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What to Wear for a Summer Wedding

Summer is wedding season. Several readers have asked for suggestions of what to wear so I’m sharing a few ideas that I hope will spark your creativity. Your attire should be based on the level of formality the bride has chosen, the location, what makes you feel confident.

Welcome to Hit Your Style Sweet Spot, my collaboration with Pam from Over 50 Feeling 40. You’ve hit your Style Sweet Spot when your appearance is sending the message you intend, and you feel confident that you look your best. Today we’re talking about what to wear to a summer wedding.

Accessories make or break many outfits and wedding attire is no different.

Gigi Crystal Pointy Toes Flat
Crystal Pointy Toed Flat

Beach Wedding

These are more popular than ever. The invitation may say resort casual or something similar. Think shoes when planning this outfit. Any sort of heel is a nightmare in the sand so opt for flats. Assuming the beach is a warm one, pretty sandals with a fresh pedicure is totally acceptable. If it’s a daytime wedding, plan for sun protection and the best way to do that is with a hat. Straw is fine, but a finer weave than you’d wear to the farmers market. Pretty sundresses either floral or not, look perfect on the beach.

Block Heel Shoes

Wedding on the Lawn

Again, think shoes first. Whether at a country club or backyard, weddings on a lawn require shoes that work with the terrain. That means flats or shoes with a block type heel that won’t sink in. A backyard wedding calls for more casual items than you’d choose for a country club wedding and you’ll need to plan for sun protection here too.

Black-Tie Optional

The word “optional” gives you plenty of freedom but know that few women will opt for full-length gowns these days. A cocktail dress, dressy skirt and top or flowy pants and a jacket are totally acceptable. Knock your accessories up a notch by adding sparkle, shine, or refinement.

Beaded Floral Handbag
Beaded Floral Handbag

White-Tie Wedding

This is as dressy as it gets so pull out all the stops. Long gowns are expected and wearing a shorter dress runs the risk of you feeling underdressed. Chiffon, wide-legged pants and very dressy top are also acceptable but be sure you’ve bumped your accessories up accordingly. Leather handbags seldom cut it for White Tie events.

Evening Bags

I prefer evening bags with a shoulder chain or strap so I can use to keep my hands free during cocktail hour and tuck it into the bag when it sits on my lap during dinner.

Many believe it’s inappropriate to wear black to a wedding. I think that depends on the location. A black or white tie formal wedding is worlds apart from a casual one.

What do you think of wearing black to a wedding?

Let’s go see how Pam hits her Style Sweet Spot for attending a wedding.

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

 

24 Comments

  1. Those flats are stunning! Just love them!
    On wearing black to a formal evening or cocktail hour wedding – absolutely!
    Think of all the lovely black cocktail dresses we’ve grown to love ( and wear). Jennifer, you’ve said it best.

    1. I always feel fabulous wearing black to a formal event.

  2. Great information
    We will be attending a wedding in late April in a park on the side of a mountain. What kind of dress. I am petite and over 80.

    1. Be sure to have a wrap. Parks usually have trees and shade can be cool.

  3. Heels for out door wedding NO! My grandson was married at a winery where the venue had just been watered. I sank into the ground as my son walked me down the isle. Thank goodness I didn’t fall. Ladies wear flats to out door weddings.

    1. I agree heels can be disastrous even in dry situations.

  4. Lynn Schulte says:

    I love reading your posts! Always find helpful tips. I could use some input…My 50th HS Reunion is in May. Casual attire recommended for a Cinco de Mayo Theme outdoor party in Central California/San Joaquin Valley. Weather usually mid 80-90 degrees that time of year. I have never been a confident dresser and have no clue what to wear! Please help! Any tips much appreciated. Budget $100. I have lots of sandals and Clark’s flip flops to choose from. So won’t need shoes, just clothes. Thank you soo much in advance for any suggestions!

    1. I’d look for something colorful and gauzy with layers.

  5. I wore heels to a garden wedding and we stood on a hill and my heels sunk deep into the soil!!! My husband had to help me “get out of the grass!” it was a rather difficult extrication!

    1. I have made the same mistake and spent the entire day standing on my toes to keep my heels out!

  6. Louise K. says:

    Thank you for this post. I think that black usually looks more elegant than other colors, even if the fabric is plainer. I wouldn’t wear head-to-toe black, however, even to a funeral.

    1. I totally agree about the elegance of black, Louise. That’s I don’t feel it’s inappropriate for a formal wedding.

  7. Janet Williams says:

    You also need to understand the cultural background of the couple getting married. I showed up at an Italian wedding not wearing black and felt underdressed. I wore black to an Afghani wedding and everyone wore colour. Eek! Your tips are great otherwise.

    1. You’re so right, Janet! Thanks for sharing with us. It’s a critical consideration!!

  8. Anita Branin says:

    How do you prepare for a 50th high school reunion? What do you wear.? I have had cancer 3 times, my hair is growing in again, and I definitely look my age (67). My husband passed away three years ago so I’ll be going alone. There will be three events, none too dressy. Definitely a challenge.

    1. Hi Anita. Thanks for sharing. Many women face similar challenges. I’m so sorry to hear about your husband. The outfit process is similar to weddings in that you need to consider the venue, time of day and season. To boost your confidence, test drive your outfits before hand and learn what’s right about it and where you might need to tweak it. Does it need bolder earrings? Do the shoes pinch? Do you feel confident? Please send me a personal email, I’d to love help you further with more specific suggestions.

      1. You are always gracious and kind. And fun/funny. A delightful combination.

      2. 🙂 xx

  9. I think black is fine for a formal evening wedding.

    1. I do too and many women I’ve seen!

  10. Good advice on wedding wear…especially the shoes…don’t want to sink into the grass.

    1. I’ve been there and done that!

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