We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.
Deciding what to wear to a wedding isn't always an easy task. Once you send your RSVP in the mail, there's a good chance you'll start thinking about the outfit you'll don on the big day. While the invitation will often include a suggested wedding dress code, it can be confusing when it comes time to actually pick an outfit. And, as any seasoned guest knows, the last thing you want to do is procrastinate finalizing your look until it's the night before the wedding and you feel like you have nothing to wear.
If you find yourself asking "What do I wear to a wedding as a guest?" you're not alone. In fact, it's one of the most common questions guests have. And, luckily for you, we're here to help. In this comprehensive wedding guest fashion guide, you'll find expert-approved tips on choosing exactly what to wear to a wedding (and what not to wear) regardless of the dress code or season. Below, read up on their tried-and-true wedding fashion tips that'll help you pick an outfit you feel your best in. And, to give you the easiest shopping experience possible, we've also outlined our top five favorite places to shop for wedding guest attire that you'll want to re-wear over and over again.
In this article:
- What to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest
- Where to Buy Wedding Guest Outfits
What to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest
If you're not sure what you should wear to a wedding, we've got you covered. When it comes to wedding fashion etiquette, there are a few rules that'll help you find an outfit that's appropriate and stylish. Brush up on these fool-proof tips below before you start shopping so you know exactly what kind of clothes you can wear to a wedding.
Follow the Dress Code
The dress code is the most important factor to take into consideration when choosing what to wear to a wedding. The majority of couples will set a wedding dress code depending on the style of the event, as well as the time of year it's taking place. What you wear to a black-tie wedding in the winter, for example, will be vastly different than what you wear to a casual wedding in the middle of summer.
"If the dress code is black-tie, then there is only one correct outfit: a black tuxedo," explains Brian Sacawa, style expert and author of The Groom Guide. "Guests should also have the appropriate tuxedo shirt, a stud set and cufflinks in a matching metal, either a cummerbund or vest waist covering, black bow tie, white pocket square, and black patent leather shoes." Similarly, women are encouraged to dress up in a floor-length evening gown or an elegant dress.
Fashion rules for a casual daytime wedding, on the other hand, are much different. "You can never go wrong with a navy blazer, a blue button-down shirt or khaki pants for a casual wedding," says Virginia-based wedding style expert Monte Durham. "And, for ladies, you can always opt for a dress with a nice neckline and simple accessories."
Understanding the wedding dress code is key for picking an appropriate outfit. To help you distinguish what different terms mean, use our comprehensive wedding dress code cheat sheet to learn the difference between white tie, black-tie optional, formal attire, semi-formal, cocktail attire, dressy casual, and everything in between. Once you know what different dress codes mean, you'll be able to make an informed decision on what to wear to a wedding.
Shop by Seasonality
Alora Rachelle Photography
In addition to the suggested attire, the time of day and the season of the wedding can give further fashion insight too. "The season and location of the wedding are great indicators of what to wear," says Ranu Coleman, CMO of wedding fashion brand Azazie. "For example, if it's a beach wedding, that's an indicator that you shouldn't show up in a formal dress. Summer weddings usually lean towards shorter styles with lighter colors, for example, while a fall wedding caters to darker jewel-toned colors and richer fabrics like velvet and silk."
If you find yourself asking, "What should I wear to a wedding?" start by gathering inspiration in stores. Durham, who also appears on TLC's Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta, recommends browsing styles that are currently on the racks to find an outfit that's seasonally appropriate. "Shopping in-person at a traditional store can help you find what to wear," he explains. "If you're attending a winter wedding, for example, you'll find outfits with wool, cashmere and velvet, as well as blazers, jackets and heavier shoes. If you're invited to a wedding in the height of summer, you're going to respond to what's on the rack: fabrics that are sheer, lightweight, flowy and comfortable. Take your cue from what's in the stores when shopping."
