The last thing you want to do at a wedding is to make a sartorial faux pas. Luckily, following some simple dress rules can help you avoid some of the more common fashion mistakes. The season the wedding is in will largely determine what kind of dress you should wear. Summer weddings allow for dresses that (tastefully) show a little more skin, while winter weddings require clothing that covers more of the body.

Don’t Overdo It

While it’s true that the focus at a wedding is on the happy couple, you still have a responsibility to ensure you look your best. This includes ensuring that your outfit fits properly and appropriately for the event. Luckily, there are many ways to do this without going overboard.

For example, if you’re attending a winter wedding, you don’t want to wear a short dress that may get cold overnight or your favorite pair of jeans. In addition, stay moderate with accessories. A few tasteful bangles and a simple tie are a great way to keep your outfit from looking too overdone.

Likewise, you should avoid wearing any shade of white unless it’s called for on the invitation. The bridesmaids will likely wear white, and you don’t want to look too similar. It’s also a good idea to find out what the weather is supposed to be like for that day. A sunny day may require a lighter dress, while a windy or snowy day might require something warmer.

Don’t Wear Your Coziest Clothes

When you receive an invitation to a wedding, the event will likely have a dress code listed. This helps ensure guests are properly attired and comfortable throughout the day. It also protects the bride and groom from guests being underdressed or overdressed.

If you need help deciding what dress to wear, consider the season and weather conditions where the wedding will occur. For example, a summer wedding may require a light and airy dress with a floral print or lace detailing. On the other hand, a winter wedding can call for a long-sleeved dress with more fabric covering your arms and legs to keep you warm.

When choosing a wedding guest dress, you must ensure it fits your budget. However, you should also select a high-quality style like Tadashi Shoji collection that will last through many events. For instance, this form-fitting style from Staud combines elegance with comfort in the shape of a flattering midi dress. It even has an interior bodysuit for shaping and a smocked back accentuating your figure.

Don’t Go Against the Dress Code

As a guest, you must balance looking smart and not upstaging the happy couple. That means not wearing casual attire for a formal wedding or a dress too fancy for a backyard event.

It’s also important to follow the dress code listed on the invitation if there is one. This is a good indicator of what kind of look you should be going for. The location of the wedding may also help. A fancy and formal venue would call for an equally fancy dress.

If you’re unsure of what to wear, asking the bride or groom for some insight can be helpful. They can tell you if wearing something more casual than the traditional look is appropriate or if they’re trying to keep things fancy.

If you’re a guy, you may want a more unique tie or cufflinks to add personality to your outfit. For women, you can use bolder accessories to accentuate your look without being too flashy.

Don’t Go Over Your Budget

Staying within your budget is important when shopping for a wedding guest dress. After all, the focus should be on the bride and groom, not you.

A good place to start when looking for a wedding guest dress is at local boutiques in your area that offer many options. You can also check out stores like Nordstrom for various dress options, including budget-friendly brands and designer dresses.

If you have a stomach area that makes you self-conscious, consider wearing a dress with a high waist to help hide it. This style is a great option for a wedding because it’s elegant and will allow you to cover up the problem area.

If you will be attending a wedding during the winter, opt for a long-sleeve dress in a dark color. This will keep you warm without taking away from the beauty of the dress. If you’re attending a beach wedding, remember that you may be walking on sand, meaning flats might be more comfortable than heels.

Don’t Go Too Far Out of Your Comfort Zone

Unless specified in the invitation, do not wear anything too bright or revealing at a wedding. This goes beyond not wearing white—it is about being tasteful and respecting the couple’s day. If you show up in an overly flashy or scandalous dress, you will take attention away from the bride and groom.

You may have a good idea of your style, but it is always good to be familiar with the latest trends and styles when shopping for a wedding guest dress. This can help you find a dress that flatters your figure and suits the event’s theme.

For example, if the wedding is in the fall, choose a long dress with lace on it. Lace is a very elegant fabric that can look beautiful on a woman.

Also, it is always a good idea to ask about the color theme of the wedding so that you avoid accidentally matching with the bridesmaids. It is never a good look to be dressed in the same color as your bridal squad, and this can even make you look like you are competing with them on their big day. Read more interesting articles on Ebeak