What To Wear To An Asian Wedding, By A Desi Girl

Photography from my main hype woman, Mum. 

When it comes to Asian weddings, outfits are a big deal. Everything from hair to make up to accessories to the actual piece that you're wearing, it takes a good deal of prep. Anyone who hasn't gone to an Asian wedding would think the sari is your only option but it's not - there's shalwar kameez, lehengas and many others which I won't even go into naming. 

Why is this relevant? Well, I went to my first wedding of my generation. The last time I went to a wedding was when I was in my early-teens. One of my high school friends was the first of us to get married, so of course when I was invited to the wedding I was pumped. First wedding as an adult! And what came to my mind immediately? Outfit.

Also being a Desi girl (from the Indian subcontinent but lives/grows up abroad), it gives me the chance to fully embrace my Asian side.

I was going to go with a lehenga, but then I found a whole trunks worth of saris that I already had with some that have never been worn. This beautiful black number was sitting in a box and was pining to be worn, so of course I went with the colour I reach for most.

Outfit: Sari - Local Purchase // Earrings - Custom // Shoes - Charles & Keith (similar) // Bag - from Japan

When it comes to saris, they can be quite the handful, literally. You've got bolts of material draped around your body that you've got to carry around you and you have to find the right way to wear them without anything falling apart. Here's what I did differently for the first time - I (meaning my Mum) cinched in the sari and pinned it to be more like a wrap dress style, but also give me more definition and be so much easier to wear. Honestly, this made all the more difference because I didn't have too much fabric to hold onto in my arm and I didn't trip over anything.*

*though I may have got my heel caught on the back a little... (it happens okay, I'm sorry). 

I paired the black sari with a simple au-natural make up look with a pop of a red lip - Fenty Beauty of course. I pinned my hair back in a knot style bun with my short layers framing face. Full hair and make up rundown coming on the blog soon for you!

Finished off with Charles & Keith court shoes, a little blue embroidered Japanese bag for a contrast and blue bauble style drop earrings, et voila! Wedding ready. 

It was such a wonderful night to celebrate the first of my friends to get married. Oh my, I've entered that stage of my life now. We're all growing up. *screams quietly*. What's your go-to for an Asian wedding? Are you a sari girl or would you opt for another traditional look? Or even, non-traditional? Also what do you think about seeing more traditional looks on the blog. This is the first time I'm sharing something like this, so if you want to see more, let me know!

Lots of Love, 

Emily xx

WHAT TO WEAR FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION THIS SUMMER

It's the season of events. Most likely, we all have something important to attend whether it be a wedding, a graduation, a christening, a big birthday. Weddings are definitely a big one this time of year. Once you get your invite in the post, you have to plan a look. Well at least I do. I plan looks so far in advance, it's really an issue. But sometimes that's a good thing because you don't want to end up stuck at the last minute. 

For certain events, there are rules or courtesies that you have to respect. For weddings, it's probably best to stay away from white (or ivory and creams) because you don't want to clash with the lady of the hour. If there's a theme, you should stick to it because it's most likely the bridal party have their reasons - for example, Pia Muelhenbeck & Kane Vato got married back in December and had an all nude/neutral dress code so that everyone fit the vibe of the wedding and so that the pictures look nice, a big plus. 

There's a lot to think about with big events, whether it's yours (like a graduation) or someone else's. So, I decided it would probably be best to round up some ideal looks for any big Summer events you have coming up. 

My ideal outfits would a beautiful midi dress that isn't too in your face, a two piece suit in a bold colour that compliments you or a killer jumpsuit. Styles that I've seen lately that I believe would be perfect are the Max Mara suit that I've seen Lydia Millen-Gordon in (which Zara have a dupe for!) and this Cult Gaia maxi dress that Selena Gomez wore to a wedding recently. 

Here's my picks for those formal events this season, from head to toe. 

Outfits

    

   

    

     

For your footwear, go for strappy sandals this season. It's all the rage and you'll find plenty of them. Or go for a classic pair of court shoes in a height that suits you. Just make sure that you've got comfy shoes on because you'll most likely be on your feet for most of the event. A mid-high heel is probably your best bet!

 

 Outfit: Dress - Custom // Heels - Charles & Keith // Bag - Next (old) // Earrings - H&M (similar)

When it comes to your accessories, I think it really all depends on what you're wearing in terms of style and colour. If you're going bold, don't be afraid to bolder if you're up to it. If your outfit has a pattern, I'd suggest going for simple jewellery that uplifts your look without overpowering it - simple dainty jewellery is gorgeous. If you're wearing a bold coloured suit, go for a contrasting clutch and shoes, then a big pair of statement earrings or a ring will do the trick. If you're wearing light colours, compliment them with pearls - it's so classy. Don't worry about being monochromatic either! Basically, go where the wind takes you as long as you are comfortable. Make your own individual statement. 

I'd love to know what you steer towards for special occasions! Is there a specific look or brand that you know will always have what you're after? I'd love to know. Happy shopping and I hope you have a wonderful time whatever you're doing!

Lots of Love, 

Emily xx