George Boyle
Lace dresses are a popular choice for wedding guests, but it's important to style them carefully to avoid upstaging the bride. The best lace dresses to wear to a wedding are those in distinctly non-bridal colours. White, ivory, and cream lace dresses are generally considered inappropriate, as they may be mistaken for the bride's dress. Dark or multicoloured formal and semi-formal lace dresses are a safe bet, and short lace dresses that end just above or below the knee are also appropriate. When it comes to accessories, it's best to stick to simple and classic pieces that won't distract from the lace. Pearls and crystals are timeless choices that pair well with lace, adding a touch of elegance and luxury. If you're attending a spring wedding, a shawl or flowy cardigan in a light colour like champagne or pale pink can be a great way to stay warm while still looking dressy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Dark or multicoloured; avoid white, ivory, cream, and light colours that may be mistaken for white |
| Length | Knee-length, midi, or tea-length; avoid floor-length unless it is a black-tie formal wedding |
| Embellishments | Beaded waistbands or subtle embellishments; avoid sequins or layers of glitter lace |
| Accessories | Classic and simple accessories, such as pearls, crystal earrings, or a matching bracelet; floral accessories if the dress has floral details |
| Shoes | Smooth material, nude or natural shades, comfortable height |
| Cover-ups | Shawl, cardigan, jacket, shrug, or wrap in a light neutral colour such as tan, champagne, or gold |
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What You'll Learn
Wear a shawl, cardigan, jacket, shrug, or wrap
If you're looking for something to wear over your lace dress for a wedding, a shawl, cardigan, jacket, shrug, or wrap is a great option. This is especially true if you're attending an early spring wedding, where the weather can be unpredictable and you might need an extra layer to keep warm.
A black shawl or cardigan is a safe choice, and while some traditional folks may take issue with a guest wearing head-to-toe black, black accessories are unlikely to raise eyebrows. However, if you want something a little more festive, a cover-up in champagne or gold will also look lovely and elegant. Pale pink is another option, but be careful if you have light skin, as light pinks can sometimes wash out your complexion.
If you're looking for something a little more structured, a jacket is a good option. A blazer or structured jacket can add a touch of sophistication to your outfit, while still providing the necessary warmth. A light-coloured jacket, such as tan or cream, can be a nice choice for a spring wedding, adding a soft and romantic touch to your ensemble.
When choosing a shrug or wrap, consider the style of your dress. You'll want something that complements the silhouette of your dress without covering it up too much. A flowy, sheer shrug, for example, can add a delicate and romantic touch to your outfit, while still showing off the beautiful front of your dress.
Remember, the key is to find something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. The right cover-up will not only keep you warm but will also enhance the beauty of your lace dress.
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Avoid white, ivory, and cream colours
When choosing what to wear over a lace dress to a wedding, it is important to avoid white, ivory, and cream colours. This is because wedding etiquette dictates that it is not polite to wear white to a wedding, as doing so could divert attention from the bride. White lace dresses are almost always reserved for the bride, and any shade of white could take attention away from the most important woman at the event. Even if your dress is only partially white, such as a floral dress with a white background, it is best avoided. This is especially true if your lace dress is long and formal, as this could wander into bridal territory.
Colours that are too close to white, such as ivory, cream, champagne, or pale blush, should also be avoided as these shades can appear white in photos, causing confusion. If you are unsure whether your dress is too close to white, it is best to choose something else. There are plenty of other colours that would be perfect for a wedding guest to wear, such as jewel tones, pastels, navy, burgundy, or darker shades like plum or wine. These colours are just as slimming as black but are a little more lively and won't wash you out.
If you want to wear a light-coloured lace dress, it is best to choose a dark or multicoloured option to avoid looking like the bride. You could also opt for a black lace dress, which is acceptable for a more formal evening wedding after 6 pm. However, be sure to choose something that is neither too somber nor too racy-looking. A sophisticated black lace dress paired with jewellery or a pop of colour can look elegant and festive.
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Opt for dark or multicoloured lace
When it comes to lace dresses, it's important to remember that white or ivory lace is a definite no-no for wedding guests, and cream lace is also inadvisable. You don't want to risk looking like you're trying to steal the bride's spotlight! Instead, opt for dark or multicoloured lace to create an on-point look as you celebrate the happy couple.
