When it comes to styling tips for wedding guest outfits, there are a few key pointers that help out a lot and stand the test of time. Don’t worry, I’ve made them easy to follow.
I recently was a guest at my friend’s fall wedding, so I thought it’d be helpful to write down the tips I used to help you pick the best outfit!
This blog is tailored for just the guests and the more traditional styled weddings – not for themed, shot-gun, or exotic/destination weddings. If the bride or bridal party have these styles incorporated in them, then disregard them below. The over-arching point to take home here is – don’t upstage the bride.
You’ll want to read until the end for some bonus fashion tips!
First, be mindful of the dress code and location of the wedding.
For example, if it’s a fall wedding, then summer cocktail dresses should be voted out. If you’re unsure of the dress code, never hurts to ask the bride.
Check the weather a week ahead of the wedding and bring a jacket or layer that pairs with your outfit.
Next, skip the dresses with the deep V necklines (past your bra-line), unless you’re the bride or in the bridal party.
No one at the wedding needs to see that much cleavage, unless it’s the bride’s. 😏
It’s also best to avoid dresses with super high skirt slits, or shorten the slit height.
When reviewing different dresses online for a wedding I was going to, I came across multiple people commenting they wished they had altered or chose a different dress because of the high slit.
It’s important to dress appropriately and avoid anything too revealing or flashy. No one wants a picture of them accidentally flashing the camera.
If you’re dead set on a dress with a high slit, get it altered, use fashion tape, or use a safety pin to lower the slit height to a more appropriate level.
When it comes to shoes, avoid any that steal too much attention from your dress or rest of outfit.
If you’re short like me, I get it, sometimes 5” heels are a fun must. But there are modest 5” heels, and non-modest 5” heels, if ya get my drift…
The shoe game has elevated over the last decade or so, with even 1” kitten heels even making a stylish comeback. Instead of buying a pair of party heels, opt for season-appropriate and stylish shoes that will complement your outfit.
For fall/winter weddings, I opt in for closed-toe heels instead of open-toed heels. But that’s just my personal preference!
Whatever you do, do not wear any colors in the white color family.
Colors matter! This includes colors in the ivory, beige, and cream color families.
The universal-wearable colors are the neutral tones, like Black, Grey, Brown and Camel/Khaki.
And again, unless it’s that style of wedding, avoid bright colors. Think about the photographer. You only need to hear about someone’s wedding photographs being destroyed by a guest wearing a bright color, once, to know not to make the same mistake.
No one wants to show up to a Kate Middleton wedding dressed up like Kim K.
For fall/winter weddings – I’d stick to jewel tones like burgundy, navy, emerald green, purple, or black. Also avoid hot or fluorescent colors (again, unless it’s that type of wedding).
For spring/summer weddings – Pastels or lighter jewel tone colors are great, you can even add in warm neutrals or greys, and floral prints. IMO – Just make sure the print reads more elegant than cute.
Also, no sequins or metallic is always a good choice.
Overall your outfit shouldn’t upstage the bride, put it that way.
With different seasons, comes different styles and fabrics.
With Fall/Winter weddings: You can incorporate heavier fabrics like crepe-back satin, velvet, and sweater knits. Add an elegant shall, long sleeve sweater or cropped shrug (but nothing too baggy). I think more structured or tailored styles are better for Fall/Winter weddings.
For Spring/Summer weddings: Wearing lighter fabrics like silk, a lighter satin, lace, or similar light woven fabrics are perfect. You may not need an additional top for covering your arms, but dresses with fun sleeves, thin straps, or no straps at all are all fun choices. I think less structured and more flow-y dresses fit well for these seasons.
The dresses fabric can be solid or printed, just beware of the type of print and make sure it matches the occasion. Keep floral prints more elegant than ditsy.
Have a question? Ask in the comments below!
How to accessorize your wedding guest outfit
You want your accessories to accentuate your outfit, not overpower them. The goal is have balance between your dress/outfit and your accessories. This is where I like to wear jewelry I already have.
Pair big chunky earrings with a simpler necklace, or vice versa. I always love matching the upper jewelry with rings. When in doubt, simple silver or gold earrings and necklace always pair nicely with any outfit.
Make sure the jewelry matches the shoes, and the shoes match the purse/clutch. Which then all match back to your dress!
For hairstyles, you do you boo, boo. Just remember, balance is key.
If you’re questioning your makeup look, go for a sun-kissed glow. I think “less is more,” is a safe rule.
Overall, you don’t want to upstage the bride, or look out of place. The key to a great wedding guest outfit is one where you look sharp, feel confident and comfortable.
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PRO FASHION TIPS:
- Find new dress styles you like, then look for similar, less expensive versions online. However, it’s important not to abuse this option and contribute to the deep, toxic sea of fashion dupes and cheap knock-offs.
- Buy your outfit secondhand instead of brand new. Not only is it better for the environment, you’ll also be less likely to wear the same outfit as someone else. I love looking for new or vintage styles on Poshmark.
- Try find your shoes second-hand that are already slightly broken in. This way, the shoes are less painful for you! I just did this for the wedding I went to, and was able to wear them all night with minimal pain!
- Bring or buy an extra pair of comfortable flats that match your outfit, if you need to change into them on the dance floor.
- Buy shoes and accessories that can be worn with other outfits.
- Don’t forget to bring some safety pins and/or fashion tape. A friend of mine had her dress strap break at the wedding, and a safety pin saved her life lol.