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Deciding what to wear to a wedding isn't always an easy task. Once you send your RSVP in the mail, there's a good chance you'll start thinking about the outfit you'll don on the big day. While the invitation will often include a suggested wedding dress code, it can be confusing when it comes time to actually pick an outfit. And, as any seasoned guest knows, the last thing you want to do is procrastinate finalizing your look until it's the night before the wedding and you feel like you have nothing to wear.
If you find yourself asking "What do I wear to a wedding as a guest?" you're not alone. In fact, it's one of the most common questions guests have. And, luckily for you, we're here to help. In this comprehensive wedding guest fashion guide, you'll find expert-approved tips on choosing exactly what to wear to a wedding (and what not to wear) regardless of the dress code or season. Below, read up on their tried-and-true wedding fashion tips that'll help you pick an outfit you feel your best in. And, to give you the easiest shopping experience possible, we've also outlined our top five favorite places to shop for wedding guest attire that you'll want to re-wear over and over again.
In this article:
What to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest
Where to Buy Wedding Guest Outfits
What to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest
If you're not sure what you should wear to a wedding, we've got you covered. When it comes to wedding fashion etiquette, there are a few rules that'll help you find an outfit that's appropriate and stylish. Brush up on these fool-proof tips below before you start shopping so you know exactly what kind of clothes you can wear to a wedding.
The dress code is the most important factor to take into consideration when choosing what to wear to a wedding. The majority of couples will set a wedding dress code depending on the style of the event, as well as the time of year it's taking place. What you wear to a black-tie wedding in the winter, for example, will be vastly different than what you wear to a casual wedding in the middle of summer.
"If the dress code is black-tie, then there is only one correct outfit: a black tuxedo," explains Brian Sacawa, style expert and author of The Groom Guide. "Guests should also have the appropriate tuxedo shirt, a stud set and cufflinks in a matching metal, either a cumme*rbund or vest waist covering, black bow tie, white pocket square, and black patent leather shoes." Similarly, women are encouraged to dress up in a floor-length evening gown or an elegant dress.
Fashion rules for a casual daytime wedding, on the other hand, are much different. "You can never go wrong with a navy blazer, a blue button-down shirt or khaki pants for a casual wedding," says Virginia-based wedding style expert Monte Durham. "And, for ladies, you can always opt for a dress with a nice neckline and simple accessories."
Understanding the wedding dress code is key for picking an appropriate outfit. To help you distinguish what different terms mean, use our comprehensive wedding dress code cheat sheet to learn the difference between white tie, black-tie optional, formal attire, semi-formal, co*cktail attire, dressy casual, and everything in between. Once you know what different dress codes mean, you'll be able to make an informed decision on what to wear to a wedding.
Shop by Seasonality
Alora Rachelle Photography
In addition to the suggested attire, the time of day and the season of the wedding can give further fashion insight too. "The season and location of the wedding are great indicators of what to wear," says Ranu Coleman, CMO of wedding fashion brand Azazie. "For example, if it's a beach wedding, that's an indicator that you shouldn't show up in a formal dress. Summer weddings usually lean towards shorter styles with lighter colors, for example, while a fall wedding caters to darker jewel-toned colors and richer fabrics like velvet and silk."
If you find yourself asking, "What should I wear to a wedding?" start by gathering inspiration in stores. Durham, who also appears on TLC's Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta, recommends browsing styles that are currently on the racks to find an outfit that's seasonally appropriate. "Shopping in-person at a traditional store can help you find what to wear," he explains. "If you're attending a winter wedding, for example, you'll find outfits with wool, cashmere and velvet, as well as blazers, jackets and heavier shoes. If you're invited to a wedding in the height of summer, you're going to respond to what's on the rack: fabrics that are sheer, lightweight, flowy and comfortable. Take your cue from what's in the stores when shopping."
For more outfit inspiration, shop our comprehensive outfit guides by wedding season:
What to Wear to a Summer Wedding: Given the warmer temperatures that often accompany summer weddings, look for breathable fabrics like chiffon, cotton, linen and rayon to stay cool. Consider opting for a lightweight sundress or midi dress with strappy heels or sandals, or a button-down shirt or short sleeve polo tucked into chinos or dress pants with loafers.
