MILLI’S ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WEDDING GUEST DRESSING
Summer wedding season is almost upon us. The invitations are pinned to the fridge and our minds turn to the inevitable question “What am I going to wear?”
Suggestions of “smart casual” or “black tie” can be unhelpfully vague and it’s often a challenge trying to balance looking great, feeling comfortable and being “on dress code”.
We work with customers throughout the year to help them nail the perfect look and the perfect fit with their occasionwear. So as the most popular month for wedding kicks off, the Milli’s Sewing StudioTeam have put together their top tips for wedding guest dressing.
1. FABRIC IS YOUR FRIEND
Fabric can make or break both the look and comfort of an outfit, particularly during the summer months or if jetting off for a destination wedding.
Fabrics such as linen and cotton are super breathable which makes them comfortable to wear even in the hottest temperatures. They work particularly well for structured pieces such as shift dresses or separates.
Viscose on the other hand is more fluid so is a good option if you favour movement and that floaty look that’s so nice for the summer events.
There are some great brands our there. Stoned & Waisted are worth a look for their classic silhouettes and second-to-none attention to detail.
2. TUNE INTO TAILORING
Not just for the men out there, trouser suits, co-ords and smart jumpsuits are becoming a popular choice for occasionwear. They’re a really fun way to bring a modern, unexpected look to your wedding guest game. And we can certainly see why; they’re stylish, comfortable and are the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to cost per wear. A great option for re-wearing again and again to make your investment go further.
With tailoring, fit really is everything and is the key to feeling both confident and comfortable. There’s tons we can do to help you achieve that flawless fit, from altering sleeve and trouser length, through to nipping in the waist to give that streamlined look.
3. CELEBRATE LOVE IN PRE-LOVED
We are huge advocates of pre-loved pieces for occasionwear. The perfect way to find one-of-a-kind outfits and ensure you don’t end up twinning with another wedding guest. You can find a huge breadth of different options, ranging from on-trend to truly unique pieces.
On top of looking unique, you also get to enjoy the feel good factor; the knowledge that your choice is extending the life of the garment and being more sustainable at the same time.
Platforms such as eBay, Depop and Vinted are a great place to start but it’s also worth considering smaller studios such as Matisa Market and Rebound for their curated approach and styling inspiration.
One of the challenges of pre-loved is finding the perfect piece but it’s in need of some care and attention or the sizing isn’t quite right. We love nothing more than bringing a piece back to life with repairs or tweaks to sizing to make it perfect for you.
4. LEAN INTO LAYERING
This may seem obvious, but so many people forget that summer events can be a bit nippy, especially during the evening. Not forgetting air conditioning which whilst being a lifesaver during a hot spell, can also be a wedding guest’s worst nightmare.
Layers are a great go-to for UK weddings in particular. A light cover-up is a great way to layer warmth into your outfit. The softness of a fine cotton knit cardigan paired with sleeveless dress or top works well for a relaxed look. Alternatively, a structured linen jacket can add texture to your outfit or a blazer style looks just as good over a floaty dress to bring a more masculine edge to your look.
5. START EARLY
We are great at turning pieces around, especially when you have a specific event around the corner. That said, please keep in mind that prom, wedding and garden party season all fall at the same time, so the earlier you can plan ahead the better. We usually suggest at least a month before the event, particularly if the piece needs more complex alterations. After all, the more time we have the more we can do and the more enjoyable the process is.
Our studio is located at the picturesque Hall Farm Barns in Old Martlesham, Suffolk. We pride ourselves in giving each and every customer a break from their hectic schedules when they visit us at our calm, rural setting.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions about the process, we’d love to hear from you.