Taking The Guest Work Out Of Going To A Wedding: What You Should Wear For Every Type Of Affair

Completely Casual:

While you may be inclined to think that this means "anything goes" you must remember that it is a special celebration which, more likely than not, means you should put a little effort and thought into your appearance and presentation.

Ladies:

• Sundresses and sandals (remember, casual DOESN'T mean
SLOPPY. Make sure your dress is length appropriate and that your bra strap isn't sticking out. It's also a good idea to have a summer sweater, shawl, or other cover up, especially if you feel like dressing up the ensemble a bit)

• Capri pants and knit tops


• Cropped pants and silk camis


• Skorts (to the knee) and polo-T


• Knit tank or halter dresses


• Cargo dress


• Draw string pants and cotton or knit tank

Materials should be lightweight (such as twill and cotton) and colors should be bright and vibrant. Shoes can be casually comfortable and range from lightweight canvas sneakers to creatively embellished flip-flops…and of course all most flats, including boat shoes and loafers. Keep ostentatious jewelry to a minimum. Handbags should be small but simple with room for more than just the bare essential but more compact than your usual handbag.

Men:

• Capris and knit shirt


• Linen ensembles and sandals


• Pleated (twill or Khaki) shorts and polo-T


• Hawaiian shirts, Bahama shirts and terry knit top with summer shorts or slacks.


• Jeans, polo shirt or t-shirt and lightweight sport coat (remember, you can always take the jacket off when you get there.

More avant-garde types may also want to consider pairing a lightweight sport jacket with their shorts and dock-siders. No tie is generally necessary, but be sure that your fabrics are light in color and in texture and that they have the ability to breath (especially if the entire event will take place outdoors). Other acceptable shoe options include canvas sneakers, oxfords, loafers and some dressier sandals.

Casual Elegance: Home, restaurant, country cub chic

Semi-Formal To Formal:

These events usually take place outside the home at a designated place of worship, restaurant or catering facility. Because they are more structured, they also require a more structured wardrobe... basically a more tailored "casual" look and that means fancier tops for ladies and higher heels for ladies, more structured shirts (and yes, ties and jackets) and more formal footwear for men.

Ladies:

• Suits, generally brightly colored, with silk jacket, cami or shell under the jacket. Usually tops are more ornate embellished with floral patterns, checks, or other prints


• Skirt and blouse


• Chiffon Pant Suit


• Crocheted Dresses


• Linen tank or halter dresses


• Lace dresses


• Palazzo pants and drape neck or scarf tie top


• Lace tank and (chiffon or silk) belted pants

Ladies should consider summer sandals or mules with kitten heels, embellished and strappy flip-flops (thongs), slides, or opulent espadrilles. A smaller purse (in lieu of a large handbag) is also a fashionable must.

Men:

• Linen pants with knit top and sport jacket


• Sear suckers with polo or knit shirt and summer blazer


• Khakis with polo-t and blazer


• Khakis with Oxford shirt and blazer (tie optional but preferable)


• Year rounder trousers (in lighter shades of gray, blue or tan) with button down solid or pinstripe shirt and blazer (tie optional but preferable)


• Summer Suit. This matching ensemble should be made of lightweight material (that breaths) and should be light (though not too light in color…. sky blue and pastel color suits went out with the 1950s)

Men should consider wearing a belt with their pants and socks with their shoes, especially if you go the Khaki-blazer combo or suit route. (Linen pants and sear suckers don't require socks and generally call for a "less" formal shoe) Shoe options include: wing tips (more for fall), penny loafers, and Venetian mocks. Remember for semiformal events you even have the option of pairing lighter pants with a darker jacket (or vice versa) for a very traditionally classic yet couture look.

Classic Style: These traditional wing tips business shoe can be worn at most semi-formal and formal events.	Afternoon Delight: Perfect for semi-formal daytime affairs.
Summer Chic: Wear this to more "formal" daytime events for polished panache	Luxurious and Laid Back: Though you may want to consider a sport coat instead of sweater, this semi-formal look has offers great daytime appeal

Formal:

These events generally take place in the late (later) afternoon and evening, though some more "traditional" brides may opt for all the pomp and circumstance despite an early celebration. These are also generally more "elaborate", "garish" affairs and require a more elaborate, garish ensemble.

Ladies:

• Almost anything long and sleek. Think below the knee and about fabrics such as organza and chiffon…or any fabric that tends to sparkle and shimmer. Also think A-line for older or more curvaceous women.


• Beaded or Embroidered Sheaths (especially if you've got the age and the body…and if you're older and have the body…well, if you've got it, flaunt it baby!)