What to Wear to a Fall Wedding: Fall is the perfect time of year to wear bright jewel tones that reflect the changing seasons. A sleek jumpsuit, maxi dress or knee-length co*cktail dress would suffice, as well as a dark suit with a crisp dress shirt underneath.
What to Wear to a Winter Wedding: Winter weddings tend to be more formal by nature, especially with nuptials around seasonal holidays like Christmas or New Year's Eve. If you're headed to a formal wedding during the cooler months, you can't go wrong with a classic tux with a bow tie and cufflinks, or a long sleeve floor-length evening gown. If you'll be wearing a sleeveless dress, consider wrapping up in a faux fur shawl or wrap to stay warm. And, depending on the style of the wedding, you can never go wrong with sequins and shiny fabric, especially for a glam soirée.
What to Wear to a Spring Wedding: As the season transitions into spring, pastel colors and floral prints are great choices for clothes to wear to a wedding. Choose a knee-length floral dress to match the blooms around you, or accent your suit with a bright pocket square or floral-print tie.
The location of the wedding can also offer some clues as to what you should wear to a wedding. For instance, your outfit for an outdoor wedding at a farm will be different from what you wear to an evening celebration at an upscale ballroom. It's also important to plan your look around any religious ceremonies included in the wedding. "Be mindful if you're attending a wedding in a religious facility," Durham warns. "Be sure that your shoulders are covered and remove any hats."
The venue can also indicate what kind of shoes you should wear too. "If you're outside, opt for a chunky heel for walking purposes and a strappy top if it'll be hot," Durham adds. "If you wear a kitten heel or a stiletto, you might risk sinking into the ground. If indoors, you can never go wrong with a pump heel."
Do some research into the venue before the wedding date so you know what to expect. Looking for photos on the location's website or social media pages will help you understand what clothes are appropriate to wear to a wedding on their property.
Avoid Wearing White
BeatBox Portraits
Consider this the golden rule of wedding guest attire. Unless explicitly directed on the wedding invitation or the couple's wedding website, avoid wearing an all-white outfit. "While it's probably obvious to most guests, it's important not to wear any shade of white to a wedding unless it's specifically stated in the invitation," Coleman adds. In some instances, the couple might request that guests wear white to match a particular theme. Before picking your outfit, though, confirm that this is the requested guest attire by double-checking the instructions on the invite.
You might wonder if men can wear white to a wedding, or if you can wear a dress with a white print. It is perfectly appropriate to wear a white dress shirt under a tuxedo or suit jacket. Similarly, it's also acceptable to wear a dress or a jumpsuit with a hint of white as long as it's not the main color. When choosing what you should wear to a wedding, use your best judgment to pick outfits that are not primarily white. And, as a general rule of thumb, it's also advised to skip wearing overly casual pieces like t-shirts, flip-flops, jeans or sneakers. Following these rules will help you avoid any fashion faux pas on the big day.
Clothes are just one element of a great wedding guest outfit. In addition to picking a nice dress or suit, accessories have the power to completely enhance your look. "Jewelry completes an outfit," Meaghan Rose, Founder and CEO of jewelry subscription company Rocksbox. "You can have a beautiful dress, but finding the perfect earrings or a necklace to compliment the neckline of your outfit really pulls everything together."
The same is true of men's wedding guest attire too. Accents like a colorful pocket square, a printed tie or a sleek belt will upgrade any tux or suit. "My favorite accessory is a suspender," explains Andrew Roberts, CEO of luxury accessory brand Del Toro. "Alternatively, a classic wristwatch or a vintage piece will always be a good conversation starter. Or, a signet ring worn on the pinky finger is subtle, but will drive up the style quotient of anyone wearing it."
If you're choosing what to wear to a wedding on a budget, intentional accessories can enhance an outfit you already have in your closet. "Accessories can take an old outfit and make it look brand new," Durham explains. Adds Roberts: "The key is adding your own tasteful twist to the outfit and wearing it with bold confidence."
Alter Pieces You Already Own
Gricel's Photography
Alterations can play a large role in what to wear to a wedding as a guest. If you have a busy wedding season, it might not be financially feasible to invest in new outfits for every event. So, in addition to accessorizing thoughtfully, experts recommend altering pieces you already own to change up their look.
