Heres What To Wear To A Wedding According To The Experts
At a loss when it comes to choosing wedding guest attire? Here’s our guide to what to wear to a weddingand what you should avoid wearing at all costs.
While its exciting to get an invitation in the mail, figuring out what to wear to a wedding might be a little less exciting. But dress codes dont have to be hard! If you pair the dress code with what you know about the settingand throw in a few expert styling tipsyoull be guaranteed to be the best-dressed person there . We asked Ani Hovhannisyan, a wardrobe stylist and founder of bridal styling company Through the Veil, to decode the dress codes youre likely to see come wedding season and provide suggestions for wedding guest outfits.
Formal Summer Wedding Outfit
Less formal than a black tie optional wedding, but still dressy. Men dont have to wear tuxes necessarily , which means that women dont necessarily have to wear a long dress/gown anymore. Still though, you will want to err on the side of formal, while letting your personality shine through.Bag: Clutch or small bagShoes: HeelsKey Vibe: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy at most events.
Florals Or A Pretty Print Look Lovely
A pretty floral is a beautiful choice for any type of vineyard wedding guest attire, be it a skirt, top or dress. Pastel florals and prints are popular for summer, or you can go with something more sophisticated for fall like this gold and purple floral dress. Its lovely for an afternoon wedding, and the shape is very feminine and flattering. A blush clutch amps thing up, and gorgeous pumps top off this very feminine look.
I suggest you do a little checking around online beforehand to get a preview of the venue. Many of these places understand that ladies love their heels and have appropriate walkways, but if you are attending a wedding at a more rustic vineyard, you may want to wear some sleek wedges or block heels instead. Also, dont forget a wrap for your shoulders, as it can get chilly under the stars at night in wine country.
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Outdoor Formal: Elevate Your Surroundings With Flowy Formal Options
Outdoor formal may sound like an oxymoron, but just because an event is happening outside doesnt necessarily make it laid-back and casual. While you have a bit more freedom to play with colors and prints during fancy outdoor affairs like beach weddings and garden parties, you should still avoid looking informal and steer clear of mini dresses. Rent silky wrap dresses or pretty printed frocks that can be dressed up with fancy jewels or an embellished handbag. Stick with loose flowy options that will keep you cool in the sun, and avoid sinking in the grass or sand by adding height with wedges or block heels.
What To Wear To A Summer Wedding
When shopping for summer wedding attire, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. While rising temps may have you in a more laid-back state of mind, summer wedding attire still has a sense of formality. And, regardless of how casual the summer wedding may be, it’s still best to skip the jeans and flip-flops to be sure you’re appropriately dressed for the occasion. When in doubt , ask the couple for clarification. Psst: The Knot’s guide to decoding different dress codes is here.
If you’ve been invited to a summer wedding, there are a few important factors to keep in mind when planning your attire: location, venue and dress code. For instance, if you’re attending a casual beach wedding, opt for garments made of breathable fabrics and unfussy accessories like flat sandals or boat shoes that will stand up to warm weather and uneven terrain. If you’re choosing an outfit for a black tie affair at a country club, formal dress rules still apply. In general, summer weddings are a great opportunity to sport colorful fabrics, as well as floral and tropical prints.
Still not sure what to wear to a summer wedding? Don’t sweat it. We’ve done the shopping for you by rounding up the best summer wedding attire for guests. Here, browse our editor-approved looks, broken down by dress code.
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Fall Outdoor Wedding Attire
Fall weddings are trending right now, with the beautiful foliage, autumnal colors, and fair weather.
Fall is an especially perfect season for weddings because of the weather. You dont have to worry about being sweaty outside in your wedding dress, and the chance of rain in the fall is usually far less than the summer.
Not only will the lack of hot and humid weather save the guests from needing fans during the ceremony, it allows you to have lots of options for beautiful fall outdoor wedding attire.
One unfortunate part of fall weddings is the fact that the weather is so unpredictable. It is an important reminder that you should probably wear layers. Even if the weather is beautiful during the day, it may get cold at night time and you will regret not wearing a jacket.
What To Wear To An Outdoor July Wedding
Our latest outfit idea featuring a beautiful versatile dress illustrates What to Wear to an Outdoor July Wedding!
