Summer is almost here, which means wedding season is upon us! The only thing more exciting than watching loved ones tie the knot is shopping for your perfect wedding outfit! Okay, okay, we’re kidding … sort of.

In all seriousness, with so many different dress codes and expectations, interpreting your wedding invitation can be tricky. What attire should you choose? Do you go formal, semi-formal, casual, or the just-rolled-out-of-bed look? That’s just a joke. Don’t do that. 

So, what do you wear to a wedding as a guest? If you’re at all concerned about decoding the dresspectations, we have good news – we’re here to help! Check out our suggestions below to get an idea of what each dress code entails.

The Black Tie Dress Code

Black tie is the “traditional” dress code for weddings. If you close your eyes and picture a fancy wedding, that’s exactly what “black tie” attire should look like.

For men, a tuxedo is a safe bet, although any black, charcoal, or navy suit will work just as well. Contrary to its name, you don’t literally have to wear a black tie. Generally, any nice bowtie should fit the bill. In terms of shoes, you’ll want to find something dark-colored and dressy (and something capable of withstanding your patented move on the dance floor). Altogether, this makes for a very formal, albeit somewhat limited, look.

For women, black tie weddings present a rare opportunity to wear a long, ornate evening gown, making for a graceful, traditional look. You can also get away with a fancy cocktail dress, or even an elegant suit. No matter what sort of garment you choose to wear, it should be accompanied by your fanciest jewelry.

Of course, before you head out the door, you may want to check yourself in the mirror to make sure you’re not upstaging the bride. No matter how dazzling your outfit is, taking attention away from the bride is a serious fashion faux pas.

 

Formal/Black Tie Optional Wedding Attire

Generally, “formal” and “black tie optional” dress codes have similar expectations. You’ll still want to look proper, but you’re not restricted to such a traditional approach.

Men can swap out their bow ties for regular neckties, and experiment with a less restrictive color palette. Feel free to play around with lightly colored suits or shoes, giving your outfit a bit of a modern twist. 

Women can wear slightly more revealing dresses, with hemlines as high as tea length, or instead opt for an elegant skirt and blouse combination. As is the case for men, formal and black-tie optional wedding attire is less restrictive than black-tie attire.

There is one major difference between formal and black tie optional dress codes, however. Formal dress codes have everybody wearing similar attire, while black tie optional dress codes encourage guests to go above and beyond — giving them the option to go full-on black tie.

 

The Beach Formal Dress Code

As the name suggests, this dress code says “dress to impress” while taking the weather into consideration. 

Men have the option of wearing a summer suit with linen or khaki pants and a button-down shirt. Believe it or not, sandals are even appropriate — but you may want to get a pedicure before unveiling your feet. 

Women can opt for a colorful sundress — whether it’s knee length or longer. More breathable, revealing footwear is acceptable (and even expected). Feel free to complete this look with a sun hat, which is often as adorable as it is practical. 

The New Norm – Semi-Formal

These days, if the wedding invitation doesn’t specify the dress code, you should assume “semi-formal.” This is a great mix of comfort and style, which is probably why it’s gotten so popular over the years!

Men can ditch the suit jacket and instead wear some nice pants with a button-down shirt. The best news? You don’t even have to wear a tie! Boy, we’ve come a long way.

Women can finally wear more casual pants or leggings if they want, but can still choose informal dresses or skirts if desired. Hemlines are once again less restrictive here, so feel free to go above the knee (gasp!). 

Casual Wedding Attire for Guests

If your wedding invitation says “casual,” it’s time to party! 

Okay, casual wedding attire for guests really can be weird —  we’ve all been to weddings where guests took it too far. We’re talking band t-shirts, cut-off sleeves, and basketball shorts. However, we simply can’t encourage this! Remember, it’s still a wedding, after all.

Instead, let’s make “casual” a good thing! Men can still wear dress pants, or perhaps khakis, with a polo or an untucked button-down shirt. Sweaters or sports jackets can add a nice touch, as well!

Women can pick out something both stylish and comfortable, as well! Any sort of casual dress makes a great choice, paired with your favorite fashionable footwear. Sweaters, sweater dresses, skirts, jumpsuits, and rompers can all make a positive impression without looking too formal. So, put on something that you feel good about, and enjoy Uncle Eddy sitting in the second row with his frayed denim jacket.

Wrapping Up

By now, we hope you feel a little more confident about what you should wear to a wedding as a guest! If you still need a little extra clarification in interpreting your wedding invitation, you can reach out to those closest to the bride and groom. Once you’re ready to find your next wedding outfit, be sure to head to your local Turn Style for even more inspiration! You’ll find tons of unique, stylish items that you won’t find anywhere else. 

To check out some of the fashion styles mentioned above, check out our Pinterest boards for Men’s Apparel and Women’s Apparel.