Please allow me to clarify one thing: I don't believe that any wedding guest outfit (especially those you're considering spending a little more on) should be bought on the sole instance that it is "trendy." When it comes to selecting items to add to my own wardrobe as well as the garments I introduce you to via my articles, I choose them based on their longevity—on whether they'll still hold their appeal in a week, a month, a year… heck, even 10 years down the line. And when it comes to wedding guest outfits, this is just as important.
Over the past few years, I've made a conscious effort to get more wear out of the pieces I buy for special occasions, weddings being one of them. And the first step in doing so was to stop buying—for the lack of a better word—"traditional" wedding guest outfits. Even though I'm a fashion editor, I used to find it all too easy to default to a pretty lace midi dress with an A-line skirt and a fitted bodice for the next wedding I was fortunate enough to be invited to. Inevitably, however, these dresses never really felt like "me" and ultimately didn't represent my sense of style. Of course, this mightn't be the case for you. If you love pretty lace dresses, then, by all means, wear a pretty lace dress! However, without the urge or desire to wear my lace dresses again, many of them have been donated or sold to another wedding-goer. Not only is this not sustainable, but I found I was also spending a fortune. I needed to break the habit.
Thankfully, there is so much more on offer these days in terms of occasionwear. The outdated wedding-guest-dressing rules? They're out the window! Now, I tend to buy wedding guest outfits that feel more timely and match my aesthetic more accurately. And I get so much more wear out of them because of this. But just because they feel current, that doesn't mean they can't be timeless pieces you'll love wearing for years to come. Below, I've picked a selection of summer 2022 wedding guest trends that feel fashion-forward without being too of-the-moment. Scroll on to see them. I hope you'll find something fun that feels more intrinsic to you.
1. BLAZERS AND SLIPS
Style Notes: There's no denying that blazers have the power to give any outfit an edge—pair yours with a slinky slip dress for a cool-girl take on occasion dressing.
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The go-to blazer for so many of our editors.
This will work with just about any blazer in any colour.
Linen textures are more breathable for weddings held in the height of summer.
I like how the thicker straps would enable me to wear a bra with this slip.
2. MARVELLOUS MINIS
Style Notes: Minidresses might not be the first thing that comes to mind when choosing a wedding guest outfit, but styles with drama—think puff sleeves and exaggerated silhouettes—will earn you major style points.
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Cut-outs are another key dress trend for 2022.
This pretty mini comes in so many beautiful colours and prints.
Long sleeves chicly balance out shorter hemlines.
3. PARTY BAGS
Style Notes: We all know the power accessories can yield on your outfit, and right now, fashion people are toting the most fabulous handbags they can find to special events.
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Luxury in a bag.
This also comes in bright red.
The embellished arm candy every fashion person wants to own.
4. FABULOUS FEATHERS
Style Notes: While detailing like embroidery will always be a wedding guest favourite, I suggest changing things up with new embellishments. Thanks to Taller Marmo’s cult dresses, feathers have become a year-round option, as opposed to reappearing for a limited time during party season.
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I’m smitten with this hue, but Taller Marmo dresses come in so many colours it’s impossible to choose a favourite.
This also comes in a flirty mini hemline.
You very rarely see this colour done so well on the high street—and with feathers, no less.
5. SHORTS SUITS
Style Notes: While suits have proven a popular wedding guest outfit option over the past few years, take the trend one step further by investing in a shorts iteration. Personally, I’m drawn to brightly hued options.
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I’ve seen this in real life, and it’s the most striking hue.
Not a fan of shorts? Try the trouser version instead.
This will go just as well with your jeans after the day.
A longline-shorts style will always look elegant.
6. NOT-SO-BASIC BLACK
Style Notes: Formerly considered "inappropriate" to wear to weddings, black now presents a very chic option for attendees to wear—particularly when it is used in the form of fun dresses. Think giant bows and ruffles.
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This makes me want to dance.
How cute are those cuffs?
Maxi dresses are having a moment right now.
7. SATIN SEPARATES
Style Notes: I've already touched on suiting, but another 2022 update on this classic wedding guest look comes in the form of more relaxed satin co-ords. Make like Abi and pair yours with mules and pretty hair accessories.
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This berry shade will pair with cream accessories as well as metallics.
Comfortable and chic? Sign me up.
Leave the shirt untucked to create an effortless silhouette.
Wide-leg trousers are my weakness right now.
8. BARE BACKS
Style Notes: I’m the sort of person who wears bras all day, every day, but if you’re happy to go sans support, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a chicer way to bare some flesh than with a backless dress, of which there are plenty of styles to choose from this season.
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Just stunning.
Rixo has lots of dresses with low backs to choose from.
Jessica’s Reiss dress also comes in a delicate blush shade.
9. PLATFORM HEELS
Style Notes: You might feel a little out of practise when it comes to walking in heels, but don't let this season's platforms put you off. In fact, many argue that platforms are even easier to navigate in, as the thick sole provides more structure and support than, say, flimsier strappy sandals. I wear mine when I plan on dancing the night away, and I very rarely need to switch into my flip-flops.
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I own a pair of Russell & Bromley platforms, and they're absolutely the comfiest pair of heels I've tried.
If you still can't get enough of mules.
Another item that'll work just as hard with your jeans after the fact.
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