Itโs officially nuptials season, which is why this guide to the best wedding guest outfits for 2022 is a must read now. Picking the right look can be challenging, especially since there are so many wedding dress codes to decipher. Not sure where to begin? Below, find the top 5 shoppable looks for this seasonโincluding wedding guest jewelry, bridal party shoes and the perfect clutches.
Even better?ย Each outfit is categorized by level of formality, making it easy to find the right look for this yearโs beachy, casual, semi-formal and black-tie weddings.
The Key to Wedding Guest Outfits 2022: A Quick Note
Before diving into specific looks, itโs important to note that most invitations will detail the weddingโs dress code. Yet sometimes, the guidelines are vague, so hereโs a helpful guide.
1. Look at the Start Time
If the affair begins before 4 p.m., itโs probably a more casual event. That means shorter hemlines, effortless fabrics such as chiffons and pretty floral fabrics are welcome. In some cases, a skirt and blouse combo or even a cute jumpsuit could replace the traditional dress choice.
Heading to events that begin after that 4 p.m. cutoff? The later start time automatically implies more formality. That means longer dresses, heavier fabrics like satin and more dramatic silhouettes will be in order.
2. Read the Verbal Cues
Most wedding invitations include at least some nod to dress code. They may say casual or beach attire. Some suggest cocktail or semi-formal dressing. Finally, many will request that guests come in formal or black-tie attireโoften, these terms are interchangeable, especially for women. In order to respect the happy couple, try to stick to these guidelines as closely as possible. And begin by shopping the best wedding guest outfits 2022 for casual, beach, semi-formal, formal and black-tie weddings!
Casual Wedding Guest Outfits
For many wedding guests, the words โcasual attireโ are fear inspiring. Itโs just so hard to find the right blend of respectfully elegant and appropriately understated. As mentioned earlier, weddings with casual attire are usually scheduled for the day time hours, so consider elevated garden party looks to be the inspiration hereโa pretty skirt with a cute, casual tank top, a floaty sundress or an elegant romper would all be appropriate.
1. Casual Daytime Wedding Look
Start with this simple but stunning Julia Jordan twist neck sheath dress. Next, add low-heeled neutral bridal party shoes, such as these Pruce Ankle Strap Sandals from Nine West. Add a complementary clutch, but choose one without too much sparkle, such as this faux-leather design from Milisente. Finally, complete the look with subtle wedding guest jewelry like a pair of simple pearl studs, and the combination is perfect for a low-key, daytime wedding.
What to Wear for a Beach Ceremony
Regardless of the ceremony time of day, or even stated formality level, beach weddings need a style all their own. Aside from dress code considerations, the elements also play a role in putting outfits together. Beach appropriate fabrics are a mustโthis is probably not the time to wear a silk dress, or any fabric that shouldnโt get wet.
Bridal party shoes also have to be given careful consideration. Stilettos will only sink in the sand, or create balance challenges on slippery water-front services. Either choose shoes that are easy to slip off and tote through the ceremony, or shoot for embellished sandals that look pretty but remain practical.
And donโt forget about the clutch bag for weddings by the shoreโwhile a big straw bag wonโt work here, choosing a roomier bag with space for sunscreen and Chapstick will go a long way towards a comfortable experience.
2. Beach Wedding Guest Outfits 2022
Pick a fun flirty dress with plenty of movementโthis Eliza J embellished chiffon gown has a shorter-in-front hemline that allows for easy strides across the sand. Feel free to skip the shoes, or opt for sparkly slides that just barely peak out beneath the dramatic hemline. A clutch with a hands-free option, like this L-cool acrylic crossbody, makes it easy to keep hands free for balance purposes. Then, round out the beachy vibes with a high ponytail and boho-inspired earrings like these Natalie statement earrings from Kendra Scott.
Navigating a Semi-Formal Dress Code
This wedding outfit mandate is often set for afternoon into evening weddings at more formal venues, such as hotels or banquet halls. To strike the right balance here, choose cocktail length hemlines, with formal silhouettes, materials or embellishments<. Save sparkles for heels or a clutch bag for a wedding with a semi-formal dress code. And jewelry is in a gray area here, so while an over-the-top diamond necklace may not be appropriate, a bit of bling is certainly welcome here.
3. Cocktail Length Wedding Guest Outfit
This midi length silk satin sheath is the perfect building block for a semi-formal affair.ย The cowl neck bust line would be the perfect backdrop for layered gold chains. The dress would also work with a simple pendant and a serious pair of statement earrings like theseย dangling Madelyn Gold statement earrings from Kendra Scott. Complete the look with Steve Maddenโs funky crystal ankle strap sandals, and get ready to rock a winning semi-formal wedding guest outfit for 2022.
Black Tie Optional Wedding Guest Outfits 2022
Next to semi-formal, black tie optional is the most confusing wedding guest dress code. For men, it means go ahead and wear a tuxโฆor donโt. But for women? Nail this dressing mandate with long skirt and top combinations, cocktail length dresses with lots of pizzazz, or a very sleek full-length gown thatโs low on embellishment.
4. Striking Black Tie Optional Attire
Start with this this sexy-yet-elegant La Femme Ruched Jersey Gown: the flirty details set against the full-length hemline sends all the right vibes for a black-tie optional affair. Mix in a wedding guest jewelry-like clutchโthis pearl encrusted EOS box clutch strikes just the right noteโand complete with simple but eye-catching diamond studs for an extra bit of sparkle.
Formal Wedding Attire: Black Tieโs Undercover Cousin
Female wedding guests can make the same wardrobe choices for formal and black-tie dress codes. Basically, both demand dresses that are full length, or cocktail length with heavy embellishment or extra volumeโthink ball gown styled skirts. These two event types are also the place to step up that wedding guest jewelry game, making these events the most formal wedding guest outfits for 2022 and beyond.
5. Formal and Fancy Full-Length Look
Formal attire is all about making a visual impact, so the drama of this Mac Duggal ruffle tiered gown makes it a great choice for black-tie affairs. Then add all the sparkles, with stunning bridal party shoes like these Bella Belle Matilda Mesh Pointed Toe Pumps or the Bella Belle Florence Embellished Bow Sandals, decked out with glamorous crystal detailing. Round out the bling with these Mignonne Gavigan metallic,ย light-refracting danglers, and the look is dazzlingly complete.
How formal do your wedding guest outfits for 2022 need to be? Share your styling ideas in the comments below!
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