Let’s talk about dress codes. Whether you’re a bride-to-be, a guest of a future wedding, or just genuinely confused by the arbitrary words that seem to be thrown onto invitations to tell you what to wear, knowing what the heck a dress code means can be the difference between rocking a look and looking like you live under a rock.
Dress Code Do’s
Black Tie
Ladies, now would be the time to break out your finest evening gown. Dresses should be floor-length and darker in color, as well as being appropriate for the venue (as in, don’t flash that belly button in the ballroom). Gloves would not be out of place here, so you can finally fulfill your Cinderella dreams. Men should be in a tuxedo.
Formal
While a floor-length gown would also be appropriate here, it’s A-okay to wear your nicest cocktail dress with some heels or dressy flats. A formal pantsuit would also be great, for those of us that don’t like wearing dresses! A tuxedo (sans tails) or a dark-colored suit and tie is the perfect male complement to your black tie look.
If it’s black tie-optional, use your best judgement based on the venue and the bride and groom’s style.
Semi-Formal (aka Dressy Casual, Cocktail, Garden, etc.)
You know that classy-but-sexy midi dress you bought a year ago hoping to wear it someday? This event is that day. Grab your favorite cocktail dress or LBD and a fun pair of heels or nice flats and dance the night away. If the event is outside, keep in mind that your stilettos will sink into the grass. Maybe wear the wedges instead! Men, take note — a tuxedo would be wildly overdressed in this case. A well-fitted suit is your best option, with (or without, I suppose, if you’re boring) a fun tie!
If it’s “festive cocktail attire”, take this same advice and turn it up to 11 — bright, fun colors and patterns will actually make you blend in rather than stand out in this case.
Casual
Much like the name suggests, this dress code is pretty laid back — but not too laid back. Ladies, a nice sundress, flats or sandals, or some dress pants and a cute top would be right at home — casual weddings tend to be outdoors, such as the beach, a backyard or a forest scene. Men, don’t wear jeans unless you’ve specifically heard from the groom (or, more accurately, the bride) that this is acceptable attire. Best to stick with chinos and a short-sleeved button down — you can even leave it untucked! For tropical or destination weddings, bear in mind that the climate there may be different from what you experience at home. Pack accordingly.
Dress Code Don’ts
Don’t wear white!!!! Or cream, eggshell, ecru, etc.
If you know in advance the bridesmaids are wearing a certain color, don’t wear that color (if it’s easily avoidable — if the bridesmaids are wearing black, for example, you can still wear black without being imposing).
Dress appropriately for the venue. If you’ve never been there, do a little research so you don’t show up to a cathedral in your flip flops.
Clubwear isn’t wedding wear! Regardless of the dress code or season, cover yourself appropriately for a wedding. I’m all for loving your body and flaunting what you’ve got, but the last thing a bride wants to hear during her wedding (or after) is gossip about whose cleavage stole the show.
Guests, this should be a pretty broad guide of what you should or shouldn’t wear to that upcoming wedding. Brides- and grooms-to-be, take note! Plan your wedding’s dress code appropriately for the time of year (a tuxedo can be sweltering in summer if there isn’t proper AC), the venue (ballgowns on the beach means a sandy mess for everyone) and the budget (does a black tie wedding really make sense for your $5k backyard wedding?). The more details you give your guests, the more likely they’ll show up wearing something that you would approve of!
Happy dressing!
Editor’s Note: All images are from Greenvelope. I do not own any of the images used in this post. This blog was created for University of Southern California purposes and is not monetized.
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