The Wedding Guest Edit: Occasion Wear and Capsule Wardrobes
Weddings, and special occasions in general, are one place where I am seriously lacking in my capsule wardrobe. The items I’d bought in the past had been worn a couple of times before making their slow crawl into the giveaway pile. And this year I was determined to put an end to this wasteful cycle by finally investing in the right pieces. So using the same approach that I’ve given to shopping for the rest of my capsule wardrobe, I’ve managed to find a pretty good few contenders for occasion wear that will see you through many a celebration and beyond that too!
Keeping It Casual
As my Instagram bio suggests, I am a fan of a laid back, SoCal approach to most things in life, including occasion wear. Weddings, while fun and love-filled, can be a bit stressful to navigate, and I feel like the best way to avoid added stress is by going for more casual silhouettes and then dressing up the look with nicer accessories. I love the comfort that this & Other Stories Belted Kimono Wrap Midi dress provides for sitting, eating and dancing, giving proper sun coverage (for those glorious outdoor summer weddings) and not being the least bit fussy. While the cut of this dress may seem a bit casual, the right finishing touches can make all the difference.
A Flattering Dress
For me this is something that can be easily dressed up or down with accessories, hair and makeup. This versatility is what makes it a valuable addition to your capsule wardrobe; it will see you through fancy dinners, cocktail parties, weddings, graduations, holidays, the works! Think about the silhouettes that you feel most comfortable in. Is that sleeveless, fitted, loose, mini, midi, cinched at the waist? You likely already have a good idea of which style suits you best. Prints also make for a super versatile piece and are always really fun for occasions, just make sure it’s something you won’t tire of after a few wears. A jumpsuits, two piece co-ords, and suits are other great alternatives if dresses aren’t your thing.
A Strappy Heel
I absolutely love wearing heeled sandals for special occasions because they’re less business-y but still quite formal. I especially recommend a heel in a nude color as it acts as a neutral, and looks amazing paired with a print or more intricate silhouette. These LoQ Ara Sandals have been a game changer in my wardrobe already because they are super unique and stylish while also being incredibly comfortable, making them perfect for long events. Dance floor tested! They are quite the investment but there are lots of similar options for less that I will link below.
A Fun Little Bag
This round bag from Woven Finds has been one of my most worn pieces and it’s now called the San Diego Roundie bag, so it’s truly a match made in heaven! I love the summery vibe that it gives this outfit. A bag with a bit of personality is key and it helps if it’s on the smaller side which is ideal for special occasions. There are so many cute little bags out there in really classic shapes so you’re bound to get your daily use out of them too. Some of my other favorite places for unique and capsule wardrobe- approved bags are Friday by JW Pei, Unitude, and Mango.