"The number one key to looking and feeling your best is to make sure that you're nailing the fit of your garments," says Sacawa. "If the fit's not right, that can affect your confidence." Adds Durham: "You never want to wear an outfit you have to tug up or down. You can breathe new life into the clothes you already have by raising or lowering the hem of a skirt or creating a new silhouette."
Where to Buy Wedding Guest Outfits
Now you know what to wear to a wedding as a guest—but where should you shop for an outfit? Fear not: as self-proclaimed wedding fashion experts, we've rounded up five of our favorite retailers that have great wedding guest outfits for all price ranges.
If you're ever not sure what to wear to a wedding, a trip to Nordstrom is a sure way to get exactly what you're looking for. With over 400 locations throughout the US, you can easily find a store near you to try on outfits in person. Or, if you prefer the comfort of shopping from your home, you can always browse the brand's extensive store online too. From formal tuxes to co*cktail dresses and trendy jumpsuits, the retailer carries wedding guest outfits that fit just about any dress code. Shop styles from popular brands like Topshop, Free People, Madewell and more—or, for even more style inspo, browse top-selling looks from their curated lists of wedding guest dresses and men's formal wedding attire.
If you're attending a casual or semi-formal wedding, you'll find plenty of outfit ideas at ASOS. This trendy Instagram brand is perfect for wedding guests that are on top of the latest style trends. Thanks to their low prices and frequent sales, you'll find just what you need within your budget. Plus, in addition to size-inclusive wedding guest dresses and jumpsuits, the brand's menswear section also includes guest-appropriate suits, dress pants and shirts. And, if you're looking to splurge on a unique outfit for a special wedding, you'll find plenty of colorful and printed styles that'll make your guest outfit one to remember.
When you need a wedding guest dress quickly, you can't go wrong with Lulus. With an extensive collection of seasonal dresses, you'll have plenty of choices when it comes to finding the perfect clothes to wear to a wedding. Plus, with free shipping over $50 and free returns, shoppers have flexibility with shopping online. And, for styling help, guests can browse the brand's curated collection of dresses for weddings of any style.
When it comes to deciding what to wear to a wedding, you might want to invest in a classic suit that'll be a mainstay in your closet for years to come. After all, buying a new outfit for every wedding on your social calendar is expensive, and it's not always an eco-friendly option. To make the most out of your budget, consider investing in a timeless suit that you can re-wear. We recommend buying through a brand like Indochino, which allows shoppers to buy custom-fit suits. Through an algorithm that uses your exact measurements, the brand creates one-of-a-kind suits that are created to fit your body type in the materials of your choice. While you can complete the entire process online, you can also shop in-person at an Indochino showroom, or at the brand's pop-up shops in select Nordstrom stores across the country.
We're obsessed with all of the size-inclusive wedding guest outfits at CoEdition. This online retailer specializes in trendy, of-the-moment styles for any occasion. You'll find easy maxi dresses, printed rompers and jumpsuits, simple sundresses and a variety of accessories to take your outfit to the next level. We also recommend using the brand's "Best Dressed Guest" edit to find outfits for every wedding on your radar.
Evening wear is most appropriate here.For men, this typically means a dark tuxedo, a white dress shirt, a coordinating bow tie, a cumme*rbund, and suspenders (optional), says Corry. Dress shoes, like oxfords, are suitable. Women can wear either a long gown or a dressy co*cktail dress.
You may choose to wear any color except black or white. The guest's goal should be to blend in with the surroundings and let the bride shine. As her guest, you should avoid attire that could be considered informal or in bad taste. Pastels, jewel tones and earth tones are excellent choices, as are most primary colors.
It doesn't matter if the dress code requests "casual" attire; jeans, T-Shirts, shorts, and sneakers are never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest. Show respect for the bride and groom by dressing formally. Sabatino suggests that men show up in a jacket and tie, even when the invitation says casual.
Women should wear a formal floor-length gown that does not reveal the ankles at the hem of the dress, but if the wedding seems a bit less formal, a sophisticated co*cktail dress may also be acceptable. Women may also wear elegant pantsuits. Men must wear a tuxedo.
"Guests can absolutely wear black to a wedding," says Shawne Jacobs, President and Creative Director of Anne Barge. "In the past, black was a color typically worn for mourning. However, over the years couples have been more open to breaking the rules and opting for non-traditional, modern wedding dress codes.
