Be the Best Dressed Wedding Guest

10th June 2025

Wedding season is like a never-ending runway show—and you, are about to be the headliner. Whether you’re heading to a rustic farm ceremony, a slick rooftop reception, or a passport-required party in the Italian countryside, you don’t just want to show up. You want to show up dressed. Here’s your ultimate guide to being the best dressed guest at every type of wedding.

The Country Wedding

Don’t be fooled by the hay bales and wildflowers—this wedding still calls for style!

For women, the sweet spot is romantic and whimsical. A flowing floral midi dress in soft pastels or muted tones will always be a crowd-pleaser, especially if it sways gently as you dance under the fairy lights. Cottagecore is still having a moment, so embrace puff sleeves, ruffle hems, and delicate prints. Heels? Yes, but make them chunky. You’ll thank yourself when you're traipsing across a grassy lawn or navigating a gravel path with a glass of rosé in hand. A straw clutch or sunhat can add a perfect finishing touch without making you look like you wandered out of a farmers market. When it comes to fabrics, keep it light and breezy and avoid silk (these can easily show a spilt drink or canape.)

For men, this is not the time for a tuxedo or anything overly formal. Instead, think relaxed refinement: a light linen suit or a well-fitted shirt with tailored trousers. Earthy tones work beautifully in this setting—beige, olive, soft blues—and a pocket square with a fun pattern can give your look some personality without tipping into peacocking.

And remember: country weddings are outdoorsy by nature, which means they tend to cool off quickly when the sun dips. Bring a lightweight jacket or a cosy shawl that works with your outfit. You’ll be stylish and smug when everyone else starts shivering.

The City Wedding

Welcome to the urban jungle, where cocktails are curated, DJs wear designer trainers, and the backdrop includes actual skyscrapers. A city wedding is sleek, contemporary, and often just a little bit extra—and your outfit should match the energy.

For women, this is your opportunity to lean into modern glamour. A slinky slip dress in silk or satin is effortlessly chic, especially in jewel tones or bold monochromes. Tailored jumpsuits are also a strong choice—they’re stylish, sophisticated, and let you dance with zero wardrobe malfunctions. Statement accessories are your best friend here: think metallic clutches, geometric earrings, or heels with architectural flair. Basically, if your look could walk straight off a fashion week runway and into a rooftop lounge, you're doing it right.

Men, this is your suit moment. Whether it's classic navy, a deep charcoal, or even a daring pattern if you're feeling bold, the key here is sharp tailoring. Your suit should fit like it was made for you—and if it wasn’t, find a good tailor and make it seem like it was. Finish the look with a slim tie, a crisp shirt, and a well-chosen watch. If you're going a little more fashion-forward, skip the tie and go for a turtleneck under your blazer. Just make sure it’s intentional, not last-minute.

City weddings are polished, so your look should be too. And never, ever underestimate the importance of good shoes—city sidewalks and discerning eyes mean every detail counts.

The Jet-Set Wedding

And now, the jet-set wedding. These are the ones where you pack three outfits per day and your luggage suddenly weighs as much as a small piano. These are weddings that double as fashion weeks—and yes, you want to look phenomenal.

Destination weddings are all about striking that elusive balance between chic and effortless. Floaty maxi dresses in linen, silk, or chiffon reign supreme, especially in sunset hues, tropical prints, or elegant neutrals. Wrap dresses are great for seaside breezes, and a statement pair of sunglasses can turn the whole look into an editorial. Think woven bags, oversized earrings, and sandals that are as beautiful as they are walkable. You want to look like you just strolled out of a postcard.

For men, go lighter—both in colour and in fabric. A cream or sand-colored suit in cotton or linen gives you that relaxed-luxury vibe. Leave the tie at home and unbutton the top two shirt buttons (just two, please). Add some suede loafers or leather sandals, and suddenly you’re not just a guest—you’re the Mediterranean muse the couple didn’t know they needed.

One golden rule for destination weddings: pack for the entire wedding weekend. That includes the welcome dinner, the recovery brunch, the boat party, the wine tasting, the spontaneous midnight gelato run… the list goes on. Plan your outfits accordingly, and always keep your best one saved for the ceremony. It’s their day, yes—but there’s no harm in stealing a little spotlight.

Whether you're clinking glasses under string lights in a field, sipping martinis in a penthouse bar, or twirling under a Tuscan sunset, the key to being the best dressed guest is dressing for the vibe—but with a twist that’s unmistakably you. So go ahead, RSVP yes, and start planning that outfit. Because the next best thing to getting married is being the best dressed at someone else’s wedding.

Cheers to love, to travel, and to not wearing the same thing twice.