For more outfit inspiration, shop our comprehensive outfit guides by wedding season:
- What to Wear to a Summer Wedding: Given the warmer temperatures that often accompany summer weddings, look for breathable fabrics like chiffon, cotton, linen and rayon to stay cool. Consider opting for a lightweight sundress or midi dress with strappy heels or sandals, or a button-down shirt or short sleeve polo tucked into chinos or dress pants with loafers.
- What to Wear to a Fall Wedding: Fall is the perfect time of year to wear bright jewel tones that reflect the changing seasons. A sleek jumpsuit, maxi dress or knee-length cocktail dress would suffice, as well as a dark suit with a crisp dress shirt underneath.
- What to Wear to a Winter Wedding: Winter weddings tend to be more formal by nature, especially with nuptials around seasonal holidays like Christmas or New Year's Eve. If you're headed to a formal wedding during the cooler months, you can't go wrong with a classic tux with a bow tie and cufflinks, or a long sleeve floor-length evening gown. If you'll be wearing a sleeveless dress, consider wrapping up in a faux fur shawl or wrap to stay warm. And, depending on the style of the wedding, you can never go wrong with sequins and shiny fabric, especially for a glam soirée.
- What to Wear to a Spring Wedding: As the season transitions into spring, pastel colors and floral prints are great choices for clothes to wear to a wedding. Choose a knee-length floral dress to match the blooms around you, or accent your suit with a bright pocket square or floral-print tie.
Use the Venue as a Guide
Olivia Christina Photography LLC
The location of the wedding can also offer some clues as to what you should wear to a wedding. For instance, your outfit for an outdoor wedding at a farm will be different from what you wear to an evening celebration at an upscale ballroom. It's also important to plan your look around any religious ceremonies included in the wedding. "Be mindful if you're attending a wedding in a religious facility," Durham warns. "Be sure that your shoulders are covered and remove any hats."
The venue can also indicate what kind of shoes you should wear too. "If you're outside, opt for a chunky heel for walking purposes and a strappy top if it'll be hot," Durham adds. "If you wear a kitten heel or a stiletto, you might risk sinking into the ground. If indoors, you can never go wrong with a pump heel."
Do some research into the venue before the wedding date so you know what to expect. Looking for photos on the location's website or social media pages will help you understand what clothes are appropriate to wear to a wedding on their property.
Avoid Wearing White
BeatBox Portraits
Consider this the golden rule of wedding guest attire. Unless explicitly directed on the wedding invitation or the couple's wedding website, avoid wearing an all-white outfit. "While it's probably obvious to most guests, it's important not to wear any shade of white to a wedding unless it's specifically stated in the invitation," Coleman adds. In some instances, the couple might request that guests wear white to match a particular theme. Before picking your outfit, though, confirm that this is the requested guest attire by double-checking the instructions on the invite.
You might wonder if men can wear white to a wedding, or if you can wear a dress with a white print. It is perfectly appropriate to wear a white dress shirt under a tuxedo or suit jacket. Similarly, it's also acceptable to wear a dress or a jumpsuit with a hint of white as long as it's not the main color. When choosing what you should wear to a wedding, use your best judgment to pick outfits that are not primarily white. And, as a general rule of thumb, it's also advised to skip wearing overly casual pieces like t-shirts, flip-flops, jeans or sneakers. Following these rules will help you avoid any fashion faux pas on the big day.
Accessorize Your Outfit
Clothes are just one element of a great wedding guest outfit. In addition to picking a nice dress or suit, accessories have the power to completely enhance your look. "Jewelry completes an outfit," Meaghan Rose, Founder and CEO of jewelry subscription company Rocksbox. "You can have a beautiful dress, but finding the perfect earrings or a necklace to compliment the neckline of your outfit really pulls everything together."
The same is true of men's wedding guest attire too. Accents like a colorful pocket square, a printed tie or a sleek belt will upgrade any tux or suit. "My favorite accessory is a suspender," explains Andrew Roberts, CEO of luxury accessory brand Del Toro. "Alternatively, a classic wristwatch or a vintage piece will always be a good conversation starter. Or, a signet ring worn on the pinky finger is subtle, but will drive up the style quotient of anyone wearing it."
