Wedding Guests 2024: Dresses Style Guide (2024)

@altuzarra , @selezzalondon

In 2024, fashion is almost limitless, which opens up amazing possibilities for choosing the perfect dress for the wedding you've been invited to. From elegant and classic to fancy and bold, there is a dress to suit every member of the wedding party's individual style. In this style guide, we take a look at the latest trends and must-have looks for 2024 wedding guests so you can stand out in the crowd while still meeting the dress code.

Black-Tie Style

Attending a wedding with a black-tie dress code calls for an elegant and sophisticated ensemble that exudes formal glamor and refinement. A floor-length gown is a quintessential choice for a black-tie wedding. Classic colors like black, navy, burgundy, or emerald green are perfect for a formal evening event. When in doubt, a little black dress is also a sophisticated and chic choice for a black-tie event.

Solace London Filippa Off-Shoulder Gown, $675
ZIMMERMANN Floral-Embellished Velvet A-line Dress, $2,397

co*cktail Dresses

When it comes to wedding dress codes, one of the most popular and versatile options for guests is the co*cktail one. It strikes the perfect balance between formal and casual, making it suitable for a variety of wedding venues and styles. When choosing a co*cktail dress for a wedding, consider the venue, time of day, and overall theme of the event. Opt for knee-length or midi-length dresses in flattering silhouettes. Choose fabrics like lace, chiffon, or satin, and choose colors that complement the wedding's color scheme.

Self-PortraitBlue Sequin Boucle Mini Dress, $555
Miu MiuStretch Jersey Dress, $2,700

Flower Prints

​​​​Floral prints are a timeless and beautiful choice for wedding guests looking to add a touch of whimsy and romance to their outfit. Whether attending a garden wedding, a beach wedding, or a springtime celebration, dresses with floral prints are an amazing versatile option. When choosing such a dress, consider the scale of the print, the color palette, and the silhouette to ensure it complements the overall aesthetic of the event. For a more subtle and sophisticated look go for dresses with smaller, delicate floral patterns.

Reformation Frankie Sleeveless Silk Dress, $298
ZIMMERMANN Floral-Print Puff-Sleeve Minidress, $558

Bright Dress Codes

If you're going to a spring wedding, it's likely that you'll need to look for a dress in bright colors. And that's wonderful, as it will help you embrace the vibrant energy of the season and add a playful touch to your look. Choosing the perfect dress in bright hues requires thoughtful consideration of the venue, dress code, and personal style to ensure you stand out for all the right reasons. Consider the color palette that goes well with the season and the wedding theme. If the wedding vibe is planned to be more subtle and romantic, think of pastels like soft pink, lavender, baby blue, or mint green. For an evening party event don’t be afraid to go bold with vibrant shades like fuchsia, coral or green.

Maje Rasmino Satin Midi Dress, $283
Self-Portrait Rhinestone-Embellished Mesh Minidress, $472

Beach Event

When attending a beach wedding, choosing the right dress is key to looking stylish, comfortable, and appropriate for the picturesque seaside setting. A beach wedding calls for a look that is lightweight and reflects the casual yet elegant vibes of the occasion. Choose a dress made from light and airy fabrics such as chiffon, cotton, or silk that will allow you to move freely and stay cool in the beach environment. Avoid heavy and clingy materials that may be uncomfortable in the heat and humidity. Also opt for a silhouette that is easy to move in and fits the laid-back nature of the beach setting.

Magda Butrym Floral-Applique Draped Minidress, $1,835
SPORTMAX White Layered Maxi Dress Set, $935

Gentle and Cute

With a dress code that calls for gentle and cute attire, you have the opportunity to showcase your sweet and charming style while respecting the couple's desired aesthetic for their special day. Opting for dresses that exude a soft and feminine vibe, with delicate details and whimsical accents, can help you achieve the perfect look for such an occasion. Embrace the soft and delicate side of your style by opting for a pastel-colored dress in hues like blush pink, lavender, mint green, or baby blue. These soft shades evoke a sense of innocence and sweetness that is perfect for a gentle and cute dress code. Dresses with ruffles and lace can also add a touch of charm to your outfit.

Anthropologie Selkie Orchard House Romance Novel Maxi Dress, $425
PINKO Ruffle-Hem V-Neck Minidress, $498

Minimalistic Look

If the dress code of the wedding does not quite match your style, or it is stated in advance as minimalistic, then we advise you to choose in favor of simple but timeless ideas for the guest's outfit. It can be everyone's favorite satin dress in neutral shades, a classic or oversize suit, or any other dress in base colors and with an elegant silhouette. In addition to the minimalistic look, we advise not to overload it with bright makeup or an abundance of jewelry.

