What to Wear as a Wedding Guest

Our wedding guest outfits will help you look and feel your best for the big occasion. Whether you are attending a summer celebration or a formal winter affair, we’ve got you covered  with a stunning diverse collection of women's dresses, tailoring and mens suits with accessories to match every taste and style. 

Embrace unique designs, bold colours or timeless pieces to make the big day even more special. Read on to find the perfect wedding guest outfit with Joe Browns. 

How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Guest Outfit

Deciding what to wear to a wedding is not easy and can be daunting, as it involves striking a balance between style, formality, and respect for the couple's big day. Luckily, we are here to help with the do’s and don’ts of picking the perfect wedding outfit.

Follow The Dress Code

This may sound like an obvious one, but it is the most important factor to consider when deciding what to wear, as you must respect the happy couple's wishes. Most couples will set a dress code depending on the time of year, whether that's a black suit for a winter formal or a floral dress for a casual summer party. 

Looking to crack the dress code? Our guide to smart casual attire has everything you need to know.

Always Check The Weather

The season and the weather are great indicators of what to wear to a wedding. Knowing the forecast is a must, but as long as you are prepared, nothing can ruin the special occasion. If the weather is cooler, layer up with a cosy kimono or a stylish jacket, or if the sun is shining, embrace a floral dress. 

Avoid Wearing White

The golden rule of wedding guest outfits is to avoid white - unless the invitation explicitly says you can. White shirts are acceptable under a suit jacket, and outfits with hints of white are also appropriate. Fortunately, Joe Browns has you covered with lots of colourful options to ensure you are staying away from those white and cream shades. 

Accessorise

Your clothing is just one element of a great wedding guest outfit. You have now picked a great dress or suit, but accessories are the perfect way to complete the look. This can be a vibrant pin to add a touch of individuality or a ritzy handbag to compliment your look.

Wear Comfy Shoes

For our dancing souls, comfortable shoes are a must.  Flats or wedges are always a great choice, but heels are always a good option. Opt for shorter ones or bring some flats to change into later. 

Wedding Guest Outfit Inspiration

For our free-spirited souls, embrace a boho look that celebrates your love of colour, print, and nature. A Joe Browns boho dress is perfect for showcasing your carefree spirit, no matter the season. 

When it comes to boho occasionwear, there are a few style tips to keep in mind. We recommend a flowing midi or maxi dress for a relaxed, airy vibe. If the weather is cooler, layer up with a cosy kimono or a stylish leather jacket to add a touch of retro edge.

Boho styling thrives on layering, so don’t be afraid to pile on bracelets and necklaces, after all, more is more when it comes to boho! Long boots are a classic choice for a bohemian look, but if the weather calls for something lighter, swap them for sandals or ankle boots for a versatile option. 

Whether you're facing chilly or warm weather, we've got a guide on seasonal boho style to help you master boho style all year round.

Feel vivacious with vintage or ravish in retro with a vintage style Joe Browns dress. Classic, timeless and always effortlessly chic, you simply can’t go wrong with vintage-inspired occasionwear. From sensationally smart shirt dresses to skirts made for twirling, Joe Browns has you covered for retro party dresses.  

Consider the “less-is-more" approach to your jewellery. When adding your accessories, we suggest a delicate pendant necklace, chic stud earrings, and a tennis bracelet. Opt for a pair of dancing-style shoes, like closed-toe heels, for a truly vintage-inspired style or open-toe T-bar shoes for a slightly more modern take. We also suggest matching the bag to your shoes to carry that retro message.

Lastly, if another layer is needed, consider a classy cardigan or a pashmina to drape over your shoulders.  

Floral patterns are a timeless trend that works year-round, making them an excellent choice for your perfect occasion dress no matter the season. Sashay to the soiree with class in a floral dress that’s wonderful for any age and any shape, and brings a healthy dose of vibrancy. 

