30 Outfit Ideas for Summer Weddings.

It's summer and that means that you'll probably get invited to some weddings this wedding season. While I can't tell you how to get out of all of those invitations 😏, I have put together an ultimate guide with some outfit ideas for different wedding dress codes.

As you'll notice you don't have to spend a lot on an outfit/ dress you'll probably wear once.

I've also included lots of color options you should consider such as bright colors, light colors, dark colors and everything in between to help you in your style search.

Every wardrobe should be as unique as you and your life. If you'd like to make your wardrobe a stress-free resource for all your personal style needs, I would recommend taking the Wonder Wardrobe Course.

Get more styling tips, free guides and sustainable fashion advice by subscribing to our newsletter.

Summer wedding guest attire faux pas

But before we discuss each dress code, let's cover some basic rules.

  1. Don't wear total white, ivory, light grey or light pink as these colours are usually reserved for the bride.

  2. It's also helpful to ask what colour the bridesmaids are wearing, to avoid any confusion.

  3. Another colour that is not appropriate is black, so if you prefer darker colours, it's better to go with navy, teal, dark grey or bordeaux.

You'll probably encounter one of these 4 types of dress code for summer wedding guest outfits: black tie, formal, dressy casual and casual summer wedding.

Let's take a deep dive into what wedding guest outfit you can go for.

It goes without saying that if you'll attend a warm weather event, being the best dressed guest amongst other wedding guests comes second to comfort.

What I would pay attention to when attending a beach wedding for example:

flowing skirt, breathable fabrics like linen, lightweight fabrics, the location or venue and how much fun you will be able to have in your summer wedding guest outfit.

Black Tie or Formal Wedding Dress Code

Black tie and formal dress codes are the most formal ones and usually mean the wedding is an evening affair.

The most appropriate outfits would be a floor-length evening gown, dressy jumpsuit or a cocktail dress with a pair of statement earrings. But it can also be a pant suit. Whatever your option, it will make a perfect outfit for the dance floor.

FABRICS:

Special occasion fabrics like silk, chiffon, satin, organza, velvet and lace - are what makes the dress a formal one.

This means, you should avoid cotton, linen or viscose, as they are more appropriate for day time celebrations.

SHOES & ACCESSSORIES

To complete your formal look, go for an evening bag or clutch, and evening shoes.

You don't have to wear high heels, and if you choose to wear flats, choose ones that are appropriate for evening.

They can have some dresier elements like flowers, bows, pearles, satin fabric or lace.

HAIR & MAKE-UP

Another important information that you should know about this dress code is that it requires an evening hairstyle and makeup.

This means you can't just wear your hair in the same way you do everyday. You should at least have some curls, or an elegant low ponytail.

If you were invited to a black tie or formal wedding, I'd advise renting an outfit instead of buying one.

There's really no point in owning a floor-length evening gown or fancy heels. First of all, they are very expensive, and second of all, I am almost sure you will not want to wear it again.

Find your sustainable, stylish and high-quality fashion with our curated shopping e-guides.

Dressy casual or cocktail wedding dress code

Dressy Casual or Cocktail dress codes require an attire that is in between formal and casual.

This means that you can go for a cocktail dress or jumpsuit, fancy blouse with a dressy bottom, or you can also go for a simpler top, bottom and a fancy jacket on top.

Here you can also opt for fabrics like silk, chiffon, organza or satin. If the wedding happens in the afternoon you can also choose cotton or viscose, but only if they don't look too casual.

If you decide to go with a dress, it's better to avoid mini and maxi lengths, as one is too casual and another one is too formal.

If you decide to go with separates, it's better to choose blouses with a sleeve: long or short, depending on what you like.

If you decide to go with separates, it's better to choose blouses with a sleeve: long or short, depending on what you like.

If the weather is very hot, you can try a silk halter or a one shoulder top paired with a pencil skirt or dressy pants.

Silk camisoles or off shoulder tops are more appropriate for a casual dress code.

To complete the look you could go with a pair of evening shoes or day time shoes, but just make sure they don't look too casual.

Here, a good investment for your wardrobe would be a pair of metallic coloured sandals or flats.

Metallic can make even the most simple dress look more party appropriate.

If your party outfit consists of cold colours, it's better to go for a silver pair, if you prefer warm colours, than a pair in gold is your best choice.

The bag for this dress code can be an evening clutch or you could also use a small crossbody.

For example, one that has a metal chain looks very fancy, and would suit for special occasions and for your everyday wardrobe.

But here, again, you can easily rent an appropriate outfit instead of buying all these items just to wear once a year.

Or as an option, you could invest in a dress that would be easily styled in different ways with the help of accessories.

For example, this monochrome, classic dress can be styled with simple metallic shoes and a bag, some statement earrings, and you will look chic and elegant.

If you add some colour accent, the outfit will look more playful.

Animal prints, studs and chains will add more sex appeal.

If you already have the dress, your best investment would be to simply rent the shoes and accessories that go with it.

Casual wedding dress code

Casual dress-code means that the wedding will likely be held outdoors or on the beach, meaning the event will be much more laid-back, especially when it comes to attire.

Here you can go for cotton, linen, silk, tencel or viscose summer dresses or jumpsuits, and separates.

Even for the most casual weddings, try to avoid wearing jeans, shorts, t-shirts, casual sandals, slides or sneakers.

This dress code is the easiest one in my opinion, because you can just choose your fanciest everyday outfit.

For example, a silk top or camisole paired with a pencil skirt or summer trousers. Or you might have an off shoulder top or a top with some ruffles, and pair it with a pair of trousers that you usually wear to work.

Basically, an outfit with a cute top and simple bottom, or the other way around will be fancy enough.

If the wedding happens at the beach or in a garden, it's better to wear flats, wedges or blocked heels, otherwise your shoes will get stuck all the time.

I hope these examples will help you manage whatever wedding planners will throw your way.

The best advice I can give you is to rent the dress or outfit, maybe borrow accessories from your sister, mother or friend.

It makes no sense to invest in all of these items knowing you will maybe wear them once, or twice.

Of course, if there's no way around it, do buy a wedding outfit, but keep in mind what will happen to it in the long run.

Let us know in the comments:

What did you wear as a guest to your last wedding? What happened to that outfit after that?