Fashion

Summer Wedding-Guest Looks for Every Dress Code

Man and woman attending wedding party

A wedding is the ultimate style occasion—a special celebration where glamour is de rigueur as you toast to the newlyweds in your Sunday’s best. If you’ve already RSVP-ed yes to your invites this season, you’re likely in the midst of building your wardrobe. That’s where Macy’s comes in.

When planning your wedding-guest looks,” says Editorial Content Director Dana Cohn, “consider the venue and location in addition to the dress code.” Indeed, these details are crucial to your overall experience, ensuring you optimize your wardrobe for comfort. “Based on where it is—indoors, outdoors, beach or mountainside—there will be slight changes to your accessories or fabrication choices.”

Once you gather that info, start building your wardrobe piece by piece. Dresses are popular at weddings for a reason—look for styles that pack a visual punch. Whether it’s in the fabric choice (silk or organza will always look regal), color (who can resist summer’s vibrant palette) or design details (sequins or metallics, anyone?), your dress will take the starring role, so plan accordingly. “Styles with movement in playful colors or prints look great right out of your carry-on,” says Cohn. Similarly for your plus-one, his choice of suits will set the tone for the evening.

While the look is the main event, the accessories are just as important. “Don’t overcomplicate your look,” Cohn says. “A single piece of jewelry can still make a statement.” Whether you gravitate towards elegant clutches, sleek watches or classic dress shoes, there is a host of fashionable options to choose from. Lean into their subtle power to take your wedding attire to the next level. Whether it’s a black-tie city reception or semi-formal beachside party, there is always a look to suit the occasion (and you won’t have to sacrifice style for comfort).

From sharp tuxedos and full-length gowns to vibrant cocktail dresses and linen suits, these looks are your shortcut to chic wedding style.

Macy's Wedding Shop

White or black-tie attire

Formal wedding-guest looks Man dressed in a tuxedo

Bring out your fanciest ensemble yet! Think a floor-length gown for women in sumptuous fabrics such as satin, chiffon, or sequins and sleek tailored pantsuits for men. This is your chance to dress to the nines and channel all-out glamour.

Shop: Formal Dresses | Tuxedos

Semi-formal attire

Semi-formal wedding dress code

Striking the balance between maximum glamour and effortless polish, this dress code calls for cocktail dresses of different lengths for women and tonal dressing for men.

Shop: Wedding-Guest Dresses | Two-Piece Suits

Cocktail attire

Cocktail wedding attire

Less formal than Black-tie, this dress code is synonymous with more playful styles such as floral prints, bubble hems, or sleek cutouts. As for men’s suiting, there is more room for color and texture (hint: cotton and linen are great choices).

Shop: Cocktail & Party Dresses | Suit Separates

Tropical wedding attire

Tropical wedding attire

Typically more relaxed yet still elevated, this dress code calls for airy ensembles that will carry you through a sunny beachside or garden ceremony. Think a woven textured dress or a breezy linen suit that conveys easy elegance.

Shop: Day Dresses | Seasonal Suits

Shelcy Joseph is a Brooklyn-based fashion writer and content creator with more than a decade of experience in social and editorial content. She leads editorial women's style content at Macy's and writes the newsletter Market Appointment. On her free time, she loves going to museums, watching documentaries and hosting dinner parties.

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