As wedding season is coming to a close, a lot of us are scrambling to come up with an outfit for that invitation that’s been sitting on our fridge since July. This can be a frantic rush, as out of the 2.1 million weddings that happen every year, it just so happens the one you’ve been invited to has left you poorly prepared.
However, as a wise person once said: “if you wait until the last minute, it’ll only take you a minute.” In other words, rest easy, because this process isn’t nearly as bad as you think. That’s why I’m presenting you with the how-to on putting together the last minute outfit. Check it out below:
Shoes
As with any outfit you put together, you’ve got to start out with your footwear. For the unfamiliar, your shoes are going to be what defines the rest of your outfit, including dictating the type of color palette you’re after. Of course, it’s always good to go with something neutral, such as black, dark grey, or brown, as these colors go with quite a bit. Oh, and don’t forget the styling either. For women, it’s always good to have a solid pair of heels or flats that are versatile, and for men, a pair of boots, chukkas, or dress shoes can be excellent options to get started.
If you don’t already own these items, then it might not be a bad idea to shop around online for some options. For men, I highly suggest checking out Taft, which has a great arsenal of staples to choose from. Additionally, they offer a unique blend of styles, sourcing from old and new into the perfect shoe for you to choose from. And as this probably won’t be your last wedding, it’s always good to get something that will last you, as well as can be worn with an array of outfits to maximize their value.
The Dress Or Suit
Once we’ve mastered your shoes, it’s time to start working our way up the outfit, which can be a pretty daunting task for some. After all, knowing what to wear to a wedding can be a difficult choice, as you don’t want to be too loud in your fashion, distracting from the bride. However, too soft can come off as underdressed, which can be intimidating as well. All-in-all, your best bet is to find something that you feel comfortable in and goes with the overall aesthetic of the ceremony. Check in with the bride or groom to see what they’re going to be wearing and if that can help you draw any inspiration.
In searching for the perfect outfit, first go with what you know looks good on you. While I applaud your desire to take risks, this isn’t the venue to do it, so try going for more of a classic, contemporary look instead. For women, I highly recommend checking out Azazie, which does custom bridesmaid dresses at a reasonable price. Not only are they curtailed to your body shape and size, but they additionally work with you to ensuring that everything looks perfect. The men, however, can be a completely different story.
According to CostHelper, the average men’s suit for a wedding can range anywhere from $300 up to $1000, depending on the fabric, cut, and brand. Those qualities aside, the first things you should focus on instead are the fabric, cut, and then cost. For a jacket and shirt, try to find something light for the summer heat, such as linen or cotton. Trust me, you don’t want to be sweating bullets in all those pictures, as well as smell awful by the end. As for the cut, try to find a tailor or service that custom fits your body for a low price. Try on a couple of jackets, and if you think you can find someone to alter it, then go for it. The most important aspects in wearing a suit boil down to two things: looking good, but more importantly, feeling good. Because once you’ve mastered that, it’s time to start accessorizing.
Accessories
While some might consider it unnecessary, having accessories to wear to a wedding is crucial. Whether it be a watch, bracelet, or necklace, these have been timeless items people wear when dressing up, which includes you as well. As noted by Statistic Brain, the average dress accessories clock in around $144. Granted, that’s not the worse you could face, but if you’re feeling on the frugal side, then try taking a visit to your local secondhand boutique or thrift store. Who knows? You might be surprised at what you can find for a bargain to add to your arsenal.
After you’ve put the finishing touches on your outfit, take a step back and reflect on how you look. If you find yourself smiling, then congratulations…job well done, you’ve become a master of the last minute wedding outfit. This is a skill unmatched, and one you should be proud of yourself for.
What items are you most excited to pick up in your search? Comment with your answers below!