George Boyle
When it comes to dressing for an evening wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, understanding the dress code is key – while some weddings are black-tie or semi-formal, others may be more casual. The venue and season can also provide clues about the expected attire; for example, darker shades and thicker fabrics are typical for winter weddings, while summer events often call for lighter fabrics and brighter colours. It's also important to avoid wearing white, as this is typically reserved for the bride, and some suggest avoiding black and red. Ultimately, the goal is to feel confident and comfortable while respecting the formality of the occasion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dress Code | Black-tie, semi-formal, casual, or formal attire |
| Colors | Avoid white; darker colors for evening events |
| Fabric | Thicker fabrics for winter; lighter, breathable fabrics for summer |
| Accessories | Statement earrings, clutch bag, cufflinks |
| Footwear | Heels, wedges, dress shoes, loafers, oxfords |
| Hairstyle | Wavy hair |
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What You'll Learn
Dress codes: black-tie, semi-formal, or casual
Evening weddings are generally formal or black-tie events, so sophisticated attire is usually expected. However, the dress code may vary depending on the couple's preferences or the social circle's norms. Black-tie events are the most formal after white-tie events, so guests are expected to wear floor-length gowns and tuxedos or nice suits. For women, a floor-length black gown is an elegant and appropriate choice. While for men, a dark-coloured suit is acceptable.
Semi-formal attire is a popular choice for weddings as it strikes a balance between elegance and comfort. Women can wear short or long dresses, dressy jumpsuits, or dressy pantsuits. Men can wear lighter-coloured suits or, for a daytime wedding, a more casual outfit like linen shorts with a polo shirt, collared shirt, or light sweater. However, it's important to avoid dressing too casually or too formally. For footwear, women can wear high heels or a refined pair of flats, while men can opt for Oxfords, loafers, derbies, or dressy leather sneakers.
Casual dress codes are less common for weddings, but if you're unsure about the dress code, use context clues such as the wedding invitation, venue, time of day, season, and religion to decide what to wear. As a general rule, women should opt for a knee-length cocktail dress, and men should wear a dark suit. It's important to avoid wearing anything too casual, such as jeans or t-shirts, and to avoid wearing white unless specifically requested by the couple.
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What colours to avoid: white, black, red
When it comes to what colours to avoid when dressing for an evening wedding, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is generally considered taboo to wear white, ivory, or any other shade of white such as off-white, eggshell, beige, champagne, or cream. This is to avoid upstaging the bride, who may be wearing one of these colours. Even ultra-pale pinks and misty ice blues can appear white in certain fabrics, so it is best to steer clear of these shades as well.
Secondly, it is also generally advised to avoid wearing black to an evening wedding. Black is often associated with funerals and mourning, and it may be considered too sombre or funereal for a joyous occasion. However, this may depend on cultural and regional norms, as wearing black to weddings is common in some places, such as the East Coast of the United States and Scotland.
Lastly, while it is not as universally avoided as white or black, wearing red to an evening wedding may also be considered inappropriate by some. Red can be a very bold and attention-drawing colour, and it is often associated with passion and romance, which may not be the vibe that the couple is going for. However, this may also depend on cultural norms, as in some cultures, such as Indian weddings, wearing red is not unusual.
It is important to use your best judgement and consider the specific context of the wedding you are attending. If in doubt, it is always a good idea to err on the side of caution and choose a different colour to avoid causing any offence or drawing unwanted attention.
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What to wear: jumpsuits, dresses, suits
When it comes to what to wear to an evening wedding, there are a few options to consider: jumpsuits, dresses, and suits. Each option can be styled in various ways to achieve a sophisticated and elegant look. Here are some tips to help you decide:
Jumpsuits
Jumpsuits are a stylish and increasingly popular choice for wedding guests, offering a comfortable and elegant alternative to traditional dresses. For formal weddings, opt for floor-length or ankle-grazing jumpsuits. Black is always a sleek and dramatic choice for evening weddings, but you can also experiment with colours like charcoal or taupe. If the wedding is more casual or during the summer, cropped or culotte-style jumpsuits are appropriate. Sleeveless jumpsuits in floral prints are perfect for summer weddings or boho-style venues, while tropical motifs or abstract patterns are ideal for beachsides weddings.
