The Ultimate Guide To Wedding Guest Dressing
14th April, 2025
From the moment the invitation lands in your hand, inevitable feelings of joy subsequently lead to thoughts of what to wear. As the wedding season nears, more ceremonies are tailored to the impending couples’ taste and therefore traditional dress codes can vary, providing an opportunity to be more experimental with your wedding ensemble. Look to the catwalk for inspiration, power designers such as Loewe, Prada and Chloe’s SS25 collections showcased blooming displays of floral prints alongside contemporary silhouettes synonymous to wedding guest attire, yet diverse settings lead to varying dress codes. Whether you’re dressing for a stylish city or countryside ceremony, an all-out cocktail party or a laid-back beach “I do”, Fabric of Society’s edit of what to what to wear to a wedding will have you guest-ready for when the invitations roll in.
Slick City Reception
Sophisticated city weddings command sleek silhouettes and attention-grabbing ensembles. Whether a restaurant reception or a city-hall ceremony, lean into elegantly, polished pieces such as the classic little black dress. The Garment’s Madison dress showcases an elegant bardot neckline with a split detail hemline providing an innovative take on a classic, alternatively, Nanushka’s Macia slip dress delivers a simple, yet chic wardrobe staple you’ll find yourself reaching for, for occasions to come. Stylish separates offer a solution for day to evening dressing; a camisole top and body-skimming skirt teamed with a directional blazer allow opportunity for an alternative evening look. Neutrals, monochrome and jewel tones are the colour palette best suited to metropolitan occasions, look for detailing such as ruching, floral motifs and cut-outs to add contemporary interest to your outfit. Structured clutch bags such as Benedetta Bruzziches Kate bag add elegance to a minimalist maxi dress with a crystal rhinestone adornment.
Beachfront Ceremony
If your invitation depicts a sandy shore reception ensuring you’re comfortable in the heat when your friends say “I do” is essential. Look to lightweight, floaty silhouettes made from natural, breathable fibres such as silks and cotton that’ll cool you under the sun. Nanushka’s Zaniah wide leg pants offer a luxe-looking stylish solution, their fluid form fits the relaxed feel of a beach ceremony whilst the metallic finish keeps your outfit elevated. Shimmering fabrics such as Blumarine’s pink midi and LVIR’s wrinkled satin dress compliment the backdrop of the ocean and come into their own in the evening light. Elevate simple outfits with embellished accessories such as crystal trim sandals or a rhinestone bag that’ll add some sparkle to your ensemble during sun-down. For a more relaxed vibe, fringed hemlines add notable interest to any look whilst complimenting those well-chosen, sand-friendly flats.
Alfresco Countryside Nuptials
If you’re toasting the happy couple in the rolling hills of a countryside estate, leave the ball gown at home and opt on the more casual side of glamour. Rustic affairs call for a more relaxed, laid-back vibe, think feminine shapes and floral prints, midi and maxi hemlines retain an air of elegance whilst relaxed fabrics allow for movement will keep you comfortable from daytime formalities to dancing long into the night. The Roisin halter-neck dress by SIR. offers a simple, maxi silhouette, side split and backless style, guaranteed to get you on the best dressed guest list. Similarly, Shushu/Tong’s off the shoulder midi dress allows for structure and style with its elegant neckline and statement bow. Neutral, earthy tones work well against the backdrop of the countryside, Nanushka’s Okobor wristlet bag in faux leather lends itself as the perfect accessory to compliment a natural colour palette. Complete your ensemble by opting for lawn-proof heels;
wedges and kitten heels reign for both elegance and practicality.
Alternative Intimate Wedding
Break free from traditions and celebrate the simple art of dressing up. Alternative weddings provide an opportunity to throw out the sartorial rule book and embrace a chance to have some fun, allowing your personality to shine through. If dresses aren’t your quintessential go-to, opt for directional suiting for a refined, contemporary look. SVRC’s Gemini jacket and coordinating tailored pants are the ideal antidote to traditional wedding guest dresses. A glitzy bag or high-shine heels effortlessly complete a sharp, tailored ensemble. Whether it’s an intimate dinner or a grand gathering, go all-out with the glamour by making a statement in embellished separates such as 16Arlington’s Olall sequin top or Dia midi skirt. Statement pieces such as these can be effortlessly teamed as a full look or styled with something more paired down to make the look your own. Look to directional details in your accessories such those with a metallic finish or feathering.
