DESTINATION: WEDDING

With summer in full swing, weddings are starting to pop up like mushrooms after a heavy rain – and let’s face it, even if on the invitation you received more than half a year ago was written with capital letters WHITE TIE EVENT, all that slips to your mind now, only a few days away before the Ceremony is the anxiety-producing question: WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? Would that good-old dress hanging in the back of my closet be enough? Not for a show –stopping entrance but at least for a decent one, the kind of entrance that doesn’t get the bride and groom thinking: Who invited her to our wedding?

In moments like these, when the pressure of finding an outfit that whispers to your close ones “I CARE about your Nuptials” is reaching unbearable quotes, I start to envy men’s wardrobes, thinking just how easy it would be to throw on a black suit and matching shoes, then to receive tons of ovations for my great fashion sense. Still, taking a closer look at men’s wedding attires, things are getting far more complex than any of us could imagine – with hundreds of different suit styles to choose from, not to mention shirts and accessories, it seems just as hard for a man to pick the right outfit as it is for a woman. Knowing the importance of a put-together look when it comes to a social event, I created three different couple-friendly styling suggestions, in accordance with the required etiquette.

Heading to a WHITE TIE EVENT:

For Him – Contrary to the name, the most formal and rare dress code requires a black tailcoat jacket and matching trousers, worn with a white broadcloth shirt – my personal favorite, it demands a specific attention to details – opt for a white, self-tied bowtie in the shape of batwing, keeping in mind to wear it outside the wing of the collars. Regarding the cufflinks and studs, I would opt for the ones in sterling silver or white gold, faced with mother of pearl, to match the shirt’s buttons. When it comes to dress shoes, go for a black pair, in shiny patent – after all, shoes are considered to be the most important part of an outfit.

For Her – It’s a good time to live your Cinderella moment, so drop any thoughts of wearing a short cocktail dress and head your attention towards Oscar-style ball gowns. I would choose a tulle layered design, in a rich shade like bloody red or deep navy, adorned with chandelier earrings and a satin box clutch. When it comes to picking the shoes, a pair of black strappy sandals would be enough to make a lasting impression.

Outfit ingredients FOR HIM: FAVOURBROOK, Black Bedford Cord Morning Suit Coat / PAUL FREDERICK, Hidden Button Down Collar Shirt /PAUL FREDERICK, Mother of Pearl Mesh Wrap Cufflinks / PAUL FREDERICK, Italian Leather Cap Toe Oxford Shoes

Outfit ingredients FOR HER: MARCHESA, One-shoulder draped silk-gazar gown / BOTTEGA VENETTA, The Knot intrecciato satin clutch / KENNETH JAY LANE, Rhodium-plated cubic zirconia earrings / SERGIO ROSSI, Puzzle Basic embellished suede sandals

Heading to a BLACK TIE-OPTIONAL EVENT:

For Him – Less fussy than the White Tie dress code, black tie remains in the standards of formal attires – try investing into a grosgrain silk suit, the kind of sleek and clean style that will be at your side for at least a decade. If you’re into richer fabrics and ready to make a statement, go for a velvet dinner jacket matched with a pair of smart black trousers. When choosing the shirt, opt for a turn down collar in a contrasting hue – white would be my personal pick. Accessorizing is the key to a properly styled outfit so choose a self-tied bow in the same fabric as the suit, and a pair of neutral-hued cufflinks – my faves are the ones in black or white. For the shoes, I would opt for a simple pair of pumps with a satin bow on top.

For Her – If you’re not into gowns or you don’t own one, there’s no reason to be worried: a cocktail frock would be the perfect choice for the Black Tie-Optional Nuptials. I would go for a lace design in a light fabric like silk-chiffon or organza – though the etiquette approves wearing white to a wedding, it’s better to leave it to the bride. After all, we have plenty of deliciously chic options to choose from – light blue and nude are my first choices when it comes to summer nuptials.  Whatever you choose to wear, pay extra attention to the accessories – my fail-safes are a peachy shoulder bag and a pair of beige strappy sandals.

Outfit ingredients FOR HIM:  PAUL FREDERICK, Luxury 140’s Cotton Straight Collar Trim Fit Dress Shirt / PAUL FREDERICK, Metal & Crystal Botanical Rectangle Cufflinks

Outfit ingredients FOR HER: VALENTINO, Lace Dress / JIMMY CHOO, Lang patent-leather sandals / CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA, What A Peach suede clutch

Heading to a CASUAL EVENT:

For Him – Almost every man’s favorite, this dress code leaves you the power to wear seasonal comfy clothes – even though you’re free to choose any nice outfit stored in your wardrobe, I would opt for a linen suit in a neutral hue, matched with a button-down shirt and a pair of leather brogues.

For Her – When heading to a casual wedding, almost everything is accepted – still, keep in mind you’re attending a wedding – my personal favorites are dresses in fluid fabrics like silk, matched with a conversation-starting bag and some discreet jewelry pieces. Even if the event is casual, unless it’s taking place on the beach, try opting for a pair of heeled sandals or platforms.

Outfit ingredients FOR HIM: J. CREW, Slim-Fit Woven Linen and Cotton-Blend Suit Jacket / PAUL FREDERICK, Hidden Button Down Collar Shirt / PAUL FREDERICK, Italian Woven Leather Oxford Shoe

Outfit ingredients FOR HER: DIANE FON FURSTENBERG, Carpreena floral-jacquard dress / CHLOE, Gold-tone bar cuff / OLYMPIA LE-TAN, The Happy Bunnies embroidered clutch / DOLCE & GABBANA, Printed patent-leather platform sandals