Chaucer’s ode to the charms of April couldn’t be more true – the famously rainy month is also one of the most romantic. If you’ve received a wedding invitation for April (not one of the most popular months, according to the US National Center for Health Statistics), you may be wondering what to wear – especially if the optimistic bride has chosen an outdoor venue. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Be Current
Spring is, after all, a time of renewal, so try something that plays with current trends. Browse through the photos of Spring looks from the Milan, Paris, and New York Fashion Weeks (you can view them at Vogue.com or HarpersBAZAAR.com). Save money by pairing a new item (such as a cardigan or scarf) that incorporates a modern trend with something that’s already in your closet.
Bright colours and bold prints predominate for Spring 2011. Work with the trend without going overboard by pairing a silk scarf in a bright animal print with a dress in a solid colour.
Take Your Cues from the Venue
Create an outfit that suits the venue. Heels are impractical for a beach wedding, and a businesslike pantsuit will feel out of place. Try metallic sandals or wedges and a sleeveless dress instead. Formal church weddings will require something more sophisticated and covered-up.
If it is an outdoor wedding, bring an extra layer to help you brace the April chill. Shawls are a great option because they offer varying degrees of warmth depending on how they’re worn, making them a good fit for the changeable Spring weather. Feeling Victorian? Invest in a dainty parasol to protect you against possible Spring showers while it doubles as a charming accessory.
Focus on the Details
Spring is the time of year to do away with heavy fabrics, excessive layers, and dark colours. Match your outfit to the season by choosing a simple dress with a classic cut (such as a sleeveless sheath dress with a high neckline) and adding a few fresh accessories. Silk headbands or clips with artificial flowers and leaves are perfect for an April wedding. Add a pair of white elbow or even opera gloves and a long necklace or two for an elegant and season-appropriate look.
In the end, every wedding is about the bride and groom, so don’t worry too much about what you wear. Play to the season with floral accessories, a versatile shawl, and venue-appropriate footwear. And don’t be afraid to experiment with a new trend – it is, after all, the season of change.
Sources
- Joanna Hillman. Spring 2011 Fashion Trends. Harper’s Bazaar. 24 September 2010. Accessed 2 April 2011.
- U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics Reports. Volume 58, Number 25. Births, Marriages, Divorces and Deaths: Provisional Data for 2009.
Heather Fawcett - Heather Fawcett is a Vancouver-based writer and editor. She holds an M.A. in English Literature and specializes in teen fiction, having ...
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