WHAT TO WEAR TO A SUMMER WEDDING 

Generally speaking, most brides and grooms decide on a summer wedding. Therefore, a summer wedding might take up a number of your weekends.  Since many of these weddings may have a similar guest list, you may need several different looks. Darling’s, when I receive an invitation the first thing I look for is the dress code.

However, my dear’s wedding planners and brides may have conspired to make this a little more difficult than it should be . Since the day’s of formal or informal are gone, they have been replaced with  many more subtle dress codes . Therefore these codes may be left up to interpretations. For this reason I will attempt to diffuse the mixed messages.

However, I will not be looking at theme weddings, these can go from Great Gatsby, to Star Trek. Therefore, being me I refuse to engage. While, some my find delight in seeing crowds of Zelda Fitzgerald’s or a receiving line of Klingon’s it’s not for me.

SUMMER WEDDING ; INTERPRETING THE INVITATION 

The invitation is the first look into the wedding and can be more telling than you think, even if it doesn’t specify a dress code. The location is another good tip-off for how to interrupt your style. Therefore the east coast is almost always more formal , unless otherwise specified. Furthermore the west coast except for the Hollywood bubble is less formal than the east or the south.

It’s important to realize dress codes are there to make the guests feel appropriate. However, we all know brides that are true control freaks and want people dressed how they prefer. To put it another way, brides who have a specific idea will let you know on the invite and vice versa .

In addition if the invitation is not specific you can do a little detective work . First and foremost look up the venue , the venue can tell you a lot from a formal hotel  to a beach venue. But there are some baseline principles to adhere to, regardless of what’s printed on the invite. Finding the right dress for a wedding requires the right balance. It should be sexy, but not vulgar, classic but not boring. You want attention but not to steal focus away from the bride.

SUMMER WEDDING DRESS CODES AND A CHOICE OF DRESSES

Darlings the picture is me (right) and my guy Angelo. Here we are attending a friends wedding last summer . Of course we carefully followed the semi-formal dress code. Therefore both Angelo and myself are wearing suits , however we are both wearing open collar shirts. I wore loafers and Angelo wore some great sneakers. Also we both wore pink shirts as that was the prominent color on the invitation.

Furthermore, darlings I have found some great dresses and looks for each category. But being a wedding guest is a little more complicated than it used to be. Dress codes used to feel fairly straightforward, but couples nowadays are getting more creative. Therefore it’s not always easy to figure what to wear. Let me help you.

SUMMER WEDDING; BLACK TIE 

Keeping it classic and formal should do the trick for this dress code. Therefore I love an elegant, floor-length gown or even a fancy cocktail dress. Furthermore don’t forget to round off your look by accessorizing with a matching clutch and jewelry. In fact sometimes the wording on the invite will read “floor length. I also love the idea of moving away from a traditional dress and embracea chic jumpsuit or even sleek evening separates instead.

Marchesa

Needle & Thread

This Needle & Thread gown  has glistening ruffle detailing and maxi length. Surely this a beautiful  dress and “Needle and Thread” is a personal favorite for design and value . Moreover this dress is on at a great sales price

Reformation

Alice + Olivia

Alice + Olivia Diana Racerback V-Neck High-Slit Column Gown

I hesitate to recommend this dress only because it would make a perfect bridesmaids dress . Therefore any girls still looking for an on point dress for your wedding party check this one out. Furthermore this youthful satin maxi dress is in the color of the summer pink .

SUMMER WEDDING : COCKTAIL ATTIRE

Certainly you are good to wear a short dress or pants for cocktail attire, but you can push that too far. If the dress code requests cocktail attire and you opt for a short dress, don’t go too short.  In this case cocktail attire gives you a great opportunity to express your personal style. Of course remembering to be appropriate. Therefore consider some of the great summer trends. Like the pretty 50’s style dresses ,floral dresses or the big summer trend of sequins .

Jonathan Simkhai

Cinq À Sept

Fame & Partners

Here this Fame & Partners dress is a perfect choice for cocktail attire. While some might not want black, I think cocktail attire leaves it open to the little black dress. Therefore if you have a favorite LBD, or want to invest in a new one a wedding is your opportunity.

