Forget the semantics of harem trousers, how to do 1980s, or where on Mars to find the perfect white shirt — Style’s Wardrobe Mistress receives more questions about what to wear to a wedding than any other fashion conundrum. And it’s no wonder. Weddings are the sartorial minefield. They demand that you navigate an impossible route, one through unknown rules and changeable weather, by way of churches and discos, from day to night, past too-fashion and too-frumpy to comfortable, appropriate and looking good. And then, when you’ve managed all that, another one crops up two weeks later and you have to start all over again.

If there is a key to success, it is in sticking to what is right for you. There is something about being in the presence of white tulle that can make us lurch towards a whole new world of wrong, one in which yellow and asymmetric hems become good ideas — when what you should be doing, whatever the occasion, is dressing in your personal style.

There are many more dos than don’ts. Do make an effort. Do make sure you’re warm. For those occasions that require multiple versions of your look (you know the ones, church, then drinks, then dinner, then luau), it’s all about layering — a church-friendly jacket over a sparkly party dress will cater for both ends of the day. The rulebook of wedding don’ts is pretty much chuck-outable these days. If your accessories are bright, you can pull off black. Hats aren’t just for grans (see Luella for the youthful way), long dresses are workable and elegant, and minis can be suitable (short and slutty are not the same thing).

Over the next six pages, we show the clothes and accessories we think will help you look good, whether you’re a guest or the mother of the bride, in a quintessential English church or larging it on a beach in Ibiza. These are clothes that should work well beyond the reception — weddings are expensive enough without requiring a whole new wardrobe every time. And that, as the sixth invitation plops onto your doormat this week, has to be a good thing.

WEDDING FRIENDLY FASHION SECRETS

If you have several weddings to go to this summer, opt for items you can mix and match to make up several outfits.

1 Invest in a good, jewel-toned shift. Stick to block colours, but when accessorising, choose tones that go together rather than a whole colour-coordinated outfit. The result is a look that seems less studied and more natural.

2 You’ll need one good jacket. Reiss has great ones with 1950s-style, nipped-in waists. (For ultimate flexibility, choose a pale colour. It will go with everything from sequins to brights to black.)

3 Don’t be afraid to wear a proper cocktail dress. If you cover up for the ceremony with the above jacket or even a cardigan, it is possible to dress it down.

4 Go for graphic prints on your maxi dress to keep it looking daytime-appropriate and not too much like a ball gown. And wear it with minimal accessories so the whole look isn’t too overwhelming.

5 Swap accessories with your friends. Hats, shoes and bags don’t come out so good on the cost-per-wear front, so share the love.

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE

When it comes to glamour and sophistication, the older genration can lead the way

GOLDEN RULES

1 Jackets Your key item. Go for one with a nipped-in waist to give a good shape over a dress or skirt. Worried about being too naked? Pick a short-sleeved version to wear all day, or, if you’re doing eveningwear, opt for a dress coat as a daytime cover-up.

2 Dresses If you’re happy to show off your arms, a capped sleeve with a V-neck is ultra-flattering. For more coverage, a tunic-style long sleeve is modern and easy to wear.

3 Trousers Don’t want to bare your legs? Trousers are a workable alternative. Wear with a slimline jacket and big jewellery to keep the look sleek and glam.

4 Silhouette Accentuate your waist. Boxy shapes can make you seem bigger rather than smaller. Belt your coat for an extra-flattering silhouette.

5 Shoes If you can, invest in a good pair for the big day. Expensive heels wear better than cheap ones, and chances are, you’re going to be rushed off your feet.

BEAUTY COUNTDOWN

- Leading facialist Amanda Lacey suggests booking a course of bespoke facials six months in advance, with the last one seven days before the wedding to let the skin settle.

- “Don’t buy new face creams or astringent toners close to the wedding date, as you risk an allergic reaction. Stick to what you know,” she says.

- Scope out your own make-up artist: “Go to beauty counters and ask the girls to test out a wedding look on you. If you like it, hire her for the big day.”

- ”If you’re sweating, put cotton pads under your arms just before you arrive and pull them out at the last minute. Or try Mitchum spray for a longer effect. Line your wedding shoes with talc, which will keep your feet from sliding.”

- Plump the skin, says Kate Somerville, a top facialist based in LA. “The more hydrated your skin is, the better it will look in photos. Find a serum with hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate in it. This will boost hydration levels and reduce fine lines.”

- Beware of using fake tan. If you do want to go for it, apply it three days before the wedding, but “only if your body is paler than your face”, says Somerville.

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