You’ve RSVP’d and now the hunt is on for the perfect wedding guest outfit. Except with so many things to consider, from deciphering the dress code to environmental factors such as the season and the location, it’s easy to see how wedding guest dressing can become a source of sartorial stress.

If we’re going to take style advice from anyone it is Irish stylist to the stars Corina Gaffey and she has shared her top tips that wedding guests should *always* keep in mind when choosing an outfit. One Fab Day caught up with fashion stylist and journalist at the launch of her fabulous loungewear collaboration with It’s 9pm which is perfect for brides and bridal parties alike.

Her three golden rules will ensure you look and feel your best as you celebrate, no matter the dress code!

Corina Gaffey’s Wedding Guest Style Tips

For Corina, the number one rule of wedding guest dressing is to remain true to your personal style. “I feel like people just see a dress code and they feel like they have to change their style, to  buy something new and something that they would never really wear again and also in general. Of course it’s overwhelming but wedding guests can feel like they have to dress a certain way.”

While you may have a dress code to work with, it’s so important to wear what represents you. Corina says, “It’s all about thinking about what kind of person you are and your style. Maybe you’re more of a minimalist going for clean-line, slim dresses or you’re a maximalist going for colour. You can break the rules, whether that is incorporating different silhouettes, you don’t always have to go for a dress whether it’s suiting or a really fancy blouse and a great pair of tailored trousers.”

Her second top tip is to reinvent pieces in your wardrobe, whether it be dresses or separates, outerwear and accessories. Don’t be afraid to wear something that is not traditionally considered guestwear either, as you can give it your own spin and dress it up.

“I always say it’s not like you turn up to an event and there’s someone looking at you up and down on the door saying, ‘You’re not going to get in.’ Of course you want to feel the best and make the best effort for your friends or your family or whoever you are attending the event.”

The final rule applies to brides as well as guests and that is to invest in accessories that can get plenty of wear post-wedding. While we are all for sustainable wedding guest dressing, if you don’t fancy re-wearing the same dress or suit for another wedding you can always give your accessories another day out.

While it’s rare that a bride is going to get more wear out of her wedding dress, bridal accessories can have a long and beloved lifespan in the wardrobe. In fact, Corina still wears her black Miu Miu wedding shoes 10 years later! 

If you’re looking for beautiful pyjamas for your bridesmaids you won’t find more Instagrammable sets than from her collaboration with London-based loungewear brand, It’s 9PM, which is available to shop at Brown Thomas and on the brand’s own website its9pm.co.uk.

Your bridal besties can be your ‘something blue’ in the absolutely darling Ariel Scalloped Set (€204) which is crafted from the finest organic cotton poplin. Not only will they be so chic to wear but so comfortable too.

The 100% silk Vogue Serenity Set (€420) is a lustrous, luxurious and absolutely lovely option for brides. With an elegant pale lilac hue, lettuce-ruffle accents and crystal buttons, it is the perfect set to wear as you soak up all the magic of the wedding morning and for your getting ready photos.

You can follow more of Corina Gaffey’s amazing style on Instagram at @corinagaffey

Ready to land yourself on the best-dressed guest list? Check out our indispensable guide of Where to Shop Wedding Guest Dresses and Outfits!