Wedding Guest Dresses:

Floral Jacquard Satin Slip Dress.

Wedding Guest Dresses: Wedding Guest Dresses:

A Quick Guide To Formality A Quick Guide To Formality

Chances are you’ve got at least one wedding (if not a few) on your calendar this summer. Do you know what you’re wearing? Interpreting a dress code can often feel exactly like it sounds — deciphering a vague set of rules for what’s considered “appropriate” attire. Fear not: we’ve broken down the most common wedding guest dress codes below.

Chimi 12 Sunglasses, Matte Jersey Bubble Top, and Crinkled Plissé Cotton-Blend Maxi Skirt.

Formal Black Tie

Contrary to what the name may suggest, black-tie wedding dresses are not limited to black. Pick any color (aside from white, of course), so long as your silhouette is floor-length. This is what distinguishes the dress code from all others, and it can be a fine balance. Be sure your dress lightly sweeps the ground or reveals just a hint of shoe — if it grazes the ankle, it’s probably too short. Opt for elegant fabrications like silks, satins, laces, crêpe de Chines and chiffons.

At left, Chimi 02 Sunglasses, Suede Shirt Jacket, Men's 30mm Spazzolato Leather Belt, Wool Double-Pleat Suiting Trouser and Fiji Leather Thong Sandal. At right, Matte Jersey Off-Shoulder Midi Dress. 

Cocktail

Though not as dressy as black tie, cocktail dresses should still feel more elevated than one you might wear on a date or to the office. The beauty of this one is that it allows more freedom to express your personal style than a formal affair would, so have fun with colors and prints. A midi-length dress, typically hitting around the calf to just above the ankle, is ideal, and pantsuits are just as appropriate if you’re not into the idea of a dress. As for fabric? Think silks, satins, chiffons and crepes.

Smocked Cotton-Blend Side-Drape Dress and Posie Leather Heeled Sandal.

Semi-Formal

Often used interchangeably with “dressy-casual”, semi-formal wedding dresses sit perfectly between cocktail and casual. Knee-length to midi silhouettes are your best bet, but be sure to avoid sundresses or fabrics like jersey that could lean too casual. When in doubt, try something silky or structured like a crepe instead.

Floral Jacquard Satin Slip Dress.

Casual

Don’t overthink this one. Though jeans, shorts and tees are still off limits, a mini or midi-length sundress is polished enough to meet the moment. A good litmus test? Ask yourself if you’d wear this in your every day rotation. If the answer is yes, try something you’d feel confident in at a nice dinner restaurant instead. Casual wedding attire fabrics don’t need to be sleek — structured linens and cottons are more than appropriate for a summer wedding.

Cotton-Silk Tie Smocked Dress, Verona Leather Sandal and Chimi Tome Sunglasses.