May I Recommend: A Wedding Guest Outfit When the Dress Code is Unclear

by Stig / 4 Comments
what to wear to a wedding when you don't know the dress code

Wedding season is upon us! Are you one of those people who has 10 weddings every summer to go to? If so, how the hell do you know so many people? Just curious.

ALSO, I know it can be a bit tricky to find a good wedding guest outfit, especially if you’re not super clear on what the dress code is. Either the invite didn’t specify, or you’re having a hard time picking up the mood of the event – confusion can happen. If it’s a day wedding, should you go with a sundress, or is that too informal? If it’s a night wedding, but it’s summer, is a maxi dress ok, or is a gown better? What if you have multiple weddings and don’t want to buy a new outfit for each one?

what to wear to a wedding when you don't know the dress code
Dress: Alice McCall | Bag: Kooreloo

There are many ways to tackle these questions, and I think I found a way to address all of them with a simple wardrobe investment – a fancy, well-fitted maxi dress in an informal, but structured, fabric. A quase-gown, one would say – nicer than a regular jersey maxi dress, more casual than an all-out ballgown. Dress it down with flats, up with heels, do whatever moves you with accessories, and you’ll strike a balance that can fit in in most levels of formality. Promise.

I say that knowing full well that I dress up to go to Trader Joe’s (one bell for stilettos, two for wedges, and three for over-the-knee boots, am I right?). But I’m sticking by this one.

what to wear to a wedding when you don't know the dress code
An over the shoulder bag dresses everything down a notch.

This post was inspired by this AMAZING Alice McCall dress that I am in love with. It made an appearance in our last Sister Vlog, if you remember that from a few weeks back. It fits like a GLOVE.

what to wear to a wedding when you don't know the dress code
You could put your hair half-up to make it more casual, or in a sleek, low bun for a more streamlined look. There’s a lot of leeway here.
what to wear to a wedding when you don't know the dress code
what to wear to a wedding when you don't know the dress code
This dress is a cotton blend – so despite the formal shape, it has a very beachy, relaxed vibe. At a nighttime wedding, you wouldn’t know the difference. So if you had a few weddings to go to and didn’t mind wearing the same thing to more than one, a piece like this would be a good investment!

Done with hammy pics – on to the nitty gritty!

If you’re going to a wedding and the dress code is hazy, keep these things in mind:

  1. Perfect fit: I don’t often use the word perfect, so when I do, I really mean it. If it doesn’t fit your body and the way you move, it’s a hard pass.
  2. Architectural details: this will elevate point number 3.
  3. Informal fabric: thick, high-quality cotton is a great option. You could even do a silk if it’s not too heavy or shiny. It’s all about balance!
  4. Get yourself a bag that has a removable strap, so you can choose to use it either as a clutch (more formal) or a shoulder bag (less formal).
  5. Strappy heels in black or nude go with everything. If you’re walking on grass, that is code for “wear wedges.”

And as with everything, your accessories will give your outfit some context. Go with more intense jewelry and makeup for a fancy wedding, and the opposite for an informal one.

Want options? Here you go:

what to wear to a wedding when you don't know the dress code
Foxiedox
Free People
Free People
Self Portait
Show Me Your Mumu
Cédric Charlier
Alice McCall (technically a midi dress, but whatevs. It would still work!)

Do you have any wedding tips?

Oh! And happy Monday.

love,

Stig