Black Tie, Formal, Cocktail Attire

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I have two jobs: a writer for Rolling Stone by day and a professional wedding guest by… every single weekend. Since 2019, I’ve RSVP’d “yes” to over 40 weddings — yes, you read that right, forty. At this point, I’m essentially the human embodiment of “Shout.” So, if you’ve got an upcoming wedding circled on your calendar and are already spiraling about what to wear, congrats — you’ve come to the right place.

Not only have I created a complete guide to wedding dress codes — from black tie to cocktail attire to the ever-mysterious “semi-formal” (what even is that?) — but I’ve also taken the liberty of photoshopping myself (with questionable skill, I might add) into various outfits to really narrow down your options.

Step one in deciding what to wear to anyone’s “I do’s” is figuring out the dress code, location, and season. Here’s a pro tip: when choosing a color, consider where the wedding is happening. Is it indoors or outdoors? A tropical beach or a rustic barn? Think about these details and the couple’s wedding aesthetic before impulsively buying that neon jumpsuit (don’t do it).

At a Glance: The Best Wedding Guest Dresses

Need more clues? Scrutinize the invite. Study the wedding website. Stalk the couple’s Pinterest board (on private mode, obviously). You might even pick up hints from what the bridesmaids or groomsmen are wearing, the venue, or the couple’s hobbies. But if you’re still confused, ask the couple directly — but do so in a way that doesn’t scream, “I totally forgot that your wedding is next weekend and now I’m panicking.”

The Best Wedding Guest Dresses

To save you from stress-induced outfit meltdowns, I’ve rounded up a comprehensive list of stylish garments you can grab online for every dress code, season, and photo-worthy moment. Browse my favorite picks below, and just remember, these photos are going to live on the lucky couple’s walls forever — so there’s really no pressure.

What to Wear to a White Tie Wedding

Although white tie is much less commonly requested attire for most modern weddings, this dress code calls for what you’d imagine is worn at a royal wedding or diplomatic affair. Tuxedos are required and expected to include tails and a vest and should be accompanied by formal shoes, white or gray gloves, a bowtie, and formal shirting. Dresses should be floor-length gowns that are accessorized elegantly with jewelry and a clutch. A shawl or dress jacket is an optional pairing for formal dresses in colder weather.

What to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding

Black Tie is a step down from White Tie in that tuxedos do not require tails or gloves, and you have the option to swap out the White Tie vest for cummerbunds. Dress attire remains relatively the same, however, a jacket or shawl is not necessary and less formal fabrics like silk or linen are acceptable so long as the ankles remain covered. Shorter dresses (long above ankle, midi, and cocktail) may be acceptable if fitted in more structured fabrics. If unsure, it’s best to consult the bride before making a final dress decision.

What to Wear to a Black-tie Optional/Formal Wedding

Black Tie Optional or Formal is another step towards more casual dressing than the previous Black Tie. For suiting, tuxedos are not required however, a formal dark suit with a white dress shirt paired with a tie or bowtie, is necessary. Dresses can be swapped for pantsuits, formal jumpsuits, long dresses above the ankles, or structured cocktail dresses in formal fabrics. These are very minimal differences between the required dress attire for White Tie, Black Tie and Formal or Black Tie Optional dress codes so if unsure of if your dress is an acceptable diversion, we recommend consulting the bride for a gut check.

What to Wear to a Cocktail Wedding

Cocktail: The Cocktail dress code allows for more flexibility between both dress and suit wardrobes. Floor length gowns can be swapped for ankle, midi, at- or above- the knee length dresses. Suit colors can vary more broadly than dark or formal but tie or bowtie are still required.

What to Wear to a Semi-Formal/Casual Wedding

Semi-Formal / Casual: Semi-Formal or Casual is the broadest of all dress codes. This means that when selecting an outfit, pay careful attention to location, temperature, and venue — all will be imperative to choosing clothing within the correct palette and theme. Suiting requires dress pants, dress shirt, and tie. Matched or unmatched suit jackets are not required but can be worn in lieu of a tie. Dressing is variable and can include any length of less formal dress, structured jumpsuits, or elegant two piece sets.