Deciphering a wedding dress code can feel like taking a test you didn’t study for.
After all, what’s the difference between white-tie, formal, and cocktail? You can’t craft the perfect wedding guest outfit until you understand the clothing guidelines.
This ultimate guide to wedding dress codes will help you look the part at any event, from semi-formal to garden party and everything in between.
White-Tie
White tie is the most formal wedding dress code. Though somewhat rare these days, white-tie events are timelessly elegant.
Men should wear a full tuxedo with a black tailcoat, peaked lapels, and a white bow tie. Regarding footwear, black patent leather shoes are the only appropriate choice. Meanwhile, women must wear a floor-length evening or ball gown. Men and women can also wear white gloves, though these are optional.
Black-Tie
If invited to a black-tie wedding, prepare to dress to the nines. This dress code calls for formal eveningwear, with men donning tuxedos.
Suits and long ties are also acceptable, though they should be dark in color. Women should opt for a long, elegant wedding guest dress with heels, high-end jewelry, and an upscale clutch.
Formal or Black-Tie Optional
Formal and black-tie optional wedding dress codes are a step below traditional black-tie. According to these guidelines, you have more flexibility in deciding what to wear.
Tuxedos and ball gowns are perfectly acceptable, as are formal suits and cocktail dresses. Avoid wearing anything that falls above the knee, as this would not be appropriate for a formal or black-tie optional wedding.
Creative Black-Tie
The creative black-tie dress code has been growing in popularity. It allows wedding guests to add artistic flair to formal outfits. Colors should still be dark and muted, though you can experiment with deep shades of burgundy, navy, and gray.
Men can also incorporate subtle patterns and hints of texture into their suits by opting for unconventional fabrics or accessories. Women should wear below-the-knee dresses with fun accents like sequins, a unique handbag, or striking jewelry.
Cocktail
Cocktail wedding attire is chic but not overly formal. This dress code can vary depending on the wedding venue.
Generally, women can get away with wearing knee to full-length dresses, stilettos, or heeled sandals. Men should stick to a classic suit and tie, and they can incorporate a patterned tie or pocket square for a creative twist.
Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual
A semi-formal or dressy casual wedding straddles the line between elegant and laid-back styles. Opt for a chic outfit that’s dressier than what you’d usually wear but not as formal as what a black-tie event calls for.
Dress lengths can vary from above the knee to mid-calf, and women can wear flat or heeled shoes. Blazers, slacks, and dress shirts are typical men’s looks in this category.
Casual
Just because a wedding has a casual dress code doesn’t mean you should show up in shorts and flip-flops. Though it’s easier to dress for comfort, you still want to look put-together.
Men should consider a nice shirt and dress pants, as jackets are optional. Women can wear anything from chic jumpsuits to flowy sundresses and clean, stylish shoes. When in doubt, err on the side of wearing something more upscale so you don’t arrive underdressed.
Beach Formal
A beach formal dress code has many variations. If the wedding occurs on the sand, stick to lightweight, breathable fabrics and flat shoes that are easy to walk in. Men can don button-up shirts and slacks, while women may style a floral dress with sandals.
Indoor beachfront weddings, meanwhile, call for slightly dressier outfits. Men should add a suit jacket to their look, while women may opt for heels and chic accessories.
Rustic or Farm Formal
Rustic, also called farm formal, is one of the latest dress code trends to overtake the wedding industry. This attire is appropriate for weddings hosted in barns or on an outdoor farm property. Since the venue may be casual, you don’t need to wear your most formal suit or evening gown.
Men should wear a blazer, button-up shirt, and dress pants incorporating earth tones and understated prints. Women can wear knee- or midi-length dresses with lace, ruffle, and floral elements. Dressy sandals or wedges are an excellent choice for farm weddings.
Desert Boho
A desert boho dress code for weddings can be challenging to decipher. If the wedding is at a hot destination like Sedona, Arizona, keep your outfit light and airy.
Bohemian-inspired maxi dresses, flowy skirts, and floral patterns are ideal for women. Depending on the venue, you can style the outfit with heeled sandals or wedges. Men should wear soft shades of khaki, tan, green, and similar earthy colors to complement the desert theme. A nice button-up and slacks accessorized with a belt or watch are usually appropriate for these weddings.
Festive
Weddings near major holidays may call for festive clothing guidelines. You can interpret this dress code in many ways based on the time of year and location. Festive weddings aren’t an excuse to dress up in costume or go overly tacky, but they offer more freedom for self-expression.
Winter weddings, for instance, are perfect for dressing in deep red and green jewel tones. You might opt for bright colors and bold, seasonal patterns for summer nuptials.
Traditional
The happy couple may ask you to wear traditional garb according to their culture or religion. Research typical outfits according to the event type to dress appropriately. Traditional wedding attire varies greatly, so familiarize yourself with the customs and norms before shopping.
At an African wedding, you may wear vibrant pieces with Dashiki or Ankara prints. Indian wedding guests, meanwhile, might don a sherwani or saree to honor the couple’s heritage.
Garden Party
Are you struggling to create the perfect outfit for a garden party wedding? These occasions typically combine classy, traditional elements with a hint of outdoor whimsy.
Women should stick to dresses that fall between the knee and the mid-calf, with pastel colors, floral prints, and ruffled accents. A suit is a safe bet for men, though you can make it unique with subtle hints of color and patterned ties or pocket squares.
Tropical or Destination
Tropical and destination weddings are a fun excuse to wear breezy, coastal pieces. These events can vary from casual to formal, so consider the venue and time of day when creating your look.
Women can generally wear maxi dresses or chic rompers in light shades of blue, pink, and green. Male wedding guests should wear khaki or tan pants with a polo or button-up.
Themed
Some weddings require attendees to dress according to a specific theme, such as vintage glam, fairytale, or nautical. Follow the couple’s dress code guidelines and find outfit inspiration online. Factor in the wedding location and time of day as you decide what to wear, and don’t be afraid to embrace the fun of dressing in theme.
Western
Yeehaw! Western weddings are perfect for leaning into your cowboy or cowgirl aesthetic. Women should stick to feminine silhouettes with lace and ribbon accents.
Men can style a pair of dark slacks or jeans with a subtly patterned button-up and blazer jacket. Depending on the formality, you may get away with wearing cowboy boots and hats as long as they aren’t distracting or over-the-top.
No Dress Code
What’s the proper dress code for a wedding with no dress code? The best rule of thumb is to wear a nice, semi-formal outfit, even if the couple hasn’t specified clothing guidelines.
It’s always better to be overdressed, so consider a knee-length dress or a chic pantsuit for women. Men can usually wear dress pants with a polo or button-up and fit right in.
Find more wedding guest dress inspiration
Still unsure what to wear to an upcoming wedding? These are the best wedding guest dresses for any occasion.
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
