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The Ultimate Wedding Guest Outfit Guide 2024: Where to Shop & What to Wear

Published on October 9, 2024

Wedding Guest Outfit Guide 2024

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Weddings are fun, but picking the right outfit can be tricky. Luckily, we've got Adeline Loke's video, "Wedding Guest Outfit Guide 2024: Where to Shop & What to Wear!", and Lydia Tomlinson's video, "Wedding Guest Outfit Dos and Don'ts | What to Wear vs. What to Avoid", giving us great tips for the perfect wedding guest look. Let's break down their main points, what to wear, what to avoid, and where to shop, with a few pros and cons along the way.

How to Pick a Dress

Picking the right dress can feel overwhelming, but Lydia and Adeline have some great tips to help you choose.

  1. Consider the Venue and Theme: If the wedding is in a formal setting, opt for a longer dress, like a maxi. For casual garden weddings, a midi or knee-length dress works well. Lydia emphasizes that dress length should match the vibe of the venue—longer for formal, shorter for casual.
  2. Stick to Softer Colors: Both Adeline and Lydia recommend sticking to muted colors, especially for formal events. Bright colors can sometimes look too flashy, while softer tones look more sophisticated and elegant. Adeline loves subtle floral prints for an elegant touch.
  3. Choose the Right Fabric: Lydia suggests going for lightweight fabrics like chiffon or silk for summer weddings, while heavier fabrics like velvet work for winter. Adeline also mentions that eco-friendly fabrics, like recycled polyester, are a great choice if you want to be more sustainable.
  4. Avoid Dresses that Compete with the Bride: Avoid anything too sparkly, white, or bridal-looking. Lydia advises against anything that looks like it could be part of the bridal party—no one wants to be mistaken for a bridesmaid!
  5. Think About Re-wearability: Adeline encourages buying a dress that can be worn more than once. Look for dresses that can be styled differently with accessories to make them appropriate for various occasions. A dress you can wear to a wedding and then dress down for a brunch date is a win!

Key takeaway: Match your dress to the venue and theme, stick to soft colors, and pick a style you can wear again. Comfort and class go hand in hand when choosing the perfect wedding guest dress.

Can You Wear White to a Wedding?

No, avoid white, cream, ivory, or anything similar. Adeline says, "Absolutely not." White and cream are for the bride, and wearing them might make it look like you're trying to steal her spotlight—not cool.

But, if a cream jacket is your only option and it's not the main part of your outfit, Adeline says it could be okay—just make sure to take it off for photos! The best move is to check with the bride. Some brides care more than others, so if you're not sure, just ask!

Can You Wear Black to a Wedding?

Yes, but be careful about the culture. Adeline says black can work for weddings, and she'd be okay with it at her own. Most of us already have something black, so it's easy and budget-friendly.

However, in some cultures, black means mourning, which could make it a bad choice. Always check with the couple or know their cultural background before wearing black—no one wants to be the guest who brings bad vibes.

Is It Okay to Wear Red?

Be cautious. Adeline says that in some cultures, like Chinese culture, red is the bride's color. Wearing red could seem like you're trying to outshine her—not a good look! In general, it's best to stick with colors that aren't too flashy.

What About Prints and Patterns?

Florals and polka dots are great, but avoid animal prints. Adeline likes prints like florals or polka dots because they're cheerful and perfect for weddings.

However, animal prints like leopard or zebra are a big no—they can look too casual. Lydia adds that you should keep prints consistent throughout your outfit—mixing prints like polka dots and stripes can be too much. If you love prints, go for something fun but still classy, like gingham or stripes, especially for a daytime, casual wedding.

For example, Lydia recommends a floral ruffle dress in soft, muted tones instead of loud, bright colors. This way, the outfit looks more sophisticated and seamless.

Can You Wear Sequins?

Sometimes, but not always. Sequins can work if the event has an evening party vibe. But they can also look too young if done wrong, so Adeline suggests balancing sequins with more elegant shapes and accessories.

Lydia also warns that sequins can be too flashy for some weddings, so it's important to consider the setting. Key takeaway: Know the venue and the couple's style. Sequins can be great for a glitzy evening, but keep them subtle if you're not sure.

Should You Match Accessories to Your Outfit?

No, matching everything can look outdated. Lydia says you don't need to match your bag, shoes, and hat. Instead, pick one item to match and switch up the rest to keep it fresh. For example, match your shoes with your hat but use a neutral or contrasting bag.

Key takeaway: Mix it up to keep it modern. Accessories should add to your outfit, not make it look too old-fashioned.

Lydia also suggests avoiding heavy black accessories with bright dresses—opt for lighter colors like cream to keep the look light and chic.