If you're choosing what to wear to a wedding on a budget, intentional accessories can enhance an outfit you already have in your closet. "Accessories can take an old outfit and make it look brand new," Durham explains. Adds Roberts: "The key is adding your own tasteful twist to the outfit and wearing it with bold confidence."
Alter Pieces You Already Own
Gricel's Photography
Alterations can play a large role in what to wear to a wedding as a guest. If you have a busy wedding season, it might not be financially feasible to invest in new outfits for every event. So, in addition to accessorizing thoughtfully, experts recommend altering pieces you already own to change up their look.
"The number one key to looking and feeling your best is to make sure that you're nailing the fit of your garments," says Sacawa. "If the fit's not right, that can affect your confidence." Adds Durham: "You never want to wear an outfit you have to tug up or down. You can breathe new life into the clothes you already have by raising or lowering the hem of a skirt or creating a new silhouette."
Where to Buy Wedding Guest Outfits
Now you know what to wear to a wedding as a guest—but where should you shop for an outfit? Fear not: as self-proclaimed wedding fashion experts, we've rounded up five of our favorite retailers that have great wedding guest outfits for all price ranges.
Nordstrom
If you're ever not sure what to wear to a wedding, a trip to Nordstrom is a sure way to get exactly what you're looking for. With over 400 locations throughout the US, you can easily find a store near you to try on outfits in person. Or, if you prefer the comfort of shopping from your home, you can always browse the brand's extensive store online too. From formal tuxes to cocktail dresses and trendy jumpsuits, the retailer carries wedding guest outfits that fit just about any dress code. Shop styles from popular brands like Topshop, Free People, Madewell and more—or, for even more style inspo, browse top-selling looks from their curated lists of wedding guest dresses and men's formal wedding attire.
ASOS
If you're attending a casual or semi-formal wedding, you'll find plenty of outfit ideas at ASOS. This trendy Instagram brand is perfect for wedding guests that are on top of the latest style trends. Thanks to their low prices and frequent sales, you'll find just what you need within your budget. Plus, in addition to size-inclusive wedding guest dresses and jumpsuits, the brand's menswear section also includes guest-appropriate suits, dress pants and shirts. And, if you're looking to splurge on a unique outfit for a special wedding, you'll find plenty of colorful and printed styles that'll make your guest outfit one to remember.
Lulus
When you need a wedding guest dress quickly, you can't go wrong with Lulus. With an extensive collection of seasonal dresses, you'll have plenty of choices when it comes to finding the perfect clothes to wear to a wedding. Plus, with free shipping over $50 and free returns, shoppers have flexibility with shopping online. And, for styling help, guests can browse the brand's curated collection of dresses for weddings of any style.
Indochino
When it comes to deciding what to wear to a wedding, you might want to invest in a classic suit that'll be a mainstay in your closet for years to come. After all, buying a new outfit for every wedding on your social calendar is expensive, and it's not always an eco-friendly option. To make the most out of your budget, consider investing in a timeless suit that you can re-wear. We recommend buying through a brand like Indochino, which allows shoppers to buy custom-fit suits. Through an algorithm that uses your exact measurements, the brand creates one-of-a-kind suits that are created to fit your body type in the materials of your choice. While you can complete the entire process online, you can also shop in-person at an Indochino showroom, or at the brand's pop-up shops in select Nordstrom stores across the country.
CoEdition
We're obsessed with all of the size-inclusive wedding guest outfits at CoEdition. This online retailer specializes in trendy, of-the-moment styles for any occasion. You'll find easy maxi dresses, printed rompers and jumpsuits, simple sundresses and a variety of accessories to take your outfit to the next level. We also recommend using the brand's "Best Dressed Guest" edit to find outfits for every wedding on your radar.
