A wedding is usually a very formal occasion. And, if that’s the case, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in this article on what to wear as a wedding guest. But, what if the happy couple have decided on a much more casual affair? What should you wear then? Let’s take a look at what to wear to a casual wedding.
Casual weddings outfit ideas
If the dress code on your invitation says “casual,” what does that mean? How casual is casual? A good starting point can be to take a look at the casual wedding outfits from Nordstrom. Because casual weddings are becoming increasingly popular, there’s a whole section with ideas that are casual enough to fit in with the happy couple’s wishes while still being special enough for a wedding.
What to consider when you’re putting together your casual wedding outfit
In many ways, getting the balance of your outfit right for a casual wedding is harder than for a formal event. Below are some factors you will want to think about…
casual wedding attire: Think about the venue?
The obvious clue when thinking about what to wear to a casual wedding is where the wedding is being held. If it’s on a beach or on at a garden, you could think about a floaty summer dress, for example, or wide palazzo pants and a blazer worn with wedge heels.
Casual wedding outfit options
You may not need to spend so much on casual wedding outfits
Usually, a wedding outfit is an investment. However, if it is a casual day, you can perhaps think about an outfit which doesn’t cost quite so much. Having said that, you still want to make sure you choose an option you will be happy to see for years to come on wedding photos.
You might want to choose unlined
Lots of formal wedding outfits tend to be quite structured, and lined. You could think about a less structured outfit, particularly if you are worried about being too warm.
Lizzy @whatlizzyloves above (read her style interview here) looks beautiful in her red maxi dress that she teams with matching lipstick and nail polish. She adds an unexpected touch with her turquoise heels.
Check out these red dresses from Sam Edelman, Karen Millen and Amazon that you can wear with this similar pair of sandals.
choose a playful print
A print can often look more casual than a plain option, particularly if you choose a flowy dress or pair of pants. Look out for a graphic print or something more traditional like florals, depending on what suits your own style personality.
Try more casual materials
There are some fabrics that can be easily added to a formal or casual outfit. Silk is a good example. However, there are others than tend to look more formal, such as lace or satin. If you want to add casual flair, you could think about choosing more casual fabric options such as a rattan clutch bag, or you could opt for a jersey dress, for example.
You will still want to look smart
However, you’ll still want to avoid anything very casual such as jeans, unless the invitation calls for them, of course, because it is it still a special occasion.
casual wedding outfits
Now that you’re thinking about how you can balance casual with perhaps a touch of formal, or vice versa, to get just the right outfit, let’s take a look at some specific casual wedding outfits you can choose…
a jumpsuit
While a dress may be the traditional choice for a wedding, a jumpsuit can create a more casual feel. Patricia @madamechicbcn above (read her style interview here) chooses a brown jumpsuit that would work for lots of occasions.
Get her look with this similar jumpsuit (another option here), pumps, handbag, earrings and sunglasses.
The black jumpsuit below is a very classic option. However, the rattan of the bag and the rope on the shoes add a casual edge.
Mango Wrap Neckline Jumpsuit – Sanctuary Aspire Sandals – alilove Straw Clutch – Karine Sultan Cobblestone Drop Earrings
Or, you could try a pop of color. Choosing unexpected color combinations like green and pink can help to create a more playful feel to your outfit.
Mango Linen Jumpsuit – Sanctuary Aspire Sandals – alilove Straw Clutch – Karine Sultan Cobblestone Drop Earrings
separates
Rather than a formal dress, separates could be the way to go. That way, you can either wear them together. Or, you could mix and match to create a more or less formal look. For example, you could wear the top with wide leg pants.
Another option is to wear the skirt with a white shirt tucked in. Combining your outfit with booties keeps a casual edge.
Karen Millen Snake Zip Front And Pocket Woven Crepe Utility Shirt (plus size option here) – Karen Millen Snake Split Front Button Woven Crepe Skirt (plus size option here) – Vince Camuto Bebinder Open Toe Bootie – CHIC DIARY Quilted Crossbody Bag – NEST Jewelry Malachite Teardrop Earrings
Karen Millen Slinky Knit Marble Jacquard Knit Tank Top – Karen Millen Slinky Knit Marble Jacquard Skirt – Vince Camuto Bebinder Open Toe Bootie – CHIC DIARY Quilted Crossbody Bag – NEST Jewelry Malachite Teardrop Earrings
beach casual wedding attire: A floaty maxi dress
A maxi dress is easy to wear, and it is a style that manages to combine elegance with a haven’t-tried-too-hard vibe. Carelia @carelia_medich above (read her style interview here) looks beautiful in her floral maxi dress and platform sandals.
