Wedding Guest Attire: What to Wear for Every Dress Code
The invitation usually tells you the dress code. If it doesn’t, the time and place are your best clues: an evening wedding in a ballroom is more formal than an afternoon ceremony in a garden.
Black tie
Men: a tuxedo with a black bow tie. Women: a floor-length gown, or a very dressy cocktail dress.
Black tie optional
Men: a tuxedo or a dark suit with a tie. Women: a gown, an elegant cocktail dress or dressy separates.
Cocktail or semi-formal
Men: a suit and tie. Navy, charcoal and grey all work; lighter colours suit daytime weddings. Women: a knee- to midi-length cocktail dress.
Dressy casual
Men: a blazer or sport coat with trousers; a tie is optional. Women: a sundress, a midi skirt and top, or smart separates.
A few rules for every wedding
- Don’t wear white or anything that could be mistaken for a bridal gown, unless the couple asks you to.
- When in doubt, dress one step more formally than you think you need to.
- Check the venue: grass and heels don’t mix, and outdoor evenings get cold.