Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas for 2021 and Beyond

I'm no Mystic Meg, but I've always prided myself in never being surprised by any of the trends we end up wearing. Part of my job is understanding how we'll dress in the weeks, months, and years to come. But dear reader, 2020 is no ordinary year, and 2021 is likely to be much of the same. We didn't know, for example, at the start of the year that our top priorities for fashion would be face masks, knitwear, and leggings. So forgive me when I say it's a little difficult to predict wedding guest outfit trends for 2021. 

Usually when analysing what people will want to wear for big events such as weddings, we look to the runways, street style trends, and, most recently, Instagram. However, with a reduced amount of designers showcasing their latest collections, a lack of street style, and fewer events for fashion influencers to attend, we've got less of an indication of how everyone will want to dress. So how do you work out exactly what kind of trends we'll be hoping to wear come the 2021 nuptial season? 

For me, it comes down to being laser-focused on the trends that I know people will want to wear and ignoring anything too "silly" or over the top. I'll also consider the brands and designers that really made an impact in the fashion world and what people have been talking about online—not to mention, what team Who What Wear loves and how our readers have reacted to the stories we've created over the year. For example, we found that the Vampire's Wife x H&M collab story did incredibly well with readers who mostly wanted to shop the sparkly cape. This is surprising, considering there will be fewer festive parties to attend this year. 

With all of the above in mind, I've managed to narrow down seven key wedding guest outfit trends that will work for nuptials across 2021, whenever they'll be able to take place again. While it might be tempting to go completely low-key, I do think there are plenty of people desperate to dress up for celebrating, which is why you'll find some bold styles mixed in with some more pared-back looks. Keep scrolling for your guide.

Retro Prints

There's no denying that our love of nostalgia will continue to permeate our style choices. I spoke to one of Who What Wear's favourite dress brands, Ghost, which revealed that its most popular dress is the Fable Dress—a vintage-inspired print frock. There are plenty to find from luxury designers such as La DoubleJ and Rixo. 

Minidresses

There's no doubt that 2021 is going to see a return of the minidress. Already, I've seen plenty of them all over the high street and from designers. Isabel Marant's most recent runway show garnered rave reviews and featured thigh-skimming hemlines, such as above. So if that's anything to go by, you can expect to see them on the dance floors after the buffets. If you're worried it's not suitable for the venue, however, always check in with the bride. 

Suits

You can't beat a great suit. For 2021, it's going to be about the bold and colourful suit. The green jacket and trousers co-ord, as seen on Ellie Delphine, was from the H&M Studio collection, and it sold out immediately. 

Body-Con

The return of body-con is an autumn/winter 2020 trend I can see continuing well into 2021 thanks to Jacquemus's take on the style (pictured above). Happily, it's no longer about bandage dresses but rather materials that are ruched and cut out in all the right places to make you feel incredible. Sassy. 

Red

Head-to-toe red is definitely a huge trend for the end of 2020, but if you have nowhere to wear the aforementioned look, continue it well into 2021. Try it in a suit or a pretty floral dress. 

Satin

Satin is so elegant and luxurious, so it's no wonder we'll be craving to wear this to weddings come the new year. Opt for a bright colour or a muted tone such as a light brown. Go as revealing or as covered up as you think is appropriate. 

Animal Print

From Halpern to Mango to Ganni, there are few high-street brands or designers which don't have some sort of animal-print dress around. While my favourite might be the over-the-top fabulousness of the Halpern zebra-print version, H&M's affordable leopard dress will be a great addition to any summer wardrobe. 

Next up, The biggest autumn/winter 2020 fashion trends to know.