What to Wear to a Casual Wedding (2023)

FAQs

What should a guest wear to a casual wedding? ›

"When it says casual, men could show up in pants and a blazer with no tie—or maybe not a jacket at all—but just a nice shirt and a pair of slacks. Women can wear a nice sundress or dress, a jumpsuit or a two-piece outfit," says Julie Sabatino, a bridal stylist and founder of The Stylish Bride.

Casual Wedding Outfits for Women

Sun dresses and maxis are ideal casual wedding guest attire, as they can easily look dressed up with the right accessories, hair, and makeup. Assuming it's a casual summer wedding, think about bright colors, florals, pastels, and bold geometric prints.

Dress pants aren't always necessary if there isn't a formal wedding dress code in place, so jeans are a maybe. Before you wear jeans or khaki pants, however, consult other guests or even the happy couple about the wedding dress code to ensure they aren't too casual.

Smart casual: For the ladies, a summery midi/maxi dress or top and skirt combo are appropriate for a smart casual affair, with a more relaxed shoe style like wedges or even dressy flats. For the guys, a suit is definitely not required.

Steer Clear of Anything Too Casual

Even if a wedding is casual and relaxed, still dress with respect. No flip, flops, shorts, or jeans should be on your list of options to wear. Instead, ladies find a casual dress, and men wear a nice pair of this with a relaxed shirt.

While you don't want to choose a red-carpet-worthy heel, you also don't want to dress too casually by wearing a pair of sneakers. Unless the invitation specifically calls for them, leave your sneakers at home. There are plenty of other flat shoe options like mules, flat sandals, or even a cute pair of Western boots!

What does dressy casual mean? It's a way to describe an overall aesthetic that is basically not-all-the-way-formal-but-please-don't-wear-jean-shorts. Swann explains that dressy casual is typically requested for daytime weddings—and the earlier the event, the less formal the attire.

At an event, “casual” typically means a nice outfit that looks put together and fashion- forward, but doesn't necessarily require formal slacks, a blazer, or a gown. A pair of nice pants and a nice, casual top (no t-shirts!) is a great casual outfit. A nice sundress is also a good option for casual attire.

Can you wear black to a wedding? Yes, you can wear black to a wedding. While black used to be reserved for funerals and times of mourning, this color has become more and more acceptable for weddings. As always, make sure the wedding dress code doesn't advise against it!

Yes, you absolutely can. If you don't like dresses or your legs are not your best feature, pants are totally acceptable, so long as you keep the time of day and venue in mind. Here are some ways to wear pants to a wedding with confidence.

What do you wear to a casual afternoon wedding? ›

For Women: A skirt and top or nice pants with a pretty top, and a casual sundress or casual cocktail would certainly be appropriate. For Men: If it's a very casual event, just a nice collared or button-down shirt in a short or long sleeve, worn with a tie, and some dress pants might suffice.

Denim. "Unless its a Denim and Diamonds dress code, denim is pretty much an unwelcome guest at a wedding," Jacobs said. "This doesn't mean that pants or a jumpsuit are off the table, but it's best to leave your jeans at home."

Smart casual is a pair of dark, slim jeans, a blazer, and desert boots. Smart casual is also chinos, a patterned shirt, and a bomber jacket. Done right, a smart casual look can work in “casual,” “business casual,” and even some “dressed up” environments while still standing out from the crowd.

A morning wedding typically calls for casual dress, while a ceremony after 5 p.m. generally calls for formal attire. The location can also help decode the dress code.

What is an appropriate amount for a cash wedding gift? As a rule of thumb, you can give $50-$500 as a single guest, depending on your relationship to the couple. For a casual guest who might not be making a ton of money, $75 should be sufficient.

It doesn't matter if the dress code requests "casual" attire; jeans, T-Shirts, shorts, and sneakers are never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest. Show respect for the bride and groom by dressing formally. Sabatino suggests that men show up in a jacket and tie, even when the invitation says casual.

Casual. This indicates the wedding will likely be held outdoors or on the beach, meaning the event will be much more laid-back, especially when it comes to attire. With that said, jeans, shorts, and tank tops are probably not appropriate unless they're specifically noted as acceptable.

If a heel isn't your style, or comfort level, opt for flats. We love these classic Badgley Mischka stunners because their neutral tone and timeless look make them a perfect go-to for weddings you'll attend for years to come.

"Guests at weddings should wear a pair of shoes that are formal as well as comfortable," says Kaeleigh Testwuide, a wedding expert and the owner of The Diamond Reserve. You don't have to wear sky-high heels that hurt your feet—think comfort and class, she recommends.

What does dressy casual mean for wedding? ›

It's a dress code that calls for special event clothing that's trendy, relaxed and comfortable. Think of the dress code as attire that is dressier than what you would wear to work, but not as formal as what you would wear to black-tie or formal events.

The go-to outfit is typically a pair of slacks in a neutral color, such as khaki, navy blue, or black. This is worn with a nice dress shirt. If you want, add a cardigan or blazer on top. Examples of a nice dress shirt include collared button-up shirts, crewnecks, ruffled blouses, cashmere sweaters, and vests.

Elegant Casual

A step above resort evening, with this dress code, men are expected to wear a long-sleeve dress shirt with slacks and dress shoes—no shorts, t-shirts, or sandals. Women can wear skirts or pants with a nice top or a dress.