Coperni Asymmetric Floral-Appliqué Gown, $606
Significant OtherAnnabel Mini Dress, $248

Total Black

A little black dress is again a timeless and versatile choice for a total black dress code wedding. For a modern alternative to a dress, consider wearing a black jumpsuit to the wedding. A black maxi dress is also a stunning and elegant choice for a total black dress code wedding. Opt for a flowing gown with a deep V-neckline, a high slit, or a dramatic back detail for a touch of glamor. A great way to embrace the romantic side of the total black dress code is by choosing a lace dress.

Wedding Guests 2024: Dresses Style Guide (2024)

FAQs

What to wear to a formal wedding 2024? ›

The Black-Tie Affair: Classic Elegance Unveiled: For an event marked as black-tie, think classic and sophisticated. Gentlemen, opt for a tuxedo or a dark suit paired with a crisp dress shirt and a bowtie. Ladies, floor-length gowns or elegant co*cktail dresses are the way to go.

What should a 50 year old woman wear to a wedding as a guest? ›

You can't go wrong with a wrap dress for a co*cktail attire wedding—they're polished and universally flattering.

What is the color for a summer wedding in 2024? ›

Airy, cool tones like lilac, periwinkle and lavender are bringing a breath of fresh air for 2024. These delicate hues naturally blend with other pastels for spring and summer wedding palettes, but for fall and winter weddings, you can add depth and contrast by using dark blue, emerald or black accent colors.

What is the color of the year for a wedding in 2024? ›

Peach Fuzz also holds extra special significance as 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of Pantone's Wedding Colour of the Year. So, to celebrate this longstanding tradition and vibrant hue, we're offering ideas on how to incorporate Peach Fuzz into every facet of your dream wedding, making it an affair to remember.

How to explain dress code to guests? ›

USE THE CORRECT DRESS CODE WORDING

Gentlemen wear white tie and tails, while ladies will wear long, formal gowns. White tie is rare, used for only the fanciest ball or diplomatic event. “Black tie” refers to a tuxedo. It's still very formal, but a little less strict than white tie.

What is the best dress code for attending wedding? ›

The “option” if you will is to go with a very nice dark suit. Navy is my favorite, but black works great too! However, for women, formal attire, black tie, white tie and black tie optional all mean beautiful gowns. There are several options to choose from when it comes to formal wedding attire.

What is dress code answer? ›

: a set of rules about what clothing may and may not be worn at a school, office, restaurant, etc.

What to wear to a wedding over 55? ›

Wear something comfortable, but not casual - weddings are formal events and the dress code is usually smart. Similarly to wearing white, do not wear black - black is seen as a colour of mourning.

What color of wedding dress should an older woman wear? ›

Older brides looking for a non-traditional wedding dress may love a non-white option for their vow exchange. From glamorous champagne shades to bright blue, there are no rules when it comes to wedding day style, so you can decide what color you want to rock as you walk down the aisle.

What does dressy casual mean for a wedding? ›

In short, dress casual isn't quite the same as business casual because there's a little more formality expected. But it also teeters around the semi-formal designation, with the code perhaps suggesting something a touch more casual for an event like a daytime wedding.

What is the smart casual dress code? ›

For men, that means you don a suit and a collared shirt but no tie (which immediately states “casual”) and opt for a good classic loafer. For women, a spiffy sweater over a tailored skirt (knee-length or longer) or slacks with a low heel pump or a dressy flat, all topped with an elegant silk scarf.

What is dress to impress dress code female? ›

Opt for co*cktail attire: If you're really stumped on what to wear, "dress to impress" typically means semi-formal or co*cktail attire, says Kelsey Waddell at Wedding Pioneer.

What should a female guest wear to a formal wedding? ›

Women wedding guests should wear full-length dresses, be it a ballgown, a sheath or an A-line dress. High heels are strongly recommended. Feel free to accessorize with opulent jewelry and even elbow-length white silk gloves.

What color do you wear to a formal wedding? ›

If you're looking for something classic and timeless, dark colors like navy blue or black are always appropriate. For a more glamorous look, pastels such as lavender, light pink, or pale blue will add a touch of elegance to your outfit.

What to wear to an August 2024 wedding? ›

Depending on the time of the event, you'll want to dress somewhere between formal and casual for a semi-formal or co*cktail attire summer wedding. Wear darker, more formal hues for an evening soiree; opt for light colors and fabrics for daytime nuptials.

Do you have to wear a black dress to a formal wedding? ›

As a general rule, "wearing black is totally acceptable, as the hue is very versatile," says bridal stylist Julie Sabatino of The Stylish Bride. Make the shade work for you—at any type of wedding—with these ideas for choosing the right fabrice, length, and accessories.

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