My Friends Always Ask Me What to Wear to Weddings—I Tell Them This

To some of you, my big piece of advice might seem obvious, and to others, it may be groundbreaking. From my point of view, I am just speaking the wise words that are hidden in plain sight. Too many times at formal events, people are taken a little bit too far out of their comfort zone, whether it's because of a skirt hem that's so heavily beaded it's difficult to walk in or a bust that is squeezing them in too tightly. There's a time and a place to make a true fashion statement, but a wedding just isn't it. In most cases, you will be wearing your dress all day and night, transitioning from the ceremony venue to the reception. For this reason, I tell all of my friends to prioritize wearing something that makes them feel comfortable and confident. After all, the spotlight should really be on the couple.

If you have a lot of weddings on your calendar in the upcoming year, don't be afraid of the toxic term "outfit repeater." When you find something that really suits you, it deserves to make several appearances. Shopping for dresses you can wear again with different accessories will truly guarantee you'll find comfort in whatever you choose to wear for the special day. Below, I am sharing a few different ways to style your favorite wedding guest dress so you can wear it again and again.

What to wear to a wedding reception

Photo:

@cocobassey

A floral dress holds so much power. Elegant simplicity never ever goes out of style. What more could you need from a dress? If you pick out a dress like this for the next wedding you attend, that's a look you know you can count on over and over again.

Shop the look:

If this was in my closet, it would get worn many, many times.

A woven bag will be the perfect finishing touch.

I've never seen a dress that looked more like it belonged on a yacht in the South of France than this one. I wore it to a wedding last weekend and got a million compliments. When I found out it also comes in pink, I was immediately sold. 

Shop the look:

Wearing this to a wedding made me fall in love with it.

This under-$50 pair of shoes has been my go-to for weddings because they're so comfortable.

What to wear to a wedding reception

Photo:

@abimarvel

I think one of the greatest colors you can wear to a wedding is yellow. Its bright and sunny hue will radiate happiness as you celebrate the lovely couple.

Shop the look:

A matching statement bag is a vibe. 

I like to keep sunglasses in my bag, just in case.

Strapless is another trend that all wedding guests should get behind. Since supermodel bridesmaids walked down the aisle in this trend, the wedding guest world was never the same.

What to wear to a wedding reception

Photo:

@aimeesong

You would not have to ask me twice if I'd like to buy this dress. The answer is a strong yes. The asymmetry and plissé are a modern approach to the classic midi dress.

An event like your friend's wedding is the perfect opportunity to invest in fine jewelry. 

You can't go wrong with a floral accessory. 

Shop more wedding guest dresses:

I've never seen a dress this good go on sale. It will sell out fast.

This is a modest take on cutouts that's approved by me.

Some say wearing red to a wedding is controversial, but this dress is too good to pass on.

A dress you can wear as a wedding guest and then again a few weeks later to a more casual affair.

There's just something about a tiered skirt that gets to me.