Be the best-dressed wedding guest with our 7 outfit ideas

Wedding season is here, and chances are you have an invite or two scheduled in your diary for a friend or loved one’s big day. If you’re looking for wedding guest outfit ideas for the big day, our fashion styling team have pulled together some of their most-loved outfits, styling tips and favourite trends for 2023 to make sure you’re the best-dressed guest.

1. The destination wedding

Patterns are top of the bill this year for wedding guest dresses. ‘Gold and printed dresses are on point this summer,’ says our Fashion Stylist Lynda Bell. Try something new with a metallic twist, adding an extra touch of glam and a subtle shimmer to your step to catch the sunlight. Pair with matching gold jewellery to continue the golden-hour glow, and finish off with a pair of statement sunnies to protect from strong rays.

2. The cocktail wedding

Wedding-day fun often lasts long into the small hours, so comfort is important. A jumpsuit achieves maximum impact with minimal effort - try a halter-neck (a huge trend for 2023) or sophisticated wide-leg silhouettes for the perfect day-to-night look. Bring in some sunshine style with botanical prints teamed with metallic accessories, including the ever-popular Esska shoes and a beaded hair slide.

3. The garden wedding

If you’re in for a long day outside, stay cool and comfortable in a wide-leg jumpsuit finished in a lightweight fabric with a floral print. Keep your essentials handy in a beaded bag, continuing the floral theme and keeping your hands free for photos, drinks and the occasional tissue. Add a bright pop of colour with your heels for a fresh, summery look, and opt for a block or small heel to avoid sinking into the grass!

4. The city wedding

For a more casual or city-based wedding look, a healthy dose of pink and an embellished beaded jacket will see you through in style. Mini dresses are a fun look for evening wedding guests - and pair nicely with a light layer, which you will inevitably need if the ceremony’s in the UK. A stack of shiny gold bracelets and bangles will add some sparkle, and don’t forget that all-important arm candy. With its bold, bright colours and textured stripe, this impactful clutch will bring the whole ensemble together.

5. The modern wedding

A slip dress is this season’s hit. Cool, airy and timeless, this silhouette is a clean canvas for a layered necklace and the print pairs nicely with flower jewellery. As well as bringing a subtle shine, you can layer, stack, mix and match your jewels to give your own personal spin to this pared-back look. When it comes to hair accessories for wedding guests, unless your invitation (or bride) asks for one, you could swap out your fascinator for a colourful hair clip or matching headband.

6. The party wedding

If you want more bang for your buck, we love that our dresses, including this party-ready ensemble, can be dressed up or down to match your occasion. After you’ve piled on the jewellery and a beaded clutch for that special day, wear your dress with flat sandals for holiday, or trainers and a denim jacket for running around town. And don’t forget your favourite pair of sunglasses. As well as keeping your face and eyes protected from the sun‘s rays, they double as a handy hair accessory for when you need to keep it off your face. Keep them safe on a colourful sunglasses chain.

7. The country house wedding

If you have a colour that you feel comfortable in, use this to build your wedding look. ‘People often make the mistake of wearing something out of their comfort zone for the event,’ says Lynda. ‘But choosing something that reflects your personal style will make your feel more confident and you’ll be more likely to wear it again in the future.’ Match this floral dress with a pair of metallic heels for a simple and chic outfit that will take you from ceremony to celebration. Add a plain crossbody bag to keep the focus on the print.