The most popular time to get married usually falls between the months of May and October. Which means, we are currently in peak wedding season people. Shortly after the save-the-dates come in and your RSVP is sent out, youāll likely start thinking about what to wear. I have to admit, my favorite part about being a wedding guest is having a reason to dress up. But with the warmer, unpredictable summer weather and those confusing dress codes on the invite, itās sometimes hard to truly decipher what you can and cannot wear to a summer wedding. To help you navigate the best wedding guest fit, weāre breaking down the looks by dress codes so you can know exactly what to wear whether youāre headed to Hawaii or a backyard bash. Here is your ultimate summer wedding guest style guide.Ā
Check out the full Wedding Occasion Shop here for more styles.Ā
Black-Tie
First up, the most formal of the wedding dress codes: black-tie. While āblack-tie optionalā is typically what youāll see on the invite nowadays, what they really mean is āwe feel awkward forcing you to dress formally, but read between the lines.ā So take the hint and make sure you show up correct. Black-tie is all about tapping into your James Bond era: tuxedo or a black suit and long, elegant dresses.Ā
Ā Jacquemus La Robe Saudade Longue Dress
The Jacquemus La Robe Saudade Longue Dress is my current black-tie favorite for summer. Honestly, you can never go wrong wearing black to a wedding. Itās always a classy, chic, and dressy option that looks good on everyone. The best part about this dress is that itās made with a light viscose material so youāll feel as cool as you look in case the sun is feeling extra strong that day. The straps are also adjustable and the skirt has a ruched detail, so you wonāt have to fit in a tailor appointment before the big day.Ā
Supreme Tartan Wool Suit
If youāre feeling extra fancy then you can never go wrong with a classic black tux. However, tuxes arenāt always the easiest of options, as they are expensive and you usually have to find a reliable place to rent. Which is why the āoptionalā exists in black-tie dress codes. Black, tailored suits are still just as classy and formal to wear to a black-tie summer wedding as a tux. The Supreme Tartan Wool Suit in black may seem heavy for the summer season, but the tartan wool is actually lightweight and breathable, while still providing enough structure to look more formal than other suiting options. Pair your suit with a classic loafer, like this Prada pair, and youāll look as dapper as the dirty martinis.Ā
Cocktail
This next dress code is one of the more popular ones youāll see on a wedding invite. Itās a step down from black-tie optional but above semi-formal. Cocktail attire is so relevant because it gives guests the option to have fun with their outfit of choice. You can choose between different hemlines, colors, and fun accessory options. Itās the perfect balance of elegance and comfortability. Although you still want to make sure you look dressy for a night out (hence cocktail in the name), as men still wear suits and ties and women opt for fancier dress fabrics.
Mugler H&M Wool Mini Dress
Iāve been eyeing the Mugler H&M collab ever since its release, and I finally found the dress that has me adding to cart. The Mugler H&M Wool Mini Dress is what cocktail attire dreams are made of. Iām seriously obsessed with the sharp, perfectly tailored draping of the skirt and pleating in the shoulder details. The exaggerated hip silhouette gives this dress a bit of drama while looking like you stepped out of the pages of Vogue.Ā
LOEWE Single Pleat Loose Fit Wide Leg Wool Trousers
When it comes to suiting, I love a loose fitted trouser for cocktail dress codes. It feels formal, yet still cool and effortless. The LOEWE Single Pleat Loose Fit Wide Leg Wool Trousers have that āI vacation in the South of Franceā type of look, while the pleat and thicker wool material still fancies up the looser fit. Paired with an oversized wool blazer to match and a shirt and tie, and youāll surely be on the best dressed list for the night.Ā
Casual
Onto casual attire, the dress code probably most people prefer because itās easy and comfortable. Unless youāre like me and are always looking for a red carpet moment. Casual dress codes usually come with weddings that are outside, in a backyard, or on the beach. The event will be much more laid-back, so plan accordingly. However, donāt take this as a cue to bring out your flip flops just because you see sand. You still want to look pulled together, even when going for more of a daytime look. Women typically opt for sundresses or matching sets, while men donāt need to wear a jacket, as a nicer shirt will do the trick.Ā
Jacquemus La Robe Crema Dress
The Jacquemus La Robe Crema Dress checks all the right boxes when it comes to casual dress attire. Made from non-stretch linen weave, this fashion-forward summer dress has a sophisticated silhouette with the open back and rolled shoulder details. However, the lightweight fabric still makes this dress casually chic and moveable for an outdoor reception. Pair with a summer sandal or mule and you are good to go.Ā
Ami Paris Button Down Ami De Coeur Oxford Shirt
For outdoor weddings, I always love a good linen suit. It just hits the perfect balance between classy and casual. If youāre feeling like going sans jacket, a nice oxford shirt will look just as stylish for the occasion. The Ami Paris Button Down Ami De Coeur Oxford Shirt has a nice tailored fit with a touch of streetwear vibes in the stitched logo. Finish off your summer-wedding look with a pair of linen trousers and your favorite white sneaker or loafer.Ā
DestinationĀ
Last but definitely not least, we have our destination weddings. I have to admit, destination dressing tends to be the most fun. I mean who wouldnāt want to dress for a warm, tropical location or adventure abroad. While destination dress codes are more freeing, still be cautious on not going too daring with your outfit of choice. You donāt want to grab too much attention away from the bride and groom, after all. You can still opt for more vacation-ready styles (like showing a slice of midriff, shorter hemlines, and wedding sneakers) but make sure to pair your trendier styles with classic accessories to balance the look for the occasion.Ā
La Jupe Maille Concha Asymmetric Striped Skirt
You honestly canāt talk about a destination wedding without thinking about Jacquemus. The brand is known for its South of France infused designs. The La Jupe Maille Concha Asymmetric Striped Skirt and matching Bead Knit Top is the perfect matching-set for a wedding abroad. The knit fabric rolls up easily in your suitcase, so you donāt even need to worry about wrinkles once you arrive. The Barbie pink color and beaded details plays into the fun, festive atmosphere of a destination wedding. Style with a simple sandal and your favorite Jacquemus bag to match.
StĆ¼ssy x Converse Chuck 70 High āFossilā
Wedding sneakers are on the rise thanks to a new wave of sleek silhouettes and neutral colorways from top brands. Thereās something so modern and cool about an outfit that stylistically balances streetwear and formalwear (high low fashion is the moment). So when it comes to destination weddings, bring out the sneakers. You can even have a little more fun with different colorways and details, like these StĆ¼ssy x Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars. The ivory color looks summer-ready against any destination backdrop while the fossil pearl details give this sneaker a unique edge. Pair this sneaker with relaxed, neutral colored trousers and a loose short-sleeve button-up shirt for a cool coastal vibe.
