If you have a wedding (or weddings) to attend this summer, you might be wondering what to wear. And weddings can be a wonderful excuse for buying a new outfit or renting a fun new piece but they can also be stressful since there’s often a dress code and certain expectations for wedding guest attire. While we don’t have answers for some of the crazy dress codes you might encounter, there are certain ensembles that can work for nearly every spring, summer, or early fall wedding. Here’s a list of ideas to help you decide what to wear to a wedding this summer.
What to Wear To A Wedding
Classic Floral Wedding Guest Attire
Floral prints are traditional wedding guest attire for spring and summer weddings, and for good reason. We love the look of this drapey Vince dress and it’s peony print, but this bold tropical bird print by FARM Rio might be more interesting. A great floral print dress is a good wardrobe staple for any woman to have in her closet, since it can be worn for almost every spring or summer occasion that pops up.
Elegant Pantsuit
Not a fan of dresses? Then a pantsuit might be perfect (check out these satin ones). We also love this sky blue and black tuxedo style pantsuit by Racil. The ankle length pants are also ideal for showing off a great pair of shoes. And this black and white striped Norma Kamali wide legged pant suit brings a lot of drama, plus both pieces would look tremendous separately as well.
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Jumpsuit Time
A jumpsuit is a modern classic and definitely an excellent alternative to a long dress as wedding guest attire. This halter style by Kobi Halperin is elegant and would be perfect with some statement earrings, but this asymmetrical SemSem royal blue jumpsuit might be more fun.
Little Blue Dresses
Because a little black dress might not be appropriate for a summer wedding and obviously you most likely shouldn’t wear white, a little blue dress is a great solution and there are options that are flattering on nearly everyone. This Chelsea28 ruffle wrap dress could be a closet staple (plus it comes in a variety of other colors if blue isn’t your thing), or if you need something fancier, we’re fans of this Pisarro Nights beaded number.
Little Pink Dresses
Pink is another color that offers some nearly universally flattering shades. This bright pink Melbourne swing dress from Anthropologie is a wonderful choice, and we’re also fans of this printed midi from Self-Portrait.
Maximize Things
Maxi dresses are comfortable and perfect for beach weddings or weddings in similar settings. Plus one could argue it might be re-wearable for future vacations! This maxi dress from Amazon comes in a variety of colorful prints, has great reviews, and is super affordable. Even if you don’t have an upcoming wedding you might want to pick it up!
Top It Off
No matter what you are wearing to weddings this spring, you’ll probably want a jacket, scarf or something else that will keep you warm in venues that have intense air conditioning (or if you need to cover your shoulders in a church, synagogue, etc.). Skip the pashmina since it’s not 2001 and try a kimono like this one by Trouvé or a sheer wrap like this one by Bernie of New York.
Add Jewels
It’s a celebration! So you should sparkle. Even a basic dress or jumpsuit can be wedding-worthy if you have the right accessories. Not-so-basic hoops like these Nadri earrings can take a basic outfit into serious fashionista territory, while a statement collar necklace like this one by Kate Spade would add interest to pretty much anything.
What is your favorite outfit to wear as a wedding guest? And if you’re attending any weddings this summer, what are you planning to wear?
–Jacqueline Zenn
You may also like to read more fashion tips from Jacqui like What Is A Cocktail Dress And Why You Really Need One and The French Lingerie Every Woman Over 40 Must Have.
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I love almost all of these! I have always adored a floral dress.Being petite the floral pattern can’t be too big for me. Long and full so comfort is there and spankx are not needed is the way to have fun as a wedding guest imo!
I love these but the pink floral print and the blue with the beading looks amazing.
Great choices! I especially love the Farm Rios Birds. It’s so colorful.