Shopping sources noted with links in italics are affiliate links from our sponsors and retail partners.
Shopping sources noted with links in italics are affiliate links from our sponsors and retail partners.
Dress: Stellar Drape Dress by Shona Joy from Revolve | Earrings: ‘Sayers’ Pearl Earrings by Kendra Scott from Nordstrom | Bracelet: Beaded Bracelet by Nakamol Design from Nordstrom | Clutch: Geo Du Jour Cutout Clutch from Lulus | Nail Polish ‘Modern Love’ by Deborah Lippmann from Nordstrom | Sandals: Topshop ‘Romeo’ Sandals from Nordstrom | Necklace: ‘Tattoo’ Encrusted Lariat Necklace by Nadri from Nordstrom
Wedding Guest Outfit for an Outdoor Wedding
July is just around the corner, and I’m making good on my promise to share even more summer wedding guest outfits and ideas. Here’s What to Wear to an Outdoor July Wedding!
Peach Wedding Guest Dress
This dress, the Stellar Drape Dress by Shona Joy from Revolve is our winner in both regards! It features an elegant draped style hemline, pretty spaghetti straps, and tailored bodice. I love it’s delicious peach color . It’s the ideal mix of a beautiful dress that is sure to get the thumbs up from your date, and has the sort of effortless elegance that summer wedding dressing requires.
This look is all set for beach formal or outdoor summer receptions in any setting, and any time of day.
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White Tie: Nows Your Chance To Wear A Ball Gown
White tie affairs are as formal as it gets. Usually reserved for over-the-top galas, ultra-fancy wedding parties and state dinners, this is probably the only time in life besides prom that you have the excuse to wear a ball gown. Pump up the volume with options that feature exaggerated ball skirts, or if you prefer form-fitting silhouettes reach for a glittering metallic gown. Theres no such thing as going overboard at these glamorous events, so be sure to accessorize with statement jewels and a great pair of high heels.
Basic Tips And Etiquette
A good rule of thumb when choosing your outfit for a summer wedding is that being overdressed is always better than being underdressed. “It could appear as an insult to the bride,” etiquette expert Lisa Grotts explains. “When in doubt and if its not clear on the wedding invitation or website, ask the bride.” Though you’ll want to stand out for your top-notch look, you also want to avoid coming across that you’re competing with the bride. “Your safest choice is to dress light and bright but not white.” One exception, Grotts mentions, would be if the bride requests guests to dress in white .
Meet the Expert
Lisa Grotts is an etiquette expert with over 20 years of industry experience. She’s an , former columnist for The Huffington Post, and has appeared on media segments for NBC, The Today Show, and BBC News.
Another major consideration is location. “It all depends on the location of the summer wedding,” Grotts explains. “For a beach wedding, think sand, sandals and a maxi dress. For an outdoor country wedding, you may have to walk on grass, which means wedges and a dress that wont drag to the floor. For a traditional summer wedding, go for a polished and chic look.” She also suggests avoiding heavy fabrics and dark colors as well as anything too blingy .
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Where Is The Outdoor Wedding
Depending on the location of the wedding, you may need to alter what you are wearing. For example, if you know that the wedding will be at a farm, it is smart to wear shoes that you know can get dirty and will allow you to walk on uneven terrain.
If the wedding is on a beach, walking in heels may be a challenge and you may need to take an extra pair of flat sandals.
Creative Black Tie Wedding Attire For Men
What It MeansThis code keeps the wedding formal, but eases up on all the rules. A tuxedo will fit in nicely with Creative Black Tie, but you can branch out a little, too. Dinner jackets are a good choice, and both neckties and bow ties are welcome in patterns or low-key colors. If you opt for a suit instead, just make sure you dress it up to keep up with the black tie part of the code.
What to Wear
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What To Look For In A Summer Wedding Guest Dress
If you’re attending a summer wedding, it’s wise to shop for dresses made from breathable and comfortable fabrics like linen and cotton. These lightweight fabrics will keep you coolespecially if the wedding is outdoorsand work for every type of dress code. When it comes to silhouettes, mini, midi, and tea-length dresses are ideal for warm-weather nuptials and work especially well for beach and garden venues.
