Wedding season is almost upon us, so I felt like it was a prime time to review what NOT to wear to a wedding as a guest. Here are four items you should always leave in your closet.
I guess is you only have 10 items of clothing, you can put your shorts on a hanger.
1. Anything White.
There are so many colors to choose from, so I don’t get why guests sometimes get hung up on pulling a white dress from their closet. I don’t care how flattering your favorite white dress is. Unless there’s a dress code that specifically asks guests to wear white, there’s no need to go there, ever. Period. Even if you know the bride isn’t wearing white, pick another color. I’m begging you. (And skip a color-blocked dress that’s white up top, even if the bottom is a different color. When you’re sitting down, it’ll look like you’re wearing all white.)
2. Anything Short, Tight, and Loud.
You can get away with one: short (but no cheek flashing), tight (but nothing sausage-y), OR loud. But any combination of of the above should be avoided. It’s OK to have fun and be on-trend, but it’s not OK to wear anything from Snooki’s closet circa 2009.
3. Jeans.
Just DON’T.
4. Anything That Blatantly Disregards the Dress Code.
If you don’t want to go all out “Tiki Formal!” or you’re not sure what “Casual Elegance” means, that’s fine. (You can decode most wedding dress codes here.) But if the invite says “Black Tie Optional” don’t show up in a baby-doll dress. Or if it says “Beach Casual” don’t wear a floor-length sequined sheath. If the invite doesn’t give a dress code, let the time of day and the venue dictate your outfit. Which means don’t wear a formal gown midday winery wedding or a backless, cleavage-baring dress to a morning ceremony at a house of worship.
What’s the worst thing you’ve seen a wedding guest wear?
PS: Yes, you CAN wear black to a wedding!