Are Jumpsuits a Good Choice for Weddings?

Skip jumpsuits; try a suit instead. Lydia thinks jumpsuits can look old-fashioned and be uncomfortable. They aren't easy to layer, and they can be restricting. Instead, she suggests going for a matching trouser suit in a soft fabric like crushed velvet or lightweight material.

Key takeaway: A trouser suit can be comfy, stylish, and something you can re-wear for other events.

Lydia recommends avoiding dark colors like black, navy, or gray, which can look too much like workwear. Instead, go for a suit in a softer color and pair it with dressy accessories, like a gold bag, to elevate the look.

Where Should You Shop for Wedding Guest Outfits?

Adeline and Lydia shared their favorite brands for wedding guest outfits. We've split them into premium brands and budget-friendly options to make it easier for you.

Premium Brands

  • Doen: Beautiful dresses made with lace and silk. These dresses are pricey (£300-£600), but Adeline thinks they're worth it because you can wear them more than once. Pair with subtle jewelry and simple heels for an elegant look.
  • Sir The Label: Australian brand with a simple, vacation-ready style. Their pieces work well for weddings and holidays. Style with strappy sandals and minimal accessories to keep the look fresh.
  • By Malina: Swedish brand using eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester. Adeline loves their colors, prints, and styles. Try pairing one of their bright dresses with neutral heels and a clutch to balance the look.
  • Reformation: Classic choices with natural fibers like silk. Adeline says the quality might not be as good as before, but it's still worth checking out, especially for their petite sizes. Reformation dresses look great with statement earrings and heeled sandals.
  • Kitri: A UK brand new to Adeline, with bright colors and options that work for both weddings and holidays. Bright dresses from Kitri can be toned down with simple nude heels and a clutch.
  • Beck & Bridge: Another Australian brand, popular for silky bridesmaid-style dresses in lots of colors. Beck & Bridge dresses pair well with classic stilettos and understated jewelry.
  • Shona Joy: Aussie favorite with printed and plain dresses that have flattering styles. Their dresses can be dressed up with metallic accessories or dressed down with espadrilles for a more casual feel.

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Omnes: Affordable, eco-friendly dresses (£80-£90) that are perfect for weddings. Style with chunky heels and fun jewelry to add personality.
  • Ghost: UK brand with dresses ranging from £95 to £200. Great for simple but elegant looks. A Ghost silky dress pairs perfectly with pearl accessories for a classy look.
  • True Decadence: Similar to Self-Portrait, with fun designs under £200. These dresses work well with bold statement earrings and strappy heels for an added pop.

Should You Buy or Rent Occasion Wear?

Think about renting to save money and avoid waste. Lydia suggests renting an outfit if you aren't sure about buying something you'll only wear once. There are many rental platforms like Rent the Runway, By Rotation, and HURR that let you wear designer pieces for less.

Pros: Renting lets you wear a designer outfit without the high cost.
Cons: Availability might be limited, and you may not always find exactly what you want.

Is It Okay to Go Bold with Accessories?

Yes, but keep it balanced. Adeline says you should have fun with accessories, especially if your dress is simple. Shoes, jewelry, and hair accessories can make your look more festive without overdoing it.

Key takeaway: Accessories can make your outfit. If your dress is simple, go bold with the accessories. Just make sure they add to the look, not distract from the couple's big day.

Adeline also advises that bold accessories work best with solid-colored dresses, while Lydia mentions that if your dress is busy (like a floral print), it's better to keep the accessories minimal.

Should You Buy Occasion Wear Even Without an Event Planned?

Yes, if you love it. Adeline suggests buying a nice dress even if you don't have an event planned. This way, you won't end up buying something last-minute that you don't love.

Pros: You get something you really like that you'll wear again.
Cons: It means spending money upfront without needing it right away, which may not work for everyone.

Editorial Notes on Adeline and Lydia's Reviews

Both Adeline and Lydia give honest, helpful advice with a mix of humor and practicality. We like Adeline's focus on re-wearability, which is a nice change from the usual pressure to buy something new for every event. Lydia gives great alternatives, like wearing a trouser suit instead of a jumpsuit to stay stylish and comfortable.

The one note we'd add? Sometimes simple is best. Adeline's love for bold accessories might not be everyone's style, and Lydia's strict rules on prints might feel limiting. But their advice on checking with the bride? Super valuable.

Shopping for Wedding Outfits? Try Haute!

If you want to shop for wedding guest outfits with confidence, let Haute do the work. We've put together a wide range of styles and brands—all with personalized recommendations to help you find the perfect look. Skip the stress, and shop smart with Haute, your trusted guide for all things fashion.