It can be tricky to find out how to dress up a plain dress for a wedding, but you can consider two tips. In this article, we’ll talk about accessorizing and modifying a simple dress, so you’ll be wedding-appropriate without going overboard.
We also have a lot of outfit guides for various weddings that you might be interested in. For example, virtual weddings are getting more common, so read what to wear to a Zoom wedding.
Tips On How To Dress Up A Plain Dress For A Wedding
Accessorize tastefully
A plain dress makes the best canvas for interesting accessories. Because the dress has not many details and only comes in a single plain color, you don’t risk looking too festive and tacky for the wedding.
Start with coverage like a blazer or a cardigan to add more style to the plain dress. This is also an excellent way to make the outfit more modest as some weddings are strict with the amount of skin to show.
If you want something lighter, you can also learn how to wear a shawl to a wedding. Another example is to not go over the dress but layer something underneath, like a collared blouse or turtleneck.
The plain dress might also lack shape, so give justice to your natural silhouette by wearing a complementary colored belt. And as for the jewelry, you can never go wrong with a layered necklace as long as you check the final look, and it wouldn’t steal the spotlight from the bride.
Modify the dress itself
The term plain dress is too general, but it’s safe to assume it’s something without much details, patterns, embellishments, or style. Therefore, you can consider modifying it yourself or bringing it to your trusted seamstress and make the dress more fitting for an occasion like the wedding.
But before anything else, check the dress code to know what modifications you can do to the dress. For example, you can add sleeves to the plain sleeveless dress to make it ideal for a formal wedding.
The dress might also be a neutral color, so you can add embellishments like stones or appliques to fit the color scheme of the wedding. You can even transform a plain dress to suit the theme of the wedding.
For example, you can add fringes and beadwork to a simple gray midi dress to follow the boho-themed wedding. Just remember not to go overboard and end up looking like part of the bridal party or the bride herself.
How Do You Make A Simple Dress Look Elegant?
Maintain modesty
Overexposure of skin is rarely synonymous with elegance, and even if it was, it’s tricky to master the right amount of exposure in a dress without looking tacky. However, if you’re wearing a simple dress, you can make it look more elegant if you keep your cleavage and belly button covered.
You also want to be mindful of the hem length, especially for weddings. An ideal dress length would be slightly below or above the knee to look more formal.
Then, never go overboard with jewelry with your dress. If you already opt for a large pendant for the necklace, use something more subtle for the earrings and bracelets.
Finally, choose a pair of shoes that complements the dress’s color. You also want it to be comfortable, so your posture remains good as the way you handle yourself exudes elegance.
Get better fitting
Even a plain and simple dress can look elegant as long as it fits well with the wearer. You don’t want it to look too tight or too loose.
Getting a clothing piece specifically tailored to your body type can make you look smarter. You can also highlight your body’s natural curves if the dress is modified to be more form-fitting.
It’s possible to do the dress alterations yourself, but a quick visit to a tailor and getting the correct measurements are better than experimenting if you’re not experienced with sewing. It may not even cost you over $20 to get your dress fixed.
How Do You Make A Casual Dress Look Nice?
Choose timeless fabrics
Even a casual dress can look nice if it’s made of materials that never go out of style. For example, consider cotton, silk, linen, or even wool for the dress.
They should go with different themes and still be in style as the years’ pass. They are also long-lasting, so your dress wouldn’t look worn out over time.
Stick to neutral colors
Like selecting a timeless fabric, the dress’s color can affect how nice and stylish it will look regardless of the decade. A safe choice would be solid neutral colors like gray, navy blue, or even beige.
They would also be easy to style and accessorize without the risk of going overboard. For example, read how to accessorize a navy blue dress for a wedding if you decide to go with this color as a guest.
Conclusion
And that’s it! You just learned how to dress up a plain dress for a wedding and discovered that the right accessories and alterations could make a simple dress more wedding-appropriate.
The key is never going overboard when styling a plain dress to maintain tact, especially for a wedding that’s supposed to highlight the bride. But, then, don’t forget to follow the dress code and theme still.