Be the best-dressed guest
The new dress code for summer weddings? Study a few simple rules then go for gorgeous.
The new dress codes for summer weddings
1 PERSONAL BEST
Stick to your own style: there’s no need to succumb to the peculiar form of wedding panic that dictates overblown florals and cupcake colours. If you always wear black, go ahead, just make sure your accessories are zingy. And if you do decide to wear florals, toughen them up with metallic jewellery or a fierce pair of shoes.
2 SOMETHING NEW
For ultimate style kudos, always name-drop a brand that’s reassuringly niche: KLÛK CGDT and Orapeleng Modutle are the names to know for SA weddings; for the rest of the continent, the chicest guests wear Lisa Folawiyo and Adama Paris. 3 BEYOND THE PALE
Don’t set out to steal the brides thunder: never wear anything white. If you must wear some pale colours, or are eyeing up irtatiously revealing necklines, clear it with your host rst, preferably with an accompanying
visual sent via Whatsapp.
4 TO HAVE AND TO HOLD Rectangle clutch bags, be gone! A small top-handle bag from Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy or local designer Missibaba is an instant icebreaker, and will nestle in your elbow as you navigate the party.
5 MATCHLESS CHIC
Remember the matchymatchy rule: never coordinate your bags, shoes and belt – unless they’re Chanel, of course.
6COME CLEAN
Forgo the fake self-tan. No one wants to be the guest who smears remnants of fake tan on the bride’s dazzling white gown. 7 WARMER, WARMER A cardigan is no longer o limits: pin it at the throat with a brooch and let the arms fly for an instant update. Or invest in a cocktail coat. It will come into its own in the SA wedding season. Alternatively, an oversized blazer over a pretty dress looks modern.
8 RENEW YOUR VOWS
Yes, you can re-wear a dress to more than one nuptial, as long as you switch up your Kirsten Goss or Pichulik earrings. 9 STYLE TIPS Take note of the terrain: stilettos won’t work on gravel, cobble stones or grass. Choose platforms or wedges instead, and pack a pair of jewel-tone satin Manolo Blahnik at Luminance ats for when the ankleache sets in (do not, under any circumstances, take off your shoes on the dance oor). Never wear boots – they always look matronly.
10 HEAD TURNERS
Avoid fascinators at all costs – they only ever look half-hearted on you. Take your cue and opt for crystal-frosted hair clips, or try Crystal Birch for spectacular pillbox hats.