What to wear as a wedding guest depends on the dress code, the venue and the season, but the safe rules are simple: don't wear white or anything that could read as bridal, dress one notch smarter than you think, and plan for the venue (grass, sand, a cold church). Then try the full outfit on yourself before ordering. With ChangeMyFit you can drag options from any shop onto your photo and compare them side by side in a fit called "Wedding guest".
Wedding dress codes, decoded
White tie
The most formal. Floor-length gowns; tailcoats with white bow ties. Rare.
Black tie
Floor-length or very elegant cocktail dresses, or a dressy jumpsuit; a tuxedo or a dark suit with a black tie.
Black tie optional or formal
A long dress, an elegant midi or a smart cocktail dress; a dark suit and tie, or a tuxedo if you like.
Cocktail or semi-formal
Knee-length to midi dresses, dressy separates or a jumpsuit; a suit, tie optional.
Smart casual or dressy casual
A sundress, skirt and blouse, or tailored trousers; chinos with a blazer, open collar.
Beach or garden
Light fabrics like linen and cotton, flat or block-heel shoes that won't sink, and a layer for the evening.
Rules not to break
- No white, ivory or cream unless the couple asks for it. Avoid anything that photographs as white.
- Check for a color theme. Some couples ask guests to wear or avoid certain colors.
- Don't upstage. Skip anything that looks like it's trying to be the main event.
- Dress for the ceremony venue. Religious ceremonies may call for covered shoulders or knees.
Choosing your outfit
- Start with the dress code and season. That narrows it down to a handful of shapes.
- Pick colors that suit you. Photos last forever, so wear colors that make you look good. See what colors suit me.
- Think about the whole day. Shoes you can stand and dance in, a layer for an evening breeze, a bag big enough for essentials.
- Compare a few options. Usually two or three outfits look right on paper and only one works on you.
Try your wedding outfit before ordering
Wedding outfits are easy to get wrong: they look different on you than on the model, and if the first one doesn't work there may be no time for a second try. Test them first:
- Add a selfie and your height to ChangeMyFit once.
- Create a fit called "Wedding guest".
- Drag in options from any shop: a dress in Top, or a suit's jacket and trousers in Outerwear and Bottoms, then shoes, bag and jewelry in their slots.
- Try each option and compare them side by side.
- Each look keeps links to its pieces, so you can order the winner straight away.
Frequently asked questions
What colors should you not wear to a wedding?
White, ivory and cream, plus anything that photographs as white. Some couples also ask guests to avoid a color theme reserved for the wedding party.
Can I wear black to a wedding?
Usually yes, especially for evening and formal weddings. Check for cultural or family customs first.
What should a man wear to a wedding?
A suit for most weddings: dark for evening and formal, lighter fabrics and colors for summer and daytime. A tuxedo for black tie.
How can I see my wedding guest outfit on me before buying?
Use a virtual try-on tool. ChangeMyFit dresses a photo of you in clothes from any website, so you can compare outfits before ordering.