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When I got married in Sicily two years ago, I received a lot of questions about what to wear – destination weddings can be a minefield in terms of guest dress codes. The weather, venue and run-of-the-day dictate our wardrobe options – and, while we might be familiar with what’s appropriate for a barn wedding in the UK – the unknown of an overseas ceremony can throw us. My advice for any worried guests ahead of my wedding was the same as it is now – wear the look that makes you feel most ready to celebrate on the warmest day in the UK. That could be a floor-sweeping dress, or it could be a linen two-piece, whatever it is that gets you in the mood for a sun-drenched party somewhere beautiful. In shopping terms, my advice would have looked like this:
The Italians are very GOOD AT GLAMOUR, so if this is your vibe lean in. There are two ways of doing this; HIGH-OCTANE MAXIMALISM (bold, prints and playful embellishments, all of which there is an abundance of in fashion right now), or POLISHED MINIMALISM (see sharp suiting, print-free, strong silhouettes and elevating accessories). I would caution against anything too tight, especially if the temperatures are warm – also you’ll need room for the feasting mandatory at all Italian weddings. A maxi dress is a great idea; it delivers a SENSE OF OCCASION but is still breathable and works well on the dance-floor. An Italian wedding is a PERFECT PLACE FOR COLOUR; there’s nothing wrong with a trusty LBD at a wedding, but I loved seeing so many of my wedding guests, who usually wear muted tones, in UPBEAT BRIGHTS. If primary colours are too far out of your comfort zone, consider a warm brown shade, which delivers a more RELAXED ELEGANCE.Â
When it comes to accessories, a rattan bag works well, but make sure it’s structured in shape rather than slouchy, to give it a dressier appeal. Chunky cuffs are having a real moment this summer, and are an easy way of adding glamour. Don’t forget your sunglasses – a pair of oversized aviators will offset feminine outfits perfectly – and carry a French hair pin in your bag for when the temperatures climb. This is obvious, but choose shoes you can wear for hours. There are plenty of wedding-ready flats, strappy sandals and kitten heels that you can also wear at home.
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Lead image: Posse
Ella Alexander is Citizen Femme’s fashion features editor. She started her career at the Evening Standard, and has since held senior editorial roles at Vogue, The Independent and Harper’s Bazaar, where she remains a contributing editor. She also writes for The Telegraph, Sunday Times Style, Service95 and CNN. She is an author, having co-written Dame Zandra Rhodes’ memoir, Iconic: My Life In Fashion In 50 Objects, published by Transworld in July 2024. Her favourite travel destination is Catania, Sicily’s second city.
