What To Wear To A Casual Outside Wedding?

For a casual outdoor wedding, consider lightweight fabrics like navy, cream, or white linens for spring and summer, and floral dresses for women. Layer with a denim or lightweight jacket for a daytime look, and minimal jewelry for evening celebrations. For fall outdoor weddings, use the hues of the season as inspiration for your look. Avoid going too casual, as mountain weddings typically have a more laid-back atmosphere than other weddings. Casual wedding attire is non-fussy, understated clothing that is easy to dance in, and should be appropriate both during the day and at night.

For guests, consider business casual outfit ideas as a guide, and opt for block heels, loafers, and sandals with sturdy soles. Beach weddings are the ultimate casual wedding attire event, and guests can wear shorts if they’re going right on the water. Daytime weddings are more casual, so lighter fabrics, festive colors, and less-formal attire are the rule. For men, a well-tailored suit in a mid-to-dark neutral color like gray, blue, or charcoal is appropriate. Women can wear a nice sundress or dress, a jumpsuit, or even a two-piece set.

For casual wedding guest dresses, choose light breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, bright and pastel color palettes, knee-length or midi dresses, maxi dresses with flat sandals, linen-blend suits, sports coats, and chic jumpsuits. Comfort is key, and men can wear linen, cotton, or a mix of materials.

What to wear if the dress code says dressy casual?

If you consider it on the scale of semi-formal vs. cocktail attire, dressy casual is closer to the semi-formal side than the cocktail one. Light colors and casual materials, like satin or linen, fit the code well. However, its also worth pointing out that the time of day may also affect the code. For instance, dressy casual for an evening may mean a suit, perhaps with an open shirt button to dress it down a bit. But when used for an event taking place earlier in the day, youll likely be fine in summer semi-formal wedding attire for males.

In short, dress casual isnt quite the same as business casual because theres a little more formality expected. But it also teeters around the semi-formal designation, with the code perhaps suggesting something a touch more casual for an event like a daytime wedding.

Dressy Casual and Weddings. Sticking with the wedding theme, lets say youve received an invite to a wedding that has a dressy casual code.

What do you wear to an outdoor wedding without a dress code?

Still not sure? Your best bet is cocktail attire. Sure, you might be overdressed if it ends up being a more relaxed affair, but youll fit right in at a cocktail attire party, and (with the right accessories) can easily dress up for something on the more formal side.

Women should opt for a dress in a luxe fabric, such as silk. Wear a darker color for evening weddings or something brighter during the day.

Men should wear suits in either dark gray or black, which transition well between cocktail attire and formal events. Dont forget a tie.

If all else fails, ask the couple! Whether they intended to leave out the information or not, theyll be able to quickly sum up what you should wear to the event.

How casual is too casual for a wedding?

Dont go too casual. Even if the wedding has a more low-key dress code, I promise you: It is not that casual. Meaning no sweats, shorts, jeans, T-shirts—you get my point. If you have to choose between being underdressed or overdressed, its always better to be overdressed, Swann explains.

Weddings these days have fewer and fewer fashion rules than in decades past, which can be great, but also makes things a tad more complicated. Many of todays brides are passing on traditional gowns in favor of elegant pants or jumpsuits, the occasional groom skips the typical black tux for a pastel suit, and even bridesmaids are ditching the cookie-cutter dresses for something they can wear over and over again. This means guests also have just as much freedom with their styles.

But before you whip out any outfit and call it a day, there are a few things to remember while getting dressed in order to still be respectful of the ceremony and the people getting married. Some of the rules are pretty straightforward and easy to follow (e.g., what colors to avoid), while others require a little more outfit planning—like figuring out what the heck beach-formal attire means.

To make sure you really nail it on the big day (well, not your big day, but you know what I mean), we tapped Elaine Swann, lifestyle and etiquette expert and founder of The Swann School of Protocol, to give us the low-down on some spoken and unspoken fashion rules.

Is it okay to wear jeans to an outdoor wedding?

4. Dont go too casual.. Even if the wedding has a more low-key dress code, I promise you: It is not that casual. Meaning no sweats, shorts, jeans, T-shirts—you get my point. If you have to choose between being underdressed or overdressed, its always better to be overdressed, Swann explains.

But she also insists that if you are truly baffled by the dress code and have no idea what to wear, you should absolutely reach out for help. I encourage people to embrace that awkward moment and ask for an example from someone in the wedding party, whether its the bride, the groom, or the bridal party.

If you are looking for something that skews more casual but is still fit for a wedding, go for any of the simple yet stylish outfits below which can easily be dressed up or down.

What does dressy casual mean for an outdoor wedding?

If youre invited to a dressy casual wedding, think casual formal attire meets laid-back chic. Its about creating an elegant casual outfit that still allows room for a little creativity and personal flair. In other words, its the green light to wear those fancy casual outfits youve been dying to show off!

Ladies, youre in for a treat! Its time to throw out the rulebook that says you cant be both comfortable and stylish. Dressy casual is here to prove that you absolutely can. Were talking casual attire for women thats got the perfect amount of sparkle and sophistication.