Dark lace dresses in shades of plum, wine, or navy are sophisticated and slimming choices. They are perfect for a formal evening wedding, especially when paired with jewellery or a pop of colour. For example, a dark blue lace dress can be paired with a sheer wrap or a light jacket for a summer wedding. These darker shades are a safe bet, ensuring you don't look like a member of the bridal party.
If you're attending a wedding in the fall, a plum lace dress with a charming halter neckline is a stylish option. You can also add a soft ruffle at the hem or neckline of your dark lace dress for a nice touch, as long as you don't overdo it.
For spring and summer weddings, opt for multicoloured lace dresses in hues of pink, yellow, soft blue, mint green, or taupe. These colours are perfect for the season and will ensure you stand out from the bridal party. Remember, when choosing a multicoloured lace dress, go for a clean-lined silhouette without tiers, ruffles, or sparkly crystal embellishments that are often seen on wedding dresses.
Whether you choose dark or multicoloured lace, ensure your dress is well-tailored and accentuates your figure without being overly clingy. Knee-length, midi, or tea-length styles are also recommended for wedding guests. Most importantly, let the lace shine and keep your accessories simple and classic!
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Choose shoes with a smooth material and nude or natural shades
When choosing what shoes to wear with a lace dress to a wedding, it's important to consider the dress's colour, length, and venue, as well as your personality and comfort.
If you want to let the lace shine, opt for shoes with a smooth material. The delicate nature of lace means that a rough shoe could rip the lace hem. Smooth materials such as satin, silk, and tulle are complementary textures that will keep the look sleek and refined.
Nude or natural shades are a great option to bring out the beautiful designs of the lace. These colours are classic and can be considered a natural extension of your chic dress. Shades such as sand, champagne, and ivory are elegant and timeless. If you're feeling adventurous, you could add a touch of colour with your shoes, such as light blue or a vibrant hue, to express your personal style and create a unique final detail.
The height of your shoes is also something to consider. There are no hard rules, but you may want to take into account the length of your dress and the wedding venue. For example, flat slides might be more appropriate for a beach wedding, while closed-toe shoes could provide optimal warmth for a winter wedding. Ultimately, it's important to choose what feels comfortable and classic, keeping the attention on the lace and letting your shoes narrate your love story.
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Accessorise with pearls, crystals, or floral details
When it comes to accessorising your wedding dress, pearls, crystals, and floral details are timeless choices that can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your look. Here are some ideas to accessorise your wedding dress with pearls, crystals, or floral details:
Pearls
Pearls are a classic choice for bridal jewellery and can be incorporated into your ensemble in a variety of ways. Consider donning a pearl headpiece, such as a pearl crown, tiara, or hair comb, for a truly regal look. You can also opt for pearl earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, which are timeless choices that complement any gown. If you want to add a unique touch, incorporate pearls into your bridal bouquet by wrapping the stems with strands of pearls or opting for a pearl brooch bouquet.
Crystals
Crystals are another elegant option for your wedding accessories. If your dress has an open neckline, a dainty crystal choker can add a touch of sparkle. You can also mix and match crystals with pearls or floral details for a textured and luxurious effect.
Floral Details
Floral details can add a romantic and whimsical touch to your wedding ensemble. If your lace dress features floral patterns, consider matching it with a floral headpiece or hair accessories. You can also incorporate flowers into your pearl accessories, such as a pearl and floral crown or earrings.
Remember, when accessorising your wedding dress, it's important to consider the balance and proportion of your accessories with your hairstyle, dress neckline, and face shape. Keep it simple and elegant, letting the lace and accessories accentuate your natural radiance.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally advised to avoid wearing white lace to a wedding, as this colour is usually reserved for the bride. Dark or multicoloured formal and semi-formal lace dresses are a safe bet. If you want to wear a light-coloured lace dress, ensure it can't be mistaken for white.
Knee-length or midi lace dresses are perfect for weddings. If you're wearing a long lace dress, especially in a light colour, you may look like the bride, mother-of-the-bride/groom, or a bridesmaid. Avoid overly clingy dresses and those with daring cutouts.
Accessories for a lace dress should be simple and classic. Pearls and crystals are popular choices, as they pair well with the innate femininity and romance of lace. You could also try to mimic or accentuate the patterns in the lace fabric with your accessories. For example, if your dress has floral patterns, consider incorporating floral details through statement earrings or fresh flowers pinned into your hair.
