Experts Share How To Ace The Wedding Guest Look

All the tips and trends you need to know from celebrity stylists to get you ready for the next wedding party.

Published On Dec 19, 2022 | Updated On Mar 04, 2024

Image

It’s that time of the year when you are either getting married or attending one. If you fall in the latter category, 2022 has presented enough trends and inspiration to create a unique look as a wedding guest.

2022 was all for the colour Very Peri and other tones of violet. And since Pantone has already announced Viva Magenta as the colour for 2023, it might be a good idea to dig out your favourite magenta saree for an easy, on-trend choice. For the rest, we let the experts do the talking.

“Valentino pink was all over 2022, and we can never go wrong with pastels in the shades of pink and blues. I’ve also been seeing a lot of black, even on brides, which is uncommon but looks gorgeous,” says stylist Zainab Shakir.

Shakir adds that with everything from Y2K trending this year, a fish-style lehenga can be a refreshing change from cancan-laden lehengas. “Accessorising is key to getting the outfit for any event right. Go heavy with jewellery for the main wedding and sangeet events. For haldi and mehendi, stick to a day vibe with lesser jewellery such as a maang tika paired with chunky earrings. You can also colour block with the help of your accessories,” says Shakir.

Her current favourite designers for occasion wear are Aisha Rao, Rimzim Dadu and Faraz Manan.

While bright colours may come naturally to many Indians, stylist Ojas Kolvankar says there has been a shift in ethnic wear towards pastels and subtle tones recently. As for design trends, Kolvankar says, “Many designers are playing with innovative, asymmetric necklines this season. Sheer fabrics are coming back in a big way, and bling and shiny fabrics have made a comeback too.”

For a day event, it’s a good idea to invest in a piece which uses traditional craft practices but with a contemporary interpretation, suggests Kolvankar. “Rouka by Sreejith Jeevan offers beautiful Kasavu sarees, Studio Medium does a contemporary take on Bandhani, and Jodi Life’s block printed ethnic wear is lightly embroidered,” adds the stylist. These light pieces are perfect for haldi, mehendi or cocktail events where you need to be hands-free, dancing, helping, or just getting a drink.

“Invest in separates that give you room for movement, asymmetrically draped dresses, a brocade vest with trousers and a stole, sequined shimmery bags, poncho-style embroidered jackets — all are separates that can be worn again too,” he says.

Ditch your usual salwar suit or gharara and avoid safe silhouettes this season, says Kolvankar. You could also make a statement with colourful mojaris or even sneakers in popping colours. “Seems like everyone is a sneakerhead now, and sneakers can help change an otherwise basic look. Kitten heels are also more manageable and easy to manoeuvre around at a wedding,” says Kolvankar.

As a wedding guest, don’t go for very heavy kundan or pearl jewellery sets. Shop for quirky and modern Indian jewellery labels who will offer a contemporary spin to traditional jewellery, such as Anu Merton, Olio stories, and Radhika Agrawal, says Kolvankar.

And if you are attending an intimate wedding, it is more special considering not everyone is on the list. “Your presence is special to the bride and groom at an intimate wedding and it should reflect in your clothes as well. An heirloom saree, an intricately embroidered silhouette, which has value, is craft heavy and thoughtfully made in terms of technique and embroidery is perfect for an intimate wedding,” suggests Kolvankar.


Photo: Instagram/Bhumi Pednekar; Instagram/Priyanka Chopra; Instagram/Sonam Kapoor

Comments       Likes

POPULAR ON ZEST