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I think it’s safe to say that everyone goes through the “summer of weddings.” Heck, I think it’s even safe to say that everyone goes through more than one or multiple “summer of weddings.” Between the warm weather and people already itching to take vacations, it just seems like a good time to get married (I would have to assume, as a non-married individual). For those of us attending, it means manning our wardrobe with wedding guest outfit ideas and possibilities. After having to attend a number of weddings in different locations, I shared how to figure out your shoes. But now, let’s figure out some wedding guest outfit ideas so you’ll have some inspiration for the next wedding you need to attend.
Summer Wedding Guest Outfits:
J.Crew Mercantile Floral Dress
Target Block Heel Pumps
Clutch (old)
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J.Crew Mercantile Floral Dress
Target Block Heel Pumps
What Guests Should Wear to a Wedding
Casual Wedding Outfit Ideas
Is it weird that I think that this might be the hardest category? There’s just so much room for variation! But no worries, we’re going to decode that right now.
First, take a look at the location. That’ll be a big cue as to what will be appropriate. If it’s an outside, I don’t want to say anything goes, but I would say you can go a more casual than cocktail wear. I still wouldn’t suggest jeans, but think sundresses and cotton maxi dress. If you want to wear pants, this would be the time to pull out the wide leg pants. Flats are also completely acceptable. If it’s inside, maybe step it up a little bit, like trade out the flats for wedges, but you can still keep it simple. Next, casual means you can typically go for the lighter, less formal fabrics. Think cottons and linens. This is one of those times where you can actually be comfortable. Finally, in case you were wondering, shorts are not appropriate wedding attire.
Here are some examples of what to wear to a wedding that would be perfect for a casual wedding.
When you’re looking for shoes, you can definitely wear flats if that’s what you want to wear. Sandals are okay, just stay away from the flip flops. I would also suggest subbing out stilettos for a pair of wedges.
The Formal Wedding
This isn’t the hardest category, in my opinion, but I think it throws people for a loop the most. Why? There’s a lot of room for interpretation. Personally, I think that’s a good thing in this case. I figure for formal weddings, as long as you’re not under dressed, then you’re fine.
So what is appropriate? Cocktail dresses are great. By this, I mean dresses that are around knee length. Also, this dress shouldn’t look like you can wear it to the club right after the wedding. There’s a time and a place for that dress and it isn’t at a wedding. Why? Well, your goal with your dress isn’t to be the center of everyone’s attention. You can look damn good and that’s perfectly fine, but it’s the bride and the groom’s day. So put your attention grabbing club dress back in the closet and go for the knee length one. Phew, that soap box took a lot out of me (hops down). The outfit I’m wearing in this post would be a great combination for anything that calls for cocktail attire.
Full length dresses are okay in this case too. Again, it’s okay to go in the direction of Black Tie. If the wedding is already formal, then it’s much better to be over dressed then under. I would stray away from dresses with fuller skirts though. Those are more appropriate for black tie wear.
Here are some of my favorite options for Formal Weddings.
When it comes to the shoes, it’s time to break out the heels. If you’re not a heels person, go for a lower heel or a nicer wedge. If you prefer the flats route, pick something with a pointed toe to make it look more formal.
The Black Tie Affair
Okay, you can’t argue that a black tie wedding isn’t the easiest to dress for. Now, it may be a pain in the butt to find something for it, however, the dress code it significantly more straight forward than the other two. Find a dress that’s midi or floor length and you’re good to go. (We have also hit a point where formal jumpsuits are now also acceptable, just as an FYI).
Why are these dresses more difficult to find though? Well, if you’re on a budget, then a lot of the dresses on your first round are going to look like prom dresses. That’s why you need to do a round two. Get creative. For instance, Banana Republic may have gone through a weird phase, but they now have a lot of midi dresses that would make excellent black tie wedding attire. Nordstrom Rack, Saks Off Fifth, and Last Call by Neiman Marcus are also there. Plus, you can forget that wonderful creation that is Rent the Runway. Just looking at some of the dress options on there make me really sad that I don’t have more black tie weddings to go to.
Here are some of the pieces I love for Black Tie Weddings
For the shoes, the stiletto is your friend here. Or at least something with a similar silohette. Odds are the focus will be more on your dress, so go simple on the shoe and let your dress shine. Also, the simpler your shoe, the less room for error. Keep it sleek, and stay away from anything chunky. The closest you can get with this for a formal occasion is a block heel. Even then, keep it simple. I included some samples below to give you an idea. Again, if you go with flats, a pointed toe will help give your outfit a dressier look.
Just a note
When you’re trying to decide on the color of the shoes for any of these weddings I would typically suggest something that compliments your dress. If your dress is colorful, pick a neutral. If it’s more subdue or neutral, then you can either repeat that with the shoes, or have a little fun with it. Pick a pair in a fun color or print.
But More Importantly, Never Wear These Items To A Wedding
If you’re going to skim over this post, for the love of god, don’t skim this part. I’ll even make it easy with bullet points.
- A white dress
- Any clothing pieces that are white
- Something you’d wear to the club
- Sneakers
- Shorts
- The same dress as the bridesmaids (or a very very similar one)
- Jeans
Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas
Here are some wedding guest outfit ideas that you can take based on my past wedding going experiences.
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Hopefully this post helps you put together wedding guest outfit ideas for all of the weddings you have to attend in the future! Let me know if you have any questions!
Photos by Kimberly Graydon
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