Choosing what to wear to a wedding can be downright taxing, especially as wedding guest dress codes become more and more confusing. But whether an invitation calls for formal, co*cktail, or garden attire, guests can prevent the most serious fashion faux pas with these universal wedding style rules. From skimpy skirts and scene-stealing sequins to bridal white and casual jeans, keep these six items tucked away in your closet as you opt instead for wedding wear that won't end up as the most talked-about part of the celebration.
21 Dresses to Wear to All of Your Summer Weddings
Clothing Outside the Dress Code
"You show up to the wedding to honor the couple. Your appearance should reflect that," says Julie Sabatino, a wedding fashion stylist at The Stylish Bride. Take the extra effort to ensure you understand what you should and shouldn't wear to a particular ceremony.
Bridal stylist Jackie Avrumson agrees. If you can't figure out exactly what "beachy chic" or "festive casual" entails, ask a bridesmaid—or the couple—for help. "I have no doubt that they would be more than happy to tell you, as they want their day to be picture perfect," says Avrumson.
Anything Loud and Flashy
One of the biggest rules of dressing for a wedding is to never outshine the couple. Avoid sequined ball gowns, sparkly tiaras, sky-high platform heels, or other articles of clothing that will draw attention away from the bride. A wedding isn't the proper time to make a bold fashion statement.
If you're at a complete loss for an outfit, Sabatino suggests sticking with a long or short black dress. Find a piece with flattering cut, and dress it up for the occasion. "There's a way to make a black dress look good in the Hamptons, and a way to make it look good in a ballroom in New York City," says Sabatino.
A White Dress
Unless you're the bride, wearing a white dress to a wedding is (still) a major faux pas. Leave all white, ivory, and champagne-hued shades alone, unless the invitation specifically designates an all-white dress code. "White and ivory are such a stark, prominent color that when you are the only one, as the bride, wearing it, all eyes are on you," says Avrumson. "It's also the day in which a bride waits to wear this color for her life event, and it's been an emotional journey getting there."
If you think a short, white co*cktail dress will pass the etiquette test, think again: As an increasing number of brides change into second looks for their reception, even a more casual frock will steal the spotlight. "Of course, nobody can mistake the bride on their day," says Avrumson. "But in the long term, this will also affect the photos, as the bride should be the pinnacle in white."
Your Everyday Attire
It doesn't matter if the dress code requests "casual" attire, jeans, T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, 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. "That is honoring the occasion in my mind," she says.
At Avrumson's own wedding, where the temperatures topped 90 degrees, a male guest wore a T-shirt under his suit. "I couldn't really be upset over it because of the weather, and because it’s more important that everyone have a good time," she says. However, she does draw the line at too-casual bags. "Big faux pas for me: If you're going to be in a beautiful dress, I beg that you have a proper handbag and not the same bag you go shopping with," she says.
Revealing Outfits
"Never wear something with a lot of exposed skin," says Sabatino. Crop tops, dresses with mesh on the sides, short skirts, plunging necklines, and form-fitting gowns are more appropriate for a night out than a wedding. A skimpy outfit will attract negative attention from other guests and take attention away from the bride; it also doesn't match the solemnity of the occasion.
"It would be good to take into consideration that family members and elders are there and you’re going to a wedding, not the club," says Avrumson. "A wedding ceremony is sacred and should be respected. If you’re going to wear something low cut, make sure that the length is appropriate so you’re not overexposed."
Uncomfortable Shoes
"Think about what's appropriate for the setting and the venue," says Sabatino. If the wedding will take place on a natural landscape, consider ditching the heels for a pair of cute flats. There's no need to be in struggling with stiletto heels in grass all night, or have to go home early because of painful and insensible footwear.
FAQs
It doesn't matter if the dress code requests "casual" attire, jeans, T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, 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.
What color not to wear to a wedding? ›
You should avoid white because that color is typically reserved for the bride. It's one day in her life that is strictly ALL ABOUT HER. Don't try to steal it. Wearing white is like you are trying to compete with her — think who wore it best.
Why can't you wear red to a wedding? ›
Turns out, wearing red to a wedding means to some that “you've slept with the groom.” “Old Wives' Tale, but yeah,” Mitchell explained. However, both wedding planners agreed on a more modern reason for not wearing red: It could be seen as a way to grab the attention away from the bride.