• Plunging V-Neck dresses or suit ensembles


• Bare backs


• Sequined tanks


• Silk/Satin wrap tops


• Silk cocktail suit


• Asymmetric corsage dress


• Silk, satin, or chiffon high waist or belted trousers and embellished top (matching silk, satin or chiffon jacket)

Women should no doubt consider wearing a higher, thinner (definitely more feminine and sexy) heel for such occasions. Additionally (especially for those who are not comfortable in high heels) consider low heel sling backs, and more ornately enhanced shoes, featuring straps, beading, gemstones etc. And, remember, the shoe should contain some sort of heel to enhance your outfit and your legs. Handbags are also generally smaller and bedecked with baubles, beading etc. The bag should be only large enough to carry some necessary feminine essentials and maybe your cell phone (and cigarettes if you smoke and haven't yet quit).

Men:

Remember the zoot suit? While the style may be "out", that concept is definitely still "in". Formal evening attire for men, much like that for women, is a bit more baroque and profuse with pizzazz.

Suit look for summer fabrics (linen, herringbone, twill, cotton/poly combinations, etc.) and wrinkle-free materials (if possible and available). Suits should preferably be darker (navy, brown, grey or black) and contain some fine pin-stripping or subtle checks. Also buttons should be more "elaborate". Try to avoid plain or solid buttons and instead opt for gold, silver, or those featuring a crest or emblem of some sort, especially if you forego the suit and opt for a dress pant, dinner jacket combination.

Button-down shirt (long sleeve) with striping, checkers, or French cuffs and tab collar (or a combination of stripes and tabs or checks and tabs) For ultimate luxury consider a shirt that offers the option of cuff links in lieu of buttons.

Tie (preferably silk) Consider ties with a more powerful impact such as vivid colors (especially for solids) or patterns (including stripes, dots, and prints). You may even want to consider a bow tie for "super" formality.

Remember, bold ties with dynamic patterns are great for spicing up a solid shirt, but often can be worn effectively with luxury dress shirts (featuring stripes, checks and tab cuff and collar) in the right combination

Belts and dress socks are a MUST and should coordinate with your ensemble. Shoes should be more elegant and polished. Footwear alternatives include fancy (leather) penny loafers, leather slip ons, leather captoe oxfords and leather monk strap shoes (for fall). Always carry your wallet in your inner jacket pocket (not your pants) and make sure your shirt cuff sticks out slightly below your jacket sleeve.

Black Tie:

This, crème de la crème of formal events takes formality to the next level. More likely than not, the theme is black and white, though other rich, opulent and majestic hues (such as deep purples, golds, and silvers) may be appropriate.

Ladies:

• Gowns and shawls or pashminas.

Shoes should be as opulent and sophisticated as your gown.
Higher heels are the general standard, yet lavishly embellished "flats"
or moderate heels are not out of the norm. The gown should grace the
floor as you walk (and dance) and should cover your shoe when you
are standing up, or at least tough the tip of it. Jewelry should also
be larger and more ornate. Diamonds, pearls and huge gemstones
(real or faux) are guaranteed hits.

Men:

Tuxedo. Preferably white shirt and black jacket and trouser, though for spring and summer, black trouser with white jacket is quite popular and elegant. The color of your vest, or cummerbund and bow tie is (unless otherwise stated) up to your personal taste and discretion. Typically it should exude subtle sophistication and match your partner's dress/outfit (but try to refrain from garish hues such as bright pinks, blues, etc….unless you are going to the prom). If you are going to a "Black Tie" even during the daytime, you may want to consider a morning coat and, those who want to jazz up the formality may even opt for tie and tails

Shoes are generally black patent leather slip ons or lace ups. Again remember to match your socks to your outfit and to wear dark socks with dark pants no matter what season it is. Again, never wear you wallet in your pant pocket but instead on the inner pocket of your jacket, and some experts suggest suspenders for helping keep your trousers in place, your shirt neatly tucked and maintaining a polished elegant look.

Ladies:

• Denim skirts and pants


• Corduroy skirts and pants


• Printed or wool blend pants


• Crew neck and mock neck tops for fall


• Turtlenecks and embroidered or knit sweaters for winter


• Short and long sleeve silk or satin blouse with tailored jacket


• Embroidered cardigans and vests


• Polo-T (for fall... and consider pairing with cardigan or vest)


• Draw string and elastic waist coordinating ensembles


• Casual/business pant or skirt suit

Shoes again should be comfortable, casual but stylish. Leave your rugged runners or boots (especially snow boots) in the closet. Instead break out and elegantly heeled cowboy boot, half boot and chunky mules (for pants and pant suits) or mules with kitten heels for skirts, skirt suits and dresses, and of course slip ons and loafers.

