Wearing Maxi-Length Dresses for Weddings (2023)

FAQs

Is it OK to wear maxi dress to a wedding? ›

Absolutely! Wearing a maxi dress to a wedding is a great choice year-round. Be comfortable and fashionable when you spare the gown and wear a maxi-length dress to a wedding. Also known as a tea-length or a full-length dress, a maxi dress is long with a hemline that typically rests at or just below your ankles.

Women should wear a formal floor-length gown that does not reveal the ankles at the hem of the dress, but if the wedding seems a bit less formal, a sophisticated cocktail dress may also be acceptable. Women may also wear elegant pantsuits. Men must wear a tuxedo.

A semi-formal wedding typically isn't the place to wear your most sparkly, dramatic floor-length gown, but that doesn't mean you can't wear any long dresses. Consider wearing a light, minimalistic maxi dress featuring a solid hue or a subtle pattern to exude elegant energy without being too fancy for the occasion.

Maxi dresses have become super popular for formal events such as weddings, school formals, glamorous functions and anything black tie. Maxi dresses with sleeves or ones that are made from a luxe fabric are perfect for your formal events.

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.

Flats are an amazing option to wear on the go, there is such a variety of flats ranging from a casual flat you can wear while running errands to a flat with jewels that you can wear at your wedding! You can always find fashionable or classic pairs of flats to wear with maxi dresses.

A midi dress is classy enough for any formal event but still casual enough to wear all day and to different events and date night. It's much easier to dance in than a long or short dress. It's also easier to walk around and dance at receptions, which is perfect when you want to keep dancing all night!

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.

"That really cute sundress or maxi dress is a great example of dressy casual,” Swann says. There are actually a lot of options that fit into this category, and Swann says although it's fun to buy something new, you can often work with something that's already in your closet and lean into accessorizing.

Semi-Formal

"Dresses in a knee or midi length are great options. You'll want to avoid a floor-length dress unless wearing a more casual maxi dress." A jumpsuit is also a great alternative to a dress, as is a pantsuit.

Can you wear a midi dress to a formal wedding? ›

"A knee-length dress, midi dress, or even a flowy maxi dress are all appropriate; I also love the idea of a jumpsuit, suit or a patterned suit or a tuxedo with a standard necktie rather than a bow tie." As for accessories, a "colorful shoe, patterned tie, statement piece of jewelry or a fun pair of sunglasses (if the ...

Semiformal Wear

Dress: A dress or dressy suit with a dressy top, with heels, strappy sandals, flats, or dress shoes may also be worn. Sparkling gemstones, pearls, and dressy fashion jewelry are all appropriate. However, be careful not to overdo it, or you'll look more like you're in costume than semiformal wear.

A maxi dress is a long, flowing dress that typically reaches the ankles or floor. It is a popular style for summer and formal occasions. However, if the maxi dress is too long, it can be difficult to walk or move around comfortably, and it may not look as flattering on the wearer.

Therefore, there is an expectation that the colors white, ivory or cream are reserved for the Bride." She added: "It is generally deemed inappropriate for guests to wear white to a wedding so [as] not to upstage the Bride and draw attention to yourself and away from the couple."

Wearing a Revealing or Flashy Outfit

For example, dresses with very large cutouts, super short minis, and extremely sheer ensembles. This rule also applies to overly flashy attire, like completely sequined dresses or neon-colored pieces.

Steer clear of off-white, eggshell, beige, champagne, cream, or any other super light color that could be mistaken for white. There are so many dress options available in a variety of hues, so steering clear of these shades should not be a major issue.

When considering what shoes to wear with a maxi dress, wedges come up pretty high in our top choice of footwear. A comfortable alternative to heels, wedges offer you a subtle lift whilst elegantly maintaining the comfort and function of a sandal.

The two best shoe options with a wedding guest maxi dress are pumps and strappy heels! Nude heels are great for Spring and Summer weddings and darker colors are the best for Fall and Winter weddings. These are my go-to strappy sandals!

“For a more formal take, wear a peep-toe pump or strappy heeled sandal. Both are good choices for summer.” More casual maxis (something tie dye, striped or floral) call for more casual heels like wedges, espadrilles, and platform sandals, notes Miller.

What dress styles can you wear to a casual wedding? Think midi-length sundresses, breezy maxi dresses, or even high-quality jumpsuits. High/low dresses are also great for a casual wedding if worn with an elevated sandal or a shorter heel.

What do you wear to a 4pm outdoor wedding? ›

If the event is not for a beach wedding, but some hours after lunchtime, the typical dress-code of an afternoon wedding is semi-formal. Consequently, it calls for cocktail dresses, LBDs or modest party dresses. If the invitation asks for formal attire, go for a cocktail dress or a dressy LBD.

Most weddings feature a multitude of dress styles ranging from short hems to floor-length cuts, but a long skirt and top combo is a trendy and timeless style that's sure to rock any event. Wearing a smart top and maxi skirt for weddings is a novel idea that anyone can pull off.

Unless otherwise specified on the invitation, 'black tie' in general permits any length, so midi and even shorter styles, within reason, are acceptable. But, given the formality, showing a lot of skin might draw stares from other guests.

