What to Wear to a Summer Wedding
It’s that time of year again... Summer wedding season! Seeing an invite dress up your typically droll mailbox is always a delight. No matter how you open invitations – slow and deliberate or a fast and reckless – a few thoughts will predictably surface. Will I be available that day? Will there be a plus one? What will the dress code be?
If you’re stumped on what to wear to a summer wedding, we have your back. With helpful hints on what to wear – when and where – you’ll be ready to have a blast and celebrate the happy couple in style.
Why It’s Called Occasional Dress
The Dress Code: White Tie, Black Tie, Formal, or Black Tie Optional
Ladies – this is not the time to hold back. Go all out and channel your inner Audrey Hepburn, Blake Lively, or Gemma Chan. When it comes to formal dress, there’s a lot to be said for keeping your look fuss-free and classic and there’s always a way to step it up with your own personal statement. Let’s break down what to wear to a summer wedding that’s all about elegance:
White Tie:
Fancy with a capital “F,” white tie calls for a floor-grazing gown. Think old Hollywood meets the Oscars red carpet mixed with an element of mystery. No matter your neckline or hairstyle an eye-catching pair of earrings, like the Malika Statement Earrings, are a must. For evening events, just add a pair of elbow-length dress gloves.
Black Tie:
A hair less fancy, black tie traditionally requires a formal, floor sweeping dress. Opt for art-inspired earrings, like the metallic Gia Drop Earrings or the Jaylin Statement Earrings. Bonus: formal summer weddings simply beg for diamonds – and a strategically placed Remington Y Necklace or Lillian Lariat Necklace ought to do the trick.
Formal or Black Tie Optional:
While a longer dress is always an option, a mid-to-knee-length cocktail dress – on the elevated end – is also appropriate. Play around with jewelry and accessories. Swingy earrings, like the Jennifer Statement Earrings, are perfect for the dance floor. Balance larger pieces with the Reggie Cocktail Ring or Terra Ring Set of 3 in the metal of your choice.
Fabulous in Photos & On the Dance Floor
The Dress Code: Cocktail or Semi-Formal
What to wear to a summer wedding that’s chic, yet casual? Think ensembles that evoke the magic of garden parties, Derby days, and romantic evenings under the stars. Bubbly in-hand, be the epitome of sophistication with a wink and a smile.
Cocktail:
What to wear with a cocktail dress or a sleek jumpsuit? Long, swingy earrings and a cocktail ring. We lean toward something like the Alice Drop Earrings and complement with the show-stopping Naomi Double Ring.
Semi-Formal:
A tad less buttoned-up than cocktail, you can have a lot of fun with this one; be comfortable, but stand out in every summer wedding photo. Break out the bright colors and accessories! The Soren Statement Earrings add a modern edge and look killer with the Leah Mood Ring.
Contempo Casual
The Dress Code: Casual
You likely already have this outfit on stand by and thus have a lot to choose from. What to wear to a summer wedding that seems to prioritize wearability above all? The options are practically endless: a sundress, skirt or pants, a blouse, or a feminine jumpsuit – all are fair game. Pair with smart casual shoes and jewelry that’s subtle, yet playful.
Honor the fun of dressing up for a summer wedding and incorporate some key jewels to keep your look fresh. Go easy chic with the Marty Drop Earrings and add some boho glam with a curated, delicate bracelet stack. Our go-tos are the Tiana Pinch Bracelet Set of 3 stacked with the Lawrence Cuff Bracelet.
No Matter the Dress Code...
Before you step out, mind this checklist on what to wear to a summer wedding:
Keep the venue and theme in mind. This applies to shoes, color choices, handbag, and your overall ensemble.
Lean toward lighter colors for daytime affairs and something darker at night.
When in doubt, dress up instead of dressing down!
Shop the Story
