It’s finally warmer weather outside! I couldn’t be more excited to enter peak wedding season! As couples are planning to tie the knot, you may be planning to attend a summer wedding – and wondering what to wear to it. In this blog post, we’ll show you exactly what to wear for a cocktail wedding summer dress code along with suggestions for dresses for women, suits for men, and all the peoper accessories to pair with them. We’ll also tell you some helpful tips on fabrics, lengths, and cuts so you are the best-dressed guest.
Let’s get started!
Understanding the Dress Code
When a wedding dress code mentions cocktail attire, it is important to know what it means and follow the dress code for the couple’s wishes. Most often, the dress code is listed on an enclosure card with the wedding invitation or on their wedding website.
Keep in mind that a cocktail wedding is different than formal attire. Wedding cocktail attire is a combination of formal and casual. Here’s what it entails.
► LENGTH: Rather than a long dress (like in a formal wedding), a midi, knee-length, or tea-length dress is appropriate. While you technically can wear flowy maxi dresses, look for more of a casual style (with airy fabrics and patterns). Avoid a long-length ballgown in this type of dress code.
► MATERIAL: For summer weddings, comfort is key! Select light and airy fabrics like organza, chiffon, or linen.
► STYLE: Select dress cuts that allow for airflow, like a v-neckline, sleeveless style, halter, or strappy neckline. No need for sleeves here, as you’ll likely be sweating in a summer wedding. :) But if you prefer sleeves to cover your arms, select a flutter sleeve or elbow-length that offers a sheer material for a sweat-proof style.
• ACCESSORIES: Accessorizing is part of the fun with a cocktail wedding, especially in the summertime! Choose colorful earrings that coordinate with your dress, or carry a vibrant clutch bag. Wear a pair of dressy heels, flats, or these cute woven sandals, all suitable for the event.
When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a pair of beige block heels: they go with everything! Here’s a pair you’ll love (on sale now, $23):
Dress Options for Women
Some popular trends for summer cocktail wedding attire include floral prints, bright colors, off-the-shoulder or halter necklines, tiered skirts, and midi-length dresses.
Get inspired with these latest + greatest dress styles by Lulu’s. I can’t get over this first one: adding to the cart!
Tiered Floral Midi Length Dress with Tie Shoulder Straps
Green Floral Jacquard Mini
Black Off-the-Shoulder Midi
Pink Floral Satin Midi
Purple Floral High-Low Hem
How Pink Tiered Midi
Purple Sleeveless Tiered Midi
Ruffled Royal Blue Halter
Green Floral Halter Neck
3D Floral Applique Dress
Navy Blue Floral Tulip Hem
Mustard Yellow Tiered Satin V-Neck Dress
Halter 3D Floral Applique Mini Dress
Pink Floral Strapless Midi
Tie Strap Black Floral Print Midi
Red Floral Tulip Hem
► Gorgeous styles! You can see more suggestions here.
Now let’s talk about what men should wear as proper dress code attire to a cocktail wedding.
Suiting Up for Men
Gentlemen, if you’re looking for what to wear, here are some helpful tips. The good news: it’s so easy to follow a cocktail dress code for men. Simply wear a suit and tie, dress shoes, and a belt. Select a nice dress shirt, wear a suit in lighter summer colors (light grays or blues work best), and select a nice tie that goes with your whole ensemble.
Here are some looks to consider. You can rent these suits from The Black Tux, including your dress shoes, belt, tie, jacket – the whole nine yards. If you prefer, you can purchase the suit completely online, too.
Light Grey Suit
Blue Suit Jacket and Pants
Charcoal Grey
Grey Suit
How to Coordinate Your Outfit with the Venue
When you receive an invitation to a cocktail wedding, you can sometimes use the venue to help you decide what to wear to it. For instance, a beach wedding may have a bit of a more casual flair, while a rooftop wedding calls for a modern, more chic style. A barn wedding may call for flowy midi skirts with floral patterns, and a garden wedding may resonate with tea-length dresses featuring tie-shoulder straps or tiers.
Conclusion
It’s important to dress according to the code listed on the wedding invitation (or on the couple’s wedding website) and choose an outfit that is suitable for the occasion. When in doubt, look towards matching with the venue. Put effort into your look and make it special! Although a cocktail dress code isn’t overly formal, you can still have fun with your look and add a fun pair of earrings or a bangle bracelet, a nice necklace, or style your hair with accessories to add to your look. By understanding the dress code, checking out these example dress options for women and suits for men, and matching with the venue, you’ll be on your way to being the best-dressed guest.
Have fun!
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xo
Emma
