7 Types of Wedding Guest Outfits That Never Fail

So you’ve received a wedding invitation, and you know this is your chance to dress up—or at the very least, wear something other than your leggings or joggers. The big question is what? 

With the types of weddings you can attend becoming increasingly diverse, so is the scope of your outfit. Many couples are now opting for smaller, more intimate celebrations, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give your wedding guest outfit any less consideration than you would if the guest list were in the triple figures.

On the flip side, with restrictions hopefully remaining lifted, others see it as an opportunity to plan full-blown black-tie events oozing glamour and to wear something exceptional. 

Whatever the aesthetic, venue or location of the soirée, we’ve found seven types of wedding guest outfits that cover all bases. Scroll on to see them, and you’ll have the dress code cracked in seconds. 

1. BLACK-TIE BASH

Style Notes: Not many occasions call for gorgeous, floor-length gowns, but black-tie weddings are one of them, so we suggest making the absolute most of any such invitation you receive with a statement floor-sweeper and fabulous accessories. Consider Kellie Brown your muse. 

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2. ALL-DAY ATTENDEE

Style Notes: It’s always lovely to be invited to every element of a wedding day celebration, but perfecting a look that can take you from meal to last-call drinks isn’t the easiest sartorial endeavour. Follow Monikh Dale’s lead with a stylish, not-too-tight midi dress and chunky heels you won’t feel crippled in, and you’ve got wedding guest outfit nirvana. 

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3. EVENING INVITATION

Style Notes: An evening invite presents the opportunity to dress fancifully but cooly in one swoop. While trouser looks are absolutely acceptable for day invites (more on that later), offbeat tuxedo trousers and a printed blouse will ensure you look the stylish part when you join the party. 

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4. COUNTRYSIDE BACKDROP

Style Notes: It’s hard not to be inspired by a beautiful countryside venue, so embrace your surroundings by wearing an elegant dress in a timeless and versatile floral print. You can switch up your hue depending on the time of year, but right now, sage green is proving to be all the rage. 

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5. CITY SURROUNDINGS

Style Notes: As we’ve already touched on, a trouser suit works for just about every wedding celebration you could be invited to, though perhaps none more so than the city wedding. Whether it’s a registry-office ceremony or a wedding breakfast in a fancy restaurant, a tailored suit will ensure you look just as elegant as you would in any dress. 

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6. LOW-KEY GATHERING

Style Notes: Perhaps your wedding invite spans more than one night, or you’ve already confirmed the vibe will be laid-back. This is your chance to show off a look that’s effortless but directional. Camille gets the assignment with her bright-green satin shirt dress, the exact match of which we’ve sourced for you below.

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7. AND THE LOOK THAT NEVER FAILS…

Style Notes: Wearing black to a wedding may have once been considered a faux pas, but that couldn’t be further from the case nowadays, as long as you opt for glamour. Bettina Looney’s chic and classic black midi dress and jewel-encrusted shoes are a combination you can rely on for any type of wedding. 

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Next Up: Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas for 2021 and Beyond