From naff shawls to “granny” jackets – the top 6 items you should never wear to a wedding, according to a fashion editor

WEDDING season is upon us and with that comes the age old dilemma of what to wear. 

Whatever the venue, whether it’s a far flung beach destination, your local village hall or a posh hotel, it’s a big predicament. 

GettyDon’t know what to wear to a wedding? Stick to our DON’Ts to avoid being the worst dressed guest[/caption]

GettyWhen the selfies pop up on social media, make sure you’re not be embarrassed about your look[/caption]

Gone are the days when nuptials meant turning up in your Sunday Best. 

Now, dress codes have either been paired back or are non-existent.

And even if the happy couple dictate what they want their guests to wear, they’re massively open to interpretation. 

The whole she-bang is a minefield. 

But, there are still some huge faux pas you must avoid if you want to turn up looking stylish instead of naff.

Here, Fabulous’ fashion editor Clemmie Fieldsend unpicks the six fashion fails you need to know once you’ve RSVP’d. 

Boleros are for frumps

At weddings there can be a lot of hanging around and of course, if it’s in the UK, the weather is always hit and miss. 

But please, for the love of the fashion gods move away from the frumpy bolero jacket. 

They’re a favourite amongst the mother of the bride or groom, I don’t know why – or in fact where – you all buy these?

GettyCropped jackets and shawls have no place at weddings in 2024[/caption]

You know the one I mean, a cropped bolero jacket with a dress or skirt in exactly the same matching colour or print and a giant hat to tie it all in one frumpy, dated look. 

I’ve been to many weddings and have seen the look repeatedly – those women who have shoehorned themselves into them look as stiff as a board and uncomfortable. 

Shawls fall under the same awful category.

When they’re not falling off shoulders they’re flying off into the distance, and they’re so dated.

It’s so out of style and out of everyone’s usual comfort zone to wear one, so don’t.

A suitably stylish blazer will do the trick, or if you’re being more traditional and want your arms covered simply get a dress with sleeves. 

Bodycon frocks are horrors 

silksofcheltenham.co.ukThese old-fashioned frocks have had their day, time to leave them in the past[/caption]

In the same camp as boleros, there’s another style of frock that for some reason, women only wheel out at weddings – figure hugging dresses made with multiple folds of fabric to create a ribbed effect.

And worse still, they’re either plain and dull or come in a ghastly wallpaper print. 

Either way, they will instantly age you.

You’ll never see a trendy, young woman at a wedding in one of these, but you’ll always spot them on the older generations.

And why?

Every mature woman ends up looking the same, and the frock is usually topped off with a wide brimmed hat for extra naffness.

Mix it up ladies, dress as stylishly as you would in your day-to-day looks.

There’s no need to turn dowdy at a wedding. 

Flip flops shame

GettyKeep your flip flops for the beach, not someone’s special day[/caption]

The only time you can possibly get away with wearing your flip flops at a wedding is if you’re going to a wedding on a beach.

But the slapping sound of flip flops against dried, cracked heels isn’t a sound that any bride or guest wants to hear – let alone see. 

Even on the hottest day of the year there is no need to submit guests to an unfiltered view of your size 7s, especially when there are plenty of other affordable and comfortable shoes available on the high street. 

M&S have their ‘Insolia’ technology that makes standing or walking around in flats or heels an ease.

Plus, Next has ‘Forever Comfort’ and Shoe Zone has ‘Cushion Walk’.

If you insist on wearing uncomfortable shoes that you can’t last the day and night in – and have to change into flip flops as a worse case scenario alternative – then please, please don’t carry flip flops around with you for the whole day in your Lidl bag for life. 

When pictures appear on Facebook the next day of you looking like you’ve been to do your weekly shop, you’ll regret it.  

Listen up lads, you’re not perfect either. Here are some of the fashion fails you need to scrap…

BRACESIf you’ve never worn braces in your life, then why do you all feel the need to suddenly wear them at a wedding?A belt will suffice to keep your trousers up. 
SHORTSLeave the page boy looks to the under 12s, even when you’re attending a wedding abroad you’ll still look like you’ve slipped back into your summer uniform. 
WOODEN BOW TIESWhy, oh why, do wooden bow ties even exist. Surely they’re incredibly uncomfortable pressing against your Adam’s apple?Swap for fabric immediately.
NO SOCKS I’m not sure where this trend came from, or why it took off, but if you’re going to all the effort of wearing a suit jacket, trousers, shirt, tie and waistcoat then surely you can go the extra mile and remember your socks? 

Feathered fascinators belong on the floor

GettyFeathered fascinators and hats are dating your look and age you instantly[/caption]

Putting on a hat or a fascinator for a wedding gives your outfit a sense of occasion.

Much like the Royals or celebrities who hit Ascot, they dress up in a plain outfit and hold attention – but just make sure you steer clear of feathers. 

Looking like you’ve had your head in a chicken coop is something Kate Middlton would never do. 

These days, they scream old fashioned, reminiscent of the last lonely hairband on a dusty Debenhams floor.

They’re unwanted and old – but you don’t have to be. 

You can find more modern and stylish looks online at Coast, Karen Millen, John Lewis and Asos.

Ditch big bags  

GettyLeave your giant handbag at home for the day and swap for a sophisticated clutch instead[/caption]

A wedding is a chance to treat yourself to a nice clutch – it isn’t the time or place to bring your work bag.

Remember in HBO’s Succession the drama of the “ludicrously capacious bag”?

A guest turned up to a posh drinks do at a Manhattan townhouse but was mocked for the bag which was big enough to fit their laptop and Stanley cup inside.

It isn’t a good look.

There is no wedding where it’s acceptable to have an oversized tote on your arm.

High street clutches, shoulder bags and mini bags will do the job in a more discrete way.

I promise. 

Stay clear of trashy sheer

GettyDon’t reveal too much flesh and steer clear of sheer[/caption]

Teasing a little bit of flesh is fine at a wedding but if you end up plonked next to old Uncle Arthur you’ll regret wearing that revealing sheer look.

A tasteful cleavage or even a sophisticated cut-out is perfectly acceptable, but see through frocks that you think have covered you up are not. 

No one wants to cop an eye full of your chest – well most people don’t – when they’re tucking into their prawn cocktail. It’s trashy.

And later on when you’re cutting loose on the dancefloor under the bright disco lights, what was once sheer will now be completely see through.

Also, the majority of sheer fabrics are made from synthetic fibres like polyester which after a couple of hours of wear can start to get a bit whiffy, no matter how much deodorant you lather yourself in.

Keep your dignity – this isn’t childbirth – and give sheer a miss.