Dresses
Evening wedding dresses can range from cocktail-length to full-length, depending on the dress code and your personal style. For a formal wedding, a long, flowing gown with refined details like intricate embellishments, delicate lacework, or luxurious fabrics is a sophisticated choice. Timeless shades like black, champagne, and soft pastels are always elegant, while rich jewel tones like emerald green, navy blue, and burgundy add a touch of sophistication. If you want to step away from traditional colours, consider a green formal dress in shades like deep emerald or sage. For outdoor or garden weddings, floral gowns bring a romantic feel, and long-sleeved formal dresses are perfect for fall and winter weddings.
Suits
For men, suits are a classic choice for evening weddings. A nicely tailored, dark-coloured suit is a safe option, and you can add a proper tie or bowtie to elevate your look. If the wedding has a black-tie dress code, a sharp black tuxedo is the quintessential choice, accessorised with a silk bow tie and a crisp white pocket square. However, you can also be creative with colours and accessories. Consider a white dinner jacket with black trousers and a bow tie or a burgundy dinner jacket with black trousers and a necktie. If you're attending a summer wedding, a three-piece suit will keep you looking put together, and you can remove the jacket for dancing later in the evening.
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Accessories: jewellery, clutch bags, cufflinks
Accessories are an important part of any outfit, and they can really showcase your personality and sense of style. Here are some tips for choosing jewellery, clutch bags, and cufflinks for an evening wedding:
Jewellery
When it comes to jewellery, the options are endless. The type of jewellery you choose will depend on the style of your dress, particularly the neckline. A deep V-neck calls for an elegant pendant necklace, while a shorter, bolder necklace pairs well with a sweetheart neckline. If you're going for a bold necklace, keep your earrings simple, perhaps a simple hanging pearl earring. If you decide against a necklace, a bold cuff bracelet and ring can add a touch of glamour. Statement earrings work well with high-neckline dresses and can be a great choice if you want to forego a necklace. Chandelier earrings, for example, hold their own with evening gowns, and no other pieces are necessary. If you're wearing a one-shoulder dress, necklaces might not work well, so opt for a bold cuff bracelet on the opposite arm.
Clutch Bags
Your bag is not just functional but also an accessory in itself. When choosing an evening bag, consider the same principles as you would when choosing jewellery. Beaded, sequined, fringed, or classic black—your bag is an extension of your outfit. It should be large enough to hold essentials such as your ID, comb, lipstick, phone, and some cash. If you're petite, avoid oversized bags that might overwhelm your frame.
Cufflinks
For men attending an evening wedding, cufflinks are an important accessory. If you're wearing a tuxedo, choose cufflinks in a matching metal to your stud set. Remember, less is more when it comes to men's accessories.
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Where to shop: Nordstrom, Macy's, ASOS
When it comes to dressing for an evening wedding, elegance prevails. If you're looking to shop at Nordstrom, Macy's, or ASOS, here's some guidance on what to look for and a few specific recommendations.
Macy's
Macy's offers a range of options for wedding guests, from sophisticated dresses to refined accessories. For women, a sophisticated dress or gown is a safe choice. Pearls are always elegant, and a statement lip can add a touch of glamour. Adrianna Papell is a designer to look out for when shopping at Macy's, offering red-carpet-ready formal dresses with standout details. If you're a man shopping at Macy's, a dark suit or tux with a tie and polished dress shoes is a safe bet.
ASOS
ASOS has a wide range of wedding guest outfits for both men and women. For women, ASOS DESIGN offers statement-making styles, while Topshop provides long-sleeve wedding guest dresses in flattering satin and chiffon fabrics. Don't forget to accessorize with a cute bag and shoes! For men, ASOS offers structured suits, co-ord trousers, pocket squares, bow ties, and formal footwear. Their suits come in classic monochromes, jewel-toned navy, laid-back beige, and versatile check designs.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom is known for offering a range of designer options for wedding guests. While specific recommendations for Nordstrom are not currently available, you can expect to find elegant and sophisticated options for both men and women, similar to those offered by Macy's and ASOS.
Remember, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in your outfit, while also adhering to the dress code and theme of the wedding.
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Frequently asked questions
For an evening wedding, darker, more formal colours are best. For women, this could be a dress, jumpsuit or pantsuit, and for men, a dark suit and tie or tuxedo.
It is best to avoid wearing white to a wedding, as this is the colour traditionally worn by the bride. You may also want to avoid black and red, which are traditionally associated with mourning and anger respectively.
Accessories can help bring your whole look together. Consider wearing statement earrings, a clutch bag, cufflinks, a vest or a belt.
If there is no dress code, take the location of the wedding and the time of day into account. You could also consider the season—for summer events, lighter fabrics and brighter colours are common, whereas for winter weddings, darker shades, thicker fabrics and longer sleeves are preferable.
