What To Wear To A Wedding If You Hate Dresses Because There Are Plenty Of Other Options (2023)

FAQs

What to wear to a wedding if you don t like wearing dresses? ›

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.

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.

Women are expected to wear a full length gown that is formal and covers their ankles. A formal pantsuit can also be a great option.

A plain white dress or white top and skirt are not generally acceptable, particularly in any formal style. Avoid ivory, off-white and light beige, too. However, it is okay to wear a patterned outfit that includes other colors along with white. Wedding colors are not necessarily off-limits, either.

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.

According to etiquette expert Lisa Grotts, there's not much a couple can do about what guests wear to their wedding other than state the dress code on the invitation. “If the guests and couple are close friends, they will respect the dress code.

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."

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.

Can you wear a white dress to a wedding if you re not a virgin? ›

However, nowadays, the idea that you must be 'pure' in order to wear a white dress is rather outdated. Many brides choose to wear white on their wedding day, even if they aren't a virgin, or even if they have children already. These days, white is merely chosen because it's traditional.

In the past, wearing black to a wedding was frowned upon, because black was a colour traditionally worn at funerals and when in mourning.

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.

Can I wear a floral pattern to a wedding? Yes! A floral print outfit is an appropriate and stylish choice for all seasons and types of weddings.

You can also choose wide-legged or cropped ankle dress pants to wear with a fancy top. Women can certainly experiment with two-piece ensembles or even a jumpsuit; however, jeans are still a no-go for cocktail attire. Instead, choose a formal pair of trousers that make you feel comfortable and elegant all at once.

Masterclass defines Smart Casual as “a dress code that combines well-fitting, polished business wear with elements of casual attire.” This kind of wedding dress code usually revolves around skirts, dresses, or even slacks for women, whereas men might choose chinos, dark wash denim, or suit pants with a casual shirt.

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.

"This is where you're thinking more light colors and casual materials," she says, versus fancier fare like satin and sparkles. You can wear things that are a little more flowy, and even bold prints are acceptable. "That really cute sundress or maxi dress is a great example of dressy casual,” Swann says.

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.

Full Length Gowns

Traditionally women are expected to wear a floor length evening dress to a formal wedding. Often a sophisticated and dressy cocktail dress is also appropriate, however if the bride is traditional we recommend a floor length dress. A full length dress means that the ankle is not visible.

Should wedding guest dresses be short or long? ›

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.

You should avoid white because that color is typically reserved for the bride.

The truth is, as the mother-of-the-groom, you can wear whatever you want to the ceremony. While it's not required to wear pantyhose to weddings, we highly encourage you to look and feel fabulous for the occasion. Thigh highs are a glamorous way to help you reach this goal.

Avoid jeans, shorts, tank tops, and tennis shoes, unless the invitation specifically says otherwise. Sandals are tricky, as some might consider them too casual for an event like a wedding, while others say sandals are the obvious choice for casual beach nuptials.

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.

In general, daytime weddings are more casual, so lighter fabrics, festive colors, and less-formal attire is the rule. What is this? For women, a nice daytime dress, skirt, top, or jumpsuit are good choices. For men, a well-tailored suit in a mid-to-dark neutral color like gray, blue, or charcoal is appropriate.

The only way to upstage the bride is to wear something extravagant. Dresses and ballroom gowns are examples of overdressing. You definitely grab the attention of other guests if you come to the wedding with a detailed and glittered ballgown. It wouldn't matter what the bride is wearing on the day.

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.

Clothing that expresses any racial, sexist, or discriminatory statements are never appropriate to wear to work. Uniforms if required for some positions. If your company is scent-free or scent sensitive, a Dress Code would be an appropriate place to put that in writing.

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.

Can you wear nude to a wedding? ›

Personally, if you're happy with people wearing whatever they want to your wedding, and there isn't a strict dress code, then by all means, wear a "naked" dress. But in my experience, it's all about knowing the context of the situation beforehand.

