It’s official, wedding season is approaching. And whether you’ve received your first wedding invitation or your 100th, one thing is sure to be top of mind: what on earth am I going to wear?
These days, it seems like the scope for weddings has seriously broadened. Where once upon a time there was a pretty classic dress code to follow, nowadays couples are seizing the opportunity to have a wedding that truly matches their personality. And that means the rules of wedding guest attire are evolving, too.
(Image credit: @slipintostyle)
Still, we all have to walk that fine line when it comes to deciding what to wear to a wedding. We want to look striking, somewhat fun, but still appropriate. We want to make sure we’re properly dressed for the setting—an outfit you’d wear to a destination beach wedding is not likely to be the same one you’d wear to a grand English countryside affair. And we want to take the opportunity to dress up, without making any wedding faux pas. Well, there are somebasic ground rules worth referencing before rushing to the big day in a blush dresspanic, and we’ve broken them down with some simple, foolproof outfit ideas that will ensure you’re the best dressed guest at all manner of nuptials.
From the trusty classics to the modern styles that push back against old fashioned conventions, consider this your guide on what to wear to a wedding, no matter how big or small.
1. Romantic Silhouettes
(Image credit: @brittanybathgate)
Style Notes: A wedding is the perfect time to embrace the romance of vintage-inspired silhouettes. Think puffy sleeves, Bridgerton-worthy corseting and voluminous skirts. This works particularly well if you're at a countryside wedding, like Brittany Bathgate. If your dress has a bold shape, keep the accessories minimal—sleek strappy sandals and a minimalist bag will do the trick.
Shop the Look:
Reformation
Marella Linen Dress
The contrast of the fitted bodice with the puffy sleeves really makes this dress stand out.
& Other Stories
Linen Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
A linen dress is an ideal choice for warm weather weddings.
Nobody's Child
Sage Green Linen-Blend Balloon Sleeve Zola Midaxi Dress
How gorgeous is this colour?
Whistles
Taffeta Silk Volume Skirt
This skirt and top set is so beautiful, and can be mixed and matched to create even more looks.
2. Bold Colours
(Image credit: @aimeesong)
Style Notes: For spring and summer weddings in particular, take the opportunity to embrace dopamine dressing and opt for a bold colour. Blue, lavender and butter yellow look set to be popular choices this year. Pro tip? Try and find out what the bridesmaids are wearing so you don't accidentally end up looking like part of the wedding party.
Shop the Look:
Mango
Asymmetric Bow Dress
Bring Barbiecore to wedding season.
Nobody's Child
Blue Satin Erin Midaxi Dress
A beautiful lavender tone.
AJE.
Shallows Strapless Linen-Blend Gown
I'm truly obsessed with this dress.
CHRISTOPHER ESBER
Triquetra Cutout Silk-Satin Maxi Dress
This colour could work for weddings at any time of year.
3. A Black Dress—Yes, Really
Style Notes: The modern world has ushered in many wonderful changes, and right now the one I'm most grateful for is acceptance of wearing black at weddings and baptisms. Black once was the mark of doom and gloom, but now it's an undeniably chic wedding dress option, particularly for city nuptials.
Shop the Look:
Ghost
Florence Halter Neck Satin Dress
Black satin always looks so elevated.
French Connection
Echo Organza Mix Frill Strapless Midi Dress
I can't believe this is a high street find.
Nobody's Child
Black One Shoulder Katty Maxi Dress
A strong silhouette always makes for a strong wedding guest look.
Alex Perry
Callan Strapless Crepe Midi Dress
A versatile dress that could be worn for multiple weddings with just a few accessory switches.
4. Brown Gowns
(Image credit: @piabaroncini)
Style Notes: If you typically gravitate to black pieces but can't get over the worry that it just won't be appropriate for the upcoming wedding, brown is a brilliant alternative. This season, there's plenty of tempting styles to choose from.
Shop the Look:
Norma Kamali
Satin Midi Dress
Norma Kamali is the queen of the understated but super glamorous dress.
Faithfull The Brand
+ Net Sustain Santiana Lenzing™ Ecovero™-Satin Maxi Dress
Such an elegant option—this could easily be styled to suit either a beach or city wedding.