DON'T: Overdress. “When figuring out what to wear to a wedding, remember that it's rude to look more formal than the bride, and if the wedding is casual, her dress might be on the more simple side,” she explains. So keep the embellishment and fancy details to a minimum!
Staying on the conservative side when attending a wedding is smart. If you're wearing a short dress, be sure that it's no shorter than an inch above your knee. It's okay for your dress to be tailored to fit you, but be sure you're dress is not too tight. Make sure that your cleavage is tasteful, if any.
If the wedding is in the fall or winter, it is best to wear layers. She can choose to wear a long sleeve dress. Long dresses are also appropriate for winter weddings. Over that, women can wear a wrap, cardigan, or a formal jacket.
So you wanna wear pants? Totally fine!Just make sure they're dressy enough for the nuptials. Start with tailored trousers and a polished blouse, or make things easy for yourself by grabbing a matching blazer.
Traditional leggings have no place at a formal wedding. You can, however, choose to wear tights with your dress as long as they are semi-sheer. Opaque tights are far too casual to be worn with a co*cktail dress.
In general, daytime weddings are more casual, and so lighter fabrics, festive colors, and less-formal attire is the rule. For women, a nice daytime dress, skirt, and top, or jumpsuit are good choices.
The dress should not be too revealing.Pick light, pretty colours but don't wear white, same goes for boys because it will draw attention away from the bride and groom. Light blue, beige, peach, sunset orange, and lavender are good colours. For boys, wear a tux/suit, depending on how formal the wedding is.
One outfit for the entire day for guests is the standard protocol, though the bride may change her dress depending on the nature of the ceremony and reception.
"According to the Emily Post Institute, it's acceptable to wear white, as long as it doesn't 'distract from the bride or her attendant's dresses. ' For example, a colorful, co*cktail-length dress with a white lace overlay is acceptable," says Lehman.
Conclusion. If you are attending a wedding, just be mindful of choosing a red dress, in case you might come across as disrespectful to the couple. A bright and loud hue of red could be too distracting at a wedding. Instead, if you want to wear red, opt to wear darker shades of red instead.
The most appropriate suit colors for a formal wedding include charcoal grey, black, and midnight blue. A good rule of thumb, a dark suit is always the safest choice. If you're looking to add a bit of personality to your formal suit, consider your accessories.
According to Bride's Magazine “Weddings will become more casual with less of a black-tie- feel”, and “we will see more guests wearing midi and mini-length dresses”. Dresses with patterns and floral designs are very popular this season.
In western countries, a "formal" or white tie dress code typically means tailcoats for men and evening dresses for women. The most formal dress for women is a full-length ball or evening gown with evening gloves. Some white tie functions also request that the women wear long gloves past the elbow.
Smart casual: For the ladies, a summery midi/maxi dress or top and skirt combo are appropriate for a smart casual affair, with a more relaxed shoe style like wedges or even dressy flats. For the guys, a suit is definitely not required.
But we've got good news for fans of coal-colored ensembles: “It is absolutely acceptable for a female to wear a black dress to a wedding,” says Swann. However, there are a few things all good guests should keep in mind. “Always avoid wearing anything that's too low cut, too short, or too tight,” advises Swann.
It turns out that white is still the main color you can't wear to a wedding. Eighty percent of brides wear white to their wedding, and it's important that a bride stands out at her wedding. Even if it isn't the intent, a guest wearing white can be seen as an attempt to upstage the bride—and that's definitely a no-no.
The truth is that there's really nothing wrong with wearing a red dress to a wedding. The real underlying issue with red is that it draws the eye, BIG time. And if there is only one bright red dress among a sea of pastel shades, it will stand out like a sore thumb on the group photos.
The staff suggests that if a wedding is taking place at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., you should wear something that easily transitions from day to night; any ceremony after 6 p.m. should be strictly co*cktail.
For a more formal wedding, it is typically expected that female guests wear a long dress. But instead of breaking out the gown you wore to prom, try wearing a more appropriate evening gown. If the wedding is during the day, a pretty maxi dress should do the trick.
Denim. "Unless its a Denim and Diamonds dress code, denim is pretty much an unwelcome guest at a wedding," Jacobs said. "This doesn't mean that pants or a jumpsuit are off the table, but it's best to leave your jeans at home."
