Question: I have an outdoor wedding to go to in September in the Hunter Valley. The dress code says smart casual, What do I wear?

Anne-Maree, NSW.

Answer:

Dear Anne-Maree,

A wedding is a celebration, and your clothes should reflect that. The pictures of that day are going to be in the bride and groom's lives forever, and beautifully dressed guests really help set the mood.

Rule 1: Dress Up! Being underdressed is the worst feeling, so it’s better to over do it. Even if an invitation says 'casual attire', the furthest you should take it is a floaty cocktail dress or a simple shift. For a black tie wedding, a long, formal dress is always appropriate, but if you’d rather go short, choose something knee length in a luxe fabric.

Rule 2: Take a hint The location of the event is a big give away when deciding what to wear. If the wedding is on a beach in Mexico, it's pretty obvious that you should stay away from heavy beading. If the party is in a more traditional setting, like a ballroom or country club, the chances are that the dress code will be conservative too.

In your case, the wedding is outdoors in a vineyard setting, dress in cocktail, but be sure to take a wrap for the evening as it is bound to get cooler as the sun goes down. Wear practical shoes as it is highly likely that you will be standing for a while. Be careful of the stems of your heels in the grass.

TIP: There are heel covers that you can buy now; it is a clear plastic cover that wraps around the stem of your shoe. Keep an eye out for them in major department stores and shoe shops.

Rule 3: Embrace colour All black on a wedding guest is very severe. Jewel tones like peacock blue, emerald green and patterns are sophisticated and vibrant. Try to stay away from white. That is the bride's territory.

Rule 4: Stay focused Choose one outfit and build your outfit around it, whether it's your shoes or an amazing piece of jewelry. You want to avoid looking as if you piled on every accessory you own. If you have a detail dress eg: with a bold print – keep the jewelry minimal. Another thing to remember is that not everything needs to coordinate exactly.

Rule 5: Don't go flat Heels can sometimes be tricky at an outdoor wedding, but flats don't feel right with a formal dress. Wedges are a great option for a lawn reception. If the wedding is at or near the beach, flats are definitely allowed – try an embellished sandal or even go barefoot!

Enjoy the wedding!

The AWW Fashion Team

YOUR SAY: What would you wear to a smart casual wedding? Share your tips with us below...