How To Be the Best Dressed Guest at Every Single Wedding This Year

Delicate florals or un-flashy prints like a soft plaid or polka dot and pleated, chiffon fabric are perfect for formal weddings where you feel like you can have some fun with your outfit choice and infuse a bit of your personality into your look. Bonus points if you add whimsical accessories, like a fun handbag, into the mix.

For winter weddings (or simply nuptials when the temperature has the potential to dip), pick a dress that offers you a bit more coverage. Even if the mini dress hem is short, heat-tech tights can help to keep chills at bay. Long sleeve dresses, perhaps with a high neck, may also be appropriate for certain religious ceremonies, so be sure to check the invite for any specific directions regarding that possibility. 

While wearing white is a faux-pas, bright colors stand to be considered. You may hear talk of red or sequins being off limits too, but that’s not necessarily the case for all brides. Don’t shy away from going the Pantone route and wearing a single color, boldly and with pride.

Relax—you’re heading to the beach. You don’t want a dress that’s fussy or overly formal. Opt for breathable materials and a sleeveless silhouette like a slip dress that you can move in (read: escape a wave if necessary). A tropical print, like Johanna Ortiz’s take, or a pop of color with a ruffle, flutter sleeve and unique neckline are just the thing for mai-tai sipping while you watch someone special say “I do”

Formal doesn’t have to mean stuffy or stiff. A maxi dress or ball gown in a high-saturation color will fit the dress code while still bringing a sense of energy and fun. If you want to go with a classic black piece, try a playful a-line silhouette like the voluminous midi dress from Toteme.

Whether the locale is a field or barn, for outdoor weddings with a cozy cottage feel you’ll want something that’s a bit more casual, with a ditsy floral print, a bit of volume, smocking and perhaps a short sleeve. If the ceremony is in the sun, you can pair the dress with a chic straw hat, cat-eye sunglasses or strappy sandal to complete the look. 

A wedding that’s meant to embody the energy and power of a city requires a dress that’s elegant, but has a bit of cosmopolitan edge. A tweed shift dress dress or fitted black bodycon dress will toe the line quite nicely.