Wedding season is upon us! Now is the perfect time to start envisioning what you’ll wear to the wedding(s) you’re attending. Whatever you envision, we encourage you to thrift your fit. Explore the basic principles for your wedding guest outfit. Think about how your personal style can mix with the basic principles to create the perfect ensemble.

summer wedding guest outfit

The Basic Principles

There are a few rules and considerations you should adhere to when dressing for a wedding. First, follow the dress code! Whether it’s casual attire, black-tie, beach formal, semi-formal, etc., following the code will give you good direction.  

Second, don’t wear all white or the color of the bridal party. Third, consider the season and the venue. Stilettos on the beach? No, thank you. Neck-to-ankle, regal velvet dress in the middle of a summer day? Totally gorgeous, but we’ll give it a pass. 

Finally, start early! Starting early gives you more time to ask questions about the dress code, learn what the bridal party is wearing (so you can give it a miss), and put together beautiful outfits you’ll feel great in. With these basics out of the way, let’s get thrifty. 

Thrifting The Perfect Outfit For Wedding Season

The Vibes You’re Bringing | Personal Style

Keep your personal style and outfit ideas top of mind by using Pinterest or sketching out a few designs. This will help you further refine your ensemble without becoming overwhelmed by the possibilities. Some thoughts if you’re looking for inspiration:

Think about how you want to feel at the wedding and reception. Do you want to feel bold and stylish? What about beautiful and confident? Do you like the idea of blending in with all the guests? Let your answers influence your look.

If you’re looking for something effortlessly beautiful, try a flowing bohemian style dress with pump heels or flats. For something subtle, seek out earth tones or pastels in a pretty fitted dress or dress shirt and suit pants.

what men should wear to wedding as a guest

Comfort And Quality

Comfortability and quality are just as important as style. You don’t want to be shifting around, uncomfortable throughout the wedding and reception. Additionally, having a ball on the dance floor and suddenly realizing there’s a tear, stain or something similar wrong with your clothes is a total downer!

If you can try on before you buy during this uncertain time, do so! Sit down, jump, take big strides, and make sure the texture of the clothing feels comfortable on your skin. Comfort is key. Take your time and inspect each item you’re looking to thrift. 

Look for tears, holes, stains, anything that reduces the integrity of each piece. If you find something wrong, put it back (unless you know for sure that you are actually going to get the piece fixed). You will find better quality clothing! We promise. 

A note on thrifted shoes: we encourage you to thrift your shoes! We also encourage you to mend shoes you’ve thrifted at a shoe repair shop. While you’ll almost always run into other clothing you love that doesn’t require repair, the same can’t always be said for shoes you love. 

summer dress wedding guest outfit ideas

What are you looking to thrift for your next wedding guest outfit?

Thrifting the Perfect Wedding Guest Outfit