When it comes to floral dresses, you can go all out or keep it as understated as you like. If you prefer to keep things on the more refined side, choose a monochrome pattern and add a pop of complementary colour to your accessories. Alternatively, go big and bold with tropical floral patterns in gorgeous hues. The trick here is to pair your accessories with a colour corresponding to your dress for effortless class.  

If you’re all about looking understated, you're in the wrong place. But if a simple, comfortable silhouette with a Joe Browns twist is more your style, then we’ve definitely got something for you. The tea dress is an easy-to-wear treat that’s both divine and modest, with a little pinch of Joe Browns pizzazz.  

Another beautiful alternative – especially for warmer weather – is a shirt dress. The collar and self-tie belt give a stunning silhouette reminiscent of the 1940s and is sported by icons like Kate Middleton. Its simple cut and stunning shape are timeless – and can even be dressed up or down after your occasion has come and gone! 

Of course, we know dresses aren’t for everyone – but that doesn’t mean you can’t look fabulous, too! So, with our women’s tailoring, we want to make you feel as stunning as the rest. With these feminine cuts and Joe Browns points of difference and detail, prepare to feel dapper and demure in our women’s occasion suits.  

From those who love colour to those who love classic, Joe Browns women’s tailoring is ready to take your occasionwear to the next level. Choose from shorts and blazers to a three-piece suit, add your favourite accessories, and wear a crisp white shirt or blouse for an unforgettable, mood-boosting outfit.  

Keeping it classic? Stay dapper with a plain shirt – though there’s still plenty of pizzazz when your shirt comes from Joe Browns! If you’re feeling like it, add a double or triple-collar shirt into the mix to spice things up a bit. Keep it to a plain white shirt, or even add a plain shirt in a colour to stand out a little from the crowd.  

Any of these can be layered under a waistcoat and blazer, so when it comes to choosing a plain shirt in a bright colour, make sure the waistcoat and blazer are either a complementary colour or keep the waistcoat and blazer neutral to play it safe.

Going bold? Go in a Joe Browns funky shirt to show you’re the life of the party. From fantastic floral shirts to bold bird patterns, a patterned shirt is just what you need to show your vibrant personality while dressed in your Sunday best.  

Now, we appreciate that big and bold aren’t for everyone, so that doesn’t mean you must stick to a plain shirt. We’ve also tailored it to you, too—so choose a classic shirt with a subtle pattern to add some real finesse to your overall ensemble. Whichever you go for, a funky Joe Browns shirt packs some mood-boosting vibes for a truly dapper, feel-good outfit. 

A waistcoat is a staple to any man’s wardrobe, yet a Joe Browns waistcoat always has a little extra impact. From dapper detail to bold pattern, each waistcoat has a traditional contrast back panel to bring some serious style to the party.  

We’ve also introduced a range of linen-blend waistcoats to keep you feeling and looking cool all day long. With this in mind, your choice of blazer is up to you. Either grab the matching style or mix and match—every waistcoat is designed to pair with any blazer in this range, so find out what makes you feel best.

A blazer is essential, and why not treat yourself for such a special occasion? A Joe Browns blazer is made to be worn while being super versatile. Wear a plain white or a funky shirt, either with or without a waistcoat or even over a tee, to smarten up a casual outfit.  

For true occasionwear, our blazers pack a stylish punch with sensational style in every stitch. Keep it soft with a linen-blend waistcoat, or go all out with a traditional boating stripe in a Joe Browns spin. From checks to stripes, choose the blazer you’ll love to wear for years to come. 

If you’re going all-out for an occasion, look no further than a three-piece suit with all the bells and whistles. You can expect statement, contrast buttons on the cuffs, bold, contrast floral linings, a pocket with printed lining that can be used as a pocket square and contrast buttons for fastening through all of our three-piece suit blazers 

Investing in a three-piece suit ensures you’re ready for any smart occasion, whether off to the races or going to a wedding and every formal event. As a bonus, the classic block colours never go out of style, so you can rock these classic three-piece suits for years.