• A breezy, floral midi dress paired with strappy sandals and a delicate pendant necklace for an effortlessly chic look.
• High-waist palazzo pants with a silk blouse accessorized with gold hoops and a sleek clutch.
• A flattering jumpsuit that cinches at the waist, paired with a statement belt and your favorite wedges.
• A lace skirt matched with a fitted turtleneck and ankle boots for a touch of boho glam.
• A flowy maxi dress with a denim jacket and cowboy boots for a rustic wedding.
• A satin slip dress that skims your silhouette, paired with kitten heels and a simple pearl necklace.
• A tailored pantsuit in a pastel shade matched with an understated top and block heels.
• A wrap dress with heeled sandals, complemented by a statement necklace.
• A pleated midi skirt with a lace top, paired with heeled booties and your favorite bangles.
• A velvet blazer with cigarette pants, a lacy cami, and pumps for a touch of retro elegance.
• A high-low dress in a jewel tone, matched with metallic heels and a matching clutch.
• A sequined top with black jeans and stiletto boots for a nighttime affair.
• A patterned jumpsuit with a statement clutch and strappy sandals.
• Wide-legged trousers with a sequin top finished off with a pair of chic mules.
• A chiffon maxi skirt with a crop top, paired with sandals and a long, pendant necklace.

What do you wear to an outdoor casual wedding?

If the celebration is outside, you should consider two things: the weather and the ground. Even if its a casual wedding, men might want to bring a suit jacket or blazer, and women might want to carry a shawl in case the temperature drops for the evening.

What to wear to an outdoor wedding as a guest?

Summer. If attending an outdoor summer wedding, its important to dress as if youre expecting to be hot the entire celebration (after all, it is the summertime). Meaning, strapless or sleeveless dresses made with linen, chiffon, or lace are perfect for women, while linen suits are a lovely choice for men.

Aside from that, Thomas recommends that guests wear light and bright clothing. Opt for bright colors such as blues, pinks, and yellows, or patterns that incorporate these colors, she shares. Colors like light blue and beiges are great options for jackets, pants, and suits this season.

What to wear to a casual outdoor fall wedding?

The weather might fluctuate, so think warm. Since the ceremony, and possibly the reception are both outside youll want a dress that you can layer. Dont worry about sleeves as much, as you can always layer with a shawl or a cardigan sweater.

Every so often, we get the pleasure of attending a casual, fun fall outdoor wedding.

Figuring out what to wear to a wedding can be a stressful event even though you’re not the one getting up there and tying the knot. You hope to dress appropriately and since it’s casual, you don’t want to look out of place.

Let’s take a look at what we’re not allowed to wear and then we can figure out what the best options are.

Can a woman wear pants to a casual wedding?

The good news is, a lot of how you already love to dress is at play when it comes to casual wedding attire, so separates, pants, short dresses, florals, and other patterns are all totally valid options, to say nothing of the bevy of materials to be considered. You also have the option of trading those formal stilettos for a flatter and more comfortable shoe, which is all the better for dancing the night away or chasing a cater waiter for more crab cakes.

To help you narrow down your choices, here are our favorite ideas for what to wear to a casual wedding.

Suits come in many shapes, colors, and styles, so have some fun. A version with slacks, a skirt (or both!), and even a matching dress can work if you stay away from a super formal cut, like anything reminiscent of a tuxedo. Earthy, pastel, and bright tones will immediately bring a more casual feel to a suit, so go in that direction over something dark.

What should a female guest wear to an outdoor wedding?

Summer. If attending an outdoor summer wedding, its important to dress as if youre expecting to be hot the entire celebration (after all, it is the summertime). Meaning, strapless or sleeveless dresses made with linen, chiffon, or lace are perfect for women, while linen suits are a lovely choice for men.

Aside from that, Thomas recommends that guests wear light and bright clothing. Opt for bright colors such as blues, pinks, and yellows, or patterns that incorporate these colors, she shares. Colors like light blue and beiges are great options for jackets, pants, and suits this season.

Is it okay for a woman to wear black pants to a wedding?

Factor In The Wedding Partys Attire. Of course, you dont want to upstage the bride or blend in with the wedding attendants if either is wearing black. Although its non-traditional, some brides wear dark colors on their big day, and attendants are often in black attire for more formal weddings. I have beautiful brides wearing black wedding dresses, said Anastasia Stevenson, a destination wedding planner with Coastal Creative Weddings in Tybee Island, GA. It is perfectly acceptable and chic to wear black to evening, black tie, and winter weddings.

Ryncarz agreed that it is wise to gauge the attire of the wedding attendants. When wearing black to a wedding, keep the outfit in line with the dressiness of the bridal party and wedding as a whole, she said. As long as the event calls for a particular level of formality and you wont upstage the couple or the wedding party, its safe to wear black to the wedding.

Ask The Couple About The Attire. When in doubt, ask the couple. Even if you arent close to the bride or groom, ask someone you know, such as the mother of the bride or a wedding attendant. Doing so may encourage the couple to clarify and add more detail to their wedding website. Plus, you can attend with complete assurance that you wont be making a blunder.

When asked about whether or not it was acceptable to wear black to a wedding, Bri Marbais, a bridal stylist at The Bridal Finery in Orlando, Florida, said, Its becoming very common for couples to require guests to wear a certain color, and black is the most popular. Our best advice is just always to ask if you arent sure, advised Marbais. A simple query can clarify what to wear, so you show up confidently without drawing unnecessary attention to yourself.