Formal Wedding Attire: Navigating September's Style Spectrum

Formal wedding attire is a dress code that sits between cocktail and black tie. For women, this means a formal gown, a midi dress, or even a jumpsuit or suit. For men, it's a dark suit and tie—a tuxedo is optional. When it comes to fabrics, think satin, lace, organza, and taffeta. As for colours, rich jewel tones are a good choice for September, but you could also opt for something more muted, like charcoal or caramel.

Formal wedding attire for men

For a formal wedding in September, opt for rich, autumnal colours and seasonal prints. Dark suits in shades of emerald green, burgundy, brown, charcoal, navy, and black are perfect for the season. You can also experiment with patterns like pinstripes, plaid, and checks.

When it comes to fabrics, choose from luxurious materials such as worsted wools, noble fibres like alpaca, silk, or cashmere. Depending on the setting and climate, a structured cotton or linen blend can also be a good choice.

For a formal daytime wedding, lean towards neutrals and lighter colours. A well-fitted blazer in a textured material, paired with beige trousers, grey chukka boots, and a patterned button-down shirt, creates a stylish, modern look.

Evening formal weddings call for polished attire. A charcoal grey, midnight blue, or navy suit is a sleek alternative to the traditional black. These shades pair well with a classic white dress shirt. Finish the look with dress shoes—brogues, loafers, or oxfords are excellent choices.

Remember, it's always better to overdress than underdress. If in doubt, don't hesitate to ask the couple or refer to the invitation and wedding website for the dress code.

Formal wedding attire for women

Colour Palette

When it comes to colour, rich jewel tones are a perfect choice for September weddings. Think fuchsia, emerald, sapphire, burgundy, and navy. These colours will not only complement the changing leaves but also add a touch of elegance to your ensemble. If you want to stand out from the crowd, consider a bold colour like mustard yellow or a muted charcoal or caramel gown. You can even opt for a sophisticated black dress.

Dress Style and Length

For a formal wedding, a floor-length gown is a classic choice. However, a formal or black-tie wedding also gives you the option to wear a fancy cocktail dress, as long as it's not too short. Midi and maxi dresses are ideal, while short dresses are usually discouraged. If you want to show off your unique style, consider a dressy pantsuit or a jumpsuit.

Fabric and Layers

September weather can be unpredictable, so it's a good idea to choose a dress with medium to full coverage to keep you warm if the temperatures drop. Opt for richer, more luxurious fabrics like silk, floral burnout, jacquard, lace, and velvet. If you're worried about the heat, go for a lightweight fabric, especially for outdoor weddings.

Accessories

Accessories are a great way to elevate your formal look and add a touch of glamour. Statement jewellery, unique bags, and eye-catching shoes are perfect for complementing the more subdued colour palette of autumn. Don't be afraid to add some bling with rhinestones, beads, or sequins. A cute jacket, wrap, or shawl is also a functional and fashionable way to stay warm, especially when the autumn nights get chilly.

Footwear

When choosing your footwear, consider the venue and the possibility of rain. Shoes that can handle a little moisture are a good idea, and closed-toe styles are generally better suited to outdoor events. Stilettos might not be the best choice for grass or uneven terrain, so consider a block heel or a stylish pair of boots instead.

Venue Considerations

Remember, the venue plays a significant role in determining the level of formality. A rustic barn or backyard wedding will likely be more casual, giving you more room to experiment with your style. On the other hand, a formal evening soirée at an upscale hotel or ballroom will call for a more elegant and sophisticated look.

In summary, embrace the rich colours of autumn, opt for elegant dress styles with a touch of glamour, and don't forget to layer up for those chilly September evenings.

