Note 31 - Flowers & Eventwear

It’s been a rainy week, but even that can’t dull the anticipation of what’s coming. I keep thinking about the first real signs of the season shifting: flowers finally opening, the grass turning a bright green, and the promise of a European summer just around the corner. I know I’ll inevitably complain about the heat when it arrives, but for now, I’m happy to romanticize it as my favourite time of year (even if, in truth, that title belongs to late spring and early fall).

Lately, “summer” has started to mean something else, too: wedding guest dresses. The invitations are starting to trickle in for my friends, and I, and with them come the discussions of what to wear, which colours work, and what actually feels like you. One theme that keeps resurfacing, too, is colour seasons and the idea of dressing in tones that complement you best.

So, I’ve put together a small edit of dresses I genuinely love and would happily wear to celebrate someone’s big day. Consider this a bit of inspiration, and I apologize in advance for the pastel colour palette.

Wedding Guest Dress Edit

Left to right: StyleIn, Ulla Johnson, Rotate, Bernadette, By Malene Birger, Shona Joy, By Malene Birger, Silk Laudry

A few weeks ago, I found myself deep in a familiar debate with a friend: what actually is appropriate to wear to a wedding? Black and red are usually ruled out, and then there’s the tricky category of pastels that read a little too close to white in photos. It’s slightly inconvenient, considering how much I gravitate toward butter yellow, baby blue, and soft pink. However, I’ve found that if those shades are just a touch more saturated, they tend to work beautifully.

I’m also a firm believer that a wedding guest dress shouldn’t be a one-time affair (unless you’re planning to resell or rent it). The best pieces are the ones you can imagine wearing again, whether to a dinner, a party, or even the opera.

My favourite from the selection above is the second dress, an Ulla Johnson piece I picked up on sale a while ago. I’m planning to wear it to the ballet, but it would translate just as effortlessly to a wedding. The fabric has a satisfying weight, and it feels far more forgiving than the classic silk slip dresses that seem to dominate wedding guest attire.

I’d also highly recommend browsing secondhand for occasionwear. These are exactly the kinds of pieces people tend to part with after only a few wears, which means you can often find something special. I’d start with Rotate and Bernadette if you’re looking for something a bit more distinctive, especially in playful colours.

What I Wore (to a Wedding)

I’ve only been to one wedding so far, and it was in Greece. I think I got a little carried away by the excitement of having an excuse to dress up, and ended up choosing the wrong dress. Looking back, it was a bit too cupcake-puffy and a little too pale pink for the occasion, but I loved it!

I’ve since sold it, but it still holds a special place in my memory. It was one of those outfits that just makes you feel genuinely pretty, and that feeling tends to linger long after the dress is gone.

Dress - Cécile Bahnsen / Bag - ATP Atelier / Shoes - Jil Sander

Everyday Delights

April is slipping by so quickly, and I’ve been trying to slow down enough to really enjoy my apartment before I move in two months. The kitchen, especially, feels like my little sanctuary. It’s where I spend hours every week cooking and listening to podcasts, but it also captures my aesthetic perfectly. If I ever had to design one from scratch, I’d probably choose the exact same palette and details: light wood, open shelving, and just enough space for decorative objects. It has that calm, slightly Scandi-inspired feel that instantly makes me feel at home.

This week, I also had my visa appointment for France. It brought back memories of going through the same process eight years ago before moving to London. It’s strange how some things remain almost unchanged, even after all that time. I’m hoping everything moves along smoothly and quickly because I’ve realized I’m not particularly good at handling last-minute uncertainty.

And on a lighter note, I met my sister’s dog for the first time. I’m not always the most comfortable around big dogs, but hers is still very much a puppy, and completely adorable. I could have looked at it for hours.

This Week’s Edit

Famesick, Lena Dunham
I’m currently listening to the audiobook of Lena Dunham’s new memoir, and I’m completely hooked. It brings back so many memories of watching Girls for the first time and the impression it left on me. Hearing her narrate it herself makes it even better. I can’t help but picture Hannah Horvath in her Greenpoint apartment as I listen. I’m really looking forward to hearing the rest.

G.H. BASS x Aritzia collection
Another shoe mention in this week’s edit. Aritzia just launched a collaboration with G.H. BASS featuring beautifully made loafers that feel perfect for summer. The suede styles, in particular, are incredibly appealing for summer!

Lululemon Effortless Jacket
Very on-brand for this blog, given its name. I’ve been reaching for this jacket constantly, whether I’m running errands, walking by the river, or heading to Pilates. It’s one of those everyday staples that somehow manages to feel put-together, even as sportswear.

Les fabuleuses femmes du Grand Hôtel, Ruth Kvarnström-Jones
For something more uplifting, I’d highly recommend this novel. Originally written in Swedish and not yet translated into English, it’s a charming piece of historical fiction set in Stockholm’s Grand Hôtel. At its core, it’s a story about women supporting and empowering one another. I loved it!

Love, S.