I’ve got three weddings this summer and no idea what to wear for them. All three are in the UK so I’m worried about the weather – as well as my budget! I can’t afford to spend tons so please help with some affordable options.
Saffy, Birmingham
It’s all fun and games getting excited about your mates’ weddings until you realise you need new outfits for all of them (often completely different outfits if it’s the same group of friends), and you’re tight on cash and wardrobe space.
But, IMHO, the high street raises its game each year, offering tons of stylish looks that won’t break the bank. So much so that the offering this year is huge. You can’t move for coloured trouser suits and printed midi dresses, so where it was once a struggle to find affordable looks, it’s now a faff to edit them down for the best ones. But naturally, I’ve done the hard work for you.
Whether you’re an evening-only guest or heading to the countryside for the ceremony, keep reading for an outfit to suit every kind of wedding you’re attending this summer…
The best wedding guest outfits for summer 2023
The glam one
Chances are you’ll have one invite that you know requires a slightly more glamorous outfit than the others. Whether it’s an upscale venue or the guestlist, if you’re in need of a fabulous outfit, look no further. This halterneck midi is the moment, and nicely ticks both the daytime and evening boxes thanks to the sequin and floral mash-up.
This isn’t a dress or occasion for minimal accessories, so instead, go big on rhinestones and add some elegant pearl hoop earrings.
Read more on wedding guest dressing:
- The best wedding guest bags to wear with all your outfits this summer
- Can I wear black? And other wedding guest dilemmas solved
- Wedding guest dressing: The high street’s top 40 shoes for spring
The evening ‘do
If you’re an evening-only guest and heading straight to the reception, you can have the most fun with your outfit. While all-day guests will have to navigate footwear that’s comfy for 10 hours of wear and a dress that suits both day and night, you can go all out glam as an evening guest.
A slinky backless scarlet dress is the answer: glitzy without being OTT. Even on the warmest UK day, a chill in air as the sun goes down is almost a guarantee, so a neutral blazer is a must. Team with black and gold accessories for a sleek feel.
The suit option
Whether you’re more comfortable in trousers or are on your 5th wedding of the year and keen on a break from midi dresses, a pastel trouser suit is a lovely option and you’re much less likely to twin with another guest. A suit takes the faff out of working out which pair of trousers works with which top, and this Kitri number is insane in the flesh: cute without being overly girlie and edgier than pale pink.
It calls for metallic accessories and a satin bag for a chic texture clash.
The low-key ‘do
If you’re heading to a registry office ceremony, you might like to opt for a pared back look, but that’s not to say a fabulous dress is off the cards. Similarly if you’re a plus one and don’t know the bride and groom too well, a low-key look that’s just-fab-enough is ideal.
This pink Abercrombie & Fitch number would look super-chic with a dark blazer over the top and statement white accessories. Plus, it’s available in petite, regular and tall from sizes XXS to XL, so you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for you.
The countryside wedding
Of course it was going to be a floral dress for the country look, it was only right! I’d say this long-sleeved number is a floral dress with a twist: with a bias cut and silky fabric, it’s much slicker than the average flowery frock, and the printed isn’t busy or overwhelming, meaning it’s perfect for tall and petite frames.
I’d wear it with summery stacked heels (perfect for navigating grass while still looking glam), a colour-pop bag and a handful of gold jewellery to jazz it all up.