What To Wear To Rehearsal Dinner In Fall
As the official hosts of the rehearsal dinner, you want to look FABULOUS and feel great because the evening will be full of meeting, greet, and celebrating. I choose to go all black with this halter style off-shoulder black dress from Lauren Ralph Lauren. I paired it with a simple diamond necklace, rhinestone earrings/bracelet. Most important were my block heel shoes that I had already broken in.
Knowing that the revenue was inside I added this velvet burnout topper from Target. It was a perfect addition to the outfit not only for function but for style too
Another son, another rehearsal dinner as hostess. Here I went with all black again and blinged it up. Rhinestone necklace, rhinestone bracelet, and rhinestone earrings bring this dress up to the festive level. I was recently asked about the whole pantyhose thing. If I wore this dress in the late fall or winter when it was much colder, I would choose to wear sheer black pantyhose. Not only would that help to create a column of color making me look taller and slimmer, but it would also help me be less subconscious of my legs. If you are subconscious choose sheer nude or black pantyhose and make sure you get them ahead of time because many stores are only stocking a very few.
A Comprehensive Guide To Wedding Guest Attire
Getting dressed for a wedding is no easy feat. If you haven’t been to many, you might not know much about acceptable attire. If you’ve been to a lot, the formality has likely varied at each, and even if it hasn’t, you probably don’t want to wear the exact same thing to every party. Before you start stressing, rummaging through your closet, or committing to a shopping spree, read through this handy guide. Whether you need the common dress codes decoded or just want some ideas for diversifying your look, you’ve come to the right place.
For a rundown of the basics and some outfit recommendations, we spoke with etiquette expert Suzanne Pollak. We also consulted Alexis Corry, who owns menswear, womenswear, and bridal boutiques. Together, they shed light on appropriate wedding ensembles, and define the terms that you’ll likely need to know.
What To Wear To An Afternoon Wedding In A Tropical Country Club Setting
My daughters roommate got married a couple of weeks ago. Cue mother-daughter texting and phone calls, and texting and emailing, and texting and online shopping. Because, what does one wear to a summer afternoon wedding in a country club setting? A mother should know.
I use those quotation marks because were talking about a deconstructed country club. Peel off the membership, a possible legacy of exclusion and privilege. Keep the sunlit ceremony with cocktails and dinner outside, the nice indoor reception and rain default room. Add a layer of community and access because this is probably in fact a community center.
But its not a barn or a farm. And its not a winery, so, just a tick to the right on the rural-to-urban scale. Oh, add this: the coastal location is going to be hot.
Parameters?
- Stay cool
- Look pretty
- Adhere to daytime suburban wedding conventions not too white, not too black, not too naked including not too far off-the-shoulder
- No connotations of lingerie not sheer, no lace panels
- Be fun
She and I looked at dresses like these.
In the end, due to budget constraints, she ended up wearing a sleeveless pink cotton dress with a flounced skirt that Id given her a couple of years ago, with these sandals in black patent I ordered in the heat of the hunt.
I couldnt help wondering what I would have worn if the bride had been a daughter of a friend, or if Id known the bride well enough myself to attend.
Parameters?
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Cocktail Attire Wedding Outfit Ideas For Men
This versatile blue suit can be worn throughout the seasons, making it a must for your arsenal of formal clothing. Pair this jacket-and-trouser set with a light blue button-down shirt, cufflinks, and a tie of your choice. Stick with solid colors if that’s fit to your style, or go for a novelty print if you’re not afraid to experiment with fashion.
Suitsupply Lazio slim fit solid wool suit in Blue, $569, Nordstrom.com
A light gray suit is a great outfit for a summer cocktail attire wedding. But if you do opt for a lighter color, keep it dress-code appropriate with a darker tie and dark dress shoes.
ASOS DESIGN skinny suit in Mid Gray, $87 for the jacket, $40 for the pants, ASOS.com
If you’d rather keep your look classic, stick with a no-fail option like a white button-down shirt with a solid tie. Pair this with a black suit jacket and black pants for a cocktail wedding attire outfit that’s always appropriate, no matter the season.