“How about a black-and-white dress?” We advise against wearing white to weddings, but a printed dress with a hint of white or ivory is definitely approved. A black-and-white dress is a classic choice, as long as the pattern isn't too distracting.

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.

Like blazers, maxi dresses are never a poor choice when deciding on a going-out outfit.

A morning wedding typically calls for casual dress, while a ceremony after 5 p.m. generally calls for formal attire.

Women can choose to wear either a floor length gown or a formal, sophisticated cocktail dress. If someone is concerned about the length of their dress, they should ask the couple what their expectations are. If the couple is not giving direction, opt for a longer dress to be on the safe side.

A wedding doesn't require towering heels. For those who want something smaller, these kitten heel shoes are a stylish and chic way to go. They also come in black for an even more versatile option.

Can you wear ankle boots with a midi dress to a wedding? ›

Ankle Boots with Midi Dresses

The answer is yes, but it depends on the style of both the dress and the boots. Your height is also a factor since midi dresses make you look shorter. Wearing calf-length dresses with certain types of ankle boots can be tricky. But if you choose the suitable styles, it can be a great look!

"For women, a floor-length dress is great, but a more fancy cocktail-length (midi dress) can also work," says Mayer. It's acceptable to wear a tea-length dress to a black-tie wedding, so long as it feels elevated enough and hits mid-calf or below.

What is Semi Formal Wedding Attire? Semi formal wedding attire sits at the sweet spot between understated dressy and elevated casual. It's also commonly referred to as “dressy casual” — which can be viewed as a weekend version of business casual. Think: flowy dresses, simple suit jackets, and timeless silhouettes.

Women following this fashion directive might opt for a cocktail dress or a polished set. Semi-formal also translates to shorter hemlines, bold prints, or elevated separates like a festive top paired with tailored dress pants.

When the Attire is Semi-Formal or Cocktail Attire. If you're wondering, "Can you wear black to a wedding that has a semi-formal or cocktail attire dress code?" the answer is yes. Especially if the ceremony starts after 5PM, darker colors are encouraged; while lighter colors are appropriate if the ceremony starts later.

However, for this to be a true maxi dress, the skirt should at least hit your ankles, and it can touch the top of your toes if you feel comfortable with a longer length. Maxi dresses can also float just above the feet to show off your sandals.

Some skim your foot while others skim the floor. Getting this right can make the difference between being chic and getting your feet caught up in the dress and ending up flat on your face. The perfect maxi dress should gently touch your ankles, and maybe even to the top of your foot.

The best length for a maxi skirt is one that falls between your ankle and the top of your toes. The best thing to do is to bring it into the tailor with the shoes you are going to wear with it.

Coloured maxi dresses will go well with white button-up shirts, or you can even consider pairing your maxi dress with patterned shirts. Adding shirts will add that definition and amp up your whole look. Complete your look with a trendy sling bag for a comfy and cool look.

If you can wear a small heel with a maxi dress then it will instantly make you look taller. Make sure the dress fits you correctly on the shoulders and around the bust line. Your dress should not touch the floor. Your best bet is to choose block colour dresses.

How long should a maxi dress be on a short person? ›

As a petite woman, the ideal hemline for a maxi dress is somewhere between ankle length and the top of your foot. Where it almost looks like it could touch the ground but it won't – that's your perfect length maxi dress. So I'd say about an inch or two above the floor is a good reference point.

Long prom dresses are a chance to show off your formal side, giving you a more elegant appearance. Finding a long dress in a style that's right for your body is easier because there are a variety of styles to choose from.

Lizzie Post, host of the podcast Awesome Etiquette from the Emily Post Institute, says that no guest should ever feel embarrassed if they happen to wear the same color as the bridesmaids, but they can ask in advance what the colors will be if they're concerned about it.

"A knee-length dress, midi dress, or even a flowy maxi dress are all appropriate; I also love the idea of a jumpsuit, suit or a patterned suit or a tuxedo with a standard necktie rather than a bow tie."

Unless otherwise specified on the invitation, 'black tie' in general permits any length, so midi and even shorter styles, within reason, are acceptable. But, given the formality, showing a lot of skin might draw stares from other guests. Midi-to-full hemlines are your safest (and chicest) bet.

Steer clear of off-white, eggshell, beige, champagne, cream, or any other super light color that could be mistaken for white. There are so many dress options available in a variety of hues, so steering clear of these shades should not be a major issue.

The wedding colours are for the wedding party, not guests

Unless you're in that bridal party, you'd be best to steer clear of trying to match them. Think of it a bit like a stage show. The actors, in this case the bridal party, all wear the same colour to identify themselves as being in the cast.

You may choose to wear any color except black or white. The guest's goal should be to blend in with the surroundings and let the bride shine. As her guest, you should avoid attire that could be considered informal or in bad taste. Pastels, jewel tones and earth tones are excellent choices, as are most primary colors.

Choose a style that feels comfortable and doesn't steal the limelight from the bride. So, avoid sequins and over-the-top plunging necklines and trains. Style your black dress with pops of color using statement jewelry or a bold hat or fascinator and add extra detail with the perfect pair of shoes.