The wedding invite has arrived - but what to wear??

With the wedding of the century now done and dusted, the fun really begins analysing who wore what, and how well they wore it. Sleuth was glued to the telly to see not only THE DRESS, but the attire that over 1800 guests arrived in, resulting in a melting pot of not only high-designer fashion, but some fashion-crime moments that sometimes only the Royals can achieve (raise your hands Beatrice & Eugenie....)

When it comes to being a wedding guest, it can often be a little daunting to decide what to wear to ensure you are dressed appropriately for the occasion, and also feel confidant in your outfit to ensure a good time throughout the event.

The dress code for a wedding should be clearly stipulated by the bride & groom so that their guests know what is expected, although at every wedding there always seems to be a ‘what were they thinking’ guest or two (denim is included in this category!)
So Sleuth has put below a run-down of wedding-wear protocol to guide Shopistas to the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of wedding guest garb, along with fabulous outfits to make an entrance in (but don't forget the golden rule - never aim to outshine the bride!)


Happy Shopping! x

The White Tie Wedding – the crème de la crème of wedding attire, white tie can often be the most fun, and also the most stressful for guests. Short dresses have no business here, with ladies expected to be in ball gowns worthy of a Cinderella moment. So frock up and have fun with it - just preferably don't wear white as you may find yourself being mistaken for the bride by tipsy relatives.....

This gown is a moment in itself, designed by homegrown fashion queen Rachel Gilbert US $1,820 from net-a-porter - BUY HERE 

Heels with a bit of sparkle will add some splash to your formal look, 'Queen' AUD $109.95 by MOLLINI - BUY HERE

Shimmer & shine with this lovely diamante-encrusted box clutch by Olga & Berg AUD $189 - BUY HERE

House of Harlow 1960 drop earrings AUD $17.30 - BUY HERE

Juliet & Company Lumiere Stretch Ring AUD $41.60 - BUY HERE

The Black Tie Wedding - Not as formal as white tie, black tie is a common dress code for weddings, with brides & grooms asking their guests to frock up and put in some effort for their special day, but not look like they should arrive in a horse & carriage. Traditionally black tie still implies a floor-length dress, but depending on the style of dress, many shorter versions are still suitable. 

Leopard is the colour of the season, so crack out this Calvin Klein number to celebrate, paired back with gorgeous bling accessories US $111.30 - BUY HERE

Nine West's 'Julius' heels will help you make a noble statement AUD $149 - BUY HERE

Bling with a difference - Rachel Leigh's Singita Drop Earrings AUD $118 - BUY HERE

ASOS Roaring Tiger Metal Ring - bling for a bargain! AUD $3.61 - BUY HERE 

Dress like the Queen of New York with Tory Burch's Metallic Logo Clutch AUD $322 - BUY HERE

The Cocktail Wedding - A fun spin on the traditional reception, cocktail often implies canapes and drinks rather than a sit-down dinner. Regardless of proceedings, if an invitation invites guests to dress 'cocktail', this doesn't instantly read as 'slutty nightclub'. Once again, the fact it's a wedding must be observed, so leave the crotch-skimming minis at home and opt for either a shorter (read - appropriate) or maxi length dress and heels. 

BCBGMAXAZRIA'S one-shoulder taffeta mini dress is a perfect cocktail concoction AUD $384.68 - BUY HERE

Jimmy Choo's Crown Glitter-Covered & Metallic Leather Pumps - the name pretty much sums up the extravagance of these lovelies! AUD $671.70 - BUY HERE

Simply stunning studs by Belle Noel AUD $24.75 - BUY HERE

Dare to be different and add a splash of Alexander McQueen colour to your couture look AUD $459 - BUY HERE

No cocktail ensemble is complete without a fancy knuckle-duster, and this Cognac Cocktail Ring by Sassi Jewels helps us understand where the term 'cocktail ring' came from, and will look perfect perched against a frosted Martini glass AUD $69.95 - BUY HERE

The Garden Wedding - is often held in the afternoon, and a lovely setting for gorgeous garden attire. Unless otherwise stipulated, garden weddings are often cocktail with a twist. Dresses of respectable length, heels and jewellery are all necessary, and just because it's outdoors doesn't mean that guests shouldn't frock up. If in doubt, confirm with the bride who should guide you on her expectations of guest attire, and have fun with one of Sleuth's favourite fashion settings!

Whimsical garden nymph, Sleuth is fantasising about FLEUR WOOD'S Ali Dress dress paired back with vintage-style jewels, clutch and heels, very Picnic At Hanging Rock, and oh-so-divine! $395 - BUY HERE

Mushroom & grey, a gorgeous colour palette for an afternoon garden setting. OLGA BERG $119 - BUY HERE

Feeling very La Dolce Vita with Samantha Will's gorgeous retro earrings  $245 - BUY HERE

Capping off the vintage feel with patent heels from STEVE MADDEN and a gorgeous toe polish $159 - BUY HERE

The Beach Wedding - Aaah cocktails by the sea & saying vows to the sounds of waves lapping on the shore...dream wedding really! If you've been invited to a beach wedding... firstly, lucky you! And secondly, enjoy the fun of dressing down-yet-up. This means that while you may even be barefoot, there is still an expectation of what you wear as a guest on the big day. What the designer's love to call 'resort-wear', bejewelled kaftans, lovely large changelier earrings and sparkly flats are all ingredients in a successful beach wedding outfit....and of course, a fabulous toe and nail polish to finish off the tropical vibe!

Byron-based designer Phyllis Boho's Carmen Beach Kaftan with its glorious mix of print and sparkle is perfect for seaside nuptials $199 -  BUY HERE

A perfect coral infusion with Kenneth Jay Lane's Three Drop Earrings $79.30 - BUY HERE

Wear your tropical feeling on your wrist, adding glitz to your beach look with this gorgeous coral cuff AUD $157 - BUY HERE

The perfect mix of beach & chic with Michael by Michael Kors' Rattan & Leather Box Clutch USD $170 - BUY HERE

Sleuth already has a pair of these gorgeous Seahorse Sandals by River Island on express order from ASOS. What's better than the AUD $54 price tag? Free International shipping - Shopista bliss! BUY HERE 

Go troppo with OPI's 'Koala Bear-y' polish $19.95

·