The Tie Bar textured solid non-iron shirt in White, $55, TheTieBar.com The Tie Bar grosgrain solid tie in Wine, $22, TheTieBar.com
You’ll look as stylish as can be in a sleek navy suit. If you do choose to wear something like this, feel free to ditch the suit vestâit might leave you feeling a bit overdressed, even for a cocktail attire wedding. Finish off this look with a white button-down shirt and brown dress shoes.
ASOS DESIGN Plus skinny suit in Navy, $87 for the jacket, $40 for the pants, ASOS.com
Dont Match The Color Of The Clutch And Shoes
Choose a bag in a different color than your shoes, unless you are in your twenties. On us 40+, matching bag and shoes looks so 1970s and screams Old Lady. A metallic clutch with patent leather heels or a patent leather clutch with metallic heels work. A sequin clutch with matte open-toe pumps all in analogous colors of the color wheel or in the same color family are great combinations. More on ageless monochromatic looks.
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Do Make Sure Your Skirt Is At Least Finger
While not all weddings will take place in a church, Carillo told me “the best rule of thumb is, if you can wear it to church, you can probably wear it to a wedding.” While we agree you look hot in that mini dress you recently picked up, a wedding isn’t the place to show it off, so leave it at home and opt for something a little longer and more appropriate.
“Dresses and skirts should be finger tip length long as you will be doing a lot of sitting and it’s not fun having to constantly pull down your dress,” Carillo added.
Winter Wedding Attire For Guests
When dressing for a winter wedding, its important to consider both the formality of the event and the weather. To beat the cold while looking sophisticated, opt for a long dress or suit. Try choosing designs with sleeves as well as styles in heavier fabrics to ensure youre kept warm throughout the ceremony and reception. Those in deep hues, such as navy and burgundy, make particularly chic options. It may also be ideal to bring a smart coat or shawl with you.
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What To Wear To An Afternoon Wedding
The dress-code of an afternoon wedding is semi-formal which calls for cocktail dresses, LBDs or modest party dresses. If is is a formal afternoon wedding go for a cocktail dress or dressy afternoon dress or suit. A dressy LBD is also meeting the bill. This post provides tips on how to best dress for an afternoon wedding.
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.
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Take The Venue Into Account
As we mentioned earlier, the type of venue can alter dress code expectations slightly. For example, it’s safe to assume that the dress code at an outdoor summer wedding is going to differ slightly from an indoor eventboth in terms of style and functionality. But don’t worryso long as you’re not underdressed or uncomfortable, you should be fine.
What To Wear To Wedding In A More Casual Outdoor Setting
More and more weddings are being held in non-traditional venues. I have been to a wedding in a field, in a barn, in a barn with horses, on the beach, in an outdoor tent, you name it. This may cause some distress on what to wear. Dont be afraid to pull out the pants and flat shoes. Here I wore velvet pants and top and topped it off with a gorgeous velvet burnout kimono. Adding rhinestone necklace and bracelet continued to level it up to festive. My shoes were simple ballet style flats.
I wore a black cold shoulder maxi dress to a wedding in early October and it was still hot and outside. The wedding was a more casual affair so I chose to add this stunning turquoise necklace instead of the rhinestone. For shoes, I opted for a flat because the venue was outside and a little difficult to get to. When planning your wardrobe think- venue, weather, and shoes! Nothing is more unpleasant than for your feet to hurt the entire evening or even worse, you roll your ankle.
I have seen so many great jumpsuits styled amazingly at weddings recently. It is such a great option for the less traditional wedding venues or even a rehearsal dinner. Level it up with shiny accessories and block heel shoes for a festive outfit you will feel great in. If the weather all a sudden turns colder, just add a velvet jacket or even a wrap.
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Ruby Satin Charmeuse Dress
You’ll look like a million bucks in this sophisticated satin maxi dress. This earns a spot as one of our favorite formal fall wedding guest dresses thanks to the dramatic neckline and open back. Pair this unforgettable dress with statement earrings and a beaded clutch to finalize your guest attire.
