After months of bundling up in as many layers as we can get our hands on, spring is just around the corner—and with it, the start of wedding season. There’s no finer way to celebrate coat-free weather than showing up to your first nuptials of the year in a fabulous outfit. So long chunky knitwear, hello strapless dresses.
When putting together your wedding guest look, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Beyond the obvious practical considerations (comfortable footwear, no white or cream shades, a handbag with space for your touch-up essentials), it’s worth giving some of this season’s biggest trends a look-in. You’d be surprised how many of them can be carried into wedding attire, but five in particular have convinced us to reassess our formal wardrobes and incorporate some 2024-specific elements.
We’re starting with the following, from the coquette detail that’s dominating Instagram to the latest take on suiting. Scroll on to see and shop the best wedding guest outfit trends for the season ahead.
1. Bow Details
Style Notes: I don’t need to tell you that bows are all over everything this season—but whether or not you’re into the look, if there’s a place for this trend, it’s a wedding. Either go for a single statement bow like Olivia, or choose a dress adorned with smaller ribbons.
Shop the trend:
Sister Jane
Knickknack Midi Dress
ZIMMERMANN
Matchmaker Bow-Detailed Tiger-Print Silk-Faille Midi Dress
A huge silk bow has never looked cooler.
BERNADETTE
Josselin Bow One-Shoulder Taffeta Maxi Dress
A beautiful colour for a wedding.
CHLOÉ
Bow-Embellished Linen-Canvas Dress
So pretty! Plus you could easily style this for casual summer days with trainers and a basket bag.
2. Feather Trims
Style Notes: It’s important to be mindful of taking attention away from the bride, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dial up the drama a little. Feather-trimmed dresses are the perfect way to do this—we especially love Taller Marmo’s sweeping designs.
Shop the trend:
TALLER MARMO
Ubud One-Shoulder Feather-Trimmed Crepe Gown
The asymmetric shape is also very current.
RIXO
Ellodie – Deep Navy Feather
Rixo always masters the trends.
Taller Marmo
Ubud Extravaganza Crêpe Gown
LAMARQUE
Bahira Mini Dress
Don’t rule out a fun mini dress option.
3. Tweed Suiting
Style Notes: For an elegant or traditional wedding, consider a classy tweed suit in a nod to Chanel. This is particularly suited to cooler spring/summer days when you don’t want to go sleeveless.
Shop the trend:
The black piping creates a nice contrast.
Maje
Wide-Leg Tweed Trousers
Just add slingbacks and a simple top.
Generation Love
Zio Tweed Jacket
When in doubt, go for a monochrome look.
Generation Love
Joey Tweed Pants
The wide flare silhouette is very 2024.
4. Exaggerated Ruffles
Style Notes: A wedding is a chance to wear something you wouldn’t usually reach for, and ruffles often feel too fancy for everyday wear. At a wedding though? The bigger the better, as far as we’re concerned.
Shop the trend:
Zimmermann
Floral Silk Maxi Dress
I’m imagining this at a tropical ceremony.
Sea
Diana Ruffled-Bodice Cotton-Blend Top
In many cases, old rules don’t apply and you can in fact wear black to a wedding.
Sea
Diana Smocked-Waist Taffeta Midi Skirt
Mix and match these pieces after the event.
LISA MARIE FERNANDEZ
+ Net Sustain Arden One-Sleeve Ruffled Striped Linen-Blend Maxi Dress
One-shoulder dresses are also big this spring.
5. Minimal Silhouettes
Style Notes: If the previous trends are too bold for your taste, you’ll be glad to hear that super simple dresses and jumpsuits are also set to be popular this wedding season. Stick to a neutral hue to create a truly timeless look.
Shop the trend:
mango
Dress With Flower Detail and Sweetheart Neckline – Women
Mango is always my first port of call when I’m seeking a wedding guest dress.
Reformation
Alli Silk Dress
Reformation is another go-to.
Ralph Lauren
Beaded Halterneck Crepe Wide-Leg Jumpsuit
A dress isn’t the only option—this jumpsuit is perfect for dancing.
Recycled Polyester
Marilyn Cut Out Dress in Lilac
No one will guess this cost you less than £100.