“Wait, What Do I Wear?!” A Fun Guide to Wedding Guest Dress Codes
Let’s deep dive into your closet
Weddings are full of joy, love, and... dress code confusion. If you’ve ever received a wedding invitation and immediately googled “what is cocktail attire?” or stood frozen in your closet muttering “do florals count as semi-formal?”—you’re not alone.
Fear not, fabulous wedding guest! We’re here to break down those mysterious dress code terms so you can confidently show up dressed to impress (without upstaging the couple, of course).
White Tie: AKA The Oscars Vibes
This is the fanciest of the fancy. Think royal wedding or Bridgerton ball.
Ladies: Floor-length gown, elegant updo, maybe even opera gloves if you’re feeling dramatic.
Gents: Black tailcoat, white bow tie, and yes, gloves. Time to channel your inner Mr. Darcy.
Black Tie: Formal but Make It Fun
You’re going glam, but not palace-level glam.
Ladies: Floor-length gown or a chic, formal cocktail dress. Heels and sparkle encouraged.
Gents: Tuxedo required. Black bow tie, polished shoes. James Bond would approve.
Cocktail Attire: Sleek & Social
This one is super common—and a little more flexible.
Ladies: Cocktail dress, midi dress, or a classy jumpsuit. Bring on the bold colors and prints!
Gents: Dark suit and tie. No tux needed, but no sneakers either.
Semi-Formal / Dressy Casual: Cute but Classy
Somewhere between casual and formal—like brunch’s more elegant cousin.
Ladies: A knee-length dress, skirt and blouse combo, or stylish jumpsuit.
Gents: Slacks and a button-down or blazer. Tie optional, confidence required.
Casual: Not That Casual
Warning: “Casual” does not mean flip-flops and gym shorts. This is still a wedding!
Ladies: Sundress, maxi dress, or a nice blouse with a skirt or slacks.
Gents: Khakis or dress pants with a polo or button-down. No baseball caps, please.
Themed / Destination Weddings: Let the Vibe Guide You
Whether it’s a beach bash, a backyard BBQ, or a barn wedding—dress for the setting and the season.
Beach: Flowy dresses, linen shirts, and flat shoes you won’t sink in.
Backyard: Cute and comfy—but still polished. Think picnic-chic.
Barn: Boots welcome, but leave the dusty jeans at home. Embrace rustic glam.
Final Tips for Fashion Success:
Avoid white. Unless specifically told otherwise, leave the white to the one wearing the veil.
Check the invite. It’s basically a fashion treasure map.
Dress for the weather. If it’s outdoors in August... skip the velvet blazer.
When in doubt, overdress. It’s always better to be the best-dressed guest than the one who looks like they wandered in from the grocery store.
So, next time you see “festive formal” or “garden chic” on an invite, don’t panic. Just channel your inner style icon, have fun with it, and remember: you’re there to celebrate love—and maybe score a slice of cake.
Happy wedding season, you style star!
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