Wedding Attire

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Jessica Booth is a journalist with over 10 years of experience and a freelance writer whose work has appeared on sites such as Bustle, Insider, and Refinery29.

After going to more than a few catering halls and restaurants for weddings, being invited to an outdoor celebration can be refreshing. Feeling a cool breeze on your skin as you eat dinner, and dancing under the stars and twinkling lights is one of the loveliest ways to spend an evening, especially when surrounded by family and friends. As wonderful as they are, though, outdoor nuptials can also come with some dress code confusion.

Simple, Casual Wedding Dresses

Trying to figure out the appropriate attire for an outdoor wedding can leave you second-guessing yourself. Does a beach wedding automatically mean you should wear something more casual? Is an evening wedding in a beautiful spot still considered formal? What should you bring to stay warm that won't clash with your outfit? Outdoor weddings have a different vibe than ones held indoors, and if you find yourself asking the above questions then you're not alone.

According to Grace Thomas, founder and lead stylist of Builtgracefully, there are a few things to keep in mind when trying to find an outfit for an al fresco affair. The venue will give you an idea of how formal the event may be, explains Thomas. The location really does set the tone for the attire. Generally, a wedding on the beach would be more casual than a wedding set in a vineyard or at an outdoor resort.

Grace Thomas is the founder and lead stylist of Builtgracefully, a personal wardrobe styling company based in Portland, Oregon. She offers event styling to clients for things such as engagement parties and weddings.

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Since you'll be outside, you also have to think about the elements, like the locale and the temperature. Will you be walking on sand or grass? A flat shoe or block heel will be your best option, Thomas says. She also notes that since you'll be exposed to the weather, it's important to be prepared. For a warmer day, you'll want to wear materials that are breathable like linen or cotton. If you're in a chiller climate, adding a suit jacket for men or a shawl for women will help you stay warm throughout the night.

Regardless of the location, the most important thing to keep in mind is the dress code. For most weddings, the couple will most likely put it on the invitation to make things perfectly clear. However, if a dress code isn't noted anywhere, it's perfectly fine to text the bride or groom for clarification. And if you're not comfortable doing that, asking one of their close family members or friends is fine too. Remember, it's better to ask than to show up in the wrong attire.

While outdoor weddings have a reputation for being more low-key, that isn't always the case. White-tie attire is the most formal you can go, and

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Women should be dressed in floor-length evening gowns, beautiful jewelry, and, optionally, a pair of satin gloves, Thomas says. She recommends wearing heels, but of course, you should always do what's most comfortable as well. Men should absolutely wear a tuxedo with a black or white jacket with tails, formal trousers, a crisp white shirt, white vest, and a bowtie, notes the stylist, adding that they should also wear appropriate cufflinks and patent leather shoes.

While not quite as elevated as white-tie, a black-tie event is still very formal. Again, Thomas recommends floor-length gowns, or a gown made of a luxe material such as lace, silk, chiffon, or velvet. Men should wear a tuxedo to this event and can ditch the coattails, she says. But a bowtie is a must for this dress code.

For a formal outdoor wedding, you still want to look quite dressed up. Men get a little more flexibility in this dress code, Thomas says. While you can still choose to wear a tuxedo, a suit with a black tie versus a bowtie would be acceptable. For women, it's pretty similar to black-tie attire. Floor-length gowns are encouraged, but a dressy tea-length dress is also an option. And if you don't want to wear a dress, a pantsuit is appropriate.

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This is the most popular attire for weddings, even outdoor ones, so you'll likely run into this dress code a few times. Women should still opt for a style that is on the dressier side, but a wider range of options are available, Thomas says. Think midi dresses, tea-length, or knee-length. Men can wear a suit and tie in a range of fabrics and styles. Still, Thomas notes, while this is a more versatile dress code, the newlyweds are still going to expect you to look on the fancier side.

A bit formal but on the more casual side, semi-formal is another popular dress code choice. Think of styles that are more daytime rather than evening attire, Thomas suggests. Dresses in a knee or midi length are great options. You'll want to avoid a floor-length dress unless wearing a more casual maxi dress. A jumpsuit is also a great alternative to a dress, as is a pantsuit. Men can get away with trousers with a dress shirt—and while suit jackets aren't required, ties are highly suggested.

You'll often find that a casual dress code accompanies an outdoor wedding, and while it allows guests to truly show off their personal style, don't confuse it for the opportunity to wear jeans. You're still at a celebratory event, and there are still fashion etiquette expectations to adhere to.

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Women will want to choose a laid-back look such as a sundress or a light silk slip dress, Thomas advises. Men aren't required to wear a suit, but they should still look put together in something such as chino pants and button-up shirts. The best part is that for casual nuptials, you can have more fun playing with color and patterns.

A festive dress code usually ties into a specific look or event, like a wedding that takes place on New Year's Eve. Within this dress code, you'll want to think 'party' when dressing, Thomas says. Women and men should opt for pieces that really show off their personality. Materials such as sequins and feathers would be acceptable for this dress code. In other words, festive means fun. Don't be afraid to try something bold or go for a more unique option.

The specific destination is important in choosing an outfit for a tropical wedding. Tropical destinations tend to be on the warmer side, so you'll want to keep that in mind when picking materials, Thomas says. Linen separates will be the star of the show for men. Short-sleeve button-downs in a gauze or linen fabric are deemed acceptable as well. For women, Thomas recommends cotton and linen dresses in lighter colors or patterns. Instead of stilettos, a strappy sandal or wedge would also be a great shoe choice.

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Since you'll be spending the night (or day) outside, it's fun to dress in an outfit that complements the weather around you. Keeping the season of the wedding in mind can play a big role in picking the right look.

When choosing an outfit for a fall outdoor wedding, use the hues of the season as inspiration. A palette of gold, orange, rust, or sapphire are beautiful colors to wear during this season, notes Thomas. If you're attending a wedding in early fall, a dusty blue is another great color to choose from. Weather is also an important factor to keep in mind. Autumn typically isn't too cold, but it can still get quite chilly in the evening, so adding an element of layering to your outfit is key. Look for a dress with sleeves, a lightweight suit, or a pashmina or blazer to wear over your dress, Thomas says.

For men, Thomas recommends taking advantage of the warmer dark tones of the season, like navy, browns, and greys for their suits. Since it tends to be milder in the fall, you likely won't need a heavy coat, so you can make a statement with your suit jacket, she says. Look for fabric like cotton or wool-linen blends, which will provide a little warmth. But don't go overboard, you don't want to be sweating too much on the dance floor.

What To Wear To An Outdoor Wedding

You almost definitely won't be attending an outdoor wedding during the middle of