Alice + Olivia

SUMMER WEDDING : GARDEN PARTY

Whenever I see garden party on the invite I often look for a secondary dress code. Of course an outdoor wedding is going to dictate certain things. However it can still be black tie or formal. Therefore check the venue online or often the bride & groom, or groom & groom, or bride & bride, will have a wedding website. In fact this is the most popular type of  summer wedding. Certain things to think about for an outdoor are footwear, if you need a jacket or shawl , sunglasses, and dress length .

Different from an indoor event this type of summer wedding gives you many more options. I love an outdoor wedding . In this case you can go for brighter colors, more vibrant floral’s and add maybe add a hat . Moreover if you love vintage , this is the perfect opportunity to dress in a nice 40’s style skirt suit with hat and gloves. No one says you can’t have fun with your look , maybe choose trends like retro floral’s or polka dots.

Dolce & Gabbana

Not surprisingly I have chosen first this delightfully bright Dolce & Gabbana dress. Notably this dress is the epitome of garden party attire. Here my favorite design duo give a strong nod to the late 50’s early 60’s Italian chic. While you may not be Sophia Loren or Gina Lollobrigida , try this ideal look and better yet at 62% off.

Self-Portrait

As a matter of fact, this gorgeous Azaelea Floral Lace dress has been in a couple of my posts this spring. When looking for an in style dress look no further than Self Portrait.  To put it differently this label has become the go-to for feminine , flattering and modern occasion-wear at an affordable price. Go to any wedding this summer and someone will be wearing a Self Portrait dress.  A favorite from Michelle Obama to The Duchess of Cambridge.

Anthropologie

Off-White

This white cotton sleeveless dress from Off-White features a floral print, a draped design, an asymmetric hem and tonal stitching. In a word Off-White is cool. Furthermore Off-White is mainly inspired by the youth culture. Hence drawing influences from sportswear and hip-hop, expect punchy prints, graphic lines and laid back designs.

RED Valentino

SUMMER WEDDING ; BEACH WEDDING 

When considering what to wear to  a  beach wedding, they tend to have a more casual and playful dress code.  Especially because gowns and stilettos just don’t mix with sand. Therefore it’s an occasion to experiment with joyous colours, bold prints and fun accessories. Best of all, beach weddings tend to be the most comfortable because you can wear flats and breezy silhouettes.

Etoile Isabel Marant

The Endless Summer

Darlings, where can you get an elegant dress for this price. Certainly a perfect look for beach weddings and resort wear. Since I love  resort wear I recommend Free People for fabulous looks.

Diane Von Furstenberg

Jacquemus

In my opinion this dress is a great look. Truly Jacquemus’s  is one of my absolute favorites labels. Jacquemus pulls unconventional cuts and hints of skin into the spotlight making a standout look.

SUMMER WEDDING : INFORMAL

Informal definitely doesn’t mean don’t try.  While, not every bride wants a gala wedding, it doesn’t mean that you can’t be chic in celebration of the big day. Therefore, I always think don’t under dress if you are questioning over dress slightly. For example a great-fitting day dress, a sandal, and maybe a blouse or camisole is suitable. It’s effortless, yet still put together. However, the idea to me is something you feel good in. Therefore, I recommend a dress with a pretty print with a cool detail, like a cold shoulder or an asymmetrical hemline.

House Of Harlow

Eliza J

In fact this sweet sleeveless frock styled with a drapey, waist-cinching band is a perfect choice for a semi formal wedding, Here the stripe print make this dress interesting and fun.

J.Crew

When looking for great dress check out J.Crew. Here we have this fun on trend gingham dress . When considering this dress move fast because I know it will be a hot seller.

SUMMER WEDDING ; IN CONCLUSION

When that invitation now comes into your mail box or in box , you are now ready to dress for the code. In conclusion there are very few occasions where we dress to a code. Therefore take this not as a restriction but as an opportunity . Furthermore there are few occasions where we dress to the nines so enjoy it . Since I am a true fashion lover I enjoy seeing everyone dressed up. Here you have the chance to really look great . Given all these points, I hope that my choices are helpful , follow my links, and shop ,many of these dresses are on fabulous sale’s prices . Enjoy the summer wedding season.

CIAO FOR NOW JANDREW