How to be the best dressed wedding guest

Katrina Israel maps out a safe sartorial passage for wedding season...

Who wears the pants?

No matter the occasion, some of us just don’t feel comfortable in a dress and here’s where pantsuits come in. In summer you can opt for lighter hues, just be sure to avoid Bianca Jagger’s famous white tux and make sure your blazer is not too oversized, while trousers can be anything from tapered or flared this season.

Flower power

If you’re after a no-brainer summer wedding hit, opt for a festive floral. You won’t be mistaken for a bridesmaid — and it also allows you to get away with a white- or black-based print if colour really isn’t your thing.

What a frill

Ruffles come in all guises, from architectural waves to floaty tiers, but the main reason they’re ideal for wedding season is that they hide all manner of sins. Conceal a bulging bust, soften a fitted waistline or add height with cascading layers.

Sleeve appeal

Invited to a destination wedding for which you’re not feeling all that prepared? Or a church ceremony that calls for covered shoulders? Choose one of the season’s myriad sleeve options — from a little cover off the shoulder to right down to the wrist. While in recent years this option may have felt dowdy, brands from Preen to Intropia have cut a soft modernity into these more modest dresses.

Chantilly confections

Once the domain of blushing brides, lace from guipure to Alençon has jumped the aisle to guests, as designers such as Han Chong of Self-Portrait have modernised the material with fluid creations.

All night long

So you’re going to a rather traditional affair. If you just want to fit in, choose a Duchess of Cornwall-style long-line jacket for the church and then lose it for the reception. Heavier fabrics do the job nicely and also hold off the evening chill.

Two for the road

Rethink the skirt suit — no longer solely a fitted, tweedy affair that screams mother-of-the-bride. Fashion Week brands such as Tibi have recut this double act in more relaxed iterations that feel both feminine and refined.