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So, you’ve been invited to a wedding. The dress code is set, and you have no idea where to start, but it’s okay — we’ve all been there. Thankfully in your case, Rolling Stone editors are here to help.
The first step in deciding what you’ll wear to their big event is determining the dress code, location, and season. Note — When deciding on color, it’s important to consider the location (both geographically and whether or not the event will be held indoors or outdoors) and the overall “theme” of the wedding.
Typically, guests can yield clues from the invitations, wedding websites, what the groomsmen or bridesmaids are wearing, the event venue or even the couples’ own interests. If still completely stumped, it never hurts to consult the couple directly, but below we’ve rounded up an extensive list of stylish dresses that are available to buy online for every dress code, temperature and wedding event theme.Just don’t forget to bring along a wedding gift!
What to Wear to a White Tie Wedding
White tie is much less commonly requested attire for most modern weddings, this dress code calls for what you’d imagine is worn at a royal wedding or diplomatic affair. Tuxedos are required and expected to include tails and a vest and should be accompanied by formal shoes, white or gray gloves, bowtie and formal shirting. Dresses should be floor length gowns that are accessorized elegantly with jewelry accompanying clutch. A shawl or dress jacket is an optional pairing for formal dresses in colder weather.
Spring
BHLDN Ruby Twist Halter Satin Gown
Halston Ginnie Mock-Neck Rosette Gown
Summer
BHLDN Blake Square-Neck Stretch Crepe Gown
Fall
BHLDN Ruby Twist Halter Satin Gown
Hutch Nalina Strapless Tiered Tulle Maxi Dress
Winter
Cult Gaia Freya Gown
Reformation Oren Silk Dress
What to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding
Black Tie is a step down from White Tie in that tuxedos do not require tails or gloves, and have the option to swap out the White Tie vest for cumme*rbunds. Dress attire remains relatively the same, however, a jacket or shawl is not necessary and less formal fabrics like silk or linen are acceptable so long as the ankles remain covered. Shorter dresses (long above ankle, midi and co*cktail) may be acceptable if fitted in more structured fabrics. If unsure, it’s best to consult the bride before making a final dress decision.Editor’s picks
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Spring
V. Chapman Veronica Corset Ruffle Side-Slit Dress
Moda Operandi Monique Lhuillier Strapless Jacquard Gown
$2,995
Buy on moda operandi
Summer
Atsu Halter Ruched Maxi Dress
Moda Operandi Anna October Elizabeth Open Back Crinkled Satin Maxi Dress
Fall
Hutch Strapless Tiered Maxi Dress
Reformation Brown Frankie Maxi Dress
Winter
Reformation Annabelle Silk Dress
Norma Kamali Turtleneck Strapless Fishtail Gown
What to Wear to a Black-tie Optional/Formal Wedding
Black Tie Optional or Formal is another step towards more casual dressing than the previous Black Tie. For suiting, tuxedos are not required however, a formal dark suit with a white dress shirt paired with a tie or bowtie, is necessary. Dresses can be swapped for pantsuits, formal jumpsuits, long dresses above the ankles or structured co*cktail dresses in formal fabrics. These are very minimal differences between the required dress attire for White Tie, Black Tie and Formal or Black Tie Optional dress codes so if unsure of if your dress is an acceptable diversion, we recommend consulting the bride for a gut check.
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Spring
Reformation Aara Silk Dress
Simkhai Acacia Printed Stretch-Satin Midi Dress
Summer
Kika Vargas NET SUSTAIN Ivy Taffeta Halterneck Midi Dress
Cult Gaia Renata Gown
Fall
Reformation Alli Silk Dress
Reformation Maribelle Dress
Winter
BEC + BRIDGE Black Ren Split Maxi Dress
Reformation Casette Silk Dress
What to Wear to a co*cktail Wedding
co*cktail: The co*cktail dress code allows for more flexibility between both dress and suit wardrobes. Floor length gowns can be swapped for ankle, midi, at- or above- the knee length dresses. Suit colors can vary more broadly than dark or formal but tie or bowtie are still required.Trending
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Spring
CECILIE BAHNSEN Valentina One-Shoulder Bow-Detailed Cotton-Poplin Dress
$1,170
Buy on net-a-porter
AllSaints Bryony Rosalia Dress
Summer
Shona Joy Mia Spliced Maxi Dress
SNDYS x REVOLVE Angel Strapless Midi Dress
Fall
Hutch Scoop-Neck Tiered Maxi Dress
Reformation Felda Midi Dress
Winter
Lioness About A Girl Maxi
What to Wear to a Semi-Formal/Casual Wedding
Semi-Formal / Casual: Semi-Formal or Casual is the broadest of all dress codes. This means that when selecting an outfit, careful attention to location, temperature and venue will be imperative to choosing clothing within the correct palette and theme. Suiting requires dress pants, dress shirt and tie. Matched or unmatched suit jackets are not required but can be worn in lieu of a tie. Dressing is variable and can include any length of less formal dress, structured jumpsuits, or elegant two piece sets. This dress code is most similar to what one might wear to attend church on a normal weekend, not during holidays.
