You've Received a Wedding Invite, and the Dress Code Is Formal—Here's What to Wear

Wedding guest outfit.
(Image credit: @hoskelsa)

The onset of summer also means the arrival of wedding season. If you received an invitation with a formal dress code that you're trying to decode, it's suggested that women wear floor-length gowns or formal cocktail dresses to align with the polished and elevated event. For any upcoming weddings on your agenda with a formal dress code, I have handpicked a range of outfit recommendations for a variety of occasions.

I imagined a range of hypothetical wedding venues and locales and provided the wardrobe to match. Headed to the French Riviera? I would suggest a sweeping gown in pastel blue paired with topaz earrings and strappy heels. Does the address read "New York Public Library"? Opt for something black, sleek, and subdued. Is there an Old Hollywood theme attached? Tap into Grace Kelly with a celadon dress, rivière necklace, and frame clutch bag. Ahead, see what to wear to a formal wedding, including this editor's exact shopping suggestions.

The French Riviera

The New York Public Library

A Private Estate in Tuscany

If Color Is a Requirement

An Intimate Dinner Party

With an Old Hollywood Theme

The New Hotel Everyone Will Be Talking About Next Month

A Rooftop in London

A Tropical Setting

A Villa in Lake Como

A Hotel Ballroom

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Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear where she oversees luxury, runway content, and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.