Attending a summer wedding is also the perfect chance to experiment with fun prints and vibrant colors. For a more classic take on summer wedding guest attire, look for dresses in soft pastel hues and dainty floral patterns.
Summer Wedding Guest Dress Inspiration
As the weather warms up, it can be tough to figure out how to stay dress-code appropriate at summer weddings without getting overheated. Not to worry, weve got you covered with all the wedding guest style inspiration you need, no matter the dress code. Keep reading for the guests guide for what to wear to summer weddings.
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Take Location Into Account
Outdoor weddings can be various things and take place in many different locations. When determining what to wear, you will want to take the location into account. This is for a couple of different reasons. The location can determine the weather you will be exposed to. In addition to the general weather, transportation may play a role. For example, an outdoor wedding may take place with a lot of grass you will have to walk through in that case, choosing adequate shoes is going to be essential.
What To Wear To A Summertime Wedding
The usual wedding attire guidelines stay about the same. Female summer wedding guests may wish to wear lighter colors and more informal fabrics for daytime weddings dress up a little more for evening weddings. Pick special occasion styles and formal length dresses for black tie weddings. Maxi dresses,cocktail dresses, skirts with pretty tops, or jumpsuits can all be appropriate. Just remember not to wear white, or anything too ill-fitting or flashy. Men can opt for lighter color suits or blazers for daytime darker suits for the evening.
Past Wedding Guest Dress Picks
Dresses: 1. Shopbop: 2. ASOS: ASOS DESIGN maxi dress with cami straps and cut out detail in summer green floral print 3. Dillard’s Laundry by Shelli Segal Floral Print Mock Neck Maxi Dress 4. ASOS: ASOS DESIGN Curve one shoulder pleated light blue midi dress
Here are 11 of our top picks for summer wedding guest dresses and jumpsuits!
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1 . This beautiful peach and pink floral maxi dress
Wedding Guest Dress Picks from Past Seasons
This Eliza J Halter Neck Ruffle Maxi Dress can go from daytime events to evening with just a change of accessories! A versatile style for summer wedding guests!
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One : Avoid Black And White
Black is associated here in Italy with mourning, plus if you are attending a wedding at midday and you turn up in a black cocktail dress you are going to be, firstly hot and secondly feeling very out of place.
White is strictly reserved for the bride of course. Our beautiful Sorrento and Amalfi Coast brides are not going be overly impressed if, as a guest, you dress in white, no matter how high the temperature is. The only exception is if the bride and groom have specifically asked all of their guests to wear white, of course.
Four : Wear Appropriate Footwear
Were not recommending that you turn up in un-fashionable shoes but beware that places such as Ravello have a lot of cobbled streets and steps and tottering down these roads in your stiletto heels is not going to make you look as elegant as you may wish! Plus if the ceremony is taking place in a garden setting, youll be sinking into the ground. Consider a fashionable pair of wedges or sandals, or a lower heel that is going to be comfortable throughout the day. Alternatively throw a pair of sandals into your bag and switch things up for dancing later in the evening!
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Go Light On Makeup And Jewelry
Fresh, minimalistic makeup is more flattering for a summer wedding. Ditch the heavy lipstick and apply a shimmering gloss to keep lips moist and shiny. Be sure to wear a sunscreen if youll be outdoors, but go light on the foundation or wear a light coating of powder instead.
Because youre probably wearing a light, breezy dress, you should also go light on the jewelry. Cumbersome baubles look awkward with an airy ensemble, so trade your chandelier earrings for pearls or studs. A little bling goes a long way in the summer time. Keep it light, and youll look and feel better.
Wednesday 3rd of August 2016
Hi there,
The JCPenney dress has that lace detail, so she’ll want to stick with delicate jewelry to go with it. Same with the shoe a simple, elegant pump would work, for example. I don’t think I’d pair either dress with a cardigan it would probably be too casual. Try a wide scarf made of lightweight fabric and use it as a wrap. The brown dress would work with a soft ivory wrap. The deep purple of the Ralph Lauren dress would look stunning with a deep olive green. If that makes the ensemble too dark, try a soft shade of lavender.
~Catherine
Hi! Im Catherine. Welcome! Im a personal finance writer who likes nice things but hates paying for them. Have a look around if you feel the same!
