What to Wear to Any Wedding This Summer
Whether you’re dressing for the big day of a friend or family member, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to create the perfect outfit, so I’ve created a little acronym to help you remember. It’s called “FLRT”.
Formality — Is the wedding you’re attending typical wedding attire, dressy casual, casual, or black tie?
Location — Is it in a garden, a museum, at a home, or on a beach in the Bahamas? The city, ceremony location, and reception location can all help you understand the tone and mood of the wedding.
Role/Relationship — What is your relationship to the couple getting married? If you’re the MOB or sister of the groom, your outfit guidelines are likely a little more strict, but everyone else should also consider their relationship to the couple. If you’re a college friend, you may want to go more fun or flirty with your look. If you’re a family member of the bride, you may want to go more classic since you could be seeing the pictures for years to come.
Temperature — This is so important to consider because knowing how warm or cool the location is will dictate how comfortable you are at the event. Even in the summer, an indoors event might require you to bring a shawl (AC is usually blasting). If it’s all outdoors, consider natural fabrics, flowey fabrics, or a mini dress to get a little breeze.
Once you’ve noted all the details for weddings, it’s time to choose your look.
Go bold with jewel tones or spring brights.
Staying away from red at weddings is definitely a thing of the past. Go fun and flirty with your look by wearing the color that represents romance and love.
Mini dresses are the perfect silhouette to help you keep cool for summer weddings. Make it retro-inspired and party ready by adding platform heels and big gold hoops.
The exposed shoulders of a strapless dress will make you look a little breezy for outdoor weddings. Pair this open neckline with a few layered necklaces for a modern and playful look.
Don’t shy away from sexy.
Dresses or jumpsuits with cut-out shapes are an effortless way to make your look sexy without being too over the top. This detail also adds a lot of interest to your look, so you can keep the jewelry minimal. Add some diamond huggies, a single gold chain, and a gold pinky ring for the perfect compliments to your outfit.
If you want to take the cut-out dress one step further, try a two piece set. This look is even more playful and casual, so it’s ideal for an outdoor wedding in nature. Take your look one step further by adding big, bold accessories like a beaded wood necklace or multi-colored resin earrings. Finish the look with a platform, metallic shoe to make it a true party look.
The key to a sexy outfit at a wedding is balance. Keep it neutral with a black or camel dress, but make it sexy with a body con shape. The stretch of a fitted dress will make it easy for you to dance, eat, and party the night away in.
Lean into the celebration with eye-catching patterns and sophisticated color blocking.
Nothing says party like pattern and color, so lean in with a mix of your favorite hues. If an above-the-knee dress isn’t your jam, a midi or maxi will keep you comfortable while the length will add presence to your look.
Pattern doesn’t always have to be bold. If you gravitate towards minimalist looks for every day, try a print that’s subtle and sophisticated. A floral, stripe, or small dot print will give you a romantic vibe without overwhelming you.
If your closet is almost all neutrals, you may feel most comfortable sticking to them for weddings. Punch it up a bit with neutral color blocking. This combination is fun and modern, but will keep your look true to your style.
Want to hear more from me about what to wear to summer weddings? Watch the video below from KXAN.com.