FAQs
What's appropriate to wear to a wedding as a guest? ›
Evening wear is most appropriate here. For men, this typically means a dark tuxedo, a white dress shirt, a coordinating bow tie, a cummerbund, and suspenders (optional), says Corry. Dress shoes, like oxfords, are suitable. Women can wear either a long gown or a dressy cocktail dress.
What shouldn't a guest wear to a wedding? ›It doesn't matter if the dress code requests "casual" attire; jeans, T-Shirts, shorts, and sneakers are never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest. Show respect for the bride and groom by dressing formally.
What color should you not wear to a wedding as a guest? ›Traditionally, the only off-limits color for wedding guests has been white, for obvious reasons—no one wants to take attention away from the bride. But times are a-changin'. Now, many people simply don't see wearing white as a big deal. Some brides and grooms are totally cool with it.
Is it better to be overdressed or underdressed for a wedding? ›Being overdressed is more appropriate AND, to be honest, it will draw people to you making it easy to make new friends, allowing you to feel a little more comfortable whereas being underdressed would do the opposite. So, in general, it's a good rule of thumb!
What are people wearing to weddings in 2022? ›Yellow, pink, and green dresses are all great options to wear. Dresses with patterns and floral designs also work well for the spring season—just be sure you aren't wearing the same color as the bride's bridal party, and of course, stay away from white!
What do female guests wear to weddings? ›"Guests should also have the appropriate tuxedo shirt, a stud set and cufflinks in a matching metal, either a cummerbund or vest waist covering, black bow tie, white pocket square, and black patent leather shoes." Similarly, women are encouraged to dress up in a floor-length evening gown or an elegant dress.
What should a 70 year old woman wear to a wedding? ›For a formal or semi-formal wedding, grandmothers may choose a formal gown, a longer style dress, or an elegant suit-like style. For a casual wedding, a dress is still appropriate, as is a pantsuit, or skirt and blouse or dress and jacket combination!
What is the safest color to wear to a wedding? ›You may choose to wear any color except black or white. The guest's goal should be to blend in with the surroundings and let the bride shine. As her guest, you should avoid attire that could be considered informal or in bad taste. Pastels, jewel tones and earth tones are excellent choices, as are most primary colors.
What should you never wear as a wedding dress? ›This one's obvious; don't wear anything that could be mistaken for a Wedding Gown. This means steering clear of white and ivory tones, long trains and lots of lacework. If you have even the slightest inkling that you might upstage the Bride, get a new dress.
What colour is unlucky at a wedding? ›Wedding dress colour superstitions
Married in white, you will have chosen all right. Married in grey, you will go far away. Married in black, you will wish yourself back. Married in red, you'll wish yourself dead.
Can you wear floral to a wedding? ›
Can I wear a floral pattern to a wedding? Yes! A floral print outfit is an appropriate and stylish choice for all seasons and types of weddings.
Is black OK to wear to a wedding? ›As a general rule, "wearing black is totally acceptable, as the hue is very versatile," Sabatino affirms. However, you should avoid wearing white unless you are told otherwise. That shade, she says, is reserved exclusively for the bride.
Should you wear a long or short dress to a wedding? ›At many black-tie or formal weddings, a very short skirt is not acceptable. You can undoubtedly find formal dresses that are shorter than floor-length, but if it is far above the knee, the chances are good that you'll stand out, and not in a good way. Use your common sense when choosing your wedding attire.
Is it OK to wear a low cut dress to a wedding? ›Remember The Rule of One
"[Your outfit] can have one sexy element like a plunging neckline, short hemline, cutout, low back, or a body con fit, but no more than one," says Simone Hill, assistant editor at The Knot.
Absolutely! Wearing a maxi dress to a wedding is a great choice year-round. Be comfortable and fashionable when you spare the gown and wear a maxi-length dress to a wedding. Also known as a tea-length or a full-length dress, a maxi dress is long with a hemline that typically rests at or just below your ankles.
