I love weddings! I live for a good party, celebrating love and happiness. Besides, who doesn’t love an opportunity to get all glammed up and fancy? Right!?

Coming from both an African and Caribbean background, weddings were always that time to bring your best, but these days with the culture of “toning it down” as to not “outshine the bride” it’s gets quite conflicting when it comes time for me to decide what to wear to weddings. There are a few rules of thumb for occasion dressing that I’ve adapted to help me through the process of finding the perfect outfit that I’m glad to share with you all.

• First and foremost, comfort over everything. It’s a basic human nature, if you’re not comfortable you become overly self-aware and self-conscious, no one wants that when you’re supposed be jubilant and social. So, I gravitate to silhouettes that compliment my body type but doesn’t overly put my “assets” on show. I.e. if I’m showing clavicle and arms, I’ll go for a midi/longer length dress etc. etc. a game of proportions, major key!
• I try to stay away from blacks and whites, unless otherwise requested by the bride and groom.
• Minimal accessories, because too many times I’ve gone in all my glory, only to end up losing something, like an earring or a bracelet, so less is definitely more in this regard. Also, big bags are a big no!
• Lastly, when I know I’m going to be  dancing my butt off, a sexy pair of heels that I know I’m not going to want to ditch after a few hours are a priority.

Hopefully, this checklist will help you narrow down your options for an outfit the next time you have a wedding or a celebratory event to go to. Allowing you to actually enjoy the shopping process, like you’re supposed to. And in case you needed a little more inspiration, I’ve also shared some options and sites on my instagram stories. Be sure to check it out and if you find it useful, be a friend and share! Until next time guys, happy shopping!

-Kondja

Dress: Issey Miyake
Shoes: Steve Madden
Accessories: Vintage