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Welcome to wedding season: where the hangovers are real, the dress codes are confusing, and we’re all listening to Mr. Brightside on repeat. As if the uptick in vaguely specific dress code attire hasn’t made finding a wedding guest outfit hard enough, you also have to think about the fact that you’ll probably be in the background of a wedding photo on the couples mantle for an entire lifetime. That’s, like, a lot of pressure. The idea of being underdressed (or overdressed for that matter) literally makes me cringe. There’s so much “vibe interpreting” required for all these confusing wedding dress codes that, frankly, most of us just aren’t cut out for. So to help guide you on your seemingly treacherous wedding guest outfit search, here are some options based on the different dress codes.
White-Tie
Clearly I need to reevaluate my entire circle of friends because I’ve never attended, nor have I even been invited to, a white-tie wedding. White-tie dress code is the most formal of them all, requiring floor-length gowns—no exceptions. Your gown should be paired with your most elegant clutch and accessories. And, if I were you, I’d take advantage of the occasion and pull a full-on Mia Thermopolis and add some elbow-length satin evening gloves. You can make your gown more seasonally-appropriate by choosing a color of fabric fit for the season you’re in.
One-Shoulder Scuba Crepe Gown
Shop it: Betsy & Adam One-Shoulder Scuba Crepe Gown, $249, Macy’s
Sweetheart Off The Shoulder Stretch Satin Dress
Shop it: Jules And Cleo Sweetheart Off The Shoulder Stretch Satin Dress, $109.92, David’s Bridal
Strapless Glitter Tulle Gown
Shop it: Mac Duggal Strapless Glitter Tulle Gown, $498, Saks Fifth Avenue
Black-Tie
TBH, this is a favorite dress code of mine because I honestly don’t have many reasons to get out of sweatpants these days. Black-tie dress code means you can wear a formal gown or elevated jumpsuit, either of which should be paired with chic-AF and elevated accessories. Basically, think prom-adjacent attire minus the over-the-top tackiness and vodka-filled water bottles. Similarly to with white-tie, you can make your black-tie ensemble match the season by choosing colors and fabrics that could either scream, “Mango Sherbet” or “Pumpkin Spice” simply with shift in hue.
Yaura Plus drape column maxi dress
Shop it: Yaura Plus drape column maxi dress, $124.30, ASOS
Floral Tiered Gown
Shop it: Mac Duggal Floral Tiered Gown, $458, Saks Fifth Avenue
Mary Kate Gown
Shop it: Katie May Mary Kate Gown, $295, Revolve
Formal or Black-Tie Optional
Okay, I wish we could honestly just take this option off the table because it’s confusing as hell. That being said, black-tie optional is pretty much equivalent to formal and just means slightly less formal than black-tie. The biggest difference for women’s attire is that a full-length gown isn’t required, but something of the same dressiness “vibe” is still recommended. Basically, if you want to get wild and show your ankles then you have permission to do so, but I’d avoid going above the knee for your hemline. If you truly can’t make up your mind, you can’t go wrong with a midi-dress.
Volume Sleeve Satin Midi Dress
Shop it: ASOS Edition Volume Sleeve Satin Midi Dress, $220, ASO
Cayla Side Drape Gown
Shop it: Norma Kamali Cayla Side Drape Gown, $150, Revolve
Black Halo Corrine Jumpsuit
Shop it: Black Halo Corrine Jumpsuit, $415, Shopbop
Cocktail
Cocktail attire means that women can wear shorter hemlines but still need to look dressy. Long story short, it would be inappropriate to wear a gown, but also inappropriate to wear a sundress. I realize that leaves quite a lot in between, but basically just think a specialty mini dress, elevated midi dress, or eloquent jumpsuit. Overall, this dress code does imply a bit more of a flirty and playful vibe, so have fun with it—but, as always, keep it classy.
Gala Midi Dress
Shop it: L’idee Gala Midi Dress, $395, Revolve
Blaine Taffeta Square-Neck Bow Train Mini Dress
Shop it: Sachin & Babi Blaine Taffeta Square-Neck Bow Train Mini Dress, $298, Anthropologie
Curve Off Shoulder Corset Midi Wrap Skirt Dress
Shop it: ASOS Design Curve Off Shoulder Corset Midi Wrap Skirt Dress, $79, ASOS
Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual
Semi-formal or dressy casual might be the most vague of all the dress codes because there are no “hard lines” beyond “no sweatpants.” Rather, you really have to feel into the vibe of the wedding, so maybe just grab a crystal and the invitation and mediate on it? On second thought, maybe just text a fellow wedding attendee to see what they’re wearing and go from there. At the end of the day, err on the side of being over-dressed rather than under-dressed. Remember, it’s about special event elegance without crossing the line of “fancy.” Vague, I know, so best of luck.
