All the Wedding-Guest Accessories I Love for Finishing Off an Outfit
I just love me a wedding. The joy of two perfectly suited people making a heartfelt commitment in conjunction with copious amounts of fizz, a merry group of party companions (new and old), some cheesy dance-floor tunes and one big-fat opportunity to get dressed up—it's the dream combination.
Part of the excitement for me is thinking about what to wear. There are so many wedding-guest outfit options, and I've definitely experimented with a few. A trouser suit has served me well for city nuptials, but for the most part, dresses are my trustiest of fashion friends. I'm not that fussed about wearing the same style to multiple weddings. With carefully chosen accessories each time, you can really change the look and feel of your favourite frock.
That's where this handy gallery comes in, offering you the very best in every type of wedding guest accessory. From hats to shoes, jewellery to bags, whether you're a serial outfit-repeater or an "only wear it once" kind of girl, we can all agree these little extras lift any ensemble on the big day. Many of them even work well in the office, on nights out and during your summer hols.
Wedding-Guest Bags
Make it small, decorative, handheld and a conversation starter. But most of all, make it something that really cheers you (and a host of outfits) up. I'm often searching for vintage treats on eBay, but there are plenty of new designs to keep cute bag lovers happy. Beading is still in, as is fringing, but anything goes in terms of colours. I'd suggest choosing a neutral white, cream or metallic to match well with a host of looks.
Shop my wedding-guest bag picks:
Wedding-Guest Shoes
From simple strappies to more OTT bejewelled courts, finding the right wedding-guest shoes for you is really dependent on what style you'd normally wear and what you find most comfortable to spend a solid six or so hours in. White, nudes and metallics will always serve you well, but if you're more adventurous than that, I'd urge you to try a colourful satin pair.
Related: The 4 Colours Our Editors Will Be Wearing to Weddings This Season
Shop my wedding-guest shoe picks:
Wedding-Guest Jewellery
Although necklaces, bracelets, rings and brooches are all very valid accoutrements for your wedding ensemble, it would appear that big, bold earrings are still taking up the most airtime on social media and the most shelf space in stores. Particularly great with hair up and a statement neckline; you can go for anything from colourful jewels to pearl baubles or super-minimal gold discs.
Shop my wedding earrings picks:
Wedding Hair Accessories
It's been a long time since we've seen someone cool attend a wedding wearing a hat (I'm personally a big fan but realise they're a marmite accessory for most). These days, it's all about headbands, hair clips and barrettes, and the more princess-y the better, by the looks of things…
Shop my wedding hair accessories picks:
Related: 27 Wedding Guest Dresses I'd Buy From & Other Stories, Topshop and Zara
Wedding Guest Sunglasses
I see weddings as an opportunity to bring your most "extra" self to the fore, and nothing does that quite like a look-at-me pair of sunglasses. Now's the chance to go all-out for diamantés, strong silhouettes and colours that stand out.
Shop my wedding sunglasses picks:
Next up, the best wedding-guest dresses of 2019.
Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in Europe
Classic looks that are always in style.
By Natalie Cantell
-
3 Non-Holiday Ways to Wear Velvet This Winter
You're welcome.
By Eliza Huber
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the Distance
I'm going to use it this weekend.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big Impact
How to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
By Emma Spedding
-
4 Dated Sweater Trends I'm Purging From My Small NYC Closet by the Year's End
And the chic knitwear I'm making room for.
By Natalie Cantell
-
The Holiday Accessories Edit: 6 It Buys Defining the Season
From belts to bags.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
20 Stylish and Effective Accessories That Offer Sweet Relief for Sound-Sensitive Fashion People
Calming, efficient, and oh so chic? Yes, please.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The Affordable Trend New Yorkers Will Wear Instead of Suede This Winter
Chic and cheerful.
By Natalie Cantell