In those seasons of life when the wedding invitations start to pile up, our excitement for the happy couple and awe at the power of love can start to wane when we find ourselves lost in a sea of different dress codes.
Found yourself frantically googling what to wear to a wedding? Fear not! Team Runaway has put together the ultimate handy guide to nailing wedding attire, from common wedding dress codes to less traditional modern weddings.
With these tips and tricks, you won't just be celebrating a union between cherished loved ones but how downright gorgeous you look, no matter the dress code or time of day! Let's talk wedding guest dresses, jumpsuits and more!
Table of Contents
- What to Wear to a Summer Wedding
- What to Wear to a Beach Wedding
- What to Wear to a Winter Wedding
- What to Wear to a Formal Wedding
- What to Wear to a Cocktail Wedding
- What to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding
- What to Wear to a Garden Wedding
- What to Wear to a Casual Wedding
- What to Wear to a Fall Wedding
What to Wear to a Summer Wedding
Summer weddings, especially outdoor weddings, call for vibrant colors and breathable, light fabrics. Embrace these sun-soaked celebrations in sleeveless, strapless, or backless dresses that will help you stay cool. Materials like linen, cotton, and silk are all great go-tos. If dresses and skirts are a hard no - a chic pair of dress shorts with a matching vest, or a breezy two-piece set with a pair of flares or wide palazzo dress pants could be a super cute option.
If you're celebrating the happy couple at a destination wedding in a tropical or seaside location, lean into those summer vacay goddess vibes and rock a beach dress in a bright, eye-catching print - ideal sunset photo op attire!
Strappy heels or sandals are a no-brainer here. And don't forget a pair of glam oversized sunnies to shield yourself from the sun's rays.
What to Wear to a Beach Wedding
Assuming this seaside soiree is also a summer affair, we're going to want to stick to lightweight, breathable fabrics and prepare for those unpredictable elements that we all know and love - sun, sand, and sea.
Flowy maxi dresses, chic, tailored jumpsuits, or even matching sets in fun colors are excellent options. Strike a balance between stylish and sun-smart with a wide-brimmed hat, a pair of sunnies, and a minibag with enough room for touch-up essentials and, of course, your SPF! Sandals or pumps are also a must. Regardless of how much you love your stilettos, you don't want to be hobbling through the sand for the entire afternoon before the champagne has even gone around!
What to Wear to a Winter Wedding
Gone are the days of sacrificing warmth for the sake of looking hot - it's entirely possible to find pieces that can offer the best of both worlds and strike a balance between elegance and warmth!
Think layers of sophistication: a sleek, form-fitting midi dress paired with a tailored coat can work wonders.
Rich, deep colors like burgundy, emerald, and navy add a touch of seasonal flair, while fabrics like wool, velvet, and heavy silk keep the chill at bay. Don't shy away from a chic pair of boots, opaque tights, and statement jewelry that adds some much-needed glamor and femininity to a layered-up look.
What to Wear to a Formal Wedding
Not as strict as black-tie but fancier than cocktail, a formal dress code offers the flexibility to pick an outfit that hits that sweet spot. You can go for anything, ranging from a cocktail dress to a full-length gown, and still be occasion-appropriate.
It's important to note that you don't have to limit yourself to only wearing dresses for formal wedding attire - a flattering jumpsuit or pantsuit can be totally stunning, too. Rock a smart blazer and pant combo for an effortlessly cool vibe. For a feminine touch, opt for a corset or bustier underneath for that peekaboo wow factor. Or, make an impact in a tailored bodysuit or romper - there are endless options.
Top off your formal event look with an on-trend shoe and bag combo, and keep it simple with understated, classy jewelry. If you're unsure, lean towards the minimal side - think subtle gold or silver pieces that add a bit of shine without stealing the show.
