We might be experiencing what we’d politely describe as ‘changeable’ weather in Ireland this summer, but we’re feeling completely confident that every wedding we’re attending over the following few months will be bathed in sunshine! And from that completely unrealistic perspective we’ve put together some of our favourite trends for summer wedding guest dressing this year!
We’re loving sleek and structured shift dresses and fabulously floaty floral gúnas in equal measure (and you could possible gauge which is more vibe-suitable by looking at a few images of the wedding venue) but, as with last year, we’re still head over heels for a pretty prom-style skirt and simple tee combo (and if separates are your thing definitely take a look at this fab guide to pulling the look off perfectly). Pastels are still a hugely popular look for summer weddings (but, as you’ll see below, approach with caution) and we’re also loving a cool and contemporary colour block look perfect for Scandi style dressers.
Main image: LaceandLocks.com in ASOS
Chic & Structured
Taking its cue from the wardrobe staple LBD, many of this year’s prim and proper party gúnas come in gorgeous laser cut and lace and most have a hem just slightly north of the knee. We love the look of a capped sleeve and A-line skirt paired with simple accessories for a sophisticated but sexy look for a summer celebration. For another layer of glam, top it off with a floor-grazing duster or a chic oversized boyfriend blazer. One thing is for sure – the slick, chic and structured dress will never go out of fashion.
Dresses: Mesh Detailed Mini Dress, €76,00, Topshop | Pink Orchid Midi Dress, €370, Reiss | Hartley Lace Shift Dress, €179.00, Coast
Pretty in Prints
Prints will always be a hit during the sunny summer months, and this year it’s all about florals. Florals look fab for a sunny day soiree but you have to be very careful with your print – too muted and you risk losing the overall impact of the look; too heavy and you risk the outfit dating in a matter of months! For florals, keep your silhouette as simple as possible, and accessories to a minimum.
Dresses: Hudson Printy Henley Dress, €149.00, Coast | Laura Bernal Metallic Asymmetric Hem Dress from McElhinneys Department Store | ASOS CURVE SALON Midi Pencil Dress In Floral Print, €84.50, ASOS
Perfect Pastels
Another summer, another perfect opportunity for donning some ultra feminine pastels! Pastels are a great option for summer weddings and there are swathes of shades to choose from this year. Our pick? A delicious muted lemon (and if you’ve €300+ to drop on your Big Day wear, we suggest trying this Self Portrait textured lemon lace dress on soonish!) Pastels can however create a ‘washed out’ look on some skin tones which you can either embrace (though maybe take a snap of yourself in the outfit first in case you look a little naked!) or can counter with a slight bit of bronzer and some super bright statement accessories.
Dresses: Ruffle Bardot Midi Dress, €94.00, Oasis | Zamora Lace Jumpsuit, €169.00, Coast | SELF-PORTRAIT Azalea Textured Lace Dress, €335.00, Brown Thomas
Prom Queen Separates
Perfect for a more formal or even a blacktie affair, the prom skirt and shirt combo is one of our favourite wedding guest trends this summer. Feminine and flirty this is a look for the guest who plans to be first up on the dancefloor – you won’t be able to stop yourself twirling in some of these gorgeous skirts! If you love the look but the idea of shopping for separates gives you a mild panic attack, try the ‘illusion separate’ look like this gorgeous Riley dress from Irish designer Caroline Kilkenny – friends will be more than impressed with your suggested styling skills!
Dresses: ASOS Ultimate Prom Skirt in Jacquard, €98.59, ASOS | Caroline Kilkenny Riley Dress, Vanity Fair Boutique | Bliss Printed Organza Skirt, €195.00, Coast
Soft & Floaty Summer Dresses
If there’s a look that epitomises the hope in our hearts for the perfect summer wedding it’s the soft, floaty, floral dress. This is a huge look at the moment and one that everyone can wear. The best thing about a floaty floral gúna? Absolutely no accessorising is needed AND you can get away with flats if needs be. A win/win in any man’s (or woman’s) language.
Dresses: Chelsea Floral Maxi Dress, €115.00, Oasis | ASOS Ruffle Cape Soft Midi Dress In Vintage Floral, €77.46, ASOS | ASOS Pink and Grey Iris Soft Midi Pencil Dress, €70.42, ASOS
Bright Block Colours
If you consider yourself a Scandi type dresser when it comes to style (read: minimal, understated, neutral colours) finding a suitable outfit for a summer wedding can feel like a bit of an uphill struggle. While you mightn’t be jumping into a bright floral maxi any time soon, there is a way to introduce some colour to your palette through colour blocking. We’re loving this look for an understated and contemporary feel for a wedding – bonus points for geometric sleeves and pops of neon!
Dresses: Alena dress by Heidi Higgins, €385.00, Brown Thomas | Striped Chiffon Ruffle Sleeveless Crepe Shift Dress, Multi-Coloured, €189.00, by Badoo at Vanity Fair and McElhinneys Department Store | Geometric Gold Strip Dress by Badoo at Vanity Fair