Even if you're not the one in the big white gown, figuring out how to dress for a wedding is no easy task.
Picking a dress to wear to a wedding as a guest is rife with potential pitfalls. After all, you don't want to show up in something that threatens to upstage the bride. Nor do you want the dress you wear to a wedding to be so understated you look out of place all night. What you wear to a wedding should make you look incredible and feel confident. Plus, you need an ensemble that makes sense in the venue, whether the main event is in a backyard, ballroom or barn.
So how does one begin to sift through all of the potential dresses to wear to weddings to find one that's just right? We're here to help.
We've round up seven stylish dresses to wear to a wedding -- no matter whether you're hitting up a formal affair or a backyard shindig (so you'll never have to agonize over what to wear to a wedding again).
Image via Getty
Picking a dress to wear to a wedding as a guest is rife with potential pitfalls. After all, you don't want to show up in something that threatens to upstage the bride. Nor do you want the dress you wear to a wedding to be so understated you look out of place all night. What you wear to a wedding should make you look incredible and feel confident. Plus, you need an ensemble that makes sense in the venue, whether the main event is in a backyard, ballroom or barn.
So how does one begin to sift through all of the potential dresses to wear to weddings to find one that's just right? We're here to help.
We've round up seven stylish dresses to wear to a wedding -- no matter whether you're hitting up a formal affair or a backyard shindig (so you'll never have to agonize over what to wear to a wedding again).
Image via Getty
How often do you get invited to a black-tie event? Probably not nearly as often as you'd like. Do the occasion right with a floor-length gown in a luxe fabric-like velvet, satin or silk. Try the '90s staple every blogger and celeb is rocking right now: a slinky slip dress in a neutral or metallic shade. Once the big day is over, work your slip dress into your everyday wardrobe with sneakers and a cardigan -- it's too beautiful to collect dust in your closet while you wait for the next time you need to find a dress to wear to a wedding.
Image via Pinterest
Image via Pinterest
Seaside weddings call for airy fabrics, like chiffon, linen and cotton, with boho touches, such as ruffles or embroidery. Punchy palazzo pants paired with a flouncy top give off a resort vibe, and you'll stand out in a sea of sundresses. For your wedding shoes, think sandals -- heels don't mix well with grass or sand. Gold-tone jewelry and unfussy hair complete the ensemble.
Image via Pinterest
Image via Pinterest
If you're seeking a dress for a wedding at a members-only venue, like a yacht or golf club, why not lean into the preppy vibe of the place? We love the idea of wearing a classic print (plaid, gingham, striped or floral) or a traditional silhouette with a nipped-in waist. A wide-brim straw hat or a snappy fascinator would be a great addition to your outfit.
Image via Pinterest
Image via Pinterest
If the couple of the evening is getting hitched at a barn, vineyard or ranch, you'll look down-to-earth and pretty in muted colors and nature-inspired prints. A flowy maxidress will strike an apropos bohemian vibe. Bring a cute wrap or jacket to stay warm when the sun goes down -- the countryside can get chilly. And if you've ever wanted to wear boots to a wedding, here's your chance.
Image via Pinterest
Image via Pinterest