7 Types of Wedding Guest Outfits That Never Fail

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(Image credit: @styleidealist)

So you’ve received a wedding invitation, and you know this is your chance to dress up—or at the very least, wear something other than your leggings or joggers. The big question is what

With the types of weddings you can attend becoming increasingly diverse, so is the scope of your outfit. Many couples are now opting for smaller, more intimate celebrations, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give your wedding guest outfit any less consideration than you would if the guest list were in the triple figures.

On the flip side, with restrictions hopefully remaining lifted, others see it as an opportunity to plan full-blown black-tie events oozing glamour and to wear something exceptional

Whatever the aesthetic, venue or location of the soirée, we’ve found seven types of wedding guest outfits that cover all bases. Scroll on to see them, and you’ll have the dress code cracked in seconds. 

1. BLACK-TIE BASH

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(Image credit: @itsmekellieb)

Style Notes: Not many occasions call for gorgeous, floor-length gowns, but black-tie weddings are one of them, so we suggest making the absolute most of any such invitation you receive with a statement floor-sweeper and fabulous accessories. Consider Kellie Brown your muse. 

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2. ALL-DAY ATTENDEE

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: It’s always lovely to be invited to every element of a wedding day celebration, but perfecting a look that can take you from meal to last-call drinks isn’t the easiest sartorial endeavour. Follow Monikh Dale’s lead with a stylish, not-too-tight midi dress and chunky heels you won’t feel crippled in, and you’ve got wedding guest outfit nirvana. 

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3. EVENING INVITATION

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(Image credit: @emmarosestyle)

Style Notes: An evening invite presents the opportunity to dress fancifully but cooly in one swoop. While trouser looks are absolutely acceptable for day invites (more on that later), offbeat tuxedo trousers and a printed blouse will ensure you look the stylish part when you join the party. 

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4. COUNTRYSIDE BACKDROP

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(Image credit: @dom__dominique)

Style Notes: It’s hard not to be inspired by a beautiful countryside venue, so embrace your surroundings by wearing an elegant dress in a timeless and versatile floral print. You can switch up your hue depending on the time of year, but right now, sage green is proving to be all the rage. 

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5. CITY SURROUNDINGS

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(Image credit: @greceghanem)

Style Notes: As we’ve already touched on, a trouser suit works for just about every wedding celebration you could be invited to, though perhaps none more so than the city wedding. Whether it’s a registry-office ceremony or a wedding breakfast in a fancy restaurant, a tailored suit will ensure you look just as elegant as you would in any dress. 

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6. LOW-KEY GATHERING

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Style Notes: Perhaps your wedding invite spans more than one night, or you’ve already confirmed the vibe will be laid-back. This is your chance to show off a look that’s effortless but directional. Camille gets the assignment with her bright-green satin shirt dress, the exact match of which we’ve sourced for you below.

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7. AND THE LOOK THAT NEVER FAILS…

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(Image credit: @bettinalooney)

Style Notes: Wearing black to a wedding may have once been considered a faux pas, but that couldn’t be further from the case nowadays, as long as you opt for glamour. Bettina Looney’s chic and classic black midi dress and jewel-encrusted shoes are a combination you can rely on for any type of wedding. 

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Next Up: Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas for 2021 and Beyond

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.