How to Dress on Your Wedding Weekend
By Curator Grant Alexander, stylist and owner of G ALXNDR
Picking out an outfit for any regular event can be tough sometimes, so choosing what outfits to wear on your wedding weekend can be overwhelming to say the least. There's so much pressure to make sure you look your best every moment because someone is always going to be taking photos, right? Yes and no.
Yes, someone will probably be taking photos throughout the weekend. But there doesn't have to be so much pressure! You can easily look your best throughout the weekend without all the stress. How? Let's get into our tips for what to wear on wedding weekend.
#1 Be yourself & don’t dress up for others
The most important aspect of looking great and being stylish is being yourself. Don’t dress up for other people, dress up (or don’t) because you love the way you look and feel when you are, and you want to feel your best throughout the weekend.
If you wear something that you’re unsure of or wear it because you want to impress others, it often comes off as trying too hard. Wear things you love on you and that enhance your best features.
If you’re a sneakerhead and want to wear different kicks throughout the weekend, go for it! If you look sexy in a jumpsuit or fitted sports jacket, rock it. If you’re a vintage t-shirt sort of person, wear it and try pairing it with a jacket or another layer on top. You don’t want to look sloppy. It’s you, just with a little more effort and care.
No matter what event or part of the weekend you’re planning for, don’t try too hard. Be yourself. If something doesn’t feel right to you, don’t wear it. Your lack of confidence will show, and that is not what we want on wedding weekend. You are already beautiful, so wear what makes you feel that way, too.
#2 Think long-term and versatile for new pieces
If you’re buying anything new to wear on your wedding weekend, don’t purchase something that you will only wear once. Not only is that a less sustainable and environmentally-friendly option (and a bigger waste of money), but doing so often leads to choosing things that aren’t as…”you”.
Going back to my first tip — being yourself — when you purchase something that you know you can and will wear more than once, it’s much more likely that it actually aligns with your personal style. If it’s something you’re used to wearing, or if it’s a color, silhouette, or fit that you already know looks great on you, you’re going to look great in it on wedding day.
Don’t take this opportunity to try something new. This is not the time to experiment. If you want to experiment, go nuts for a shower or someone else’s wedding weekend.
#3 When in doubt over colors, go neutral and/or monochromatic
If you are struggling to figure out what colors to wear throughout the weekend, make it easier on yourself by choosing neutral colors, or a favorite color, and matching shades of those colors with one another to create a monochromatic look (meaning the same color).
When I’m in a rush and know I need to put something stylish together quickly, I have three go-to options:
Grey jeans (these are in my top-3 most worn jeans) + an off-white t-shirt or sweater + a grey jacket (in a shade darker or lighter than the jeans)
Black jeans (my fave) + a navy or black t-shirt or sweater + a black jacket
Light grey dress pants + white popover (kind of like a polo meets a dress shirt) + any or no jacket
Notice something? They’re formulas of three relatively monochromatic outfits. They create coordinated outfits with ease, and then adding the right shoes and accessories, I can take it in whatever direction I want. These formulas work for me. It’s important to create your own formula that works for you and your personal style, or get in touch and we can help.
Monochromatic looks and neutral colors are often flattering on most skin tones and body types, and often create a simple, sophisticated look without much fuss. Try it, it’s easy.
#4 Brides: You don’t have to wear white for everything.
Brides, hear me out.
You don’t have to wear white pants or a skirt and an off-white blouse to Thursday’s dinner with family, a white jumpsuit to rehearsal dinner, your white dress on wedding day (likely after a white robe or pajamas to start the day), and a cute white romper or comfortable set for brunch the morning after.
If you want to wear a bolder, brighter color, go for it throughout the weekend. Any dinners on the nights before are a great opportunity to wear something spectacular. Does a bright or saturated color look amazing on you? Wear that. No one is forcing you to wear white. Everyone there knows you are the bride. Wear what makes you look and feel your best.
Here are a few ideas for inspiration:
#5 Bring an extra outfit
If something happens to something you’ve put on, or if you just have a change of heart, having a backup outfit is critical. Things happen and you want to be prepared. It doesn’t have to be a single outfit.
Ladies: bring your favorite pair of nicer jeans (this Black pair from FRAME is a client-favorite) and pack two additional tops, one nice and one even nicer.
Guys: bring your favorite pair of nicer jeans (this Black pair from FRAME is a client-favorite) and pack a plain white t-shirt (please, go buy a new one… Target has a great white t-shirt for $6), any blazer that fits you well or a jacket like a bomber.
Follow these tips and choosing what to wear for your wedding weekend will be easier. If you need help with specific outfits or pieces, feel free to get in touch!