With the warm gusts of spring chasing winter out of the air, we’re greeted with the emergence of stunning flowers, sporadic mid-day rain showers and inescapably, the arrival of wedding season. With the annual era of the bride reaching full bloom, you will soon need to line your closet accordingly to accommodate any Save-the-Date cards you have marked in your planner. But it can become a thorny battle as the temperatures continue to rise: the art of dressing to dazzle despite the spring/summer heat. Whether the ceremony is held in an elegant 19th century church, along the sandy shoreline of the coast or in a cozy backyard garden, the time of day is usually a major factor in ensemble selection .

The Afternoon Wedding

To the delight of wedding goers everywhere, designers are gushing about light-as-air fabrics this season. With a cocktail length chiffon sundress, you’ll turn heads while remaining fresh despite any beaming midday sunrays. Scope for outfits with small details such as ruffles along the neckline, exquisite beading or otherwise intricate embellishments that will dress up a simple staple piece. Stand out with bold hues, such as deep orange, hot pink or eye-catching eggplant, as striking colours have been a fashion cornerstone of the season .

Scarves are no longer limited to the chilly winter months. If there is still a touch of frost in the air, wrap a cocktail dress with a silk shawl to keep your arms warm without compromising elegance. If you find a certain number is missing that IT factor, take a modish scarf or shawl and tie it around your waist, letting the ends fall at your hips. By getting creative with your winter scarves and shawls, you can carry your favorite styles well into spring.

The Evening Wedding

If you are attending a ceremony in the evening hours, propel your elegance into overdrive with a sleek, long black gown. The dress’s simplicity provides timeless sophistication that flatters every figure, while adding a flashy long necklace gives the look a modern edge. Harmonizing with the dress’s effortless grace, keep your hair simple – try a sleek up-do with a bright red lip or glossy straight with a light curl at the ends.

Luckily, a becoming little black dress is not hard to find, yet you can still show glimmers of your personality with an accented necklace of your choosing. Should you opt out of a necklace, elect a statement bracelet with oceans of shine!

Asymmetrical hemlines have evolved into a stunning seller this year. Should you forgo the long gown, the irregular hemline is a stylish alternative. The length gives the ensemble a dressier feel but still allows your legs to breathe in the evening air.

Don’t wait until the invitations begin flooding your mailbox to hit the stores; kick your wardrobe into gear for the rapidly approaching season of the weddings. While it’s a distinguished rule to never upstage the bride, nothing says you can’t turn a few heads of your own .

By Amanda McCoy