Dress The Part

Like most women in their twenties, I’ve attended many weddings. The summer I had nine of them is fondly remembered as “The Summer of Dresses.” I felt it necessary to purchase a new dress for each wedding, which resulted in a lighter wallet and closet full of dresses I didn’t really love.

Now older and wiser, I look at the upcoming wedding season a little differently. Weddings aren’t necessarily the formal affair they used to be, so why not shake things up a bit? Here’s how I make the most out of my closet when wedding season rolls around:

1. Set up a dress
My sister and I have swapped dresses for years and it’s the best way to try out a new trend or style you’ve been timid about in the past. It’s a lot like trying a new hair color—without the commitment! This year I’ll be taking a bold floral frock for a test drive to see how I like it.

2. Layer up
Take a cue from style bloggers Atlantic-Pacific and Kendi Everyday. Both of these women are masters at recycling their wardrobe in new and interesting ways. Try incorporating a silk scarf or statement necklace to a simple cocktail dress. Belt a flowing maxi dress or pair a blazer with a bubble dress. I’m also a big fan of add-on pieces, like the clip-on accessories by Bando.

3. Think outside the cocktail dress
Depending on the type of wedding, dresses aren’t the only option any more. A lightweight, well-tailored jacket paired with a flowing maxi dress is wedding appropriate, fresh, and fun. Silk jumpers are a great option for the women who can pull them off, and a great fitting dress pant can look as polished as a LBD.