The Wedding Guest Style Dilemma (Solved, Finally) Issue #17
WEDDING SEASON IS HERE. WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU WEARING?
It always starts the same: a cream-coloured envelope, a beautiful calligraphy font, and the rising thrill of being invited to a wedding. The venue? Somewhere stunning. The couple? Adorably in love. The dress code? Vague. Suddenly, you’re spiraling: “Is a midi too casual? Is long too much? Can I rent? Should I buy? Will I sweat through silk?”
I get it. Wedding season fashion is a minefield. And as someone who spends her life curating looks that feel effortless but make jaws drop, I promise: with the right method, it becomes a joy, not a stress spiral.
And please, don’t leave it to the last minute. That’s not fashionably late, that’s just a fast track to wearing something you regret.
Let’s start with what sparked this…
Right now, I’m on the hunt for the perfect wine-colored dress for a long-time client. I’ve helped her transition her existing wardrobe from young and casual to something more classic, minimal, and utterly ladylike, slightly elegant looks that still feel like her, just grown into the next phase. So when her sister’s wedding came up, she turned to me again.
We’re looking for one dress, one moment. And it reminded me how much pressure there is on finding the thing, especially when time is short, stock is limited, or you want something different from what your phone keeps pushing on you.
So this newsletter is for you. To help make this process easier, more joyful, and way more stylish.
1. Understand Your Algorithm (Yes, Really)
Here’s something most people don’t realize: your phone is your wardrobe’s algorithmic stalker. Every time you browse or shop, it learns your habits. So when you’re hunting for something new, a wow moment, a different silhouette, it’ll keep feeding you the same old brands and styles you’ve already bought.
That’s not necessarily bad. If a certain brand works for your body, use it to your advantage. But if you’re aiming for a fresh take, know this: it might take longer. And that’s okay.
My tip? Search intentionally. Filter by:
Fit you know flatters your body
Fabrics you love wearing
Colours that make your skin glow (more on that below)
Known flattering brands (especially for rentals)
And don’t get too adventurous with unknown designers, especially if it’s a big event. That can turn into a disaster, fast.
2. Rent, Buy Pre-Loved, or Buy New. Here’s the Chic Way
Want luxury without splurging?
I recommend By Rotation: a dream for high-end rentals. Think Khaite, The Vampire’s Wife, or Simone Rocha vibes without the four-digit price tag. Just make sure to filter by brands you’ve worn before. Fit is everything. (you’ll find some pieces from my wardrobe there)
Pre-loved magic?
Try:
Consigned Sealed Delivered Boutique (in London & online)
Reluxe Fashion: beautifully curated, sustainable, and very elevated
Buying new, but clever?
Go for MyTheresa or Net-A-Porter: especially during their seasonal edits. Luxury, but a little more wallet-friendly.
3. Know the Dress Code (and Respect It)
Daytime wedding? Go midi or cocktail-length. Evening? Go long and elegant. Garden party? Think breathable fabrics and graceful silhouettes. Ballroom? Amp it up.
One of the biggest mistakes I see? Guests showing up in the wrong length, fabric, or vibe, and not in a cool rule-breaking way. No need to be rigid, but honor the moment and show up feeling aligned with the energy.
You don’t want to be the only one in a ballgown when everyone else is floating in printed silk dresses.
4. Let Colour Work For You
Here’s a stylist secret I wish more women knew:
If you wear the right shade, you’ll look radiant, even in the simplest dress.
And that’s not poetic, it’s science. Colour enhances skin tone, eye brightness, and overall glow.
Spring/Summer 2025 Colour Trends to Love:
Lavender haze
Butter yellow
Dusty sky blue
Watermelon pink
Earthy rust and wine (yes, still going strong)
Icy lilac
Pale pistachio
Last summer, I helped my cousin dress for her brother’s wedding. Options were tight, but we found a simple dress with the right silhouette, lovely sleeves, flattering cool neckline, and velvety shoes. What transformed the look? The colour. She glowed. Then we added a gorgeous Pamela hat that became the center of her outfit. Nothing too much, just perfect details, and nicely balanced.
So yes, your accessories matter, but your shade might be the hero.
5. Fit First, Drama Second
Before clicking “add to cart” (or “book now” if you’re renting), pause. What are the hero pieces in your wardrobe? You know the ones: the dress that makes you stand taller, the neckline that always works, the fabric that never creases or clings weirdly.
Start from that fit. Then elevate with:
A new colour
A unique fabric
A fun pattern
Statement earrings or bold heels (Always my top pick. Nothing beats, and stands out, like the right pair of shoes.)
And remember: sometimes the most stylish detail is the subtlest one. A beautifully draped sleeve, an unexpected back cut-out, a clean line.
6. Don’t Try to Become Someone Else for the Day
It happens all the time: a client panics and suddenly wants a whole new identity. Heavy glam makeup, hair in a tight bun she’s never tried, a dress that screams not her. The result? She looks… uncomfortable.
Trust me: your most beautiful look is one where you feel like you, just turned up a few notches.
Go for:
Your signature hairstyle, polished
A makeup look that enhances, not masks
Accessories that compliment, not compete
7. Book Your Styling Early (High Season = Low Availability)
If all of this still feels like too much, or you just want a trusted stylist to guide you, I’d love to work with you. Whether you’re a guest, the bride, the sister, or the mother of one. I’ve got you.
But please: book in advance. Wedding season is high season, and I’m currently working on styling several clients at once (with fittings, edits, and personal shopping in between). Let’s make sure we find your dream look without the rush.
Book your Free Consultation Here!
And… A Special Gift for Brides
I’m thrilled to be partnering with The Vea Collection, an amazing team of wedding and honeymoon planners focused on sustainability and intention. The Green Standard in Luxury Weddings and Honeymoons.
We’re offering a free 3-hour Personal Shopping session in London on May 29th to one lucky bride-to-be. We’ll focus on finding a sustainable, pre-loved (or conscious) gown, and I’ll be styling her entire look, from dress to shoes, hair to earrings.
It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, and it’s totally complimentary for the selected bride.
If you know someone, please share it. Applications close May 22nd. Comment on this Linkedin Post and you might be the winner of this fantastic opportunity that wil enhance your wedding experience even more. :)
The TL;DR?
Start early. Know your fit. Let colour be your magic wand. Accessorize smartly. Be you, just elevated. And if you need help, I’m here.
Now, a little personal style moment to wrap things up.
For the last wedding I attended, I went for something unexpected: a vintage dress I found in a lovely boutique. I wasn’t totally sure at first, it had a dramatic open back and gave off that full-on event energy. But honestly? I felt amazing. I got compliments all day long, and the best part? I didn’t look like anyone else. And to me, that’s always the goal. Showing up and standing out, authentically.
Because the only thing worse than being underdressed… is being dressed like everyone else.
With love,
Carolina Marsoli