Don’t you just love love? While wedding season is every season, summer weddings are filled with endless style possibilities for the brides-to-be and their wedding guests alike because of the influx of toasty warmth and shine. Not only are weddings a celebration of your closest friends’ or relatives’ path toward a life of love, but the events are the perfect opportunity to show up and show out in your best attire regardless of if you want to dish out a pretty penny or keep it budget friendly!
Whether the dress code is black tie, cocktail, casual, or any other style the lucky couple decides upon, this comprehensive guide will let you in on all you need to know about the best style picks for every level of formality. The magic lies in the details; you, among every other guest, are a part of the celebration! Your outfit decision will not only reflect your own personal style, but will also add to the allure and charm of the wedding’s scene and aesthetic.
While it can be difficult to discern what the invitation exactly means by black tie, cocktail, or casual, it's not as confusing as you may think. Black-tie events are generally considered the most formal, while cocktail attire is considered semiformal, and casual is well, casual. But to what extent can we differentiate all three in terms of specific style? The attention definitely lies deeper in the details. Always consider the time of day the event is taking place, the dress code listed on your invitation, and the season (as it can influence the color palette you might want to explore). If you take one thing away from this guide, it should be that unless stated otherwise — you do not wear white. Save that ivory look for the lucky newlywed!
Black-tie weddings are among some of the most magical events because of their undisputed charm and classiness. For a black tie wedding, think long, illustrious black or jewel toned garments. Save the shorter styles for a cocktail occasion; you want to look and feel like you’re part of a royal celebration when attending a black-tie event. The goal of this dress code is the classic simplicity of it all: ankle length garments, a set of pearls, satin clutches, and dreamy updos. Here are some of our favorites!
Classic Black
Bougee: Shop the style at Saks
Budget: Shop the style at Windsor
Bold Reds
Boujee: Shop the style at Saks
Budget: Shop the exact look at Princess Polly
Sleek Navies
Boujee: Shop the style at Anthropologie
Budget: Shop the style at Lulu's
When I think of cocktail attire, I think of a black-tie style with the essence of an adult prom. Maybe even the equivalent of a fancier, more chic workplace business casual (if you know, you know). A cocktail wedding is one of the more popular bridal events because the styles available to shop are more budget friendly, likely more comfortable for the guests, and make everything a little less serious. The dress length can be maxi, midi, or a classy mini. Aside from the dresses being elegant and fun, they are closet staples and can be used for occasions outside of wedding events. New Year’s rooftop bar? Anniversary dinner, anyone? Here are our favorite aesthetics if you’re attending a semiformal wedding this summer!
Striking Violets
Boujee: Shop the style at Mango
Budget: Shop the style at Revolve
Slip Midis With Some Leg
Boujee: Shop this style at Fleur du Mal
Budget: Shop this style at ASOS
Elegant Minis
Boujee: Shop the style at Anthropologie
Budget: Shop the style at Lulus
A casual wedding is typically a daytime affair, whereas black-tie and cocktail events are usually leaning toward the evening. Casual weddings are often outside as well, so each guest might want to incorporate florals, earth tones, and lots of frill or tulle. I am a big fan of the casual wedding aesthetic because the guests are allowed probably the most personality in what they wear; patterns, lace, and sundress styles are usually welcome (especially if the wedding is beachfront). The number one thing to keep in mind is the outcome of possibly overdressing, which we at Gazette Gal will help you avoid! No gowns here; printed maxis, wedges, and even some tailored pantsuits are what you’ll be looking for.
Darling Patterned Maxis
Boujee: Shop the style at Anthropologie
Budget: Shop this style at Mango
Free Flowing Jumpsuits
Boujee: Shop the style at Saks
Budget: Shop the style at Urban Outfitters
Milkmaid Florals
Boujee: Shop the style at Anthropologie
Budget: Shop the style at ASOS
Depending on the wedding attire, your dress is either going to be the moment, or you’ll want to add on some statement pieces that complement your outfit. My rule is to keep it simple if you’re playing with pattern, fabric, and symmetry. You don’t want to steal the show from the bride, nor do you want to call less attention to the dress you spent hours deciding on. Here are my hand-picked favorites for each attire category.
Simple but Elegant: Black Tie
