The Wedding You’re Attending Didn’t Give You a Color Palette?
Here's What I Would Wear
Every time I’m at a loss for what to write about, my own life ends up being the perfect inspiration. I've got a wedding to attend in September, and for the past few weeks, I've been completely stumped about what to wear. So, I did some research and realized I had come up with the perfect article for this week.
Wedding season has been upon us for a while now, with the warmer months offering plenty of opportunities to celebrate love in the sun. When it comes to dressing for these summer celebrations, the options are fairly straightforward—throw on a beautiful lightweight dress, your favorite slingbacks, and you're good to go. However, as the seasons change, so do the challenges of figuring out what to wear, especially when it comes to fall and winter weddings. The cooler weather brings with it a shift in color palettes and silhouettes, making it more difficult to choose an outfit that’s both seasonally appropriate and stylish. This task becomes even trickier when you’re left with little to no guidance from the invitation—no theme, no color palette, just an ambiguous dress code that leaves you guessing.
If you find yourself in this situation, don’t fret. Dressing for a wedding without clear direction can be scary, but with the right approach, you can still look fabulous while respecting the occasion. The key is to strike a balance between personal style, seasonally appropriate choices, and traditional wedding guest etiquette. Whether you're attending a fall wedding or a winter ceremony, there are certain colors, fabrics, and styles that work best for each season. In this article, we’ll explore what to wear to weddings in any season, focusing on colors that will keep you looking chic and festive, even when the invitation leaves you to figure it out on your own.
General Guidelines
When you're unsure of the theme or color palette for a wedding, your best bet is to choose an outfit that balances style with appropriateness. Weddings are significant events, so it’s crucial to dress in a way that honors the occasion and respects the couple's special day. To help you navigate the dos and don'ts of wedding attire, here are some general tips to consider.
Don’t Be That Person—Avoid Wearing White: The golden rule of wedding guest attire is to steer clear of anything white, ivory, or cream. If you are questioning whether a color is too close to white, don’t wear it. These shades are reserved for the bride, and wearing them as a guest can be seen as disrespectful and attention-seeking.
Read the Room: The wedding location can offer valuable hints about what to wear. For example, a formal indoor ceremony might require more traditional attire, such as a cocktail dress or a tailored suit. In contrast, an outdoor garden wedding might allow for more flowy and vibrant attire, with lighter fabrics and brighter colors that reflect the nature around you.
This One Should Be Obvious—Don’t Go Too Casual: Even if the wedding is on the laid-back side, never underdress. Casual items like jeans, flip-flops, or overly simple outfits can come across as disrespectful. This should be an obvious rule, but you’d be surprised how many people miss this. Instead, aim for an outfit that feels polished and put together, something that acknowledges the importance of the event.
It’s Not About You: While it's tempting to make a bold fashion statement, it's crucial to remember that you don't want to overshadow the couple. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good printed dress, but in the case of weddings, subtlety is key. Opt for tasteful pieces that allow you to stand out without being too flashy. Think elegant rather than extravagant—classic accessories, classic hemlines, and refined prints that enhance your look without dominating it.
Shades of the Seasons
The time of year plays a significant role in determining your outfit's color palette. Here’s a breakdown of what colors work best depending on the season:
Spring/Summer:
Pastels and light neutrals are the go-to shades for spring and early summer weddings. Soft hues like pink, lavender, light green, and baby blue evoke the freshness of the season and create a delicate, romantic look.
As summer heats up, opt for brighter colors like red, hot pink, and kelly green. These vibrant hues reflect the lively spirit of the season and are perfect for outdoor settings, where they’ll catch the sunlight beautifully.
Fall:
As the leaves turn, so should your wardrobe. Fall weddings are all about embracing rich earth tones that mirror the natural landscape. Deep, earthy shades like burgundy, forest green, and butter yellow are ideal for creating a warm, cozy feel. These colors not only complement the autumnal surroundings but also bring a sense of elegance to your outfit.
My personal favorite look for a fall wedding is a jewel-tone moment. Think emerald green, sapphire blue, and amethyst purple. These rich, deep colors add sophistication and depth to your ensemble, especially when paired with gold or metallic accessories.
Winter:
Winter weddings call for a more formal and polished look, and dark neutrals paired with metallics are perfect for the season. Consider deep, rich tones like navy, charcoal, or black in an elegant silhouette for a timeless and chic outfit. To add a touch of glamour, incorporate metallics such as silver or gold through accessories or fabric choices.
Fabrics like velvet and silk are also ideal for winter weddings—they not only provide warmth but also add a luxurious vibe to your look. Opt for deep reds, midnight blues, or dark greens in velvet or silk to make a stunning statement that’s both stylish and seasonally appropriate.
Adding Accessories: My Favorite Part!
I know we touched on them a little bit, but I figured we needed a whole paragraph about accessories. Accessories are the finishing touches that can elevate your wedding guest look, adding that touch of personality and polish to your outfit.
For spring and summer weddings, lighter, more playful accessories like delicate jewelry or a small baguette can complement airy dresses and bright colors. In fall, opt for richer tones in your accessories, such as a deep burgundy shawl or gold jewelry, to match the season’s earthy color palette. Winter weddings call for more luxurious accessories—think velvet shoes, a chic faux fur coat, or metallic bags—that not only add warmth but also a touch of elegance.
No matter the season, your accessories should enhance your overall look without overshadowing it, allowing your personal style to shine through while respecting the occasion.
When it comes to weddings, no matter the season or location, it’s essential to remember that your outfit should reflect who you are. While these guidelines are helpful in navigating the often ambiguous world of wedding guest attire, they are just that—guidelines. Don’t let them box you in or stifle your creativity. Fashion is a form of self-expression, and even at a wedding, it’s important to infuse your personal style into what you wear. Whether it’s a subtle nod to your favorite color, a beloved accessory, or a unique silhouette, make sure that your outfit feels like you.
The perfect wedding guest look is one that not only respects the occasion but also makes you feel confident, comfortable, and true to yourself. After all, the best outfits are those that are worn with joy and authenticity. So go ahead—take these tips, mix them with your personal flair, and create an ensemble that’s uniquely yours. You got this.
XO,
𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