A guide on how to style a dress for all the upcoming 2023 weddings.
We don't know about you, but our 2023 diaries are already getting get filled up with birthdays, dinner dates and of course, weddings. It's bound to be yet another busy wedding season, so we thought it would be a good idea to get one step ahead by strategising some outfit ideas for all those wedding guest dresses, suits and co-ords you'll be needing to buy. Yes, it may seem too early to think about summertime, where Aperol Spritz goes hand-in-hand with warmer days, but we assure you, it'll be here before we know it.
So whether you choose to re-wear one of your most-loved dresses for the occasion, decide to rent a dress from a designer brand you love, or you're going to buy a style you've been eyeing up for a while, this is how to style them. From going matchy-matchy in the accessories department or adding a white blazer to a sequin dress, keep going to see all the best wedding guest outfits.
Go For Matchy-Matchy Accessories
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While matching your bag to your shoes has been an age-only styling trick, it was once seen to be dated. Now, though, it's back once again to make any outfit look effortlessly polished. Want to go one step further? Embrace the dress with gloves trend. So. Very. Chic.
Try Out A Jumpsuit
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Instead of a wedding guest dress, why not try out a jumpsuit? The one-piece is a ready-made outfit that never fails. And yes, you CAN wear black to a wedding. Unsure about how to style it? Liven it up with a bright blazer and statement accessories.
Get More Wear Out Off Your Sequins
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Not just reserved for party season or going out-out, let your favourite sequin dress live on throughout the year by bringing them back out for wedding season. Particularly good for a city wedding or an evening-guest-only invite, you can't go wrong with a hint of sparkle. While a white dress is frowned upon (read: basically banned) for a guest, you can add white accessories to create a season-appropriate look.
Belt Up, Look Sharp
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Can we just take a moment for this dress? Faux-feather adorned styles have been key for a while (for obvious aesthetically pleasing reasons) and they're an easy way to make any frock look extra fancy. With attention-to-detail in mind, highlight your waist and create a finishing touch with a belt. A tie-up style or even a pretty ribbon will do the trick.
Wear A Statement Suit
Street style wearing suit
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If you're not a dress person, or you just prefer to wear separates then embrace the suit. A trouser, skirt or shorts suit is perfect for a wedding no matter the time of year. A colour block style will always work, but go for a real head-turner with a printed style and it'll be an outfit to remember.
Add A Blazer In A Coordinating Colour
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An easy styling hack is to follow is to wear a printed dress (in any print), pick out a colour from said dress and match the rest of your outfit to it. See how this street-styler has pulled out the hot pink with the blazer and bright orange with the sandals? Simple, yet so effective. (This is also a great holiday outfit so is perfect for a destination wedding.)
Go Bold, Or Go Home
Sure, there's such thing as upstaging the bride, but weddings are a time of the year where you get to wear your best outfits, so go all out. Opt for a frothy dress and style with clashing colours just like this fashion insider for minimal effort but maximum impact.
Wear A Mini Dress With A Maxi Coat
A blazer dress is a solid option for a wedding. Fun but smart all at the same time, it's a winner all round. To balance out the shorter length, a fail-safe way to style this dress is with a longline coat. Considering maxi outerwear is key this season, it's a wise investment. Going for a tonal colour palette is also an easy look for a wedding guest.
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FAQs
Casual Summer Wedding Attire
For women, think pretty, flowy dresses paired with sandals; an open-collared shirt, chinos and boat shoes are great for men. Keep in mind that if you're not sure just how casual the wedding is, it's always better to be overdressed than underdressed (just don't show up in a gown or tuxedo).
What should a female guest wear to a wedding? ›
Women wedding guests should wear a full-length dress, be it a ballgown, a sheath or an A-line style. High heels are strongly recommended.
What is the best color for a summer wedding? ›
“Choose Colors Based on the Season”
This will help capture the feeling of the season and will keep you cool in warmer temperatures. For summer weddings, go bold with bright colors, like greens, oranges, and pinks.
What do you call summer wedding attire? ›
co*cktail & Semi-Formal Summer Wedding Attire
Depending on the time of the event, you'll want to dress somewhere between formal and casual for a semi-formal or co*cktail attire summer wedding. Wear darker, more formal hues for an evening soiree; opt for light colors and fabrics for daytime nuptials.
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.
Should a female guest wear black to a wedding? ›
Once upon a time, wearing black to a wedding was considered "bad luck" due to the shade's association with mourning. However, this is simply no longer the case. Ultimately, wearing black to a wedding is appropriate and sometimes even encouraged.
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!)
How can a guest look classy at a wedding? ›
Lean towards dressing up, even for "casual" weddings.
Meaning, stay away from sweats, shorts, jeans, T-shirts. "If you have to choose between being underdressed or overdressed, it's always better to be overdressed," Swann explains, paraphrasing the classic idiom.
How can I look rich and classy at my wedding? ›
Opt for simple yet classic designs with earth tones and neutrals like black, white, beige, and navy. Make your style exude sophistication and class. Make sure your clothes are always well-pressed and clean.
What to wear to a wedding as a guest female summer? ›
Casual. "Floral and flowy" is Grotts's motto for a casual summer wedding. In particular, she recommends dresses that are "Strapless, halter, or sleeveless but with a wrap." For footwear, go for sandals or wedges, especially if the terrain isn't suitable for heels.
Higher-denier tights (around 40-80) are perfect for formal weddings, offering a polished and elegant look. For more casual affairs, opt for lower-denier sheer tights (around 10-30) for a lighter and breathable feel.
Do you wear black to a summer wedding? ›
Consider Fabric and Length
"You can always wear black, no matter where you are, but it depends on how it's executed," she says. "Black is the most versatile and flattering color for any woman to wear. But because black absorbs heat, if you wear it to a beach wedding you'll want to wear a light fabric."
Should you wear red to a summer wedding? ›
For fall and winter weddings, opt for a darker shade of red, such as burgundy or maroon. For spring and summer events, you can't go wrong with a bright cherry red or scarlet shade. If you're looking for even more styling tips, be sure to check out some of our seasonal attire guides.
What is the best time of day for a summer wedding? ›
If the summer wedding is taking place outdoors, you may want to consider starting the ceremony later in the day, around 5 or 6 pm when the sun is starting to set, and the temperature is more comfortable. If the summer wedding is indoors or in a shaded area, you may be able to start a bit earlier, around 4 pm.
