The summer wedding season is here.
Still don’t know what to wear?
Get inspired by WYSE London with our
guide to wedding guest dresses and outfits.
The summer wedding season is here.
Still don’t know what to wear?
Get inspired by WYSE London with our
guide to wedding guest dresses and outfits.
Weddings are back with a bang! After two years of postponements and cancellations, our diaries our now filled with celebrations. So, onto our biggest dilemma, what to wear? Whether we’re talking black tie or beach wedding, garden party or city nuptials, each comes with its own subtle dress code. And while our general attitude to clothes is wanting to look stylish but effortless, this is a moment when low-key doesn’t ever really cut it. So, here’s our guide to being elegant, chic and always appropriate for the invitation in hand.
Wedding Guest Dress Ideas
What do we usually pull out of our wardrobes for a wedding? Why a dress of course! An all-in-one outfit, dresses really do have the power to make you feel instantly pulled together, plus there’s the perfect one for every occasion – and that’s just here at Wyse.
The black tie wedding
A dressy union calls for a knockout dress, and while a formal evening gown is no longer essential, we believe the secret to feeling extra special is the fabric. Choose a dress in silk or satin viscose, or even gold lame, which skim your shape and swish beautifully when you move. Length is important too – a dress which is midi length or longer is an elegant choice for a more formal affair (always wear with heels!). We happen to think a more covered up shape is sophisticated too – look for elbow length sleeves and higher necklines, then add drama, with striking earrings or a flash of red lipstick. Finally, a black-tie wedding allows a darker dress shade too. Can you wear black to a wedding? If the invite says black tie, we say yes. But also, navy, dark green and deep red are incredibly chic alternatives.
Wedding Guest Dress Ideas
What do we usually pull out of our wardrobes for a wedding? Why a dress of course! An all-in-one outfit, dresses really do have the power to make you feel instantly pulled together, plus there’s the perfect one for every occasion – and that’s just here at Wyse.
The black tie wedding
A dressy union calls for a knockout dress, and while a formal evening gown is no longer essential, we believe the secret to feeling extra special is the fabric. Choose a dress in silk or satin viscose, or even gold lame, which skim your shape and swish beautifully when you move. Length is important too – a dress which is midi length or longer is an elegant choice for a more formal affair (always wear with heels!). We happen to think a more covered up shape is sophisticated too – look for elbow length sleeves and higher necklines, then add drama, with striking earrings or a flash of red lipstick. Finally, a black-tie wedding allows a darker dress shade too. Can you wear black to a wedding? If the invite says black tie, we say yes. But also, navy, dark green and deep red are incredibly chic alternatives.
Wedding Guest Dress Ideas
What do we usually pull out of our wardrobes for a wedding? Why a dress of course! An all-in-one outfit, dresses really do have the power to make you feel instantly pulled together, plus there’s the perfect one for every occasion – and that’s just here at Wyse.
The black tie wedding
A dressy union calls for a knockout dress, and while a formal evening gown is no longer essential, we believe the secret to feeling extra special is the fabric. Choose a dress in silk or satin viscose, or even gold lame, which skim your shape and swish beautifully when you move. Length is important too – a dress which is midi length or longer is an elegant choice for a more formal affair (always wear with heels!). We happen to think a more covered up shape is sophisticated too – look for elbow length sleeves and higher necklines, then add drama, with striking earrings or a flash of red lipstick. Finally, a black-tie wedding allows a darker dress shade too. Can you wear black to a wedding? If the invite says black tie, we say yes. But also, navy, dark green and deep red are incredibly chic alternatives.
The beach wedding
A barefoot bash definitely allows for a more casual dress. The bohemian nature of this celebration means you can show a little more skin and be a little less structured. Nevertheless, to stay chic, we suggest playing with proportions - a maxi dress with straps or short sleeves (less on top, more on the bottom) is the perfect choice. A cotton dress is both gorgeous and will keep you cool and the bright hues of the sand and sea call for colour so be bold and choose a dress in a striking shade or with a playful print. The best shoe choice for the beach is by far a flat sandal (it also feels right with a maxi dress) and if the sand’s between your toes, no shoes at all. And a huge straw hat looks fabulous and stops shoulders from getting sunburnt too.
The country wedding
From countryside hotels to back garden marquees, a wedding surrounded by green fields and charming flora feels quintessentially British. Call us a cliché but we believe then, there can be no better thing to wear to a country wedding than a floral dress. Make that your starting point and then go with what feels good. Do you love big bold flowers or prefer a small ditsy print? Are you more into colours or a muted palette of blooms? Happiest in a midi length dress or like something longer? To show off your arms or keep them covered? At Wyse, we naturally gravitate to elbow length sleeves and midi skirts as they are universally the most flattering – for the same reason we love a cinched waist. Bear in mind also that a religious ceremony usually requires covered shoulders. Finally for a wedding on grass, a chunky heel is essential – our wooden sandals are the perfect thing for standing in fields all day and hitting the dance floor all evening.
The city wedding
A very modern celebration calls for the most fashion forward of outfits. The urban setting of these nuptials suggest a more tailored dress – figure skimming, a neater shape and a more polished look. A classic cut – knee length or midi - in a more sophisticated print is in order too. We love a leopard print, or even a solid colour block dress worn with contrasting accessories. At a city wedding, black is not off limits – paired with monochrome accessories, it feels fresh and modern. A very simple dress can be instantly elevated with a great pair of heels, a clutch bag and even a chic little hat.
