In those seasons of life when the wedding invitations start to pile up, our excitement for the loved-up happy couple and awe at the power of love can start to wane when we find ourselves lost in a sea of different dress codes, frantically googling what to wear to a wedding???
Fear not! Team Runaway has put together the ultimate guide to nailing wedding attire, from common wedding dress codes to less traditional modern weddings.
With these tips and tricks, you won't just be celebrating a union between cherished loved ones but how downright gorgeous you look, no matter the dress code or time of day! Let's dive in.
Table of Contents
- What to Wear to a Summer Wedding
- What to Wear to a Beach Wedding
- What to Wear to a Winter Wedding
- What to Wear to a Formal Wedding
- What to Wear to a Cocktail Wedding
- What to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding
- What to Wear to a Garden Wedding
- What to Wear to a Casual Wedding
What to Wear to a Summer Wedding
Summer weddings, and especially outdoor weddings, call for vibrant colours and breathable, light fabrics. Embrace these sun-soaked celebrations in sleeveless, strapless or backless dresses that will help you stay cool. Materials like linen, cotton, and silk are all great go-tos. If dresses and skirts are a hard no - a chic pair of dress shorts with a matching vest or a breezy two-piece set with a pair of flares or wide palazzo dress pants could be a super cute option.
If you're celebrating the happy couple at a destination wedding in a tropical or seaside location, lean into those summer vacay goddess vibes and rock a beach dress in a bright, eye-catching print - ideal sunset photo op attire!
Strappy heels or sandals are a no-brainer here. And don't forget a pair of glam oversized sunnies to shield yourself from the sun's rays.
What to Wear to a Beach Wedding
Assuming this seaside soiree is also a summer affair, we're going to want to stick to lightweight, breathable fabrics and prepare for those unpredictable elements that we all know and love - sun, sand, and sea.
Opt for flowy maxi dresses, chic, tailored jumpsuits or even a fun matching set. Strike a balance between stylish and sun-smart with a wide-brimmed hat, a stylish pair of sunnies, and a minibag with enough room for touch-up essentials and, of course, your SPF! Sandals or pumps are also a must. Regardless of how much you love your stilettos, you don't want to be hobbling through the sand for the entire afternoon before the champagne has even gone around!
What to Wear to a Winter Wedding
Gone are the days of sacrificing warmth for the sake of looking hot - it's entirely possible to find pieces that can offer the best of both worlds and strike a balance between elegance and warmth!
Think layers of sophistication: a sleek, form-fitting midi dress paired with a tailored coat can work wonders.
Rich, deep colours like burgundy, emerald, and navy add a touch of seasonal flair, while fabrics like wool, velvet, and heavy silk keep the chill at bay. Don't shy away from a chic pair of boots, opaque tights, and statement jewellery that adds some much-needed glamour and femininity to a layered-up look.
What to Wear to a Formal Wedding
Not as strict as black tie but fancier than cocktail, a formal dress code offers the flexibility to pick an outfit that hits that sweet spot. You can go for anything ranging from a cocktail dress to a full-length gown and still be occasion-appropriate.
It's important to note that you don't have to limit yourself to only wearing dresses for formal event attire - a flattering jumpsuit or pantsuit can be totally stunning, too. Rock a blazer and pant combo for an effortlessly cool vibe. To feminise the silhouette, opt for a corset or bustier underneath for that peekaboo wow factor. Or, make an impact in a tailored body suit or romper - there are endless options.
Top off your look with an on-trend shoe and bag combo, and keep it simple with understated, classy jewellery. If you're unsure, lean towards the minimal side - think subtle gold or silver pieces that add a bit of shine without stealing the show.
What to Wear to a Cocktail Wedding
Cocktail attire strikes the perfect balance between formal and casual, offering you a little bit more leeway for experimentation with styles and trends. Aim for dresses that hit just above or below the knee, and consider fun prints or interesting textures like ruching or shirring that will elevate a simple mini-dress silhouette.
Accessories are your allies here; try a statement pair of earrings, making sure you match your metals to your colour story, and add a mini shoulder bag for a runway-ready look.
What to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding
When you see black tie on a wedding invitation, you'll know it's time to get glam. Black tie weddings are the epitome of elegance - think floor-length gowns and sophisticated midi dresses in showstopping silhouettes.
For a black tie event, choose luxurious fabrics like silk or satin that flatter in all the right places, and craft your colour palette by taking stock of the tones that truly make your complexion glow. This is your chance to showcase your finest jewellery, sleekest heels, and most luxe purse or clutch.
We love an excuse to look expensive - and you don't have to blow out your budget to do so! It's all in the details.
What to Wear to a Garden Wedding
Garden weddings epitomise all things enchanting and whimsical, and these settings call for outfits that reflect that romantic ambience.
Floral prints, lightweight fabrics, and soft pastel colours will have you looking the part. Lean into soft, feminine silhouettes like puff sleeves and prairie skirts for an angelic vibe that will have you looking like you just stepped off the set of Bridgerton.
If you feel confident in a more clean-cut look, opt for structured tailoring in lighter colours and floral prints, large or small, for a subtle nod to the theme that rings true to your style.
Comfortable footwear will be ideal for navigating grassy terrains and gravel paths at an outdoor wedding - especially after a few cocktails! Opt for a block heel or strappy leather sandals. A touch of fine jewellery will complete your look.
What to Wear to a Casual Wedding
Casual weddings held in low-key venues like restaurants and backyards are becoming increasingly popular - and for good reason! The intimate nature of these celebrations can make for a truly unforgettable wedding ceremony.
It can, however, be a little challenging to gauge how casual you should go while still looking wedding-appropriate.
It's usually better to be slightly overdressed than under-dressed, even with a casual dress code, so stick to a silhouette elevated above the everyday, like a midi dress, maxi dress, or pantsuit. That understated effortlessness comes into play when you choose fabrics like linen or cotton over satin or silk. Echo the pared-back ethos in your accessories, opting for a sleek minimalist handbag or clutch over glitter and high-shine hardware.
Heel-haters rejoice - there's no better time to opt for a cute pair of flats or strappy sandals than a casual wedding. Save the pain for a more high-octane evening event!
Celebrate Love in Style, No Matter the Dress Code
It's our hope that after reading through these handy styling tips and tricks, you've taken a deep breath and realised that deciding what to wear to a wedding as a guest doesn't have to be overwhelming.
With a few fundamental styling principles in mind, you can confidently celebrate your loved ones' special day - regardless of the level of formality of the dress code, the time of day or the location of the event. At the end of the day, you want to feel comfortable and confident in your outfit, but moreover, honour the theme chosen by the couple of the hour for their wedding day.
Runaway the Label is your go-to destination for an array of wedding guest dresses and options tailored for every type of wedding.
Ready to get ahead of wedding season and start shopping? Explore Runaway the Label's current collection today and shop the latest trends and styles - suitable for any wedding guest dress code.