What to Wear to a Cocktail Wedding
Cocktail attire strikes the perfect balance between formal and casual, offering you a little bit more leeway for experimentation with styles and trends. Aim for dresses that hit just above or below the knee, and consider fun prints or interesting textures like ruching or shirring that will elevate a simple mini-dress silhouette.
Accessories are your allies here; try a statement pair of earrings, making sure you match your metals to your color story, and add a mini shoulder bag for a runway-ready look.
What to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding
When you see black-tie on a wedding invitation, you know it's time to get glam. Black tie weddings are the epitome of elegance - think floor-length gowns and sophisticated midi dresses in showstopping silhouettes.
For a black tie event, choose luxurious fabrics like silk or satin that flatter in all the right places, and craft your color palette by taking stock of the tones that truly make your complexion glow. This is your chance to showcase your finest jewelry, sleekest heels, and most luxe purse or clutch.
We love an excuse to look expensive - and you don't have to blow out your budget to do so! It's all in the details.
What to Wear to a Garden Wedding
Garden weddings epitomize all things enchanting and whimsical, and these settings call for outfits that reflect that romantic ambiance.
Floral prints, lightweight fabrics, and soft, pastel colors will have you looking the part-especially at a daytime wedding. Lean into soft, feminine silhouettes like puff sleeves and prairie skirts for an angelic vibe that will have you looking like you just stepped off the set of Bridgerton.
If you feel confident in a more clean-cut look, opt for structured tailoring in lighter colors and floral prints, large or small, for a subtle nod to the theme that rings true to your style.
Comfortable footwear will be ideal for navigating grassy terrains and gravel paths at an outdoor wedding-especially after a few cocktails! Opt for block heels or strappy leather sandals. A touch of fine jewelry is always a safe choice to complete your look.
What to Wear to a Casual Wedding
Casual weddings held in low-key venues like restaurants and backyards are becoming increasingly popular - and for good reason! The intimate nature of these celebrations can make for a truly unforgettable wedding ceremony.
It can, however, be a little challenging to gauge how casual you should go while still looking wedding-appropriate.
As a rule of thumb, It's usually better to be slightly overdressed than under-dressed, even when it comes to casual wedding attire. So, stick to a silhouette elevated above the everyday, like a midi dress, maxi dress, or pantsuit. That understated effortlessness comes into play when you choose fabrics like linen or cotton over satin or silk. Echo the pared-back ethos of the casual dress code in your accessories, opting for a sleek minimalist handbag or clutch over glitter and high-shine hardware.
Heel-haters rejoice - there's no better time to opt for comfortable shoes, like a cute pair of flats or strappy sandals, than a casual wedding. Go for casual shoes and save the pain for a more high-octane evening event!
What to Wear to a Fall Wedding
Fall weddings exude a cozy, romantic charm that calls for outfits that blend warmth and style.
Opt for evening gowns in darker colors - earthy tones like burnt orange, deep maroon, or forest green, which complement the lush autumnal scenery. Choose from fabrics like velvet, satin and lined lace that level up your look while keeping you comfortable in cooler temperatures.
Long-sleeved dresses and figure-hugging midi styles paired with a tailored coat or trench are failsafe choices. Complete your outfit with jewelry and heels that play off of the texture and color of your dress. Autumnal tones go together really beautifully, flattering a wide variety of skin tones, so try to stick with a tightly curated palette for your overall look.
Celebrate Love in Style, No Matter the Dress Code
See! Deciding what to wear to a wedding as a guest doesn't have to be overwhelming.
With a few fundamental styling principles in mind, you can confidently celebrate your loved ones' special day - regardless of the level of formality of the dress code, the time of day, or the location of the wedding venue. Ultimately, you want to feel comfortable and confident in your outfit, but moreover, honor the theme chosen by the wedding couple for their special day.
Runaway the Label is your go-to destination for an array of wedding guest dress options tailored for every type of wedding.
Ready to get ahead of wedding season and start shopping? Explore Runaway the Label's current collection today and shop the latest trends and styles - suitable for any wedding guest dress code.