How to Dress for a Summer Wedding: 8 Style Panel-Approved Tips
Wedding season is fast approaching. As with any exciting event, we’re always wondering what we should wear. Looking great and staying cool are musts, and making sure you stand out from the other guests while not upstaging the bride is a delicate balance we all strive to achieve.
Truthfully, figuring out how to dress for a wedding can be stressful. Not to fear though, as our Style Panel has great advice on how to dress elegantly and comfortably. From picking out shoes to what colours to wear, here are tips on how to look stylish at any summer wedding.
Question 158: How do you dress for a summer wedding? Read the answers now! »
Lee Vosburgh, 28
Guelph | Style Bee
I’ve been to more than my fair share of summer weddings and if I’ve learned anything from hours spent standing in the blazing sun or busting moves on the dance floor, it’s that comfort is key! I love a loose fitting number made out of a breathable fabric like this linen jumpsuit that is simple, elegant and a little bit unexpected. It’s just begging for a night of celebration and the only accessory missing is a signature cocktail! Wedges are my #1 go-to for wedding footwear. They give you some extra height (gotta have a good view of that gal in white), plus they won’t poke through the grass or leave your toes numb before the speeches are even done.
Lee’s wearing: Jumpsuit, ESBY Apparel. Wedges, Coclico. Bag, Primecut. Necklace, Morning Ritual. Cuff, Young Frankk.
Becky Kung, 32
Calgary | Velvet & Vino
I love attending summer weddings and one of my favorite things to wear is a long flowy maxi dress. I’m a sucker for all things romantic and so I love wearing a whimsical dress to celebrate the romance in the air. I particularly love this maxi dress for its soft and pretty color palette. Even though I do like to wear short dresses for the occasion, there’s something about the versatility in the maxi dress that has me drawn to this style. It works perfectly or an outdoor or indoor wedding, and if it’s cooler outside I often layer it with a little leather bomber jacket or scarf.
Becky’s wearing: Dress, Vera Wang at Hudson’s Bay. Bag, Kate Spade.
Amanda Montgomery, 29
Toronto | Latest Wrinkle
I love to wear bright, fun colours and a fit-and-flare silhouette to a summer wedding. This pink dress from the Nicolette Mason x Addition Elle collaboration is perfect for such an occasion! I love the floral lace detail at the hem, and the coordinating belt.
Conni Jespersen, 35
Toronto | Art in the Find
I love when wedding season arrives and the invitations start to trickle in the mail. I drool over the lovely fonts, and take in all the wedding bliss as a guest. I love the romance, the music, the dancing and….the dressing up for a wedding! I get so excited just thinking about what to wear as a wedding guest. If I had to create a rule for attending a wedding as a guest, it would be to dress up, rather than dress down. Keeping that in mind, one of my favourite pieces at the moment is a tulle skirt. A tulle skirt is such a whimsical piece of clothing that when paired right, it can be the perfect outfit for attending a wedding as a guest.
Liat Neuman, 39
Toronto | YomanChic
Wedding season is just around the corner, so you better be prepared, because finding the right dress can be quite challenging.
I decided to skip the pastel or the floral prints by wearing a statement dress that combines grungy and feminine elements into one look. I love the asymmetric hemline along with sheer fabric, which adds beautiful movement. For me this is a winning style for special events like a wedding, because it’s a standout outfit without being over the top.
Spicing up the look with an elegant tough, I paired it with royal blue heels and baby blue clutch.
Jameela Ghann, 25
Calgary | Jam and Tea
Summer weddings are in full swing for me and I love to wear head-to-toe colour because wearing colour to a wedding really makes it feel like a joyful celebration. I also like to add a touch of print to stand out from the crowd. I top it all off with a statement necklace, stacked bracelets and a touch of lipstick. Weddings are about celebrating a milestone in someone’s life. You might as well celebrate it in style!
Jameela’s wearing: Jewellery, Alora Boutique. Top, We3. Shoes, Nine West.
Laura Mitbrodt, 31
Victoria | Laura Jane Atelier
When it comes to dressing for a summer wedding, I like to wear something comfortable that suits my own personal vintage style. I always try to wear something modest that doesn’t reveal too much skin. Stay away from super flashy colours or white. It all depends on the dress code and style of wedding, but I would always aim for comfortable and classy.
Laura’s wearing: Gatsby Lady
Alyssa Beltempo, 30
Ottawa | Ms. Beltempo
I wore a pinstriped suit to my cousin’s wedding when I was 16 and haven’t looked back! Since then I always find myself wearing separates to weddings and events, and these vintage culottes are my go-to when I’ve got more than one set of nuptials on my calendar. Although they’re cream and nearing bridal territory, the pleated silhouette, retro vibe and black cami keep this outfit firmly in “wedding guest” category.
Alyssa’s wearing: Cami, Aritzia. Culottes and bag, Vintage. Shoes, Steve Madden. Sunglasses, Kate Spade.