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Nicole Kliest is a freelance fashion and travel writer based in New York City. Her work has appeared on sites including Who What Wear, The Zoe Report, Popsugar, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle.

. She also worked at Vogue Magazine, then later as a talent manager for social media influencers in the fashion and beauty space.
What To Wear: Summer Weddings
Summer's warm, carefree months are an idyllic time of year to host a wedding. Between the outdoor venues, rays of sunlight, gorgeous florals, and color palettes, what's not to love? And for those who have been invited to attend a summer ceremony, selecting an outfit that fits the easy breezy vibes of the season is of the utmost importance.
As far as key considerations go, guests should be mindful of the usual suspects like venue, destination, and—of course—dress code. But if you're truly struggling with what to wear to a summer wedding, don't worry, we've got you covered!
Ahead, brush up on some universally helpful etiquette tips for attending a summer soiree as a guest. Plus, discover a handful of outfit ideas for men and women depending on the dress code for the event.
How To Dress For A Wedding With David Gandy
A good rule of thumb when choosing your outfit for a summer wedding (or any wedding, for that matter) is that being overdressed is always better than being underdressed. It could appear as an insult to the bride, etiquette expert Lisa Grotts explains. When in doubt and if it’s not clear on the wedding invitation or website, ask the bride. After that, the details lie in the dress code, as highlighted below.
Lisa Grotts (also known as The Golden Rules Gal) is an etiquette expert with over 20 years of industry experience. She's an author, former columnist for
Grotts insists that formal doesn't need to be complicated for a summer wedding. Select Long shimmery fabrics or silk is an elegant choice with loose or slit sleeves, she says. A wide-legged pantsuit is also very chic with evening heels. As for men, Black tie/formal means a tuxedo; midnight blue is a welcomed alternative to black with patent leather or velvet loafers, Grotts adds.
What Should Men Wear To A Summer Wedding?
In regards to how the venue factors into your look, the rules surrounding black-tie wedding attire will remain the same no matter the locale. One difference that may slightly change for women, however, is their shoe selection choice, as stiletto heels aren't the best option for beach locations. Instead, women should opt for fancy wedges or formal sandals if the ceremony is taking place on the sand, then change into another pair of shoes if they'd prefer to wear heels for the reception.
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If the invitation indicates a semi-formal dress code, Grotts suggests a maxi dress for women. Easy and breezy! It's always a safe bet, she says. From V-necks to one shoulder or a high-low hemline. Wedges or a metallic heel would [also] complete the look. What's more, if shopping for an outdoor, semi-formal summer affair, a colorful palette of yellow, green, pink, and blue are wonderful hues for guests to consider when searching for a dress. On the other hand, men should consider a dark suit in navy or gray with a necktie for a smart semi-formal ensemble, Grotts adds.
Floral and flowy is Grotts's motto for a casual summer wedding. In particular, she recommends dresses that are Strapless, halter, or sleeveless but with a wrap. For footwear, go for sandals or wedges, especially if the terrain isn't suitable for heels. To be extra chic, dresses with solid tassels around the sleeves or hemline act as a built-in accessory, she adds. This is also a great dress code to lean into mini hemlines and pared-back beauty looks. As for men, Khakis or chinos with a blazer and open-collared shirt or polo without a tie would work, Grotts suggests. However, she insists: certainly no flip-flops!
Style Guide: Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
While you'll want to stand out in your top-notch look, you also want to avoid coming across like you're trying to compete with the couple. Your safest choice is to dress light and bright but not white, notes Grotts, with one exception being if the couple requests guests to dress in white.
Another major consideration is location, as already specified a few times. It all depends on the location of the summer wedding, Grotts explains. For a beach wedding, think sand, sandals, and a maxi dress. For an outdoor country wedding, you may have to walk on grass, which means wedges and a dress that won’t drag to the floor. For a traditional summer wedding, go for a polished and chic look. She also suggests avoiding heavy fabrics and dark colors, as well as anything too blingy (for example, over-the-top embellishments).

Lastly, it's vital to keep the weather top of mind when it comes to planning a summer wedding outfit since it's the hottest time of year. One should always be prepared to cover up in case your host has not planned for the worst, such as a covered or air-conditioned venue, Grotts says. Always check the weather and come with a shoulder wrap if your dress is strapless or sleeveless. Stick with light fabrics that won’t stick to your skin, such as linen or a cotton blend. In other words, slab on the sunscreen and remember that you can still look appropriate in hot and humid temperatures without overheating. Phew!I get tons of questions about what to wear to a summer wedding, likely because it’s the most popular time for weddings. And honestly, it really depends on the type of wedding it is, but I do have some tips on summer wedding attire to share with y’all today. Then, we’ll get into what to wear to a summer wedding depending on the dress code, too.
Your Guide For What To Wear To A Spring/summer Wedding
One of the main things to keep in mind is obviously the weather. I’m a Southern girl, so I’ve been to my fair share of really hot, really humid weddings – and no matter where you live, you’ll likely be dealing with some sort of heat. Definitely keep that in mind when choosing a color or even cut of a dress. Also, figure out if the wedding will be indoors or out. Most summer weddings are outdoors but sometimes the reception is inside, so you’ll only be dealing with the sun for so long. Here are a few of my favorite things to wear for summer wedding attire:
The obvious answer here is a dress, but it’s a winner for a reason! A few things to consider with dresses though…
Unlike jumpsuits, dresses can breathe and give you air, if you know what I mean, ha! This isn’t the time for some heavy gown or anything really lacey, as those tend to be a bit thicker. You’ll want something that’s light and as breathable as possible, but appropriate for a wedding, like polyester or silk (as long as it’s printed).
What To Wear To A Summer Wedding: Ideas For Casual To Cocktail Attire
Even if you’re not a typically sweaty person, heat + dancing + sitting for a long time is guaranteed to end up in some sort of sweat. Anything pastel, bright colored or gray will show sweat, so if you do want to wear one of those colors, find a patterned dress. A floral piece will cover sweat a lot better than something solid. Obviously white is out of the question, but consider a printed dress or a darker color (but in a summery cut or material).
Speaking of cut, definitely something to think about when picking out summer wedding attire. I personally like to show off a little skin on either the top or bottom of my body. I’ll do a strapless or cold shoulder option on top that is midi length, or maybe it’s a shorter dress but has a bit more coverage on top. After all, it’s still a wedding and a more formal setting (for the most part), so it’s never a good idea to be too revealing. AKA wear something you’re comfortable with people’s grandparents seeing you in.
If you’re over dresses, these are a really fun way to switch things up when thinking about what to wear to a summer wedding!
How To Dress For A Summer Wedding
I think a classic black jumpsuit always looks chic no matter the time of year, but it’ll depend on the wedding’s location. Obviously black is a bit harsh for something on the beach. But either way, you can dress it up with summery accessories and shoes. Other than that, think about a print or a color that doesn’t show sweat

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