If you’re like me, you’re probably spending every other weekend at weddings (or wedding-related events) this summer. And if you’re also like us, all those summer nuptials, engagement parties, and showers typically entail traveling to a different scenic outdoor setting to celebrate the happy couple and shower them in expensive gifts. Not only can it all add up and use up your vaca days quickly, but dressing for all the different types of summer wedding settings and ~creative~ dress codes can be pretty overwhelming. Having been to a wedding in just about every type of setting and corner of the world (my husband has a lot of friends) — and showing up to many wearing the completely wrong thing — I now consider myself a bit of an expert at summer wedding guest dressing. So consider this your ultimate guide.
COUNTRY CLUB WEDDING
The Vibe: Preppy, conservative, cocktail chic
What to Wear:
- Dress in a classic silhouette (think: sheath, A-line, or wrap style). Avoid anything too short or revealing.
- Heels
damsel in dior
luella & june
house of harper
BEACH WEDDING
The Vibe: Breezy, tropical, low-key
The Dress Code: Beach-Chic
What to Wear:
- Breezy maxi dress or sundress
- Flat sandals or wedges if festivities will take place on the sand; heeled sandals if reception taking place at nicer beachside venue or tent
oliviapalermo.com
luella & june
who what wear
atlantic-pacific
FANCY GARDEN PARTY WEDDING
The Vibe: Elegance, glamour and romance befitting setting of the grounds of a mansion, castle, European villa, or botanical garden
The Dress Code: Dressy Cocktail to Black Tie Optional
What to Wear:
- Go for dressy with touch of feminine romance — a long, floral gown; breezy slip dress; long skirt and crop top
- Pumps or strappy sandals; if entire reception will take place on grass and dress code is more on the casual end of cocktail attire, heeled wedges can work (but for anything o the fancier side, I prefer to suck it up and walk on my toes to avoid the heel in grass situation)
getty
vogue.co.uk
atlantic-pacific
BACKYARD WEDDING
The Vibe: Low-key, outdoor on the grass
The Dress Code: Casual, which really means casual as far as nice occasions go but nicer than what you’d wear to say, a bbq
What to Wear:
- Sundress and flats
- Nice pants, a dressy top, and heels
- Jumpsuit and heels
harpersbazaar.com
harpersbazaar.com
elle.com
who what wear
CITY WEDDING
The Vibe: Chic urban venue — art gallery, hotel, trendy restaurant, museum
The Dress Code: Sleek cocktail attire
What to Wear:
- Chic cocktail dress and major heels
- Fancy jumpsuit and heels
damsel in dior
riches for rags
damsel in dior
luella june
VINEYARD WEDDING
The Vibe: Rustic-romantic, outdoor or tented setting
The Dress Code: Casual cocktail attire —dressier than a backyard wedding but more laid-back than an indoor cocktail attire setting
What to Wear:
- Fancier cocktail dress with flats
- Long, flowy dress and wedges or heels
- More casual cocktail dress and heels
who what wear
atlantic-pacific
atlantic-pacific
who what wear
FARM OR RANCH WEDDING
The Vibe: Rustic outdoor setting
The Dress Code: Casual-chic
What to Wear:
- Breezy maxi dress and flats or wedges
- Sundress and fancy flats, wedges, or block heel sandals
alexa chung
getty
TRADITIONAL BLACK TIE WEDDING
The Vibe: Fancy, conservative, traditional affair
The Dress Code: Fancy fancy
What to Wear:
- Long gown and heels
- Super fancy cocktail dress and major heels
atlantic-pacific
BLACK TIE OPTIONAL WEDDING
The Vibe: Dressy but not overly stuffy or traditional setting
The Dress Code: Black tie optional, dressy cocktail attire
What to Wear:
- Long gown and heels or fancy flats
- Cocktail dress on the dressier side and heels
because im addicted
the styleograph
the blonde salad
COCKTAIL ATTIRE WEDDING
The Vibe: Traditional wedding
The Dress Code: Cocktail attire
What to Wear:
- Dressy skirt and crop top with heels
- Cocktail dress with heels
- Dressy maxi dress
getty
luella & june
FESTIVE CHIC WEDDING
The Vibe: Fun, unique, untraditional setting or theme
The Dress Code: “Festive” cocktail attire. Translation: Dress that fits the setting or theme or more fun, colorful, trendy cocktail dress (not an LBD)
What to Wear:
- Dress that fits the theme or setting
- Colorful, printed, trendy or whimsical dress or jumpsuit
- Dressy, fun separates
- Not an LBD — have fun with your attire; this wedding is all about having fun
lamodellamafia.com
Instagram/@wheresmydriver
atlantic-pacific
lee oliveira
1 comment
We really love this article, would you allow us to link to it in a Facebook post for Mikko Shoes NZ next week? Thanks, Kylie