Check out these floral dresses from Amazon, Ganni and Karen Millen that you can wear with this similar sandals, bag and sunglasses. A maxi dress can work particularly well for a beach wedding. Choosing espadrilles keeps the outfit casual enough for the occasion.
Phase Eight Michaela Palm Print Dress – Boden Cassie Espadrille Wedges – NEST Jewelry Malachite Teardrop Earrings – Ted Baker London Ayalali Shoulder Bag
casual wedding attire for guests: a midi dress
Midi dresses have been on trend for a few seasons now, and they definitely aren’t going anywhere this year. If you want a more casual feel, you could choose jersey rather than a more formal fabric. A loose-fitting style will also help to keep things casual, rather than a pencil skirt, for example.
Boden Eva Jersey Midi Dress – Boden Cassie Espadrille Wedges – alilove Straw Clutch – BONALUNA Tassel Earrings
wide pants
Another on-trend option that looks effortless and stylish all at the same time, wide leg pants could be a good choice if you are opting for separates rather than a dress. Suzie @suzie.richetti above shows off a wide-leg pants outfit that would work for everything from a wedding to dinner.
Recreate her outfit with this similar blouse, pants, pumps and belt.
Karen Millen Belted Bandage Knit Utility Jacket – Phase Eight Solange Wide Leg Suit Trousers – Boden Cassie Espadrille Wedges – Ted Baker London Ayalali Shoulder Bag – Karine Sultan Cobblestone Drop Earrings
Casual dresses for a wedding: a shirt dress
Dresses are often the first choice that comes to mind when thinking about what to wear to a wedding. Rather than a form-fitting, structured dress which could look too formal, you could think about a more relaxed style such as a shirt dress.
Mango Bow Shirt Dress – alilove Straw Clutch – Vince Camuto Bebinder Open Toe Bootie – Karine Sultan Collar Chain Necklace – Karine Sultan Cobblestone Drop Earrings
puff sleeve dress
You can think about adding subtle on-trend elements to your casual wedding outfit, such as puff sleeves. I wouldn’t choose anything that will easily look dated as you’ll still be seeing that style in the wedding photos in years to come! Eugenia @theeageofgrace above (read her style interview here) looks lovely in her square-neck dress and boots.
Get her look with this similar dress (other options here and here), booties, handbag and sunglasses.
If you want to create a more casual look, you could choose flat shoes rather than heels.
COS Gathered Midi Dress – Naturalizer Lorna Loafer – Ted Baker London Ayalali Shoulder Bag – NEST Jewelry Malachite Teardrop Earrings
Asymmetry
Adding a touch of the unexpected to your outfit can be a way to make it look both stylish and a little less formal. Team an asymmetric skirt with a tucked in shirt and flat shoes.
Vince Slim Silk Blouse – Ted Baker London Terra Asymmetric Midi Skirt – Ted Baker London Ayalali Shoulder Bag – Karine Sultan Collar Chain Necklace – NEST Jewelry Small Malachite Hoop Earrings
What to wear to a Casual wedding capsule
Below, you can see all the casual wedding outfits together in one capsule. Mix and match the tops and bottoms, shoes and accessories, and jackets to create different looks when thinking about what to wear to a casual wedding.
For example, you can wear the print shirt with the wide pants. Wear the silver shoes with the jumpsuits, or you wear the black booties with any of the dresses. Plus, many of the choices below will also work well for your summer vacations or dinners out.
shop some of the items above here:
Have you been to a more casual wedding. What do you think is best to wear when considering what to wear to a casual wedding?
Continue reading:
- How To Dress When You Are The Mother Of The Bride (Or Groom)
- The Midi Dress Is Back And We Show You The Best Midi Dresses For Women Over 40
- Wide Legged Pants: How To Wear Them And Where To Buy The Best Ones
Like this article on casual wedding outfits? Share it on Pinterest
Feature image by Lizzy @whatlizzyloves
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!