UAE: How to be the best dressed guest at a summer wedding

Khaleej Times

5 days ago

All eyes might have been on Kris Jenner's‭ ‬'work'‭ ‬at the Sánchez-Bezos nuptials last month‭, ‬as the Kardashian matriarch's facelift commandeered column inches‭, ‬but wedding guests who want to get people dissecting their look for the right reasons are‭ ‬increasingly turning to stylists‭ ‬–‭ ‬rather than surgeons‭ ‬–‭ ‬to ensure their wardrobe hits all the right notes‭. ‬Ideally‭, ‬no notes‭. ‬
In the GCC‭, ‬Dubai-based Bana Abujaber‭, ‬the Jordanian founder of wedding specialist styling agency TROU/SO advises both brides and their guests on how to dress their best‭, ‬whichever side of the aisle they might be on‭. ‬As weddings increasingly become multi-day productions‭, ‬with every moment captured on camera‭, ‬clients turn to Abujaber and her team to translate dress codes and scour the globe for the perfect pieces‭. ‬
'Some are highly fashionable but simply don't have the time to scroll endlessly online or visit stores‭. ‬Others genuinely struggle to find pieces that suit their body shape‭,‬‭ ‬or don't enjoy the process of shopping‭,‬'‭ ‬Abujaber‭, ‬who founded the agency in 2023‭, ‬says of her client base‭.
‬A graduate of New York's Parsons School of Design‭, ‬Abujaber is well-versed in styling clients for weddings across the globe‭, ‬with Bodrum‭, ‬Athens‭, ‬Tuscany‭, ‬and the Amalfi Coast the most popular wedding destinations for brides from the GCC and Levant this summer‭. ‬'I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel for every guest‭, ‬but I make sure their look feels like them‭, ‬elevated‭, ‬appropriate for the event‭, ‬and with just enough personality to make it memorable‭,‬'‭ ‬Abujaber says‭. ‬Here are her‭ (‬I‭) ‬dos and don'ts for making it onto the best-dressed guest lists this season‭:‬
Dos
Wear‭ ‬something old
'Vintage and pre‭-‬loved fashion is gaining momentum‭. ‬More people are recognising the value of investing in pieces that carry history and character‭, ‬which makes their outfits feel unique and personal‭. ‬Choosing vintage allows for a more sustainable approach to dressing‭, ‬reducing waste and promoting mindful consumption‭. ‬I expect vintage and pre-loved to become an even bigger part of how people approach‭ ‬wedding guest dressing and fashion in general‭.‬'
Feet first
'I love Studio Amelia's short-heeled sandals‭, ‬mules from Aquazzura‭, ‬and strappy sandals by Gianvito Rossi‭. ‬I find them to be the most comfortable‭, ‬as‭ ‬well as incredibly versatile‭, ‬they pair effortlessly with a wide range of dresses throughout wedding season‭.‬'‭ ‬
Cultural nuance‭, ‬not rigidity
'Regionally there's a stronger emphasis on making a statement‭; ‬think glamorous silhouettes‭, ‬intricate detailing‭, ‬and a real sense of occasion‭. ‬Guests are more comfortable going all‭-‬out‭, ‬and there's a cultural appreciation for fashion that feels celebratory and bold‭. ‬By contrast‭, ‬in Europe individuals lean towards a more understated and effortless aesthetic‭. ‬That said‭, ‬you'll find minimalists in this region and maximalists in the West‭.‬'
Budget wise
'Re-wearing dresses you've previously worn is not only practical but also a refreshing way to showcase personal style while embracing sustainability‭. ‬Rather than feel the pressure to buy something new for every occasion‭, ‬confidently give your favourite pieces a second or even third moment to shine‭. ‬Small‭, ‬simple alterations can completely transform a dress‭. ‬Shortening a flowing maxi dress to a midi length‭ ‬can give it a more modern and versatile silhouette‭. ‬Adding straps to a strapless dress updates the look and can also provide extra comfort and support‭. ‬Thoughtful tweaks make your wardrobe more adaptable‭, ‬stylish‭, ‬and respectful of both your budget and the environment‭.‬'
Accessorise wisely
'I love choosing one standout piece that defines the entire look‭. ‬It could be a pair of cool sunglasses or an oversized bow to add a real wow factor‭. ‬I aim to create looks for my clients that spark conversation and leave a lasting impression‭. ‬I'm also passionate about incorporating vintage pieces into wedding guest outfits‭, ‬as it's a beautiful way to add character and timeless charm‭. ‬Whether it's delicate vintage earrings passed down from your grandmother or a classic handbag you've cherished for over 20‭ ‬years‭, ‬these elements bring a unique story to an outfit that new pieces can't replicate‭.‬'
Don'ts
White out
'It might seem obvious, but it's worth repeating: avoid wearing white, ivory, or anything in the cream family at all costs. These shades are traditionally reserved for the bride, and it's important to respect that boundary, no matter how fashion-forward the outfit may be. Butter yellow is a trending colour and a beautiful choice for summer weddings – it feels fresh, soft, and elegant. But keep in mind how it photographs and shifts under different lighting as butter yellow can sometimes read as cream or off-white, which strays into the bride's territory. If you love the shade, consider styling it with strong accessories or a contrasting shoe to give it more definition.'
Dancing shoes
'I advise against switching into a pair of sneakers later in the night. While comfort is important, a beautiful pair of flat sandals or chic ballet flats does the job just as well, without taking away from the overall look. They're comfortable, polished, and still feel in keeping with the tone of a wedding. My favourite ballet flats are from Staud or Le Monde Beryl.'
Sew long
'One of the most common style mishaps I see is when a dress isn't properly hemmed; the wrong length can throw off the whole look. A gown dragging on the floor not only looks sloppy, but it can also be uncomfortable to walk in and ends up ruining the fabric. On the flip side, a dress that's been hemmed too short can look awkward, especially if it was meant to have a more elegant, elongated silhouette. It's a simple fix, but getting the hem right makes everything look more polished and intentional. Whether it's a full-length gown or a midi, tailoring matters.'
Go analogue
'Leave digital rings or watches at home. Nothing ruins a polished look faster than spotting an Apple Watch on someone dressed to the nines. It instantly takes away from the effort you've put into your outfit. If you're going formal, commit fully.'
What not to wear
If I could wave a magic wand, I'd ban short bodycon dresses. They feel too clubby or casual for a wedding and don't suit the celebratory tone of the event. Weddings deserve outfits with more elegance and thoughtfulness.'