Can I wear jeans to a wedding? ›
Don't go *too* casual.
Even if the wedding has a more low-key dress code, I promise you: It is not that casual. Meaning no sweats, shorts, jeans, T-shirts—you get my point. "If you have to choose between being underdressed or overdressed, it's always better to be overdressed," Swann explains.
What is the best color to wear to a wedding? ›
Safe Choices. The safest bets are colors that work for almost any type of wedding, though you may avoid them when attending a beach wedding. Navy, black, and charcoal grey fall into the “safe” category – all ideal for an evening wedding or one that has anything from a formal to an informal dress code.
What should a 60 year old woman wear to a wedding? ›
Fit-and-flare Wedding Guest Dresses For Women Over 60
Fit-and-flare dresses whether knee-length or longer are chic and flattering. It has a defined waistline and fits closer to the body but is not too tight which makes it uncomfortable. This forgiving silhouette fits every body type.
What does red mean at a wedding? ›
In certain cultures, notably South Asian and East Asian cultures, red is considered lucky and auspicious, and thus, has been traditionally incorporated into wedding day attire the same way white dominates bridalwear in Western cultures.
What does it mean to wear black to a wedding? ›
Account for Tradition. In some cultures, black is less common for weddings. "Certain cultures, such as Indian and Chinese cultures, tend to stay away from black because it represents being in mourning. You want to take an extra thought if you are attending a more traditional wedding to be respectful," says Avrumson.
Why can't you wear green to a wedding? ›
A quick Google revealed that, according to Irish tradition, the colour green attracts the fairies and they could bring mischief and mayhem to the event. How fantastic. I feel like a wedding may be the perfect time to be conjuring up fairies, even if just to liven up proceedings.
What color do you wear to a wedding if you slept with the bride? ›
What is the color that means you slept with the bride? There are no myths about the colours that a male guest wears to a wedding concerning the bride.
Neutral shades are timeless options that won't detract from the wedding's formal atmosphere. For a more colorful look, consider wearing shades of blue, lavender, or pink to show that you're in the celebratory spirit. If the wedding is in a tropical destination, opt for colors like yellow, orange, and green.
What does it mean to wear white to a wedding? ›
The last thing you want is for someone to mistake you for the bride or be in photographs where guests think you're trying to steal the spotlight. All in all, it's respectful and customary not to wear white as a guest to the wedding unless the bride specifically asks you to wear white or she says it's okay to wear it.
Can an older woman wear pants to a wedding? ›
Yes, you absolutely can. If you don't like dresses or your legs are not your best feature, pants are totally acceptable, so long as you keep the time of day and venue in mind.
Can I have bare legs at a wedding? ›
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!) black sequined mini and consignment store jeweled black shoes (also $10).
Can I wear black skinny jeans to a wedding? ›
The dress code for a wedding can be tricky to navigate, but as a general rule of thumb, it is best to avoid wearing black or dark blue jeans and a white shirt. Instead, opt for a dress or skirt in a light or pastel color.
Why can't you wear black to a wedding? ›
Account for Tradition. In some cultures, black is less common for weddings. "Certain cultures, such as Indian and Chinese cultures, tend to stay away from black because it represents being in mourning. You want to take an extra thought if you are attending a more traditional wedding to be respectful," says Avrumson.
What is appropriate to wear to a wedding as a guest? ›
Semi-Formal: For daytime weddings, women can wear a knee-length or midi dress, while men can wear a lighter-colored suit. For evening events, opt for darker colors and more formal attire. Dressy Casual: Women can wear a casual dress or separates, while men should wear dress pants with a collared shirt and blazer.
What is the dress code for a guest at a wedding? ›
1) Do Consider the Wedding Dress Code
Black Tie: floor length gowns, black ties, tuxedos. Formal: floor length gowns, tuxedos optional, black suits acceptable. Semi-Formal: below the knee dresses, dress shirts, slacks. Casual: sundresses, collared shirts, khakis.
What to wear to a wedding when attire is not specified? ›
Your best bet is co*cktail attire. Sure, you might be overdressed if it ends up being a more relaxed affair, but you'll fit right in at a co*cktail attire party, and (with the right accessories) can easily dress up for something on the more formal side. Women should opt for a dress in a luxe fabric, such as silk.