Dress Alternatives: Summer Wedding Outfit Ideas
While we adore a dress for every occasion, a wedding is a chance to try something a little different too. Top of our list is a tux. It has a borrowed-from-the-boys style, but in a more feminine, streamline cut. Wear ankle-length tux trousers with a camisole, silk shirt or statement blouse and add a matching blazer for extra polish. It looks fabulous with heels, but also statement flats or sandals. Crepe wide-leg trousers are another chic alternative paired with a silk shirt – very Katherine Hepburn. Lastly a great skirt is your secret weapon. Worn with a tee, it’s an everyday staple, but throw on a satin blouse or fine cashmere knit and your best high heels and it’s a wedding gamechanger. Look out for one with elevated details – a stiff satin fabric to give volume, a printed silk, a lurex waistband, even a gold lame.
Dress Alternatives: Summer Wedding Outfit Ideas
While we adore a dress for every occasion, a wedding is a chance to try something a little different too. Top of our list is a tux. It has a borrowed-from-the-boys style, but in a more feminine, streamline cut. Wear ankle-length tux trousers with a camisole, silk shirt or statement blouse and add a matching blazer for extra polish. It looks fabulous with heels, but also statement flats or sandals. Crepe wide-leg trousers are another chic alternative paired with a silk shirt – very Katherine Hepburn. Lastly a great skirt is your secret weapon. Worn with a tee, it’s an everyday staple, but throw on a satin blouse or fine cashmere knit and your best high heels and it’s a wedding gamechanger. Look out for one with elevated details – a stiff satin fabric to give volume, a printed silk, a lurex waistband, even a gold lame.
What To Wear Over A Dress To A Wedding
In a dream world, you wouldn’t need to wear anything over your wedding outfit, but this in Britain and we all know the nights get chilly and you can never predict the weather. Plus, the right cover-up can enhance an outfit too. Our first, most timeless pick would be a blazer or tux jacket. Worn draped over your shoulders, it brings polish to the most simple of dresses (just like you’ve borrowed your partner’s suit jacket) and is an especially perfect choice for a more upscale affair. A cardigan never goes out of style either. We’d always opt for cashmere for bringing a little luxe to an outfit and a knit with a lurex thread adds something special too. Finally, have you considered a crochet bomber? With all the neatness of a jacket, but the warmth of a cardigan, it’s an unexpected choice that feels both pulled together and a bit unusual. Add a belt over the top to cinch the waist for extra polish.
Dress Alternatives: Summer Wedding Outfit Ideas
While we adore a dress for every occasion, a wedding is a chance to try something a little different too. Top of our list is a tux. It has a borrowed-from-the-boys style, but in a more feminine, streamline cut. Wear ankle-length tux trousers with a camisole, silk shirt or statement blouse and add a matching blazer for extra polish. It looks fabulous with heels, but also statement flats or sandals. Crepe wide-leg trousers are another chic alternative paired with a silk shirt – very Katherine Hepburn. Lastly a great skirt is your secret weapon. Worn with a tee, it’s an everyday staple, but throw on a satin blouse or fine cashmere knit and your best high heels and it’s a wedding gamechanger. Look out for one with elevated details – a stiff satin fabric to give volume, a printed silk, a lurex waistband, even a gold lame.
What To Wear Over A Dress To A Wedding
In a dream world, you wouldn’t need to wear anything over your wedding outfit, but this in Britain and we all know the nights get chilly and you can never predict the weather. Plus, the right cover-up can enhance an outfit too. Our first, most timeless pick would be a blazer or tux jacket. Worn draped over your shoulders, it brings polish to the most simple of dresses (just like you’ve borrowed your partner’s suit jacket) and is an especially perfect choice for a more upscale affair. A cardigan never goes out of style either. We’d always opt for cashmere for bringing a little luxe to an outfit and a knit with a lurex thread adds something special too. Finally, have you considered a crochet bomber? With all the neatness of a jacket, but the warmth of a cardigan, it’s an unexpected choice that feels both pulled together and a bit unusual. Add a belt over the top to cinch the waist for extra polish.
The Dos and Don’ts
Of Wedding Guest Outfits
1
Don’t wear white
Yes, it’s the oldest rule – but unlike black, it still stands. Save head-to-toe white for the bride. A dress with a white base colour and another print or pattern is okay, but unless the invite specifically calls for it, stay clear of this shade.
2
Do dress for your destination
Have fun with the dress code and embrace the elements of the venue. We’re all for being demure and laid-back on every other day, but at a wedding everyone will appreciate the effort made. Be playful, especially with your accessories – a showstopper hat, a huge flower on your lapel a la Carrie Bradshaw, glittery shoes, a fan, scarlet lips, giant shades. Keep everything else simple and choose one accessory to stand out.
3
Don’t wear denim
No jeans, no denim jackets, not even a denim dress. Even at the most casual of parties, denim still feels, well, too casual.
Get Styled By WYSE
Still feeling stuck? Our Wyse stylists are on hand to help. Our stylists are always available on line through email or via their IG accounts to offer help with sizing or any other questions you may have.