A formal wedding guest dress should be elegant and beautiful without upstaging the bride. You also want to ensure that you don’t make a fashion faux pas that could cause a distraction or embarrassment for other guests.
The dress code listed on the invitation will give you insight into what attire is appropriate for that event. But other factors should also be considered, such as the season and location.
Make Sure It’s Formal
If you have an upcoming wedding event, shop for formal wedding guest dresses. The type of dress you choose should depend on a few factors, including the season, where the wedding will take place and the dress code.
For example, if the event is in winter, consider choosing a long dress that can be topped off with a shawl for the chilly evening hours. For summer weddings, select something that (tastefully) shows a bit of skin. You should also ensure the dress is formal enough for casual or black-tie weddings.
Men should wear a dark suit for a black-tie wedding, and women should choose a dress that reaches the floor. Likewise, guests should stick to cocktail dresses and suits for men for semi-formal events. It is always best to follow the dress code indicated on the wedding invitation.
Don’t Overdo It
A wedding is a special event, and you want to look as stylish as possible. But you also don’t want to go overboard with your dress or accessories. Too much can be a distraction and take attention away from the bride, groom, and other guests. It’s important to leave yourself enough time to find the best formal wedding guest dress you love.
The invitations usually come out a few months before the wedding, so you should have plenty of time to shop around and find the right dress. The time of year that you’re attending will also play a factor in your dress choice. A winter wedding will require different clothing than a summer wedding.
A light-colored dress will look beautiful in the summer but may not be appropriate for a winter wedding. If you have an apple body shape, try wearing a dress with broad shoulders that taper down to a fitted waist to add definition and balance your look. A pear body shape will look great in a dress that adds volume to your upper half and slims down the bottom. A wrap dress or a tiered dress will help create a flattering figure.
Don’t Go Over Your Budget
You must stay within budget when shopping for a formal wedding guest dress. Whether shopping for something that shows just a little skin or something more conservative, make sure the dress fits within your budget before purchasing.
If you are still determining your price range, try looking for a dress online that is similar in style to the one you have in mind. Many websites can help you find a wedding guest dress for less than a hundred dollars. Consider the time of day the wedding would take place when choosing a dress.
A summer wedding may call for a dress that (tastefully) shows a bit of skin, while a winter wedding might require something warmer that you can layer over a sweater or shawl. It is also worth considering the weather forecast for the wedding day. A sunny and warm wedding will likely require a light and airy dress, while a rainy or windy one might require a more structured or heavier one.
Don’t Overdo It With Accessories
Getting invited to a wedding can be exciting, but it can also feel like a challenge when choosing the perfect outfit. You want to look elegant and stylish without overwhelming the couple with a dress that steals their thunder. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make your dress stand out from the crowd. For example, add a slight shimmer with some jewelry or a pair of pumps. Alternatively, you can opt for a cute clutch or handbag that keeps things classy and simple.
Another essential thing to remember is to consider the time of year when picking your dress. For example, you don’t want to show up at a winter wedding in a summer dress. In addition, you should also consider your body shape when choosing a dress. For example, if you have an apple body shape, choose a dress with a definition in the waist or a wrap design. This helps draw attention away from your middle section.
Don’t Go Over Your Head
When attending a wedding, respecting the couple celebrating their big day is essential. This means not going over the top with your outfit. For example, if the wedding recommends black-tie attire and you show up in jeans, you may make people uncomfortable. If the bride and groom aren’t happy with their guests dressing too casually, they should inform them beforehand.
You should also avoid wearing too much makeup or accessorizing your dress in a way that’s not appropriate for the wedding. For example, if the wedding is in summer and you wear an off-the-shoulder dress, accenting your shoulders with a shawl is okay, but you shouldn’t show too much skin. If you want to wear a white dress for the wedding, it’s best not to wear it in the fall or winter, as it will probably look too warm.