So, what do you wear to a casual wedding? Think along the lines of "business casual." Generally, that means clothing items like jeans, shorts, tank tops and flip flops are off limits. Otherwise, you have a lot of options (unlike more structured dress codes like black tie or semi-formal).
If there is no specific dress code implemented by the bride and the groom, you can definitely wear floral to a wedding. Florals are a nice and flattering print that is wedding appropriate and they are also versatile and can be worn all-year round.
Absolutely!Wearing a maxi dress to a wedding is a great choice year-round. Be comfortable and fashionable when you spare the gown and wear a maxi-length dress to a wedding. Also known as a tea-length or a full-length dress, a maxi dress is long with a hemline that typically rests at or just below your ankles.
You can totally be following the wedding guest's formal dress attire, without having to wear a dress! If you don't like to wear dresses at weddings, and don't want to give them a try, it's okay. Stay true to what makes you feel comfortable, and dazzle everyone with stylish dress alternatives.
GUEST'S ANSWER: Linda Miller, author of NewsOK.com's Fashion Matters blog: Traditionally, weddings held after 6 p.m. are considered formal so your long navy dress is appropriate. Many invitations state the dress attire. When none is offered, a black or dark co*cktail dress is dressy enough for almost any evening event.
I have advised readers that while bare legs are fine even at the most formal events, hosiery also is perfectly acceptable as long as it's skin tone and sheer. I've just returned from a wedding where I wore my new bargain ($10!)
The truth is, as the mother-of-the-groom, you can wear whatever you want to the ceremony. While it's not required to wear pantyhose to weddings, we highly encourage you to look and feel fabulous for the occasion.
I think if it's an afternoon wedding or outdoors, black opaque tights can be totally fine if it's the right dress of course because that's a more dressy casual time frame. Pair it with a closed toe shoe that's black as well to continue that vertical visual line as well so you don't look choppy.
Wedding guests should avoid wearing diamond or clear-colored gemstone jewelry in honor of the bride on her special day (wedding or engagement rings are fine). Instead, go for colorful jewelry that complements the wedding colors and feels joyous and fun.
This gingham dress will keep you so comfy all day during a wedding. Dress it up with some strappy heeled sandals or some sleek pointed pumps. Add a large statement earring, and finish the look with a small, metallic clutch.
Unless all-white outfits are explicitly required for the wedding day, it's best to avoid wearing an outfit that's white or one that even features a white pattern.
The experts tend to agree that a little bit of white on a wedding guest is okay. Accent colors of white or cream on a dress, tie, or pair of shoes, won't raise any eyebrows from the bride or other family members.
The average wedding gift amount hovers right around $100, which is a great place to start, and you can increase or decrease that based on how close you are. If you're very close or related to the couple (and have the wiggle room in your budget), you may choose to spend more—about $150 per guest (or $200 from a couple).
Sorry pastel-lovers, but basically all ultra-light colours are also off limits when it comes to wedding guest attire. Yes, a pale blue or a muted pink is fine, but if the colour is working its way to white, you should swap it for something else.
Red? Don't you know what that means?! You bettah change.” In case you're wondering, wearing red is a silent, scandalous message Southerners hear loud and clear. Apparently, it means you've slept with the groom.
You may choose to wear any color except black or white. The guest's goal should be to blend in with the surroundings and let the bride shine. As her guest, you should avoid attire that could be considered informal or in bad taste. Pastels, jewel tones and earth tones are excellent choices, as are most primary colors.
Sorry pastel-lovers, but basically all ultra-light colours are also off limits when it comes to wedding guest attire. Yes, a pale blue or a muted pink is fine, but if the colour is working its way to white, you should swap it for something else.
The truth is that there's really nothing wrong with wearing a red dress to a wedding. The real underlying issue with red is that it draws the eye, BIG time. And if there is only one bright red dress among a sea of pastel shades, it will stand out like a sore thumb on the group photos.
Conclusion. If you are attending a wedding, just be mindful of choosing a red dress, in case you might come across as disrespectful to the couple. A bright and loud hue of red could be too distracting at a wedding. Instead, if you want to wear red, opt to wear darker shades of red instead.
As a general rule, "wearing black is totally acceptable, as the hue is very versatile," Sabatino affirms. However, you should avoid wearing white unless you are told otherwise. That shade, she says, is exclusively reserved for the bride.
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