WTF to Wear To A Wedding Based On The Dress Code

Betches may earn a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.

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