Outfit Inspire

Wedding season is here, which means one very important question – what the heck do I wear? From black-tie to backyard casual, those little dress code lines on invites can sure cause some outfit anxiety.

But have no fear! We’ve cracked the code on all those vague descriptions to take the guesswork out of wedding guest attire. Whether you’re headed to a ritzy country club soiree or a barefoot beach bash, we’ll give you the straight scoop on nailing the look.

Getting dressed up for weddings is the best! It’s an excuse to go all out with your ensemble. But you also want to make sure you’re reading the vibe right and not showing up in a sequined mermaid gown to a rustic farm fete.

That’s where we come in! Our no-nonsense guide has all the hot tips you need on dresses, accessories, hair and makeup for every single dress code. Consider us your fairy gown-mother for all those upcoming nuptials on your calendar. Let’s do this!

Black-Tie

For a super fancy black-tie wedding, you’ll want a beautiful long gown that goes all the way to the floor. Rich fabrics like silk or satin look very elegant. Dark colors like navy, burgundy or black are classic choices. You can also do a bold jewel tone like emerald green. Accessorize with sparkly jewelry like diamond studs or a statement necklace. Carry a small clutch and wear high heels. For hair and makeup, an updo or sleek hairstyle looks very formal. Go for dramatic eye makeup and a bold lip color.

Formal / Black-Tie Optional

This dress code gives you some flexibility – you can wear a long gown if you’d like, or a shorter cocktail-length dress. Darker colors are still appropriate, or you could do a pretty floral print or metallic shade. Accessorize with dressy jewelry like chandeliers or a bracelet. Carry a small purse and wear heels. Your hair can be up or down in a polished style. Makeup should be more toned down than black-tie.

Semi-Formal / Cocktail

For this in-between level of formality, a knee-length dress or separates like a blouse and skirt are perfect. Have fun with colors and prints – pastels, florals, or bright hues all work well. Add stylish accessories like statement earrings, a clutch, and dressy sandals or pumps. Wear your hair down in soft curls or a partial updo. Keep makeup fresh and glowing.

Casual

For a casual wedding, you can wear a pretty sundress or a casual maxi dress. A skirt and nice top works too. Stick to lighter, breezy fabrics and relaxed silhouettes. Accessories can be really simple – some dainty jewelry, a cute shoulder bag or clutch, and sandals or flats. Keep your hair and makeup natural and low-key. A loose beachy wave or soft makeup look is perfect.

Beach

Beach weddings call for breezy, lightweight dresses in fun, bright colors or patterns. Maxis or knee-lengths in flowing fabrics like chiffon work beautifully. Don’t forget a floppy sun hat, some oversized shades, and flat sandals you can walk in sand with. Let your hair air dry in natural waves and just add some tinted moisturizer or light makeup.

Garden Party

Channel a romantic, feminine vibe with a pretty floral dress or a ladylike skirt-and-blouse outfit. Soft pastels, tea-length hems, and delicate fabrics like lace or chiffon feel right for this dress code. Top it off with a hat or fascinator, some delicate jewelry, and block heels or dressy flats. Hairstyles can be softly curled or loosely pinned up. Keep makeup soft and fresh.

Festive

Have fun with festive dresses in bold colors, sparkles, sequins, or fun prints and patterns! Cocktail lengths or knee-lengths work perfectly for festive celebrations. Accessorize with statement jewelry, a clutch or beaded evening bag, and glitzy heels. For hair and makeup, try an updo or glam curls with a bold lip or smokey eye.

City Chic

For an upscale, modern city wedding, go for a sleek, sophisticated vibe. A chic sheath dress, a tailored jumpsuit, or elevated separates all work. Stick to a minimal color palette like black, white, or crisp neutrals. Accessorize with trendy jewelry, a sleek clutch, and strappy heeled sandals. Hairstyles should be contemporary and polished, with flawless makeup.

Country / Rustic

For a rustic or country-themed wedding, a casual lace or cotton dress is perfect. You could also pair a flowy skirt with a pretty blouse. Accessorize with some cowboy or ankle boots, simple jewelry, and a crossbody bag. For hair and makeup, soft waves or braids with natural, earthy tones work beautifully.

Boho

A flowing, printed maxi dress with bohemian flair is great for a boho wedding. Or put together a boho-chic skirt and top combo. Layer up some eclectic jewelry pieces and add a floral headband or crown. Finish the look with strappy sandals or wedges. For hair and makeup, keep it loose and wavy with a fresh, dewy base.

Winter / Holiday

Velvet dresses or jumpsuits with long sleeves give a luxe holiday vibe. You can also do a festive silk dress in a rich jewel tone. Accessorize with a cozy wrap or shawl, some sparkly jewelry, and closed-toe heeled booties. Hair should be sleek and polished, paired with bold, dramatic makeup.

Destination

For a destination wedding, you’ll want lightweight, packable dresses that can handle the location’s climate. Travel-friendly jewelry that doesn’t tangle and versatile footwear are smart choices. Keep hair and makeup lowkey and easy to maintain on-the-go.

Vintage

Fully channel a bygone era like the 20s flapper styles or 50s swing dresses for a vintage wedding theme. Source authentic vintage or reproduction jewelry, clutches and shoes to match. Hair and makeup should be retro-inspired too.

After-Party / Reception

After the ceremony, slip into something shorter and more fun for the reception’s dance floor! A flirty cocktail dress or stylish jumpsuit you can really move in works well. Add some statement earrings, grab a clutch, and put on comfy heels or flats. Hair and makeup can be a bit more dramatic and party-ready.

Daytime

For a daytime wedding, opt for light and airy dresses in pretty colors and prints that are still wedding-appropriate. You can also do a polished skirt and blouse combo. Keep accessories minimal with simple jewelry, a tote or crossbody bag, and comfortable flats or low heels. Hairstyles and makeup should be soft and natural for a fresh, daytime vibe.

Evening

Evening weddings call for more formal attire like full-length gowns or sophisticated cocktail dresses in richer colors like burgundy, navy or black. Glam it up with some statement jewelry pieces, a chic clutch, and high heels. Hair can be swept up into an elegant updo or kept sleek and polished. Makeup should be more dramatic for evening with a bold lip or smokey eye.

Lounge Suit

If the dress code is lounge suit, you’ll want to look polished and tailored. A sheath dress, pantsuit or separates in classic colors all work. Keep accessories minimalist with delicate jewelry, a structured handbag, and closed-toe pumps or dressy flats. Hairstyles should be neat and makeup clean and natural.

Outdoor / Tented

For an outdoor or tented wedding, your outfit needs to be stylish yet practical for the setting. A midi dress or dressy jumpsuit in a breathable fabric works well. Be sure to have appropriate shoes like wedges or flats in case of uneven ground. A hat, sunglasses and crossbody bag that can stand up to the elements are smart accessories. Hair and makeup should also be able to withstand any wind or humidity.