These 6 Outfits Will Earn You Best Dressed Guest Status at Every Wedding

As we head toward summer wedding season and the invites start to roll in, it’s only natural to start thinking about that all-important wedding outfit. Aside from the obvious do’s and don’ts, it seems the simplest option is to slip into a failsafe lace dress.

Don’t get us wrong—we know wedding-guest dressing is tough, and we will always rely on a pretty dress or two to see us through the summer stress-free. However, this season we’re here to tell you that there’s more than one way to impress on the wedding circuit without resorting to the typical attire.

First, consider which type of ceremony you’ll be attending. Country weddings call for floaty silhouettes (possibly a maxi or midi dress in a pretty pastel hue), while a city ceremony or black-tie event may specify stricter dress codes that rule out bare shoulders and low necklines. Once you’ve done your research, start thinking about a dress, jumpsuit or tailored two-piece.

When it comes to shoes and accessories, you needn’t resort to a satin clutch and matching courts (unless that’s what you’re into). Instead, think comfortable flats and chic basket bags.

Simply consult the six looks below to ensure you stand out from the wedding guest crowd this summer.

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FLORAL DRESS + FANCY FLATS
(Image credit: @wethepeoplestyle)

Style Notes: Floral dresses may practically be wedding-guest uniform, but when paired with a standout leather bag and fancy flats, they feel incredibly fresh. Just ask Jessie Bush for her thoughts on the matter…

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PENCIL SKIRT + LUXE VEST
(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Style Notes: In lieu of a dress, why not try a classic skirt shape? It’ll still feel fancy enough but, paired with a knitted vest top and resin earrings for an undeniably cool edge. Ideal for a city wedding.

Related: These 32 Accessories Are the Prettiest Things We've Ever Seen

Related: Out of All the Midi Dresses Online Right Now, These Are the 24 I'd Be Happy With

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PASTEL SUITING + MATCHING MULES
(Image credit: @ada_oguntodu)

Style Notes: If frocks aren’t your thing, you can always rely on sharp suiting. Look for pale or pastel hues (wisely steering clear of white), and then add a bright pair of shoes in a similar colour to add depth to the ensemble. 

Related: Kate Middleton Relies on These Dresses, and so Do I

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SATIN DRESS + KITTEN HEELS
(Image credit: @styleheroine)

Style Notes: Simple but oh-so-effective, a high-shine dress will always look the part. You can play it down with lower heels, which also result in more hours on the dance floor…

Related: The Zara Sandals Everyone Will Lose It Over This Summer

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PRINTED JUMPSUIT + CLASHING SANDALS
(Image credit: @freddieharrel)

Style Notes: If the throw-on appeal of dresses isn’t lost on you, then know you can achieve the same getting-ready ease with a jumpsuit, too. Often forgotten about, make sure yours makes an impact with clashing footwear to boot. 

Related: 9 Street Style Trends That Will Impact How You Dress This Year

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MAXI DRESS + BASKET BAG
(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: Sometimes all you need is an unexpected accessory to bestow your outfit with a whole new mood. Cue the basket bag, which has been making maxi dresses look cooler since 2016. 

That’s wedding season sorted. Now, let’s talk holidays

Opening Image: @songofstyle

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.