Best dressed guest: The ultimate guide to women’s wedding outfits
From church ceremonies to boho beach weddings, allow us to inspire a fabulous wedding guest outfit for any dress code
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Dig out your finest hat: wedding season is back. And it won’t just be the bride and groom putting on a show. A wedding invite represents the chance to get properly dressed up – so heed the call. This is no time, however, to give that floor-length sequinned number you bought for Christmas another outing: a good wedding guest knows to dress appropriately and to stick to the style code. Not sure what to wear to your next wedding? Here’s our essential guide to wedding outfits for every type of ceremony.
What to wear to a church wedding
The most traditional of wedding venues calls for something a little more demure – but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Opt for a mid-length dress in a summery sorbet (we shouldn’t have to tell you not to wear white) and let your accessories take your look from plain to party time.
Pair Simkhai’s pretty peridot green ruched midi dress with Mizuki’s modern take on pearls and a pair of Bottega Veneta’s must-have mules to add fashion-forward elements to a classic silhouette. The finishing touch? Cult Gaia’s pearly beaded bag to match your elegant ensemble.
What to wear to a country house wedding
While we’d never recommend outdoing the bride with a meringue of your own, the grand proportions of the average country house mean that, when it comes to choosing your wedding outfit, a little bit of volume won't go amiss. The modern way to do this is with a ruffle or two and, with its layered ruffle and ankle-grazing silhouette, Saloni has the style nailed. Balance out the deep fuchsia colour with a tonal pair of killer wedges (comfy yet ever so chic) from Versace. Play with accessories, from matchy-matchy raspberry pink earrings from Milou to a sparkly clutch from Jimmy Choo.
What to wear to a beach wedding
Unless you know a very brave couple planning their nuptials on the shores of the English Channel, a beach wedding probably means you're headed somewhere hot, sunny and fabulous – so your outfit should follow suit. The most relaxed of all wedding venues, beach wedding outfits call for something loose and longline, like this cotton floral printed dress from Aspiga. A beach wedding is also your chance to ditch the heels for a pair of party flats. With their subtle silver hardware, Longchamp's sandals add interest without going over the top. Hats should be of the wide-brimmed variety (Gucci's boater adds a touch of femininity) while jewellery should be bright and brimming with semi-precious stones. Annoushka is a brilliant place to start.
What to wear to a barn wedding
The more relaxed, boho style that tends to come with barn wedding venues makes them the perfect occasion to indulge in a little colour with your wedding outfits. Stick to a seasonal palette and feel free to play with prints and separates. We can’t imagine anything more summer-appropriate than Zimmerman's micro florals (yes, you can wear shorts to a wedding!) paired with Reiss' subtle pink ruffle blouse. Keep the theme going with unusual accessories. Sophie Buhai’s mother-of-pearl shell hair slide makes a sophisticated alternative to a hat or fascinator, while Manolo Blahnik's burnished brown suede mules can be worn long after the big day.
What to wear to a city wedding
An urban aesthetic calls for outfits which are as smart as they are modern – which means this is the place to break out your favourite tuxedo or slick and suave jumpsuit. Reiss' Salma colour block jumpsuit is fluid and formal and uber flattering, while Dolce & Gabbana's tailored trousers pair perfectly with a smart jacket, statement bag, and sky-high heels. Speaking of – Aquazurra’s tie-back pumps are classics – and Saint Laurent's conversation-starting patent leather bag is timeless. Forgo the hat (small city wedding venues can’t always accommodate them) and instead finish your look with lashings of diamonds.