Spring
V Chapman Lily Printed Ruched and Ruffled Stretch Midi Dress
Buy on anthropologie $170
Summer
Maeve Strapless Corset Column Midi Dress
Free People Sweet Serenade Mini Dress
Fall
Elliatt Jazz Mermaid Midi Dress
Winter
Reformation Canice Dress
Reformation Zenni Satin Dress
FAQs
Soft pastels, romantic neutrals, and vibrant jewel tones are all trending colors for wedding attire in 2024, reflecting a mix of traditional elegance and modern sophistication.
What is the best dress code for attending wedding? ›
1) Do Consider the Wedding Dress Code
- Black Tie: floor length gowns, black ties, tuxedos.
- Formal: floor length gowns, tuxedos optional, black suits acceptable.
- Semi-Formal: below the knee dresses, dress shirts, slacks.
- Casual: sundresses, collared shirts, khakis.
Black tie. For couples who opt for formal weddings, black tie attire is often the most common choice. For a refined venue, it's most appropriate for guests to wear a tuxedo or suit, or floor length gown.
Can I wear black to a wedding as a guest? ›
Since nuptials are celebratory occasions, the dark hue was labeled off-limits for attendees in the past. However, in today's modern-day age, wearing black to a wedding is completely acceptable, and in many cases, it's even encouraged.
What to wear to a summer 2024 wedding? ›
Depending on the time of the event, you'll want to dress somewhere between formal and casual for a semi-formal or co*cktail attire summer wedding. Wear darker, more formal hues for an evening soiree; opt for light colors and fabrics for daytime nuptials.
What are the in and out trends for 2024? ›
Common ins for 2024 include early bedtimes, staying hydrated and red-light therapy, while impulsive shopping, mindless phone scrolling and vaping are popular outs.
What is the best color to wear as a guest to a wedding? ›
To bring a bolder statement, go for brighter colors like magenta and coral. If you're attending a wedding in the evening, there are certain colors that can help you look your best and make an impression. If you're looking for something classic and timeless, dark colors like navy blue or black are always appropriate.
What is the safest color to wear to a wedding? ›
Some colors that are always safe to pick for any kind of wedding include:
- Mustard.
- Sage green.
- Navy.
- Lavender.
- Burgundry.
- Eggplant.
- Wine red/purple.
- Mauve.
Women wedding guests should wear full-length dresses, be it a ballgown, a sheath or an A-line dress. High heels are strongly recommended. Feel free to accessorize with opulent jewelry and even elbow-length white silk gloves.
What is the elegant dress code for ladies? ›
A midi or mini party dress styled with heeled sandals, a clutch bag can create an elegant look. If the occasion is slightly more formal, a long party dress would be appropriate too paired with silver or gold jewellery.
Men should wear a tuxedo with a black bow tie, preferably, or a black tie. A black vest or cumme*rbund is acceptable. Women should choose a formal floor-length gown – any color except white is fine.
What color are most wedding dresses? ›
It is very traditional for brides to wear white on their wedding day. When you start looking at wedding dresses online or at a bridal shop, you will see wedding dresses labeled with many different color names, from white to ivory to off-white to diamond white to cream and many color names and shades in between.
How much money should you give at a wedding? ›
They suggest the following breakdown: coworkers or distant relatives should spend 50 to 75 dollars. Friends or relatives, 75 to 100 dollars. For close friends, family members, or if you're in the wedding party, you should spend 100 to 150 dollars—or more.
What does it mean to wear red to a wedding? ›
"Tradition dictates guests avoid wearing red out of fear that it could take attention away from the happy couple,” explains Hurwitz. “Visually, it's quite bold. In a photo, your eye is immediately drawn to the color, especially if it's next to neutrals like white, black, gray, or beige.”
Can I wear red to a wedding? ›
Summary. To answer the main question of the article, yes you can wear red to a wedding in most circ*mstances. However, in some situations you may want to check with the marrying couple that red is acceptable to wear as a guest and it won't go against their culture or distract from their big day.
What to wear to a wedding in 2024 for women's? ›
If it's a winter wedding, go for a slinky gown or maybe even a velvety material. If it's spring, it's time to embrace the florals and any fun print you can think of. For the summer-time, avoid the sweat stains and think lightweight fabrics! Truly, chiffon, cotton, and linen will be your best friend.
What is the color of the year for a wedding in 2024? ›
Say hello to Pantone's 2024 Wedding Colour of the Year: Peach Fuzz! Radiating warmth and embracing coziness, Peach Fuzz emerges as a velvety and gentle shade between the delicate realms of pink and orange.
What is the color for a summer wedding in 2024? ›
Airy, cool tones like lilac, periwinkle and lavender are bringing a breath of fresh air for 2024. These delicate hues naturally blend with other pastels for spring and summer wedding palettes, but for fall and winter weddings, you can add depth and contrast by using dark blue, emerald or black accent colors.
What to wear to a wedding in May 2024? ›
Formal Spring Wedding Attire
Unless the wedding specifies black-tie attire (in which case you should opt for black or a similar dark shade) feel free to experiment with bright, springtime colors like pink, yellow or green for your next formal spring wedding.
