish throughout the season (and be ready for the next) with these tips for wedding guests.
Photos: Josh Felise, Michal Kulesza, Milada Vigerova, Jay Wennington, Kekyalyaynen / Shutterstock.com
