Not only is this wedding season, a time when champagne bottles pop with reckless abandon, but we are currently experiencing the after-effects of over a year of postponed weddings. Needless to say, many of you may be juggling more than a few invitations at the moment. So what to wear, what to wear? If you're not ready to jump directly into the daunting online scroll of formalwear, fear not. We've called in a bit of extra help in the form of the Over The Moon team, your go-to source for all things wedding-related.
Between co-founder Alexandra Macon and lead stylist Anny Choi—both of whom not only work in the industry, but attend their fair share of weddings themselves—they've got this whole thing down to a science. Below, they reveal all the factors you should consider when selecting your attire. The intel ranges from time of day to venue—don't want those stilettos sinking in the lawn—to the dress code. Don't let this list overwhelm you, as these are simply factors that can help narrow down your search.
Hour
"For me, it's usually about the material. Cotton and eyelet obviously feel more daytime versus silks, fine lace, and velvet—they are more evening appropriate. There is always an exception to this rule, but it's a good place to start when you're beginning to think about your wardrobe." —Anny Choi
Location
"I'm originally from Charleston, SC, and there, a 6:00 PM or later start time almost always means black tie—except when the wedding is literally on the beach. Confusion about this meant that a friend of mine had an ex-boyfriend of hers (who she stayed close to after they broke up) show up to her wedding wearing a tux, while all of the other men were in seersucker and tan suits." —Alexandra Macon
Guest List
"In addition to location, season, time of day, dress code, et cetera—who else is attending is another key factor. With so many weddings postponed and happening back-to-back this year, you want to be smart about repeating outfits. Unless it is a strictly black-tie or a themed wedding (or if you are in the wedding, of course), chances are you'll be rotating between three to four cocktail dresses. A friend of mine literally made a spreadsheet of all the weddings she is attending along with what friend groups will be there and what she'll be wearing to each! Thinking about the other guests in attendance will also help you figure out how adventurous you can be. For example, for an industry friend's wedding, you know you can be a little extra and pull out that vintage Galliano look, but I definitely wouldn't want to wear that to my cousin's traditional Korean wedding!" —Anny Choi
Weather
"If sweating is an issue, stay away from light-colored silks for outdoor weddings during the summer, and always pick the more comfortable shoes over the ones that just look good, because at the end of the day, you want to be able to dance and have fun!" —Anny Choi
Venue
"I think it's less about what hour of the day and more 'where.' For example, if you know the ceremony and dancing will take place on a lawn, you will want to stay away from stilettos and light-colored, long dresses that could get dirty in the grass." —Anny Choi
Couple Style
"I think the couple's wedding website always says a lot about their aesthetic and style. If you want to be 100 percent sure and you are close enough with the couple, ask if she has a wedding Pinterest/mood board they can share." —Anny Choi
Dress Code
"I think one can get creative with black tie—a man can wear velvet slippers and no socks, or forgo the tie altogether. Black tie for a woman doesn't have to mean a floor-length gown. Remember Sienna Miller's short glitter-and-black-tights pairing at the Met Gala in 2006?" —Alexandra Macon
Evolution of Sartorial Restrictions
"Honestly, I think everyone is excited to get dressed up after this year! There are obviously so many ways to interpret black tie. (I don't think it's necessarily about the length of the dress anymore.) The most important thing to consider is what you're comfortable in and not just going out and buying a ballgown you're only going to wear once to fit the theme. Invest in a sharp suit that you can dress up each time with different accessories, or a little black jumpsuit to put into the rotation. Also, be smart when shopping for black tie. Just because you have to look fancy doesn't mean you have to spend the most for this look. Look at sites like Poshmark, The RealReal, The Outnet, and Yoox—you'll be able to find some great designer pieces at affordable prices!" —Anny Choi
Rely on Your Go-Tos
"A simple slip dress will always work, no matter the dress code. You can dress it up or dress it down, and it's a safe bet. There are so many different variations of the 'slip dress' now–with sleeves to subtle ruching details at the front for every body type. Also, investing in a well-fitted suit is always a good idea—it makes for a unique black-tie option in a sea of dresses, and it will never go out of style." —Anny Choi
Shop Our Edit Below:
Top photo: Courtesy of Anne Rhett; Dress: Cara Cara
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