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| © John Francis Weddings these days have fewer and fewer rules, but there are still a few things to remember while getting dressed to be respectful of the ceremony and the people getting married. |
By Rachel Torgerson, Cosmopolitan
Weddings these days have fewer and fewer rules, because couples are just more progressive than they used to be. That's great! Still, while you have a lot more freedom than you may have had 10 years or so ago, there are a few things to remember while getting dressed to be respectful of the ceremony and the people getting married. Let's get into it, shall we?
1. Don't wear white…
…or off-white, or really, really pale blue. This should be a no-brainer, but it still bears saying. White dresses are cute! I feel you! But just try not to in this instance. This is the one thing the bride cares about—she's most likely wearing white, and her white thing def cost more than yours. That wins in this case because she/her family is throwing a party and you are her/their guest.
Want to wear something close to white? Try a neutral!
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| © revolve.com Loveland Midi Dress |
$325.00
2. Leave the sweats at home.
Even if the wedding is a more casual event, I promise you: It is not that casual. Like your mom always says, "It's better to be overdressed than underdressed."
If you are concerned about your comfort level for the day, try an outfit in a soft, natural fabric like cotton.
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| © shopbop.com The Breezy Dress |
$66.80
3. Denim = no.
Jeans are too casual as well. Plus, why wear denim when you can wear it literally any other day?
Try a blue jumpsuit in a different material, like this cotton fabric, instead:
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| © nordstrom.com Pleat Neck Crop Cotton Jumpsuit |
$69.49
4. Say bye to shorts, guys.
This applies mainly to the men out there, but stick with pants. Yes, even if it's a hot day in the summer. Women deal with uncomfortable fashion conditions all the time-you can handle it for one day.
P.S. Lightweight pants, like these linen ones, can help combat the heat problem:
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| © mrporter.com Slim-Fit Linen Suit |
$450.00
5. Cover your shoulders when applicable.
Is the ceremony taking place in a church or in an institution with a more modest dress code? Be respectful of that, and bring a shawl or sweater to cover yourself.
This shawl is a cute one!
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| © nordstrom.com Print Modal Wrap |
$39.00
6. If you want to wear pants, don't go casual.
If you choose to wear pants, still try to be somewhat dressy.
Coordinating suits are a great way to go:
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| © topshop.com Apple Green Suit |
$215.00
7. Don’t go against the dress code.
OK, OK, I know I said it's better to overdress than to underdress, and I stand by that in general. But read the room: Don't wear a tux or a ballgown to a backyard wedding-in that case, it’s better to keep it little more low-key.
Here’s a less-dressy option you might like:
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| © us.asos.com Embroidered Button Through Mini Tea Dress |
$76.00
8. Rips and holes, even intentional ones, do not belong.
Don't wear Yeezy to a wedding. If you like the idea of showing a little unexpected skin, consider a stylish cutout instead.
Need a non-ripped thing? Check out this wedding-appropriate look:
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| © revolve.com Cut Out Colorblock Gown |
$338.00