What is the most popular wedding color for 2022? ›Blush, grey, mauve, beige and even a pastel blue are just some of the many hues when aiming for this palette. If your heart is begging for more color, try taking a brighter shade and looking at the softer, or subdued version such as a dusty rose for a touch of pink or light sage from the green family.
What is the lucky color in 2022 for the wedding? ›Few classic color options remain a top choice for brides across the decades as blue. In addition to this color being what some call a good luck charm for the day, it's also a color that symbolized royalty, brings on a sense of tranquility, and the 2022 Atlantic blue shade embodies all that and more!
What is in style right now 2022? ›2022 Fashion Trend: Voluminous Silhouettes
From oversize shirting to ballooned silhouettes and a continuation of the puff sleeve trend, dresses and tops will retain their volume through the end of the year.
What does dressy casual mean? It's a way to describe an overall aesthetic that is basically not-all-the-way-formal-but-please-don't-wear-jean-shorts. Swann explains that dressy casual is typically requested for daytime weddings—and the earlier the event, the less formal the attire.
How much money do you give for a 2022 wedding gift? ›On average, guests in 2022 are spending around $150 per person on a wedding gift. When considering an appropriate amount to spend on the wedding gift, the main factors are your relationship with the couple, how fancy is the reception, and how many pre-wedding activities are you invited to.
How should a classy over 60 dress? ›
- Big patterns, bold colors. ...
- Breathable Fabrics Reign Supreme. ...
- Embrace the unexpected. ...
- Balance timeless with trends. ...
- Mix textures and metals. ...
- Eye-catching accessories. ...
- Denim that fits like a dream. ...
- Updated basics.
As seen in Table 2, blue was perceived as most trustworthy across all contexts. Within the financial and medical contexts, the second most trustworthy color was green, and within the legal context it was the color black.
What is the healthiest color to look at? ›Some scientists and researchers also believe that because our eyes are at the peak of their perception to detect the wavelengths corresponding with the color green, the shade may calm us down. With less strain to perceive the colors, our nervous system can relax when perceiving the tone.
What type of dress Cannot be worn? ›The answer for What type of dress can never be worn? Riddle is “Address.”
Should I wear pantyhose to a wedding 2022? ›Whether you are the mother-of-the-groom, a bridesmaid, or a guest, the answer is – yes, you should wear stockings to a wedding. For the most part, weddings are formal events, and stockings are perfect for special occasions.
What is the lucky color for wedding? ›Besides red, some good luck colors such as purple, gold, and pink are great choices for your wedding decorations.
What color is luckiest? ›The three main lucky colors considered lucky in people's daily lives as well as on special occasions are red, yellow, and green.
What month is unlucky for weddings? ›The belief that July is an unlucky month for weddings is a superstition that has endured for generations. It's origins can be traced to several old, anonymous rhymes that warn couples married in July of everything from bitter-sweet memories to laboring for daily bread!
What do you bring to a wedding instead of flowers? ›- Mason Jar. When it comes to wedding décor, mason jars are perfect for just about everything: favors, signature drinks, centerpieces, and even an alternative to the traditional bouquet. ...
- Lantern. ...
- Kissing Ball. ...
- Heart Balloons. ...
- Hatbox. ...
- Grape Bunches. ...
- Fur Muff. ...
- Feather Bouquet.
Are floral dresses in style for 2022? Absolutely! Floral print are definitely in style for 2022 and not just for Spring and Summer. There were more floral print dresses and outfits than ever before at the Spring Summer 2022 fashion shows and they stuck around for the Fall Winter 2022-2023 runway shows.
Can I wear a floral maxi dress to a wedding? ›
Floral Maxi Dresses for weddings are always an excellent and appropriate choice this time of year. They are feminine and fitting for a wedding. Modern Prints – a Modern graphic print can look lovely, especially in bright colors.
Is it rude to wear red to a wedding? ›Why was red traditionally inappropriate for wedding guest attire? “Tradition dictates guests avoid wearing red out of fear that it could take attention away from the happy couple,” explains Hurwitz.
