If you’ve attended a fair share of weddings in your lifetime, then you probably acquired certain skills on what to wear, how to wear it, what suits you and your shape best etc.

But it never seems quite that easy. You have finally found a dress you thought would look stunning on you, a brand new pair of heels that left a few bones in your feet fractured, and foundation that betrayed you after only a few dance moves.

Ok, this is the worst case scenario, but everyone has suffered a wedding faux pas at least once. At the end of the day, you’ve had a great time and you shared someone’s very special day and that’s what counts, but why wouldn’t you look your best in the process? Here are a few tips to keep in mind the next time you dress up for a wedding.

Apply your makeup in daylight

An artificial fluorescent lamp in your bathroom can play tricks on you when you’re putting your makeup on. It is much more forgiving so you’ll think that you didn’t apply that much, but when you go out on a natural light, the effect will be shockingly different. You don’t want your makeup to look cakey.

Investigate

If the bride or one of the bridesmaids is your good friend, ask them about their dresses. It would be pretty awkward showing up looking like a bridesmaid wannabe. Also, try not to buy a dress for a wedding at the last minute and on sale, because there’s a pretty good chance someone else will have it, too. Buy it, but save it for another occasion.

Go simple

If you don’t want to buy a new dress every time you go to a wedding and then never wear it again, better invest in quality, timeless formal dresses (a LBD will never let you down), and play with it by styling it with different accessories and with cover-ups. It will look different every time.

Invisible friend

The one accessory you shouldn’t go out without is a perfume. No one will see it, but everyone will smell it. Make it your statement cachet; the one that will leave a soft trail behind you, but won’t overwhelm anyone. It’s good to have a miniature of your favourite fragrance, so you can fit it in your clutch and refresh with a splash or two later.

Clutches

The same as with the dresses, you don’t need to own one clutch for every dress. When you’re shopping for clutches, opt for neutral tones, like black, navy or soft beige, so that you can incorporate it with most outfits. If you want a statement clutch that’s universally chic, opt for a sequin or embroidered one.

Painful shoes

Strappy sandals and high heel stilettos have magical powers to transform your legs into Barbie legs and glam up your look in seconds. Unless you’ve already worn them and you know you won’t have to spend the whole wedding sitting at the table, always bring a pair of substitute flats. This will save you a lot of pain, and once everyone’s on the dance floor in the dark, no one will notice.

Prime your face

If you don’t want to drag an entire bag of makeup with you, apply mattifying primer before your foundation. It will keep your foundation in place and stop your T-zone from getting oily and shiny. That way, all you need with you is a lipstick to touch up, and some blotting papers, just in case.

Sunnies

A good pair of sunglasses will make you look and feel like a Hollywood celebrity. If the wedding is outside, make sure to have them on. Apart from looking like a fashion icon, they will protect your eyes from squinting – and sun damage of course.

Texture

If you still haven’t found your ideal dress cut, concentrate on fabrication and textures. Free-fall, slip satin dresses are making their comeback if that’s your thing and you prefer comfort above all. If you like structured dresses, opt for a fifties style midi dress with a stretchy, but little heavier fabric.

Don’t match everything

Don’t wear matching colours, prints or jewellery. Or if you do, be careful with it, because it may come out looking too conservative and like you’re out of your league. If you don’t feel confident enough to combine two different pieces on your own, opt for one piece in solid colour or pattern to spice it up a little.

What’s the best tip you’ve learnt along the way about dressing to look (& feel) great at any wedding? Share with us below.