Appropriate fabrics for September

September is an exciting month, with the summer heat still lingering and the promise of autumnal breezes. When it comes to formal wedding attire for this month, it's all about finding the perfect balance between lightweight and breathable styles, while also embracing the richer hues and fabrics that hint at the changing seasons. Here are some appropriate fabrics to consider for a September wedding:

• Silk: This timeless and luxurious fabric is a wonderful choice for a September wedding. Silk is known for its durability, versatility, and ability to suit all seasons. It has a muted shine and comes in various textures, making it an elegant option for formal attire. Silk is also a popular choice for lace, a fabric often used in wedding attire due to its delicate and romantic nature.
• Satin: Satin, whether made from silk or polyester, offers a beautiful sheen and drape. It is a traditional choice for formal wedding attire and can be tailored to create structured, sophisticated looks. While satin is suitable for all seasons, it may be a bit warm for the summer months as it is not very breathable.
• Wool: Although not as popular as other fabrics, wool is gaining traction in the wedding fashion world. It is a great option for September as it can provide warmth during cooler evenings while also keeping you comfortable during the day. Wool suits are an ideal choice, offering comfort, elegance, and the ability to suit any season.
• Linen: If you're looking for a more casual yet stylish option, linen is a wonderful choice. Linen suits are perfect for summer weddings, but they can also work for September nuptials, especially if the weather is still warm. Keep in mind that linen wrinkles easily, so it may not be the best choice if you're looking for a crisp, all-day look.
• Cotton: Cotton is a versatile and budget-friendly option. It is comfortable, breathable, and suitable for any season. Cotton suits are generally more casual, so they may not be the best choice for a formal wedding, but they can work well for a daytime celebration.
• Blended Fabrics: For September, consider a blend of wool and linen, which offers the warmth of wool and the lightweight breathability of linen. Blended fabrics provide more versatility in terms of look and feel, making them a great option for transitional weather.

When choosing your formal wedding attire for September, it's important to consider the venue and the time of day. If the wedding is outdoors or during the day, lighter and more breathable fabrics like silk, cotton, or linen may be more comfortable. For an evening soirée or a more formal venue, richer fabrics like satin or wool could be a better choice. Don't be afraid to have fun with your attire and embrace the colours and textures of the changing seasons!

Accessories for formal wedding attire

Accessories are an essential part of any formal wedding attire, and can really elevate your outfit. For women, it's important to choose accessories that match the formality of the event. This could include a colourful shoe, patterned tie, statement jewellery or a fun pair of sunglasses for an outdoor wedding. For men, cufflinks, pocket squares and ties can add a touch of personality to a suit or tuxedo.

When it comes to black-tie weddings, it's time to bring out the sparkles and all things dressy. Think sequined clutches, strappy shoes and simple gold or diamond jewellery. For men, a black bow tie, black vest or cummerbund, and patent leather shoes are recommended.

If you're attending a formal church wedding, it's important to keep things traditional and respectful. Avoid anything too revealing or flashy. A light layer, such as a pashmina, can be a good idea for modesty and warmth.

For a formal beach wedding, it's still important to dress up, but you can have fun with colours and prints. Lighter colours, pastels and bright hues are all great choices. Wedges, espadrilles, flats and block heels are a better choice than stilettos for walking on the sand.

For a summer black-tie wedding, opt for lighter fabrics like lace, silk, chiffon or organza. Velvet and taffeta are better suited to fall and winter formal weddings.

And remember, when in doubt, it's always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed!

Inappropriate formal wedding attire

Formal wedding attire is a step down from black-tie attire, meaning that guests have more flexibility in their choice of outfit. While tuxedos are not required, men should opt for a dark suit, a white shirt, and a conservative tie. For women, a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit are all appropriate choices.

However, there are some things that should be avoided when attending a formal wedding. Here are some tips to ensure your formal wedding attire is appropriate and tasteful:

For Men:

• Avoid super casual fabrics, loud patterns, and over-textured finishes. Instead, opt for rich worsted wools, blended noble fibers like alpaca, silk, or cashmere, or structured cotton or linen blends.
• While black is always a safe choice, don't be afraid to experiment with other dark colors such as deep greys, burgundy, navy, or dark blue.
• Avoid novelty ties and neon socks, as they may be too loud for the occasion. Stick to classic accessories that add a touch of sophistication without stealing the show.
• Pay attention to grooming. Keep your hair tidy and your facial hair well-groomed.
• Avoid casual shoes such as sneakers. Dress shoes are a must for formal attire.

For Women:

• Avoid white, ivory, cream, or champagne-colored dresses, as these colors are typically reserved for the bride.
• Opt for a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit. If you're unsure about the level of formality, it's always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
• Avoid anything that is too revealing, sexy, or flashy.
• If the wedding is outdoors, consider wearing a sun hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Frequently asked questions