Are you struggling to decide what to wear for an upcoming wedding? Perhaps you’ve chosen your dress and shoes but are unsure about accessories. Or maybe you’re frantically second-guessing the weather to determine what to wear on top. Don’t worry! This guide will help you choose the perfect outer garment based on the season and venue so you can feel both stylish and comfortable.
The Silk Shawl
Few accessories are as versatile and elegant as the silk shawl, making it the ideal garment to wear over your dress to virtually any wedding. It can be worn draped over the arms during the ceremony for a modest and graceful look, then wrapped around the shoulders later on in the evening or during cooler moments. It can even double as a stylish scarf or wrap depending on the look you want to achieve, and the nature of the event.
It’s also a year-round accessory, thanks to silk’s unique thermodynamic properties, which help keep your body temperature regulated. It’s also lightweight and easy to fold up if you decide you don’t need it later on. And, unlike many wedding outfits, it’s something that you’ll be able to wear after the big day, thanks to its adaptability!
Available in every conceivable color and pattern, you’ll always find a silk shawl that complements your dress and matches your style. Whether you’re aiming for a simple, understated look or an outfit that is destined to catch the eye, a silk shawl is guaranteed to be a graceful addition to any wedding guest’s outfit.
The Bolero
The bolero allows wedding guests several advantages. For starters, it provides coverage for your shoulders and upper arms, adding warmth (especially so, since many boleros are made from cosy fabrics such as fur). That’s not all, though. The bolero’s key advantage lies in the way it still allows your dress to take center-stage, thanks to its cropped style and open-front design. Many models also feature wedding-friendly additions such as pretty ribbon ties or delicate lace details, making the bolero an ideal way to complete your wedding outfit this fall or winter.
Curiously, the bolero has an intriguing history of its own and dates back to 18th-century Spain. Here, it was worn by bullfighters and dancers (it owes its name to the traditional Spanish dance). Back then, it was often heavily embroidered yet lightweight, allowing both bullfighters and dancers alike the ability to move freely while engaging in their sport.
It is said to have arrived in the mainstream fashion world in the 1950s as a way of providing modesty and has remained popular ever since. In fact, while it was embraced in the 1960s as a staple of any bohemian wardrobe, in the 1980s it became more closely associated with power dressing! Today, it can be worn in whatever way you choose – and it’s bound to make a statement.
The Cape
No, we’re not talking about superhero capes or anything else out of a comic book. A cape is a beautiful addition to a wedding outfit, providing warmth and even a touch of glamour, depending on the fabric it’s made from.
Choose floor-length for a truly bold statement (and extra warmth!), and a look that definitely adds a touch of regal sophistication. This lends itself to a more formal affair, creating a sense of drama while being easily detachable when the dancing starts! If you feel a floor-length cape might be too over-powering, there are various shorter options that cover up the shoulders and upper arms, leaving the skirt of your dress free to shine.
Another garment with a long and intriguing history, the cape has been in and out of women’s fashion history since the Elizabethan era, so if you choose this to wear over your dress, you’ll be in good company!
The Blazer
Choosing a blazer to wear over your dress provides a refreshing twist on traditional wedding attire. It moves beyond the classic formal gown look and shakes up the usual notions of masculinity and femininity. It’s also a practical choice, offering plenty of warmth and… pockets! Ideal for stashing away your phone, lipstick or anything else you might need to hand, a blazer means you can go without a handbag.
When it comes to fabric choices, there are plenty of options. A lightweight linen blazer in a soft pastel shade works well at a spring or summer wedding. On the other hand, a heavier (and warmer) material such as a wool blend can be a chic option if your dress is made of thicker fabric.
It’s also worth considering a blazer made from unique textures, such as velvet. This luxurious fabric screams opulence and elegance, making it an ideal choice for creating depth and adding richness to your outfit. For evening weddings or colder seasons, a velvet blazer makes a bold and stylish statement.
The Cardigan
A cardigan doesn’t have to mean chunky-knit, grandma style. There are a whole host of cardigans, and some lend themselves perfectly to wearing over a dress at a wedding. Think about opting for a longline cardigan for a chic, modern silhouette that adds length to your outfit, or a cropped version (possibly with short or three-quarter-length sleeves) for a more structured style.
Alternatively, choose a lightweight, floaty fabric that adds an ethereal look, while still adding an additional thin layer of warmth. Look out for embellished styles, decorated with beading, sequins or lace, which is perfect for adding a focal point or a touch of glamour to your overall outfit.
Don’t worry if the cardigan’s fabric isn’t identical to that of your dress – a smooth, silky knit or fine wool blend can provide an interesting and subtle contrast to the rest of your outfit, while still creating a polished and put-together overall appearance.
Choosing the perfect outfit to attend a wedding is a complex decision. Judging the formality level, color scheme, comfort and, of course, temperature can all influence your choice. With these tips for what to choose over your dress, we hope you’ll be able to put together an ensemble that is both fitting for the event and suitable for the changing conditions! Enjoy the celebration!
Images from Fall 2023 Trend Report by Katie Borrazzo – See the full story here.
