Heading to a Wedding? Jeannie Mai Has Fashion Tips for What to Wear

While most might consider June-August to “officially” be wedding season, with the royal couple tying the knot a few weeks ago, they’ve already kicked us off for the year.  On a more personal level, a cousin of mine just married his new bride last weekend.

A lot of people had really been waiting for the royal wedding, but as I’ve shared with you a few times over the past couple of months, the wedding that I personally am waiting on pins and needles for is the wedding of my brother and his lovely fiancee.  I’m part of the bridal party, so I don’t have to worry about what I’ll be wearing; the dresses have already been chosen for us.  (They’re actually quite nice as bridesmaid dresses go; I could wear it again to a party if I wanted.  Can’t say the same for every bridesmaid dress that’s tucked into the back of my closet!)

In the past, though, deciding what to wear as a guest has occasionally been a wee bit stressful.  Should I go short or long?  Do I need to (yuck) wear tights or nylons?  (Not that they can’t be adorable, I just like my legs to be bare.  Tights make me hot.)  And the major question: can I find a dress that makes me look taller than I am (5’2″), hides any flaws (is there anyone on the planet that actually loves their thighs?) and plays up my best features (Baby C has been a blessing to both my décolletage and toning my upper arms)?

That’s a tall order for an article of clothing, I know.

Fortunately Jeannie Mai, celebrity stylist, host of Style Network’s show “How Do I Look?” and Yoplait Light Two Week Tune Up spokesperson, has offered her expert advice on how to prep your look for wedding season.  Here are some of her tips:

Color and cuts

Think about the colors of celebration!  Bright jeweled colors of turquoise, royal blue, purples or even pinks are gorgeous and create an inviting aura around you that draws in friends and family.  One of the most important rules is to make sure what you’re wearing is comfortable; you can’t be sure how long you’ll be standing or sitting.  Avoid anything that’s going to have you fidgeting or adjusting and keeps you from focusing on the festivities!

Day vs. Night

Day weddings are the perfect excuse to wear a fabulous frock.  Whether it’s breezy, has hemlines that end above, at, or below the knee – they can all be appropriate.  The only day “don’t”?  Thick lycra or opaque tights.  Night weddings give you the go-ahead to vamp up your look.  Dresses can be flirty and fun, but makeup should definitely be enhanced.  Be brave – go for a bolder lip, play up your eyes with false lashes.  Remember a wedding is just another word for party!

Cooler/Warmer weather

For cooler weather, think layers.  If you’re wearing a dress, it’s essential to have accessories to keep you warm like a cashmere wrap, shawl, capelet or cardigan.  Blazers with the sleeves rolled up look great over dresses, and a leather jacket can be an edgy accessory for a cute frock.  For warmer weather, think open toed or strappy sandals to keep your look cool, and definitely wear your hair up.  Feeling your hair stick to beads of sweat running down your back is the worst.

Tune Up ahead of time:  Everyone wants to look and feel their best before attending a wedding, so think a few weeks ahead to ensure you feel your best on the big day.  For example, the Yoplait Light Two Week Tune Up plan is a quick way you could lose five pounds in those two weeks for that added boost before attending any big event.

And now for the announcement I mentioned earlier.  To help you all kick off the wedding season the month of June will be a “Goin’ to the Chapel” event; the majority of June will be dedicated to everything wedding.  The themes for each week are:

• Week 1: Wedding Planning
• Week 2: Bridal Shower & Gifts (Shower, Wedding & Bridal party)
• Week 3: Wedding Ceremony & Reception
• Week 4: Honeymoon

What wedding fashion tips do you have to share?