Written By Daria Andronescu
With wedding invitations likely flooding your mailbox this summer, figuring out what to wear can be a challenge. While I can't help with dodging those invites, I can offer an ultimate guide to dressing up for various wedding dress codes without breaking the bank.
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30 Summer Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas
Summer Wedding Guest Fashion Do's and Don'ts
Firstly, let’s set some ground rules to avoid any fashion faux pas:
Steer clear of white, ivory, light grey, and light pink to avoid any bridal mix-ups.
Black isn’t traditionally a go-to wedding color. Opt for dark yet festive shades like navy, teal, dark grey, or bordeaux instead.
Dress Codes Decoded
You'll likely encounter one of these four dress codes: black tie, formal, dressy casual, and casual. Let's take a deep dive into what wedding guest outfit you can go for.
Black Tie or Formal Wedding Attire
For black tie or formal events, think evening. A floor-length gown, a chic dressy jumpsuit, or a sophisticated co*cktail dress paired with statement earrings can make you shine. Don't overlook a tailored pantsuit as a glamorous alternative.
Selecting Fabrics: Luxury fabrics like silk, chiffon, and velvet elevate your look. Daytime materials like cotton are less suitable for these occasions.
Shoes & Accessories: To complete your formal look, go for an evening bag or clutch, and evening shoes.You don’t have to wear high heels, and if you choose to wear flats, choose the ones that are appropriate for the evening.They can have some dressier elements like flowers, bows, pearls, satin fabric, or lace.
Hair & make-up: this dress code requires an evening hairstyle and makeup.You should at least have some curls or an elegant low ponytail.
Dressy Casual or co*cktail Wedding Attire
Dressy casual or co*cktail attire strikes a balance. A fancy blouse with a skirt, or a co*cktail dress in silk or chiffon works well. Avoid mini and maxi in dress lengths and opt for sleeve lengths that suit your style.For hotter days, consider a silk halter or a one-shoulder top paired with dressy bottoms. If you decide to go with separates, it’s better to choose blouses with a sleeve: long or short, depending on what you like.
Selecting Fabrics: opt for fabrics like silk, chiffon, organza, or satin. If the wedding happens in the afternoon you can also choose cotton or viscose, but only if they don’t look too casual.
Choosing Accessories: Metallic shoes, a versatile clutch, or a small crossbody with a metal chain can add a touch of elegance.
Casual Wedding Attire
Casual weddings are all about relaxed style. Pick from cotton, linen, or viscose dresses and jumpsuits, but remember, no jeans or t-shirts. Dress up your fanciest everyday outfit, like pairing a silk camisole with summer trousers.
Footwear and Bags: Comfortable yet stylish shoes like wedges or heeled sandals are key, especially for outdoor settings. Your usual bag can work if it's on the smaller side.
Need New Outfit Ideas? Try the Style Shifter Game!
With 30 inspiring style cards, each challenge invites you to see your daily outfit in a new light, encouraging creativity and a fresh perspective on your existing clothes.
Final Thoughts and Tips
Consider renting a dress or borrowing accessories to save money. Focus on how you can repurpose outfits with different accessories to give them a new lease on life.
Remember, your wardrobe should reflect your uniqueness. If you're looking to make your wardrobe work for every occasion without stress, take a peek at the Wonder Wardrobe Course.
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