Your Ultimate Guide for Being the Best Dressed Wedding Guest

Attending a wedding anytime soon? Perhaps more than one? Been there. While things have slowed down a bit in my social circle—I'm more so on the kids' birthday party circuit these days—at one point not too long ago, I was attending dozens a year, with well over 50 nuptials under my belt. Black-tie? She's my bestie. Cocktail? We're tight. Beach-chic? Boy, do I know her! As far as dress codes go and how to shop for them, you could say I've seen and mastered it all, and today I'm here to set you up for success too.

Taking what I know from my history as a seasoned party guest and current career as what is essentially a professional shopper, I'm bringing you the ultimate guide to mastering wedding guest dressing this summer and beyond. From dresses for every dress code to the bags, shoes, and jewels—both classic and trending—to pair with them, below you'll find everything you need to nail any attire and feel good while doing it.

Here, we're talking gowns and long dresses. Now, depending on the venue and verbiage on the invitation, you can lean more into dressing up with structured bodices and longer hemlines or swing slightly more casual with something in the vein of a slip-dress style or ankle-length hemline. I tend to opt for black when investing in gowns because I feel like I can rewear them the most and stay under the radar, but it's hard to ignore the more forward-feeling burgundy and butter-yellow options out there right now. Whatever you choose, just make sure it feels appropriate for the occasion and like you put your best foot forward for the happy couple.

Here's where things get wacky. Does the invite say cocktail or semiformal? I think anything from mini to midi goes. Casual? I would still stick to a dress or coordinating separates, but perhaps tone it down with more casual footwear and accessories. Something themed or destination-specific? Praying for you! Just kidding! Don't be afraid to ask the couple or close friends of the couple if you're unsure of the meaning of a theme or unique dress code. If it's beach- or vacation-centric, I like to infuse fun prints or color into my look and consider the temperature and overall setting when choosing an outfit. No shoulder pads at the beach! If you know you know.

This is where we can have some fun—or not! The way I see it, there are two types of bags you can buy for weddings and events. The solid black, metallic, or neutral options that you use over and over again and go with every dress in your closet. Or there are the bags that make the outfit instead of blending in with it. For example, a pop of color that reinvents your oldie-but-goodie black gown or a shell clutch that makes a simple dress feel seaside approved. Perhaps you want both in your arsenal or really need just one. Either way, I've got options.

My approach to jewelry is that if you're investing in something, it shouldn't be tailored to one outfit or occasion. Whether you're spending $100 or $1000, buy pieces that you would want to wear regardless of the trends or what's coming up on your social calendar. Then, when it comes time to put on that dress and accessorize, you'll be left with options to choose from that you truly love. Cocktail watch caught your eye? Have you always pictured a tennis necklace? Or maybe you're a statement-earring person. Regardless, if you stick with something classic, timeless, and you, you'll come back to it over and over again.

Oh, shoes! There's so much to think about when it comes to footwear, even I struggle at times. First of all, comfort is key. Weddings are long, and you can't be hobbling around the party or taking your shoes off in Q1 of the night. Then there's the venue to think about. Is there grass? Sand? Does it call for a more casual or very formal option? And what about the dress? Is it begging for a statement shoe, or do you need something to just blend in and not detract? It's hard to choose for you without knowing the answers to all the above questions, so instead, find one of each plus a bit more below.