Reformation
Suvi Knit Dress
A classic Reformation silhouette.
& Other Stories
Draped Midi Dress
The drape of this dress makes it look like a designer find.
5. Floral Prints
(Image credit: @tamaramory)
Style Notes: When it comes to prints, florals are a failsafe wedding guest option. From ditsy florals to maximalist prints—which were all over the SS23 runways—there's sure to be a joyful design for you.
Shop the Look:
DÔEN
Tahlia Dress Verte Hillside Heather
DÔEN always delivers a fresh take on feminine dress styles, and this baby blue number is no exception.
Reformation
Baxley Dress
A floral dress that's perfect for a hot destination wedding.
Saloni
Michelle Velvet-Trimmed Floral-Print Hammered Silk-Satin Maxi Dress
There's so much to love about this gown, but my favourite detail is the deep pink velvet ribbon at the back.
Rixo
Cinzia in Waterblossom Noir
A floral dress with a vintage vibe.
6. Slip Style
(Image credit: @_jeanettemadsen_ )
Style Notes: Another reliable wedding guest dress is the trusty slip dress. This slinky style can be mixed and matched with so many different accessories to create fresh outfits. I personally love pairing one with an oversized blazer and strappy heels.
Shop the Look:
Nili Lotan
Cami Silk-Satin Gown
Why not go for gold?
& Other Stories
Slim Satin Midi Dress
This rich pink is such a great wedding guest colour.
Ghost
Winnie Satin Maxi Dress
A dress for every wedding season.
Arket
Satin Maxi Dress
Another excuse to give the black-at-weddings a try.
7. Match The Setting
(Image credit: @cocobassey)
Style Notes: When it comes to a destination wedding, it's important to embrace the setting by opting for fabrics, colours and styles that look completely well-suited to the environment. For a beach wedding, a bohemian-style maxi dress is a great bet, while nuptials in a grand estate in France call for something much more sophisticated.
Shop the Look:
DÔEN
Nevara Dress -- Citron Anemone Bloom
This is giving me Spanish or Italian wedding vibes.
Cecilie Bahnsen
Valentina One-Shoulder Bow-Detailed Cotton-Poplin Dress
If you're lucky enough to be headed to a Scandi wedding, you can't go wrong with a playful Cecilie Bahnsen dress.
Rixo
Ossy
A chiffon, floaty dress in polka dots would look particularly good at a countryside wedding.
STAUD
Wells Pleated Printed Cotton-Blend Poplin Midi Dress
The colour, the shape, the details—it's all so good. This is crying out to be worn to a destination wedding.
8. A Tailored Look
(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)
Style Notes: Dresses just not your thing? Don't worry—a sleek tailored jumpsuit is a gorgeous, fashion-forward alternative. A strapless number like Jessica's is perfect for a city wedding, but for something more traditional opt for a sleeved style.
Shop the Look:
COS
Open-Back Satin Wide-Leg Jumpsuit
A silky take on a tuxedo-inspired jumpsuit.
Roland Mouret
Strapless Crepe Jumpsuit
This is sure to get a lot of nods of approval.
A.L.C.
Kate Strapless Belted Twill Jumpsuit
Throw a blazer over your shoulders to emphasise the tailored look.
Reformation
Irisa Jumpsuit
The hint of lace takes this jumpsuit up a notch.
(Image credit: @bettinalooney )
Style Notes: Accessories are your wedding season best friend—after all, a few clever swaps can make your go-to wedding guest dress feel brand new again. Footwear is perhaps the trickiest part to figure out, as you need something that you'll be comfortable in all day and night. Luckily, this year flat footwear is at the top of the fashion charts, and as Bettina proves, is more than polished enough to work for wedding attire.
Shop the Look:
Aeyde
Uma Leather Mary Jane Flats
These shoes are dancefloor ready.
Le Monde Beryl
Patent Leather-Trimmed Mesh Mary Jane Ballet Flats
Bring the mesh flat trend to your next wedding.
Russell & Bromley
Bowtiful
Velvet flats look so smart.
Gucci
Women's Gg Slingback Ballet Flat
The ultimate investment pair that would complete any look.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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