Women’s Gaia Dress
Shop it: ASTR the label Women’s Gaia Dress, $98, Amazon
Let Me Be Strapless Asymmetrical Dress
Shop it: Let Me Be Strapless Asymmetrical Dress, $220, Anthropologie
Remarkable Entrance Navy Blue Floral Print Satin Midi Dress
Shop it: Remarkable Entrance Navy Blue Floral Print Satin Midi Dress, $75, Lulus
Festive
IDK about you but this one has truly left me scratching my head. The first thing that comes to mind when I hear “festive” are ugly Christmas sweaters—and I highly doubt that’s actually what the couple actually wants you to wear to their wedding. The best way to think about festive is to have fun with your outfit. Choose something in the cocktail/semi-formal arena with a little sass, if you will. Add a fun print, feathers, or even some sparkle and you’ll have yourself a festive look. Bonus points if your shoes are more fun than the entire wedding party.
Ruffled A-Line Flutter-Sleeve Mini Dress
Shop it: Mac Duggal Ruffled A-Line Flutter-Sleeve Mini Dress, $598, Anthropologie
Aurora Dress
Shop it: LPA Aurora Dress, $158, Revolve
Curve Floral Sequin And Bead Mini Dress with Faux Feather Hem
Shop it: Curve Floral Sequin And Bead Mini Dress with Faux Feather Hem, $200, ASOS
Daytime or Casual
The pandemic has made the backyard wedding quite a trend, and given how expensive weddings can get, I definitely see the appeal. Backyard or daytime weddings are usually more casual which means they’re perfect for a breezy sundress, pretty mini dress, or sophisticated set. The only “don’t” here is going too casual or too dressy. Just avoid dressier fabrics, overly casual fabrics, stiletto heels, sneakers…and you should be good to go from there.
Fresh Florals Navy Blue Floral Print Puff Sleeve Mini Dress
Shop it: Fresh Florals Navy Blue Floral Print Puff Sleeve Mini Dress, $75, Lulus
Farley Dress
Shop it: Reformation Farley Dress, $248, Reformation
Sundrenched Maxi
Shop it: Free People Sundrenched Maxi, $148, Revolve
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated with new information in April 2023. It was originally written by Shannon McCormick
Images: Omar Lopez / Unsplash
It’s summer, which means everyone you know is getting married or having babies. Seriously, what is in the water? Stop procreating and settling down, people. It’s like Noah’s Ark on my social media. And I don’t know who anyone is anymore since they all have different last names. On that note, summer is a tricky time for wedding fashion, since you want to look chic and appropriate, but also not have ass sweat. Depending on the dress code, I’ve found some cute af options to wear for any wedding event that will keep you cool while you dance and get drunk off the open bar. Side note: if you’re having a wedding and I have to sit through it, an open bar is NOT OPTIONAL.
1. Casual
Casual weddings are a totally rarity, but I guess they do still sometimes happen. Even though it says casual, that doesn’t mean jeans and T-shirt. You still want to look presentable but also not accidentally flash your vag to Grandma. I like this cute summery dress, paired with dressy sandals or wedges. It’s not too dressed up, but you’ll still look hot in photos, and most importantly, you’ll stay cool.
2. Cocktail/Semi-Formal
If you need a summer cocktail dress, try something light like lace with a trendy cut, like off-the-shoulder. I really like things that you can dress up or down, and this one from ASTR THE LABEL is super versatile so you’ll definitely get to wear it again. I actually bought this dress online last year for a summer wedding at full-price and it immediately sold out. Then I got it in the mail, only to discover that the small would perfectly fit a 9-year-old boy. I couldn’t even put the ends of the zipper near each other, much less close it. Now it’s back and on sale, and I am buying a large because it is sooo pretty but has no stretch whatsoever. Anyway. It’s gorgeous and you should buy it and then we will match. But definitely size up.
ASTR THE LABEL Off The Shoulder Lace Minidress
3. Beach Formal
Beach formal is super popular out here in Socal, but it’s also a weird dress code since beachy sh*t is, by definition, not formal. Basically, it means wear a chic maxi dress and wedges, lest you fall and die in the sand. I love this dress from Leith, as you can dress it up or down, but mostly you’ll definitely be able to wear it after the wedding. Plus, the fabric is light and the skirt has a slit so you’ll get some air.
4. Formal/Black Tie Optional
Black tie optional basically means “wear jeans and die”. You need be fancy af, but the dress doesn’t have to be floor-length. Because it’s still summer, you need to find a balance between looking nice but also not piling on heavy fabrics. This lace dress is gorgeous, but as you can see, it has very fine cutouts and holes so it’ll be airy. Plus, it’s midi-length, but since the bottom is sheer, it will feel like you’re wearing a mini, yet it’s totally appropriate.
Bardot Sienna Lace Trumpet Dress
5. Black Tie
Black Tie means you wear the fanciest sh*t you can afford, and you better wear a tux or floor-length gown. It’s summer’s worst nightmare. Avoid sweating off your super expensive makeup by finding a cut that is appropriate but exposes as much skin as you can get away with. This mermaid gown is off the shoulder and has a slit, so you won’t feel suffocated. The slit also makes it so you can walk normally—and as someone that once walked several blocks in a skin-tight leather pencil skirt where my legs could only move an inch at a time, this is super important. Plus it’s so beautiful, it’s like the dream outfit to accidentally run into your ex in. Also, it’s incredibly affordable—most gowns like this are soooo expensive and let’s be real, they’re pretty much one-use every 5 years. This one is UNDER $100. That’s right.
Lulus Off The Shoulder Mermaid Gown
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