Weddings are the one exception to this: As long as you've spoken to the bride's or groom's family at some point during the reception, you do not have to say goodbye to them as you leave, especially if they're dining or dancing. It would be ruder to interrupt their merriment than to forego the farewell.

The best summer wedding colors range from shades of orange to pale pink, blue, and green. However, when choosing a summer color palette, you must consider the temperature and color wheel. For instance, warm colors include red, yellow, and orange. Alternatively, cool colors include purple, blue, and green.

Generally speaking, it's best to play it safe and avoid wearing a white dress when going to any type of wedding. The reason being, that white is traditionally a bridal colour. This may result in guests who are not familiar with the bride mistaking you for the person of honour.

You can wear whatever you want irrespective of the state of your virginity. White wedding dresses were never intended to symbolise virginity. They were only popularised when Queen Victoria wore a white dress for her wedding and Royal influence made white a fashionable choice.

Second marriage wedding dresses can definitely be white.

If they'd love you in white (and you would too) go right ahead. Even if you chose something super classic and "bridal" for your first wedding, that doesn't mean you have to forgo white this time around.

Meaning: if the invitation includes a unique dress code, or it's a Western wedding that is not being held in a conservative religious institution, you should feel free to wear red to the event.

First and foremost, couples want their guests to feel comfortable and like themselves. If guests want to wear red, they should wear red. I don't think it takes attention away from the bride. Red symbolizes love and passion. It has such a broad palette.

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.

Are jumpsuits appropriate to wear to a wedding? Absolutely! Jumpsuits are an appropriate and stylish choice for any type of dress code and wedding.

Can a woman wear black pants to a semi-formal wedding? ›

Black is a classic choice for semi-formal weddings or choose something that adds a pop of color to your look.

In general, we don't recommend wearing jeans for any type of wedding (even the most casual weddings, unless the couple explicitly allows denim), and especially not for a semi-formal dress code. Opt for dress pants or khakis instead, paired with a blazer or suit jacket and tie.

Can I wear palazzo pants to a wedding? As a guest, yes. Consider the theme, vibe, and dress code of the wedding before you opt for palazzos. Solid colors paired with dress shirts, crop tops, and complementing blazers will make for a comfortable yet stylish look.

"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."

Floral Maxi Dresses for weddings are always an excellent and appropriate choice this time of year. They are feminine and fitting for a wedding.

The best go-to dress for formal cocktail attire is your fancy black dress. Black and other neutral hues are great choices. Choose a dress that is made from high-quality materials and that isn't too short. Pair your dress with some sleek and sophisticated accessories to complete your look.

A good rule of thumb is to select a dark color or neutral shade for your cocktail attire. Dark colors, such as black, navy, or dark purple, are timeless because they're sultry without screaming “look at me.” For a softer look, choose neutral tones like beige, gray, and brown.

Even in summer, it's best to avoid wearing white pants to a wedding. The easy pick is a pair of black dress pants or a pair of dark blue dress pants. The black pants will go well with a black belt, black leather or vegan leather shoes, and a wide array of dress shirts.

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.

Do I have to wear a dress to my wedding? ›

You do you. But if you would prefer not to, there are tons of stylish options for your big day. You could certainly Carrie Bradshaw it in a vintage suit (much love, SJP), or go for the unbeatable casual and girly combo of a pullover sweater and tulle skirt like this bride.

It's no longer taboo to wear white!

"According to the Emily Post Institute, it's acceptable to wear white, as long as it doesn't 'distract from the bride or her attendant's dresses.

Enter the peekaboo back. With just a moment of skin peeking out between carefully constructed lace panels, or from behind swathes of swirling silk, this style is utterly romantic, totally wearable, and equal parts cheeky and chic.

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.

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.

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.

Can I wear a floral pattern to a wedding? Yes! A floral print outfit is an appropriate and stylish choice for all seasons and types of weddings.

Samantha Leenheer, creative director and planner at Samantha Joy Events in Ohio, pointed out that the color white enabled "the bride to stand out amongst her guests. If a guest wears white, it can be seen as if you are stealing attention or trying to upstage the bride in some way.

“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.