Wedding guest outfits you can rewear
Could coordinating sets be a solution to the single-wear problem?
I was recently lamenting with
from that so many painstakingly planned wedding guest outfits end up as one-hit wonders, donated, resold or relegated to the back of the closet.To be clear, I’m guilty of all of the above. I’m in my mid-thirties, which means most of my friends have settled down and weddings are few and far between (ditto to other dress-up occasions). Having been pregnant twice over the past three years also means my weight, and what fits, has fluctuated wildly. For someone in my shoes, services like Rent the Runway are a godsend.
But for those who love sourcing something unique for special occasions (if that’s you, run don’t walk to
’s latest post, below), the question is: why buy or rent when we could rewear?For some, it’s simply the recency factor: I wore it to a wedding last month and I’m not ready to be seen in it again. Unlike your favorite jeans or white tee, wedding guest looks are typically distinctive by design, and wanting a breather before you rewear makes sense.
When it comes to wedding guest outfits, a sustainable solution to the single-wear problem could be a trend that’s been smacking us in the face for the past few years: coordinating sets.
That’s right: while Bianca Stratford may have gotten many things wrong in 10 Things I Hate About You, there’s no doubt she would have repurposed her prom ‘fit in a style befitting of a certain other 90s pop culture heroine.
Coordinating sets are at least three outfits for the price of one: both pieces together, plus each separate. I love the cost-per-wear math on that.
In this post, I’ll share some ideas for rewearing sets, plus secondhand options to shop.
Pop of Color
Sources: Zara, Zola, Prairie Hive, Uniqlo
Repurpose a bold monochromatic coordinating set as your pop of color in other outfits.
This skirt set from Zara on Poshmark is $100, and this pant set from House of Harlow is only $50. If you’re looking to spend, here’s an incredible find from Prada on The RealReal.
For a pop of red, how awesome and unexpected is this vintage pant set on Etsy?
Rewear your wedding guest top peeking out from under a blazer or tucked into a pair of loose trousers. Pair the skirt or pants with a crew-neck tee for a laidback-yet-polished look. Or, rewear them together with some sandals and a basket tote for a completely different vibe.
Tonal Dressing
Sources: Vintage via Etsy, The Reformation, Paloma Wool, Saylor via The RealReal, The Reformation, Paco Rabanne for Walborg (similar), Prada via Current Boutique
A neutral coordinating set tees you up for tonal dressing and is one of the most versatile to rewear.
This vintage camisole and pants set on Etsy is at risk of making its way into my shopping cart. Ditto to this pants set from The Reformation via Poshmark.
The best thing about a neutral set is you can go all out with shoes and accessories. For a wedding guest look, I’d opt for a statement heel (Prada option here), chunky gold jewelry, and the Paco Rabanne for Walborg bag that I wrote about here.
For skirt options, I like this one from L’Academie on The RealReal, and this dressier ruffled option from Saylor.
The Paloma Wool look (#3 in the collage) is an example of how you could dress down a structured silk skirt with items already in your closet (or with something new: that tank is a dead ringer for
’s favorite Uniqlo find.) I also love the addition of a cashmere cardigan for daily wear (#2 in the collage).Pattern Play
Sources: Ulla Johnson, Ulla Johnson, Rhode via The RealReal, Christian Viergig for Getty Images
It wouldn’t be summer dressing without fun patterns. Take a cue from designers like Ulla Johnson on how to mix and match patterned separates.
Here’s an option from Veronica Beard (picture it tucked in to the matching skirt or a pair of Levi’s 501s). If you’re feeling spendier, here’s a skirt set from Johanna Ortiz—wait for a discount and pair the top with cream-colored canvas pants.
Rhode is also a great brand for playful patterns: here’s a skirt set on The RealReal and another set from their diffusion line for Target. Both would pair well with jeans or a crew-neck tee.
For a pants option that’s perfect for a beach wedding, try this Alexis set via The RealReal, fit to be reworn on many holidays to come.
P.S. You’ll notice I included some options from Zara and Target and may feel ambivalent about buying fast fashion, even if it’s secondhand. I tend to agree with
from ’s take1, especially when purchasing secondhand:My ethos is that a fast-fashion garment can also be sustainable if it’s worn at least 30 times (hopefully 50!) over its lifetime. I truly despise the throwaway culture of faster fashion.
At the end of the day, be kind to yourself and realistic about what you can afford and will actually wear (and rewear, again and again).
Ha! I’m just finishing up a piece on how matching sets seem to be the dominant style choice in the WNBA! Loved this
Thank you so much for the mention! I am in firm agreement a coordinating set goes a long way in a wardrobe and will now be hunting for a fresh set this week...!