Tips: Wedding Attire

Do you find yourself struggling on what dress to wear to all of your friend’s and families weddings this year?  The best way to choose an outfit is to always consider:

The Weather and Season

The Venue

The Invitation 

The invites will sometimes be the indicator whether the wedding is black tie attire, semi-formal, beach formal, or casual.  Now the question lies…what are the boundaries of all these dress codes?!  Let’s look into these a little more:

Black Tie

Black Tie attire would be the same expectation as “formal” attire.  This attire would fit tuxedos for men and evening gowns (usually floor length) for women.  Nothing is too dressy for the occasion with this dress code! If you do not own a tux or full evening gown, you could usually opt into wearing a dark suit and tie for men, and appropriate cocktail dresses for the ladies.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Who wears formal attire better than the one and only, Kate Middleton?!

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Semi-Formal

Semi-formal is another word for cocktail attire.  This could be cocktail dresses, dress pants and blouse for women, and a nice suit and tie for men.  The suit does not need to be black, but navy, gray or khaki could work for this dress code.  You do have more freedom to wear a dress of choice, whether it is a high low, a dramatic drop back,  or a modest knee length dress.   For women, please have respect for the bride and stay away from whites and ivory colors, although darker hues of nudes and champagne colors are starting to present themselves more in wedding fashion.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: Ralph Lauren

Beach Formal 

For a beach wedding with a formal attire, you still are looking to dress to impress.  However, you will need to prepare for the elements that come with a beach wedding, such as sand, water, sun and possible wind.  Anything that you may wear to a nice restaurant during the summer months could be fitting.  Men, a summer suit with sandals (pack dress shoes in case) would fit nicely with the beach environment.  For women, chiffon dresses will keep you cool and beautiful! You can go for either full length or knee length dresses.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Casual 

Many people get confused on the word “casual” for weddings.  If you are attending a casual wedding, men can opt out of wearing suits for a khaki pant and button down dress shirt, and women, the choice is all yours!  Cotton maxi dresses with a cardigan, sun dresses, or wearing separates such as a blouse and pencil skirt during the winter and fall months would be perfect.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: Photo Credit

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Whatever you do… Do Not ever wear jeans or any type of denim to anyone’s wedding!  Of course, if they have this on their invite for a dress code, all bets are off!

If you still find yourself still contemplating on what sort of attire to wear to the wedding, ask your friends and family attending the wedding for their advice!

Happy Styling 🙂