Note: Everlasting Occasion is reader supported. If you make a purchase through a link on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you. This includes links to Amazon.

Wedding Dress Code Guide [20 Outfits To Double Check]

If you have a wedding coming up, then naturally, you are going to wonder what to wear. It can be even more complicated if the couple does not provide a dress code or a clear one.

There are some general recommendations for wedding attire, but it can be a little more nuanced for more specific and individual pieces.

So, I decided to research various outfits to determine whether or not they can, or even should, be worn to a wedding.

Here is what you need to know…

Can You Wear Pants To A Wedding?

Both men and women wear pants to a wedding, so long as they are appropriately colored and sufficiently formal in relation to the wedding dress code.

Can You Wear Boots To A Wedding?

It may be possible to wear boots to a wedding if the wedding is being held outside and is an informal affair. 

It will also depend on the style and color of the boots and what other items of clothing are being worn.

For instance, some boots may be covered by pants or trousers.

Can You Wear Chinos To A Wedding?

Chinos can be worn to casual weddings, where the dress code is clearly specified as such for guests.

It is not generally advised to wear chinos to a formal wedding or even semi-formal.

Can You Wear Flats To A Wedding?

You can wear generally wear flats to a wedding, so long as they are appropriately formal. Polished black flats tend to be ideal and are actually convenient shoes to wear.

However, colorful flats or more casual designs (such as loafers or sandals) mustn’t be worn.

Can You Wear Jeans To A Wedding?

It is generally best advised not to wear jeans to a wedding, even if you know it is an informal affair. 

The only instance where jeans should be worn is if the wedding invitation explicitly states denim or jeans can be worn.

Can You Wear A Jumpsuit To A Wedding?

You can generally wear a jumpsuit to a wedding, so long as it is appropriately aligned to the wedding theme. 

For instance, it should be the right colors and match the formality of the day.

Can You Wear Knee High Boots To A Wedding?

It may be possible to wear Knee High boots to a wedding, depending on where the wedding is, the formality of the wedding attire requested, the type of Knee-High boots, and what else is being worn.

For instance, leather or suede boots designed for formal occasions are typically a lot more appropriate.

Can You Wear Leopard Print To A Wedding?

It should be possible to wear Leopard Print to a wedding, so long as it is appropriately cut and it matches the formality of the wedding.

However, Leopard Print is considered higher-risk attire, attracting attention for all the wrong reasons.

So, some discretion and consideration of the circumstances will be required.

Can You Wear Leggings To A Wedding?

Leggings are generally too informal to wear to a wedding, even those with a casual dress code.

However, it will depend on the other attire being worn and in what capacity you will be attending.

Can You Wear A Leather Jacket To A Wedding?

A leather jacket may be appropriate for a wedding, but it depends on the wedding theme, the formality of the day, and the type of leather jacket.

A biker leather jacket, for instance, is unlikely to be appropriate for any wedding.

However, a more formal jacket can go nicely with a woman’s cocktail dress or over a button-up shirt and tie for a man.

Can You Wear A Maxi Dress To A Wedding?

Maxi dresses are generally a great choice when it comes to wedding attire, so long as it is in an appropriate color.

Maxi dresses are typically ideal because they combine style and comfort. They typically are best for summer and winter weddings.

Read more: Can You Wear A Maxi Dress To A Wedding?

Can You Wear A Pantsuit To A Wedding?

It is generally possible to wear a pantsuit to a wedding, so long as it is in keeping with the wedding theme. 

You will want to ensure that it looks appropriate for a wedding and is not considered business-casual, however.

Can You Wear A Playsuit To A Wedding?

It is typically okay to wear a playsuit to a wedding, so long as they are not too short or too low-cut. 

Otherwise, they would be inappropriate.

Longer jumpsuits are generally better and look more formal.

Can You Wear A Prom Dress To A Wedding?

It is generally not recommended to wear a Prom Dress to a wedding. They do not typically keep with the theme and are more than likely going to make you stand out for all the wrong reasons.

However, if a Prom Dress is more subtle and in keeping with the wedding theme, it may be possible.

Can You Wear A Pencil Skirt To A Wedding?

A pencil skirt is appropriate for a wedding so long as it is not too short nor too casual. For instance, you will want to ensure that the slits on the side are not too high.

Also, consider that a pencil skirt is not the most versatile and is generally not the easiest to move around in.

Equally, if you opt for a pencil skirt, avoid wearing a buttoned shirt as this combination does not typically go too well.

Can You Wear A Romper To A Wedding?

Rompers can be worn to a wedding, so long as they are formal in appearance. 

Long sleeve Rompers made out of silk are particularly effective.

Can You Wear A Sequin Dress To A Wedding?

It is generally advised not to wear a sequin dress to a wedding. They reflect a lot of light and are known for being hard to photograph.

That being said, it depends on the formality of the event and the number of sequins on the dress.

Can You Wear A Short Dress To A Wedding?

It should be possible to wear a short dress to a wedding, within reason. It should not be too short to attract unwanted attention nor be inappropriate.

Generally, the more formal the event, the less accepted short dresses will be.

Can You Wear A Sweater Dress To A Wedding?

A sweater dress may be appropriate for weddings with an informal dress code, particularly those in the winter.

However, they are not generally advised for more formal affairs.

Can You Wear White Shoes To A Wedding?

It is considered acceptable to wear white shoes to a wedding, so long as other parts of the outfit are not white.

Other Outfit Recommendations

Choosing your wedding outfit may seem quite tricky, but taking the following recommendations into account should help you to whittle down the options:

Choose Solid Colors or Simple Patterns

You generally cannot go wrong with solid colors and simple patterns, so long as they are not white (off-white), black, red, or gold.

According to studies, when it comes to patterned designs, opt for horizontal as they will give off a more flattering physique.

Consider The Venue

If you are aware of where the wedding is being held, you should be able to make an educated guess as to what will be best to wear.

Outdoor summer weddings, for instance, will require attire much different from a winter wedding in a church.

Follow RSVP Guidelines

Thankfully, most RSVP cards and invitations will specify what they want the guests to wear or give clues. So do check!

Look out for wording such as “formal attire requested” or anything more specific, such as “black-tie,” “smart casual,” or “casual.”

If it’s not clearly stated, consider the season, time, and venue of the wedding.

For instance, if it’s an evening affair, expect the attire to be more formal. Afternoons are typically more informal, by nature.

Consider Comfort

Chances are, you are going to be wearing your wedding outfit for some time. You will have to eat, converse and dance in it too!

So, be sure that the item of clothing is comfortable before the big day. At least wear shoes in, or try them on around the house before the big day!

Do Not Be Too Revealing 

For the most part, longer is usually better.

It’s essential not to upstage the bride; the attention should be on her after all.

You do not want to attract attention for the wrong reasons nor distract eyes elsewhere.

Keep Accessories To A Minimum

A few nice items and accessories will support your style, but too many can quickly produce the opposite intended effect.

So, keep any jewelry subtle, and do not wear any outlandish or statement pieces. This is not the time!

Finally

While there are some general recommendations and wedding etiquette to adhere to, whether or not you can or should wear a particular outfit will depend.

It depends on context, the formality of the event, and the item in question.

Besides, not all two outfits are the same.

Knee-high boots and dresses with sequins can be very different.

So, you must decide at your discretion.

Consider the outfit, the formality of the event, and what others will be wearing.

Perhaps jump on a wedding forum and ask there.

Talking with the bride and groom and asking them is not a bad idea either.

Ultimately, if in doubt, it is generally not a good idea. Play it safe. It’s usually better that way.

Up next: How To Cover Tattoos For Wedding [All Of Your Options]