Men:

• Denim


• Corduroys


• Mock neck, crew neck and turtle neck shirts and sweaters


• Cardigans, vests, and sport coats


• Polos, Ts, and Henleys

For "fancy" footwork consider boots, Sketchers, Doc Martens, etc.

Ladies:

• "Casual" (wool) business suit


• Day or evening skirt suit


• Dressy Pant suit


• Skirt and blouse


• Crocheted dress


• Lace dresses


• Palazzo pants and drape neck or scarf tie top


• Knit skirt or pant ensembles


• Skirt with cardigan or sweater ensemble

Think warmer fabrics and darker richer colors inherent to and reflective of the season. Outfits should be classic, "elaborate" and sophisticated yet elegantly "understated". Religious ceremonies generally require shoulders being covered so make sure you have a jacket, sweater, or shawl. Keep ostentatious jewelry to a minimum. Handbags should be small and simple but not as small as those required for "formal" affairs. Fancy footwork options include: low or high-heeled pumps, mules, sling backs or loafers. While a peek-a-boo toe is okay, avoid open toe shoes and sandals in cooler climates, and stay away from shoes that are too fancy for simple affairs or daytime events.

Men:

• Think wool suit (it's inappropriate to wear poly, poly-cotton, or other summer fabrics past fall, generally around September, or the beginning of October.


• Khakis and sport coat with knit shirt or oxford button down and tie


• Corduroys and a mock or turtle neck with a hound's tooth or jacquard jacket or sport coat.

Fabrics should be warmer in texture, color, and pattern. Shirts and ties should be relatively "simple" (solid color shirts with solid ties or minimally patterned are generally best, though pairing a "funky" tie with a solid shirt can have subtle impact for more daring, creative sorts). Don't forget your belt, and as far as shoe options are concerned, you may want to consider (casual) penny loafers, oxfords, suede bucks, wingtips, leather slip ons and leather monk strap shoes.

Ladies:

• Cocktail dress


• Crocheted dress


• Satin "Suit"


• Almost anything long and sleek. Think below the knee and about fabrics such as organza and chiffon…or any fabric that tends to sparkle and shimmer. Also think A-line for older or more curvaceous women.


• Beaded or Embroidered Sheaths (especially if you've got the age and the body…and if you're older and have the body…well, if you've got it, flaunt it baby!)


• Plunging V-Neck dresses or suit ensembles


• Bare backs


• Sequined tanks


• Silk/Satin wrap tops


• Asymmetric corsage dress


• Satin, high waist or belted trousers and embellished top (matching jacket)

If you ladies are thinking the list looks particularly similar to the summer selection list, you're not imagining things. For the most part, seasonal selections are fairly similar with the exception of fabric. Do NOT wear fabrics that are exceptionally lightweight such as organza, chiffon, cotton, polyester, etc. Choose instead materials such as satin, velvet (crushed velvet), heavier embroideries and crochets, etc. Shoes should remain elegant and decorative. Step out in style in kitten heel or high heel pumps, openshanks and lacy sling backs. Remember, while a peek-a-boo toe is acceptable, open toe shoes are for warmer seasons, and climates. By the way, mules can still be worn effectively for most fall events but should ideally be avoided in the heart of winter.

Ladies:

• Evening gown. Floor length and elegantly embellished.
  You may even want to consider one with a small train in
  the back and a jacket with a Queen Ann collar. Fabrics
  should be rich in hue and may include satins, and even
  some taffeta among others. Shoes again should be covered
  or grazed by the gown and purses should be small and
  decorated. Consider mules (for fall), pumps, openshanks,
  and lacy, strappy slingbacks.

Men:

* Tux. Preferably black on black (especially for winter and evening affairs). Again, choice of cummerbund and bowtie or vest is up to you. If you are going to a "Black Tie" event during the daytime, you may want to consider a morning coat and, those who want to jazz up the formality may even opt for tie and tails. Again, unless you are prom bound, try to refrain from garish hues such as bright pinks, blues, etc.

Shoes are generally black patent leather slip ons or lace ups. Again remember to match your socks to your outfit and to wear dark socks with dark pants no matter what season it is. Again, never wear you wallet in your pant pocket but instead on the inner pocket of your jacket, and some experts suggest suspenders for helping keep your trousers in place, your shirt neatly tucked and maintaining a polished elegant look.