Your Guide for What to Wear to A Wedding as a Guest

What to wear to a wedding as a guest has its conundrums but I'm here to help you solve those conundrums so you feel confident with what to wear as a guest to your next (of many!) weddings.  It's that time of year when wedding season picks up, invitation reply cards have been sent, and you're looking through your closet wondering, just what do I wear?

How to Decode What to wear to a Wedding as a guest?

If you're wondering what to wear to a wedding as a guest, it's always best to dress up rather than down. I've worn everything from a tulle skirt to a long emerald green maxi skirt to an outdoor wedding in December.  Especially as a male, you can never go wrong wearing a suit & tie to a wedding but sometimes there are particular dress codes written on invitations that are hard to decipher.  Or sometimes the wedding is destination and that may or may not imply dressing casually.  So how do you know?  Here are some helpful tips for what to wear to a wedding as a guest.

Is it okay to wear white as a guest? 

Yes.  In moderation.  Take for example, this gorgeous Naeem Khan kaftan dress.  This is a great way to wear white, while incorporating a pop of color.  As long as you incorporate another color into the white dress, you're in the clear.  Another route to go is to opt for cream, off-white, or another shade close to white.

Is it okay to wear something other than a dress? 

Yes! I love when I see guests who break out of the mold when it comes to wedding guest attire.  I'm talking about gorgeous pant suits (channeling Yves Saint Laurent), flowing caftans, and my all time favorite, skirts. This YSL inspired suit is a beautiful outfit choice as a wedding guest.  Just remember to keep it, fit & tailored.

Demystifying the Wedding Invite Dress Code

When those wedding invitations come in the mail and they do or don't include a dress code, what to wear can be hard to decipher.  Here are a few common dress codes that you can adhere to when it comes to figuring out what to wear to a wedding as a guest.

Formal/Black Tie Optional Wedding Guest Attire

• Her | A floor-length dress is perfect for black tie.  A-line dresses are a beautiful fit for women for a formal wedding.  Think ball-gown style.  If you don't have a floor length dress, you can opt for a dressy, knee-length cocktail dress and jazz it up with plenty of lovely jewels.  Formal/black tie are often reserved for evening events at more formal locations, such as an evening wedding at a city library or high end establishment.

• Him | For a guy, this is a no-brainer, a tux or formal black or blue suit and bow tie/black tie.

 BLACK TIE/FORMAL WEDDING ATTIRE OPTIONS

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Semi-Formal Wedding Guest Attire

• Her | The idea of semi-formal implies ...so anything from a great cocktail dress (think your little black dress) or my personal favorite, a great skirt & top combo.  My only advice for the cocktail dress ladies is just be sure the length is appropriate.  Super short is not super cool!

• Him | A matching suit paired with a tie is the best option here.

SHOP SOME SEMI FORMAL LOOKS

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Semi Casual/Casual Wedding Guest Attire

• Her | A sundress, maxi, or a fit and flare dress are great options for a casual wedding.  These looks are feminine but casual, the perfect wedding outfit!

• Him | A sport coat paired with a casual button down is a nice option here (or the button down alone) and khaki pants/shorts.  Not too dressed up but not so dressed down that it looks like you're chilling out for the weekend.  Remember, it's still a wedding and a good reason to dress nicely for a special occasion.

SHOP SIMILAR SEMI-CASUAL WEDDING GUEST ATTIRE LOOKS

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Beach

• Her | Think lighter, natural, flowy.  If you opt for a dress, it can be knee-length or floor-length.  Because the mood of a beach wedding is meant to be more relaxed, less formal, you can play around with breezy, semi-structured styles.

• Him | Linen suits are a great option here.  Or if you don't own a linen suit, a light colored suit such as grey or light blue is also an option. Ties are not required.  If it's beachy-casual, opt for linen or khaki pants and a linen or light colored shirt.

SHOP THE LOOKS

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Still in need of some help figuring out what to wear to a wedding as a guest?  No problem!  I created the perfect downloadable cheatsheet with style tips and outfit advice based on all the questions I receive about wedding guest outfits.  Grab your free guide by clicking on the image below!