I've Worn These Easy Wedding Guest Outfits Over and Over Again for 8 Years

I just love me a good wedding. I've been lucky enough to go to so many phenomenal ones over the years before the pandemic. It's an excuse to see friends and family and an opportunity to get dressed up for a day filled with love and fun. What's not to adore about that? I've been to three weddings in Spain (including my own), had a luxurious jaunt to Puglia, travelled to various parts of the British countryside and even enjoyed a few ceremonies in my home city of London.
Location: Leytonstone, London
What I Wore: Alexander Terekhov dress; Chloé sandals; Vintage bag
I was taking a trip down memory lane recently after finally attending a wedding again—scrolling through a huge back catalogue of candid shots my photographer husband has amassed—and I started to realise that there are three particular outfit formulas I turn to as a wedding guest (no matter the season or location). These two trusty ensembles save the day, and so I wonder if they might do the same for you too. With wedding season in full swing (and maybe you're on the lookout for a last-minute wedding guest outfit idea), take a look at the three formulas I reach for, and then shop some of my favourite picks to re-create your own versions in 2022. Just please excuse any shots where I may have had one too many glasses of prosecco…
WEDDING OUTFIT OPTION 1: THE PRINTED MIDI DRESS
There's nothing complicated or even unexpected about this time-trusted formula—it just works, with ease. I try to look for more unique prints in order to feel as considered as possible. So I'd probably steer clear of a more generic ditsy and opt in for a fruit print, louder flower or vintage motif.
Wedding Location: Mijas, Spain
What I Wore: Stella McCartney dress; vintage belt from my Mum; Dune sandals
Wedding Location: Puglia, Italy
What I Wore: Gül Hürgul dress; Mango earrings; Chloé sandals
Wedding Location: Leamington Spa, United Kingdom
What I Wore: Vintage dress; Mango earrings; Roksanda bag; Chloé sandals
Wedding Location: Iznájar, Spain
What I Wore: Alexander Terekhov dress; Burberry sunglasses; Dune sandals
SHOP MY PRINTED-DRESS PICKS
WEDDING OUTFIT OPTION 2: THE COLOUR-BLOCK DRESS
I'm not reinventing the wheel here, folks! Simply giving you the reassurance that a joyful, colour, plain-ish dress is totally suitable for a wedding in the countryside, city or abroad. I often default to red because it makes me happy and goes easily with white, gold or neutral accessories.
Location: Shropshire, England
What I Wore: Olivia Rose the Label dress; Ganni bag; Loeffer Randall shoes; By Alona necklace
Location: Los Angeles, US
What I Wore: Paper London dress; Wandler bag; Charles & Keith shoes
Location: Islington, London
What I Wore: Rejina Pyo dress and sunglasses; Ganni bag; Bobbies Paris sandals; Alighieri necklace
SHOP MY COLOUR-BLOCK DRESS PICKS
WEDDING OUTFIT OPTION 3: THE SASSY-BUT-COVERED-UP LBD
Okay, I know this one is a little bit controversial because some brides feel it is inappropriate for guests to wear black to a wedding. However, when you're really in a bind and just want to feel chic, a LBD is normally the answer! You can either ask the bride or just read the room—she may not want to be bothered with such trivial details when neck-deep in planning stress!
Wedding Location: Stockbridge, United Kingdom
What I Wore: Preen by Thornton Bregazzi dress; Bionda Castana sandals
Wedding Location: Cotswolds, United Kingdom
What I Wore: H&M jacket; Opening Ceremony dress; Tabitha Simmons sandals
Wedding Location: Peterborough, United Kingdom
What I Wore: H&M dress; vintage belt; Topshop shoes
The kind of timeless style that will still look good for decades to come.
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This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. She joined in 2015 when she launched the UK sister site following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine as fashion news and features editor. With experience in print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 18 years of experience as a journalist, editor and content strategist. Her opinion has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com and she is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.
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