Casual outfits refer to a look that is comfortable and relaxed. This usually consists of informal garments like jeans, a T-shirt, and even skirts. A simple T-shirt, for example, can dress down a look, taking the edge off a fancier outfit.

Is it inappropriate to wear a mini dress to a wedding? Definitely not! Mini dresses are appropriate for casual, cocktail, and semi-formal weddings. However, for a black tie, white tie, or formal dress code, skip the mini and instead opt for a floor-length gown.

Totally fine! Just make sure they're dressy enough for the nuptials. Start with tailored trousers and a polished blouse, or make things easy for yourself by grabbing a matching blazer.

Navy is a classic neutral that you can rely on for all dress codes and types of wedding attire. This shade pairs particularly well with evening celebrations as well as black tie, formal and semi-formal nuptials.

For a formal or semi-formal wedding, grandmothers may choose a formal gown, a longer style dress, or an elegant suit-like style. For a casual wedding, a dress is still appropriate, as is a pantsuit, or skirt and blouse or dress and jacket combination!

Midi and Maxi Dresses

Longer-length dresses are an excellent option for weddings. Midi dresses also known as tea-length dresses hit below the knee to mid-calf length, while maxi dresses are long-length dresses that reach from the ankles to the floor.

With their breezy, comfortable feel and wide legs, palazzo pants are definitely one of the hottest trends of the season. Kudos to you for getting ahead of this fashion-forward and easy-to-wear item—and yes, you can wear it to your daughter's wedding!

What do 50 year old woman wear to weddings? ›

Women over 50 can enjoy a large number of flattering and stylish options to wear to weddings. Thanks to the “modesty” trend, which has been making its way into the mainstream for the past couple of years, you will find lots of midi dresses and maxi dresses, long sleeves, and high necklines.

Yes! Women can wear pants to a wedding, even a formal wedding, with some stipulations. These days, the old gender norms of men wearing pants and women wearing skirts are out the window (thank goodness). There is absolutely no reason why you can't rock pants to a wedding, as long as you do it right.

"It is perfectly acceptable and chic to wear black to evening, black tie, and winter weddings."

(Jeans would not be welcome at a smart casual wedding, for example.) However, the denim in question should be immaculate - so give the ripped knees a miss. If you do choose to wear denim, it's recommended that you wear fitted pieces in a darker wash.

Jeans are not typically considered acceptable for a cocktail attire wedding even with a blazer. Save this look for another time and place.

Yes, you can absolutely wear dark or black jeans to a semi-formal wedding! I think it can look really chic and stylish, and it's definitely a more comfortable option than a dress or skirts. Just make sure to choose a nice pair of jeans that fit well and pair them with a dressy top or blouse.

Examples of casual attire: Casual dress includes items like T-shirts, button-down shirts, blouses and sweaters on top. Bottoms might include jeans, khakis, linen pants, cropped pants or shorts. Casual shoes can include sneakers, loafers, low heels or sandals.

Casual: A Definition

This includes jeans, sweaters, t-shirts, sneakers, and much more. However, it usually excludes flip-flops, sweats or gym clothes, revealing clothes, stained clothes, heavily distressed or ripped items, and graphic shirts with offensive or controversial statements on them.

Here are smart casual ideas for women: Pants, dresses, and shirts: Consider professional skirts, dress pants, or jeans. Your skirts and dresses can drape just below the knee. Tops: You can wear a neat blouse, t-shirts, and button-down shirts in plain colours, such as blue, red, white, or black.

Casual clothing is more comfortable and relaxed. People may wear casual clothing to shop for groceries, lounge around the house or take the dog on a walk. Smart casual is typically neater in appearance. The wearer may choose this clothing when doing something outside the norm or when a dress code requires it.

What does smart casual look like for ladies? ›

Smart casual is a dress code that focuses on more relaxed clothing but still fits well and creates a polished appearance. It can be hard to determine what this means, but it is all about finding a balance. This could be dark-wash jeans, dress pants, co-ords, skirts and blouses, and more for women.

Yes, you can wear sneakers as part of a smart-casual dress code for women, men and gender-neutral styles. You can pair sneakers with jeans, khakis and chinos. You may even wear sneakers with some skirts for a more athletic smart-casual look for women.

For a more formal wedding, it is typically expected that female guests wear a long dress. But instead of breaking out the gown you wore to prom, try wearing a more appropriate evening gown. If the wedding is during the day, a pretty maxi dress should do the trick.

Can You Wear Black to a Wedding? Generally, wearing black to a wedding is appropriate. "Guests can absolutely wear black to a wedding," says Shawne Jacobs, President and Creative Director of Anne Barge. "In the past, black was a color typically worn for mourning.

As a general rule, "wearing black is totally acceptable, as the hue is very versatile," Sabatino affirms. However, you should avoid wearing white unless you are told otherwise.

Generally, though, black is versatile enough to wear to any type of nuptials. Consider a loose black midi dress or shirt-and-slacks combo for a casual wedding, or opt for a sleek black jumpsuit or suit for an upscale dress code.

Can you wear pants to a wedding? Yes, you absolutely can. If you don't like dresses or your legs are not your best feature, pants are totally acceptable, so long as you keep the time of day and venue in mind.

As a general rule, "wearing black is totally acceptable, as the hue is very versatile," Sabatino affirms. However, you should avoid wearing white unless you are told otherwise. That shade, she says, is reserved exclusively for the bride.