

The Best Summer Wedding Guest Outfits of 2023
FEATURE: LONG READ
Words by ELEANOR HIBBERD
Wedding season. It comes around every year – accompanied by familiar questions around what to wear as a guest. The good news is that few weddings have strict dress codes these days (though any shade of white, ivory, Champagne or blush is to be avoided if you want to stay in the bride’s good books). This leaves room to have a little more fun beyond the faithful floral-midi-dress formula. Whether you’re an all-day attendee or you’re bowling up for the party portion, these trending outfit ideas for 2023 will see you through wedding season in style.
It Takes Two
When considering what to wear to a wedding, remember: there’s no rule that limits you to a dress. If you’re looking for an alternative guest outfit, it’s all about tailored two-pieces – sophisticated skirt suits by the likes of Rowen Rose, Alessandra Rich and Giambattista Valli offer oodles of elegance for more formal weddings. Elsewhere, Alexander McQueen, Anouki and Roland Mouret make you the coolest person at the party with oversized suiting in paint-box pops of colour.


Rowen Rose blazer, skirt and belt, Pomellato ring, Melissa Kaye ring, L’alingi bag, Amina Muaddi heels
Sugar Shades
Pastel colours are a mainstay of the summer wedding season – timeless and seasonally fitting, this pretty palette will feel as chic as it does now years into the future, giving you plenty of opportunities to rewear an outfit. It’s fortunate, then, that these ice-cream hues are abundant for Spring/Summer 2023. Baby blue, lavender, sunny yellow and candyfloss pink all come in a delectable range of styles thanks to 16Arlington, Victoria Beckham, Zimmermann, Self-Portrait and more.
Dare to Bare
As more couples do away with tradition, gone too are bygone rules of dress codes. Secular ceremonies and city-based receptions, for example, make space for something daring. Skin-baring cut-outs, mini dresses and slinky silhouettes from the likes of Christopher Esber, Maria Lucia Hohan and Jacquemus feel fresh and fashion-forward for contemporary weddings. As for the age-old question: can you wear black to a wedding? Absolutely! Little black dresses can look edgy and elegant for today’s modern wedding scene. Opt for something with playful details, like Mach & Mach’s feather trim, and bring in vibrancy via your shoes, bags, jewellery or make-up.


Mach & Mach dress, Annoushka ring, Aquazzura heels
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