What is the average cash gift for a wedding? ›The average wedding gift amount hovers right around $100, which is a great place to start, and you can increase or decrease that based on how close you are. If you're very close or related to the couple (and have the wiggle room in your budget), you may choose to spend more—about $150 per guest (or $200 from a couple).
What do you wear to a 5 pm wedding? ›The staff suggests that if a wedding is taking place at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., you should wear something that easily transitions from day to night; any ceremony after 6 p.m. should be strictly cocktail. What about the old rule that red is also off-limits?
Does a long dress have to touch the floor? ›Floor-length dresses are aptly named, as the traditional definition for the style states that the dress should just graze the floor. This implies that your shoes should not be visible when you are standing still. The length should be the same all the way around the dress.
Should a long dress touch the floor? ›A trip-proof dress should just hit the ground when you're not wearing shoes. If it's dragging, try to hem it up or take it to a tailor to have it adjusted.
What is considered formal wear for a woman? ›In western countries, a "formal" or white tie dress code typically means tailcoats for men and evening dresses for women. The most formal dress for women is a full-length ball or evening gown with evening gloves. Some white tie functions also request that the women wear long gloves past the elbow.
What can I wear to look slim in a wedding? ›The most foolproof trick to take off a few kilos from your body is by wearing darker colours on your wedding day. Especially if you're top-heavy, a dark coloured blouse will not only give definition to your curves but also make you look thinner and crisp.
How do I look skinny in a wedding dress? ›Choose a corseted gown if your breast and waist are well developed. Choose a shorter wedding dress if you want to draw attention to your well-defined hips. Choose a wedding dress with an A-line skirt if you tend to carry extra weight in your hips. You can slim down your body in this manner.
What should a large woman wear to a wedding? ›Go all out in a formal floor length gown like our Screen Siren Lace Evening Gown or opt for a short yet dressy cocktail number. Certainly the most common form of attire you'll see on wedding invitations, chic plus size cocktail dresses are the go to choice here.
Can you wear regular clothes to a wedding? ›
While there's no need to suit up for casual wedding attire, you could if you want to. To make it more informal, try a casual set in a fun pattern. Wear the coat open to show off a neutral white shirt, and don't forget to skip the tie if you want to incorporate a fun accessory.
Can a woman wear pants to a wedding? ›Yes! Women can wear pants to a wedding, even a formal wedding, with some stipulations. These days, the old gender norms of men wearing pants and women wearing skirts are out the window (thank goodness). There is absolutely no reason why you can't rock pants to a wedding, as long as you do it right.
Is it OK to wear black to a wedding as a guest? ›Generally, wearing black to a wedding is appropriate. "Guests can absolutely wear black to a wedding," says Shawne Jacobs, President and Creative Director of Anne Barge. "In the past, black was a color typically worn for mourning.
Is it OK to wear a floral dress to a wedding? ›Can I wear a floral pattern to a wedding? Yes! A floral print outfit is an appropriate and stylish choice for all seasons and types of weddings.
Can I wear a long black dress to a wedding? ›But we've got good news for fans of coal-colored ensembles: “It is absolutely acceptable for a female to wear a black dress to a wedding,” says Swann. However, there are a few things all good guests should keep in mind. “Always avoid wearing anything that's too low cut, too short, or too tight,” advises Swann.
Is it OK to have bare legs at a wedding? ›There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people feel that it is perfectly acceptable to go bare legged to a wedding, while others believe that it is more appropriate to wear socks or tights. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide what they feel comfortable wearing.
Do ladies still wear nylons with dresses? ›Classic sheer, nude pantyhose are worn with dresses to keep from baring legs, and all their imperfections, in formal and professional environments.
What should you not wear in 2022? ›What is out of style for 2022? High waisted jeans, high waisted pants, high waist tennis skirts, skater skirts, knit pants, skinny jeans, hoodie sets, short blazers, leggings, fur coats, cropped leather jacket, A-style mini dresses, and cold shoulders tops are some of the clothes that are not in anymore.