Forget Frills—This Is How Minimalists Do Wedding Guest Outfits

Wedding guest outfits can often feel repetitive. Lace, pastel tones and midi dresses are commonplace on the ceremony circuit. Even we find it hard to catch a break from the monotony, and it's literally our job to hunt down the most interesting alternatives. So imagine how difficult it can be to navigate the nuptial style waters when you're a minimalist to boot.

Dressing for summer with a simplistic aesthetic is no small feat (it is the season of statement prints and fanciful silhouettes, after all), but throw occasionwear into the equation and it's even more of a minefield. Finding the perfect look isn't impossible. It does, however, require a bit of ingenuity.

For inspiration, we turned to some of our favourite influencers to find the best minimalist wedding guest outfits. From Brittany's muted colour palette to Ume's penchant for abstract prints, keep scrolling to see and shop seven beautifully refined, minimalistic wedding guest outfits.

1. MUTED TONES

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(Image credit: @brittanybathgate)

Style Notes: Most minimalists will forgo bright colours in favour of muted tones. A dress made up entirely of one powdery hue looks impossibly chic when matched with white or cream accessories.

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2. SHARP SUITING

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Style Notes: Suiting is the ideal alternative to a dress if you really don't fancy getting your legs out. A rust or camel hue always looks premium when worn with gold add-ons.

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3. ELEVATING DETAILS

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(Image credit: @abimarvel)

Style Notes: Minimalists know that the smallest details can have the biggest impact on your overall look, so they always seek them out. We love the cute tie detail on Abi's dress, which demonstrates this idea perfectly. 

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4. SIMPLE SKIRTS

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(Image credit: @ropesofholland)

Style Notes: Aside from dresses and suits, a skirt is also an excellent option for a wedding guest outfit. Fitted styles look their best when worn with a billowing blouse and sultry, strappy sandals. 

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5. ABSTRACT PRINTS

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(Image credit: @umeromaan)

Style Notes: It's a common misconception that minimalists don't wear prints. On the contrary, they're probably the most likely to experiment with abstract motifs. For weddings, look for prints that cover more of the white base, or choose a style that has a darker backdrop to the print.

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6. EASY SEPARATES

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(Image credit: @shotfromthestreet)

Style Notes: Outfits don't come much more minimal than a pair of tailored trousers worn with a slinky camisole. Ensure yours are ready for a wedding by selecting pastel shades. Finishing with an interesting pair of sandals and your daily jewels.

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7. NEUTRAL PALETTES

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(Image credit: @alexisforeman)

Style Notes: While many shy away from black for nuptials, minimalists know it makes for an incredibly chic option, particularly in dress form. Wear a midi dress with neutral-toned accessories for the perfect pared-back palette. 

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This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated. Next Up: Fashion People Will Basically Live in These Outfits This July

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.