The envelope arrives in the mail and you rip it open with excitement over a pal’s fabulous upcoming summer wedding…and then you see the dress code and your heart sinks. What does one wear to a Sunday afternoon garden party wedding? How do you keep your heels from sinking into the sand? And can you wear your New Year’s Eve gown to a black tie affair in the summer?
We’re here to solve all your guest dilemmas (well, everything but the date!). Here are our handy guidelines of what to wear to all the weddings you have this summer. Shop our Summer Wedding Invites Decoded on June 11, starting at noon ET on Gilt.com!
Summer Formal: While your guy can play it safe in a tuxedo, it’s time to break out the most colorful gown you have! Think about lighterweight fabrics like chiffon or silk jersey (ie, no velvet or heavy lace) for a feeling that’s a little more relaxed and undone. Keep your hair a little looser too – messy updos hold up to warmer temperatures better than a structured and sprayed one. Glam heels and a glittering clutch complete the look — and bare skin calls for plenty of bling!
Garden Party: This is the perfect occasion for that classic strapless, full skirted dress in cotton or linen. Or keep it slimmer with an easy shift shape, but skip the sleeves for an outdoor affair. Don’t forget the critical piece of walkable wedges that won’t create divots in the grass and a shoulder bag that won’t need to be placed on the ground.
Beach Wedding: Time to be easy and breezy! While your date can get dressed in a linen shirt and lightweight slacks, it’s time to rock your favorite maxidress! Skip anything too constricting that will feel uncomfortable as the temperature rises and the sand flies. Stay on good footing with embellished or metallic flat sandals!
Saturday Night Cocktails: When in doubt, stick to the more traditional wedding look for guests. For summer, it’s a bright sheath in satin or silk with a strappy heel and easy clutch. Keep the sparkles to a minimum and remember, only the bride should wear white!
