The summer wedding presents a fashion challenge unlike any other.  Buffalo’s unpredictable summer weather means you never know what to expect: the day could be either blazing hot or thunder storming (or possibly both). As a wedding guest, you’ll want to avoid looking disheveled and stay comfortable from the time the bride walks down the aisle ‘til the last bottle of champagne is emptied. Which begs the question: what should you wear?

Not to worry, I’m here to help. Before you hit up the mall or boutique, here are a few helpful hints to keep you looking cool and classy despite the summer heat.

1. Be bold. Throw caution to the wind. Forget rules about not outshining the bride – it’s her wedding day, she already wins. A summer wedding is a good excuse to buy a dress in a bright color, so don’t hide in drab black or timid lavender. Buy something in cobalt blue, Kelly green, or bubblegum pink. Why not? It’s summer.

2. Don’t wear white. Just don’t do it. On momentous occasions such as debutante balls, graduations, and weddings, only a select few should be wearing white gowns. You don’t want to be the cause of a bridal meltdown. For one day, please just avoid anything in white or cream.

3. Keep it short. A long dress will weigh you down on the dance floor and won’t do anything to keep you cool. An embellished dress with some pumps or wedges is simple, stylish, and summer-y.

4. Choose footwear wisely. Shoes can make or break the day (and your feet).  The shoes you choose better be comfortable enough to last you through the entire day. We’ve all sacrificed comfort for fashion and we all know how miserable we become as a result – now multiply by a wedding ceremony, endless waiting for the beginning of the reception, an extended cocktail hour, a crowded receiving line and three versions of “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” But if you refuse you give up your five-inch platforms, bring a change of shoes so you can still get your dance on.

5. Keep it simple, hair-wise. Humidity straightens curls and adds frizz quicker than you can say “You may now kiss the bride.” No one wants flat, limp hair.  Your safest bet is a simple up-do or ponytail. If you feel your look is too boring, add a flower or headband to jazz it up a little.

6. Embrace linen. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: for men, your best bet is the linen suit. You’ll be right on trend in a sand or gray suit with a white shirt. But if you’re afraid of wrinkled linen (a legitimate concern), try a dark suit with a shirt in a washed-out shade – think aqua, pink, or yellow. If this wedding is a more serious affair, you can’t go wrong in a tuxedo. It’s classic, simple, and, looks good on everyone.

If all else fails, just dress for the season. Eyes won’t really be on you anyway - it’s not your day. Relax and enjoy the wedding. This is supposed to be fun, remember?

photo courtesy of Bond Magazine