How to Make Just About Any Old Sundress Chic Enough for a Wedding
Memorize this formula, never waste money on something you'll wear once again.


According to a study commissioned by American Express (opens in new tab), we're spending $703 per wedding on average this year, up five percent from 2015. There's no line-item breakdown, but from our own experiences with panicky Rent the Runway orders and wild goose chases for off-registry gifts because everything left is, like, Sèvres porcelain, the emotional cost is even higher. And that's even before the fashion.
No more—here, we share our dead-easy formula for dressing like a good little wedding guest but using pieces you *haven't* anxiety-bought the night before.
You know the rules: No white. No black. No consciously trying to upstage the bride.
Because they're fun and automatically project "I'm being fancier than usual in honor of your Important Day!" (Even if you're really just there for the passed hors d'oeuvres to support your friends.)
The better to show off Step 2, plus it says "I put in *some* effort in exchange for drinking your Champagne and eating your bacon-wrapped dates." Let Pandora show you how it's done.
A post shared by Pandora Sykes (@pandorasykes) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
Step 4: Throw in some heels
High if you've got the skills; mid and chunky if it's outdoors (opens in new tab); low if you're here to get down.
Step 5: 💃💃💃
:shimmy::
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Step 1: Take one sundress
You know the rules: No white. No black. No consciously trying to upstage the bride.
Because they're fun and automatically project "I'm being fancier than usual in honor of your Important Day!" (Even if you're really just there for the passed hors d'oeuvres to support your friends.)
The better to show off Step 2, plus it says "I put in *some* effort in exchange for drinking your Champagne and eating your bacon-wrapped dates." Let Pandora show you how it's done.
[instagram ]https://www.instagram.com/p/BGreENKyuwI/?taken-by=pandorasykes[/instagram]
High if you've got the skills; mid and chunky if it's outdoors (opens in new tab); low if you're here to get down.
:shimmy::
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at MarieClaire.com. She's also worked for The Strategist and Refinery29, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. On her tombstone, she would like a GIF of herself that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, she's into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard she has to go lie down.
-
Princess Charlotte Doesn’t Look to Older Brother Prince George to “Take the Lead”
She “knows her own mind,” an expert says.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Kate Middleton Wants Prince Harry to Come to the U.K. for Prince William’s 40th Birthday Party
“Birthdays are a time, as she’s pointed out, of celebration, families, and having loved ones around you.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Started Plotting Royal Exit Far Sooner Than We Thought
Discussions began just six months after their wedding, an expert says.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
The 16 Best Linen Suits for Women in 2022
Sophisticated but not stuffy.
By Sara Holzman
-
The 6 Summer 2022 Handbag Trends to Get a Grip On
Logo designs, raffia fabrics, and Y2K silhouettes are front and center this season.
By Sara Holzman
-
The 19 Best Laptop Bags for Women to Take Everywhere
Yes, they exist!
By Rachel Epstein
-
The 32 Best Basket Bags for Summer 2022
The Jane Birkin-inspired silhouette has you covered for "French Girl Summer."
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The 32 Best Summer Sweaters That Are Basically Wardrobe Staples
If you don't have one of these in your closet already, now's your chance.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
25 Summer Hats That'll Instantly Transform You Into A Hat Person
Shield your face from the sun in style.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
The Hot Pink Fashion Trend, Decoded
The color is everywhere in 2022.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The 17 Best Linen Pants for Women in 2022
Bring it on, 90-degree weather.
By Julia Marzovilla