Over the last week, I’ve received an avalanche of emails all wanting to know what to wear for the Royal Wedding celebrations. It seems that there are a host of events happening to mark the occasion, from High Teas and formal garden parties, to backyard BBQ shenanigans. And while it is highly likely that you’ll know the common dress code for the later (plastic tiara anyone?), it is the much more formal events that seem to be causing the most consternation.
If one was actually attending the nuptials in person, it is likely that you’d already be familiar with some of the more subtle do’s and don’t of such an occasion. But given that most have had little exposure to truly formal events, I’ve put together this little guide to help you in your quest for an elegant and perfectly royal appearance.
Young, chic and sophisticated; this look pulls together all the rules without coming off fusty and old fashioned. Tone on tone camel with sharp black accents and tailoring, are given a little cheek with a 20′s style cloche and high heeled brogues.
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First, the rules. Here we’ll apply the same rules that a guest of the Royal Wedding uses as their guide.
NO sleeveless , strapless or spaghetti strapped dresses on display. If you do choose to wear almost sleeveless, the arms must be at least partially covered by a shrug, jacket or some type of bolero. Leave the pashmina at home though, this is no ordinary suburban wedding.
NO bare legs. Stockings or tights of some description are a must for a polished appearance. But if your shoe is a peep toe, please make sure you buy the toeless style specifically designed for such an occasion. Reinforced toes on display are just ugly.
NO above the knee dresses or skirts. The correct length for a day dress at a formal wedding is either right on the middle of the knee or just below. Ankle length is for evening only.
Many of you will be watching the Royal Wedding at cocktail hour, the perfect time to really amp up the swank factor. This ensemble keeps with rich, jewel tones and a soft feathered hat; but anchors the look with the geometric lines of the Louboutin shoes and studded leather cuff.
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HATS are a must for a formal church wedding of this magnitude. If you choose to wear a hat for your event, choose a hat that compliments your outfit and ensure you know how to wear it. Not every hat is designed to be just plonked straight on top of the head, in fact most aren’t! It’s all about balance, both in the lines of your outfit and the embellishments. No overdoing the look unless you want to come off like the mad hatter.
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A simple, but killer two tone option for your Royal Wedding look. A little change of accessories to take you from day to night, or perhaps just for different personalities. One great feature dress paired with a vintage hat and ultra modern matching accessories, show fashion savvy and ingenuity on such a formal day.
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GLOVES may be seen as a somewhat archaic tradition, but they offer the opportunity for even more accessory shopping, hence why I never say no. Gloves should only be pure white if you are doing your First Communion or Debutant ball. In the case of the Royal Wedding, your gloves should match your other accessories and be the correct length. That is, no long gloves for day wear. Instead choose wrist or bracelet length gloves. If you have a High Tea event on April 29th, these would be the perfect lady-like addition to your outfit.
COLOURS are all important when attending formal weddings. Despite what fashion editors may tell you about what is acceptable at modern weddings (Melbourne is shocking for this), black is not only an inappropriate choice, it is also a cop out. Wearing black or white to the Royal Wedding would be a major social faux pax, so think a little harder and try something else. Instead of black, look to slate greys or deep blues. Instead of white, look for a chic nude colour or a rich camel.
A formal evening option, this ensemble is pure class. A soft, draped jersey dress in an unexpected olive hue, set off with modern pieces of antiqued gold jewellery and sculptural McQueen heel. A faux fur shrug, red lip and rouched satin gloves make this look positively regal.
It is all about taking those time tested rules and thinking outside the square. What may at first appear to be an old fashioned set of guidelines, actually make a wonderful blueprint to work your stylish wonders within. And no, not all of us will have a budget befitting the Royal Couples guest list, you do have one up on them – your very own SKM Royal Wedding Style Guide!
