Stunning wedding guest dresses to wear all year long (2024)

FAQs

Is 40 too old to wear a wedding dress? ›

Nope. In fact, the maxim we subscribe to is, no matter your age, it's your day and you deserve to feel beautiful, whether that's in a princessy white ball gown or a hot-pink mini.

Women wedding guests should wear a full-length dress, be it a ballgown, a sheath or an A-line style. High heels are strongly recommended. Feel free to accessorize with opulent jewelry and even elbow-length white silk gloves.

Casual Summer Wedding Attire

But don't forget this is an important event. Showing up in shorts and a T-shirt is not a good idea. For women, think pretty, flowy dresses paired with sandals; an open-collared shirt, chinos and boat shoes are great for men.

While some older brides may feel restricted to more mature wedding dress styles, we believe that personal style trumps all and you should wear what makes you feel your best, regardless of age. Whether that's a more conservative gown or a sparkly mini dress, you get to make the rules for your wedding day.

White is the traditional color for wedding dresses, and if this is what you wish, go for it! If you don't want to wear white, you can also take a look at shades like ivory, blush, grey, or even gold. Truthfully, you can choose a wedding dress in any color that suits your style, personality, and complexion.

Leave all white, ivory, and champagne-hued shades alone, unless the invitation specifically designates an all-white dress code. "White and ivory are such a stark, prominent color that when you are the only one, as the bride, wearing it, all eyes are on you," says Avrumson.

Anything Too Casual

Even if the celebration is casual and relaxed, guests should always err on the side of formal. No flip, flops, shorts, or jeans should ever be on your list of options to wear.

I have advised readers that while bare legs are fine even at the most formal events, hosiery also is perfectly acceptable as long as it's skin tone and sheer. I've just returned from a wedding where I wore my new bargain ($10!) black sequined mini and consignment store jeweled black shoes (also $10).

Since nuptials are celebratory occasions, the dark hue was labeled off-limits for attendees in the past. However, in today's modern-day age, wearing black to a wedding is completely acceptable, and in many cases, it's even encouraged.

For a summer wedding, light, airy shades like pastels will help you look fresh and fashionable in the sunshine. From a soft baby blue to a minty green, there are many options for injecting a subtle pop of color into your look. For winter weddings, jewel tones are a great choice.

Can you wear a navy dress to a summer wedding? ›

Navy Blue Dresses for Wedding Guests (2021) - Paisley + Sparrow. Here are 13 gorgeous navy blue dresses to wear to a wedding! If you are a wedding guest these are perfect options for winter or summer weddings.

Wear something comfortable, but not casual - weddings are formal events and the dress code is usually smart. Similarly to wearing white, do not wear black - black is seen as a colour of mourning.

It's okay to wear fashionably loose bottoms, as long as you have a fitted top or even a smartly-fit blazer. Or you'll look great with a slouchy sweater, as long as you're wearing fitted bottoms, like skinny jeans. What you want to avoid is baggy clothing covering every inch of your body.

You can't go wrong with classic tea length wedding dress for older brides, and this lacy modern design is a prime example. With a gently flared skirt and vintage touches, it may just be the icing on the cake for your bridal look. Expert Take: We're head over heels for the sash ribbon on this elegant dress.

It's best to choose darker or more vibrant hues that complement the wedding theme, and avoid anything that may appear too attention-grabbing or revealing. Don't wear anything too casual, such as jeans or sneakers. Even if the wedding is outdoors or in a more relaxed setting, it's still important to dress up!

There is no age limit

The general opinion seems to be that age doesn't really matter. Some bridesmaids in their late 30s, early 40s and older may jump at the opportunity to be a special part of your wedding. Others may have other reasons for not wanting to be a bridesmaid.

Couples are getting married later in life, so it's not abnormal to settle down in your late 30s or 40s. The upside to this is if you know what you want by this age, you've likely had a few different relationships, which means you know what works and what doesn't.