Dressy Casual Attire For Men
A dressy casual wedding means you have the ability to wear something laid-backâthink light colors, casual material and bold prints. This suit is the perfect combination of all three. The windowpane check print livens up the soft gray color, while the soft woven fabric will be comfortable to wear all night long.
ASOS DESIGN Plus super skinny suit in Light Gray Windowpane Check, $95 for the suit jacket and $48 for the pants, ASOS.com
You don’t necessarily have to wear a full suit to a dressy casual weddingâa wool blazer is a great alternative to help you look put together without being over dressed. Even better: This design comes with brown elbow patches, adding an element of sophistication to an otherwise classic jacket.
H& M slim fit blazer in Dark Blue Melange, $70, HM.com
Attending a dressy casual wedding in the afternoon? It’s totally acceptable to forgo a blazer and stick to a dress shirt and slacks instead. Wear this light blue button-down on its own, or dress it up just a bit with a wool tie . To finish off the look, tuck the shirt into a pair of solid wool pants
The Tie Bar blue diamond dobby shirt in Blue, $55, TheTieBar.com The Tie Bar solid wool pants in Bright Navy, $75, TheTieBar.com
Rhone Commuter dress shirt, $118, Rhone.com Rhone Commuter pant, $128, Rhone.com
ASOS DESIGN Plus regular fit shirt in White, $32, ASOS.com ASOS DESIGN Plus slim chinos in Black, $32, ASOS.com
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Consider The Event Formality
When deciding what to wear to a winter wedding, youll also want to consider the formality of the event. For a black tie wedding you could easily wear a floor length dress with long sleeves which would give you the benefit of extra coverage and warmth. If the wedding is more of a laid-back or casual atmosphere, you would look overdressed in something so formal.
Cocktail Attire Wedding Outfit Ideas For Women
Don’t want to add another cocktail dress to your wardrobe? No problem. Rent a trendy design instead. The details of this dress make it a standout cocktail attire wedding option, from the flared skirt to the bows on the straps.
LikelyEllery dress, $45 for a 4-day rental, RenttheRunway.com
A formal jumpsuit is a great choice for a cocktail attire wedding. The bow detail on the neckline of this jumpsuit gives it an effortless cocktail-appropriate design. Wear it with your favorite heels and a pair of sparkling earrings to finish off the look.
Vince Camuto bow neck stretch crepe jumpsuit in Black, $148, Nordstrom.com
Cocktail wedding attire doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fun prints. This floral jumpsuit is perfectly appropriate for a weddingâjust add a pair of nude heels and a shimmering bracelet to make this a great option for a spring or summer cocktail attire wedding.
ELOQUII tie front jumpsuit in Everfloral, $140, ELOQUII.com
Satin midi skirts are seriously on-trend, and it’s not hard to see why. This copper shade is a great cocktail wedding attire option. To make it fit the dress code, wear it with a formal top , dress shoes and a statement clutch.
Halogen ruffle neck top in Black, $59, Nordstrom.com Socialite bias cut satin skirt in Copper, $59, Nordstrom.com
Statement details like an oversized tie instantly elevate any outfit. Paired with shimmering jewelry and block heels, this bold jumpsuit would be a great choice for a cocktail attire wedding.
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Dressy Casual Vs Semi
Occasionally, dressy casual and semi-formal are used interchangeably. While the styles are similar, a few nuances differentiate the two. Lighter fabrics are ideal for a dressy casual wedding. But at a semi-formal fête, stick to materials like silk or chiffon. Mini and midi dresses and skirts are great options for both dress codesâbut for a dressy casual wedding, you could also pair a statement blouse with a pair of chiffon pants or slim-fit cropped slacks.
If you’re still unsure of what to wear to a dressy casual wedding, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite wedding attire looks for men and women. Browse through our editor-approved picks to help guide your dressy casual outfit, or better yet: Buy your favorite styles on the spot.
