Have a wedding coming up and not sure what to wear? We’ve got you covered with all our best tips to help you choose that perfect outfit without the stress. Let’s get into it!

1. Take into account the dress code.

Start by figuring out what the wedding dress code is, and go from there. Whether it’s black tie, cocktail, or even beach formal, you’ll want to make sure you know the difference between each type of attire and what works for them! Once you figure out the dress code you are working with, it will be easy peasy from there. 

2. Shop seasonally.

The season of the wedding is one of the best tools in choosing the perfect outfit. Spring wedding? Think light and bright, and you can never go wrong with florals and pastels during this time of year. Summer wedding? Light colors and breezy fabrics. Fall wedding? Think richer tones and thicker fabrics to keep warm on cooler nights. Winter wedding? Opt for long sleeves and maybe a matching shawl, even some subtle sparkles if the wedding falls around the holidays.

3. Consider the location of the wedding.

If you know you’re going to be walking outside, you can expect to be walking in grass here and there, too, so opt for flats or a chunkier heel that’s more stable. If it’s a beach wedding, same idea! Shoes that are easy to walk in are a must. 

4. Accessorize.

Dress it up and make it you. Sometimes a little bit of  jewelry and the right handbag is all you need to turn a simple outfit into something wedding-ready. If you’re wearing warm tones, go for gold-toned jewelry. If you’re wearing cooler tones, opt for silvers. Mixing and matching different metals never hurt anybody, either, so have fun and express yourself!

5. Know what to avoid. 

It may seem obvious to some, but stay away from all white outfits or the colors of the bridal party, if you know what they’re wearing.  It is okay to wear an outfit with white in it only as long as it is not the main color. For example, a floral jumpsuit with white incorporated is okay, as long as the white isn’t overtaking the piece or the main background color.

For some weddings, you will have no idea what the wedding colors are until you arrive, and that’s okay! But for the ones you do know, avoid matching the wedding party when possible. A good hint to know what these colors might be is to look at the invitation suite. Many brides match them to their wedding color palette.

Photos by: Jennifer Cody, Lele & Beane, and Madi Flournoy.