What Not to Wear to a Wedding This Summer

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What Not to Wear to a Wedding This Summer

Wedding season is upon us! From now through fall, expect your weekends to book up fast with all of the endless Save the Dates.

And, if you’re anything like the rest of society, you’ll be wondering what (or what not) to wear!

Don’t fret just yet! Finding something to wear to a wedding is easier than you think. Use our list to determine what not to wear to each wedding and nail down a few go-to looks for each special day.

Outdoor summer wedding with sparklers at night

What not to wear: all black

All black is usually a no-go when it comes to wedding attire. With that said, it can be done if you search for on-trend styles. So, if you’re set on black, then you’ll have to make sure the dress is fun and light!

Instead, we suggest trying a few fun prints!
If you want a black mini or maxi dress, see if you can get one with unique patterns like florals. For guys, try black button-ups with summer-themed ties and khaki or linen pants!

A wedding guest posing for a picture in floral black dress

What not to wear: shorts or denim

Yes, we know you love your favorite pair of jeans and that hipster denim button-up, but weddings are not the time to show off your favorite casual pieces. As a rule of thumb, even the most casual ceremonies shouldn’t include jeans, folks, which is why denim stays high on our list of what not to wear to a wedding (for guys and girls!)

Instead, go for linens and flowy dresses!

  • Guys: Linens are an appropriate replacement for denim shorts and they’re even more breathable to last through your hottest weddings this summer.
  • Ladies: There are endless options of flowy dresses out there that are appropriate and stylish to wear to a wedding — check out the looks below!

Girl standing on the beach in a flowy dress

A woman posing in a pink flowy dress

What not to wear: white OR cream

You look stunning in that white summer dress, but a wedding is not the best place to show it off. And guys, be careful about choosing to wear a white button-up!

There are a few cases where you can get away with wearing white, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Off-white colors like cream and nude can also be tricky as well since wedding dresses come in all shades of white. Much like our suggestions for black dresses, there are ways to wear your favorite lighter looks without matching the bride!

Instead, search for floral dresses and shirts!
If your dress or button-up has a base of white, cream, or nude, but is covered in modern florals you’ll steer your look away from plain white and be rocking a major trend right now!

Two women in floral dresses in a wooded area

What not to wear: Tee shirts or tee-shirt dresses

Some dresses are simply too casual for a wedding. And unfortunately, t-shirt dresses, like t-shirts, just won’t be enough for your upcoming weddings.

This is your chance to go bold with upscale looks you wouldn’t wear on a daily basis! So, if you’re asking yourself, “can I wear a shirt dress to a wedding?” Follow that up with “would I wear this on a normal day?”

If the answer is yes, be sure to pass on that option and shop for something fun and new — after all, who doesn’t love a good shopping spree for an exciting occasion?

Ditch the tee shirts and t-shirt dresses and look for slick button-ups or chic maxi dresses!

Couple dressed for an outdoor wedding

What not to wear: Anything with holes or rips

Steer clear of any attire with holes in them, intentional or not! Rips and holes are too immature for this monumental event, no matter the crowd.

Instead, try dresses with appropriate slits or shirts with a few buttons casually undone!

Skip rips or distressed material and find a dress with a classy slit or an open back! Guys, don’t be afraid to let loose, especially when it comes time to start dancing! Loosen your tie or undo a button or two to get more air and stay comfortable for the night-long event.

The Right Wedding Outfits Don’t Have to Break Your Summer Budget

Don’t fret about breaking your bank before summer has even come to a close. We promise you don’t have to overspend to find a chic dress or stylish outfit to dance the night away at your upcoming weddings. You just have to know what to look for and where you can get it!

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