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Is this too casual for a 'semi formal' wedding?

139 replies

Arcticbeer · 23/05/2025 22:54

I am not a very stylish person so would appreciate honest opinions. Can I wear this dress to my brother's wedding? It is cotton and quite simple style so I'm wondering if it's too casual.

It looks comfy though and I do prefer simple. Just wondering if I will look like I've dressed for a barbecue..
www.next.co.uk/style/su597232/f04221#f04221

Is this too casual for a 'semi formal' wedding?
Is this too casual for a 'semi formal' wedding?
OP posts:
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showmethegin · 23/05/2025 23:02

Honestly? I might be a stickler but I just would wear white to a wedding, even if it had a print.

SnugNightsss · 23/05/2025 23:04

I think it’s nice and totally appropriate.

Arcticbeer · 23/05/2025 23:04

Oh, I thought it was OK if it was patterned Confused

Back to the drawing board then. Is that sort of style all right if I find something similar in a different colour?

OP posts:
Screamingabdabz · 23/05/2025 23:05

It’s the most appropriate dress I’ve ever seen posted on a wedding guest thread. It’s fine!

tartyflette · 23/05/2025 23:06

It's absolutely fine for a wedding, and a really nice dress too.
It has so much black on it it could never be mistaken for a bridal gown/wedding dress.

dudsville · 23/05/2025 23:07

That's a great dress and perfect for what you've described! Extra points for choosing a dress that could be worn for other nice events!

Palmtreesinthedistance · 23/05/2025 23:07

I think it’s perfectly fine OP. I do prefer it with the black belt though as the belt elevates it IMO and makes it dressier. With a nice clutch bag and the right shoes, I don’t think it’s too casual at all.

Tbrh · 24/05/2025 01:24

It's ok, but don't you want something fancier given its your brothers wedding?

Growlybear83 · 24/05/2025 02:18

I think it’s a lovely dress and absolutely fine for a wedding.

IHaveAlwaysLivedintheCastle · 24/05/2025 05:08

It's a nice dress and suitable for a wedding.

Lurkingandlearning · 24/05/2025 05:54

Don’t worry about the white background unless the bride is also wearing a white dress with a very obvious black pattern on it

TizerorFizz · 24/05/2025 06:06

@Arcticbeer Yes of course it’s ok. This “white” issue is ridiculous consifering the dress has a black floral design. I would say the colour combination is somewhat boring but the dress is suitable. I’ve also no idea what semi formal means! No hats? No ties? No suits? It’s a bit difficult to know!

Flashahah · 24/05/2025 06:11

Perfect!

Oblomov25 · 24/05/2025 06:15

Lovely, totally appropriate, perfect.

Arcticbeer · 24/05/2025 08:37

Tbrh · 24/05/2025 01:24

It's ok, but don't you want something fancier given its your brothers wedding?

Honestly no, I'd like to wear something fairly simple if I can get away with it.

Thank you everyone!

OP posts:
DailyEnergyCrisis · 24/05/2025 08:38

I rarely like dresses on these threads but I do like that and think it’s perfect and if it’s comfy you’ll enjoy wearing it and having a drink/dance looking fab.

EleanorReally · 24/05/2025 08:38

as long as you feel comfortable op

BCBird · 24/05/2025 08:40

That's a lovely dress. It definitely suitable.

Arcticbeer · 24/05/2025 08:43

@TizerorFizz Goodness, I hadn't even considered wearing a hat. DH was going to wear a navy suit and light blue shirt without a tie. I don't know what semi formal means either but was assuming just smart but not black tie! I take it it's not an 'official' term, but I know very little about these things.

OP posts:
deeahgwitch · 24/05/2025 08:45

It’s perfect for a wedding.
Get a nice hat, shoes and bag and you’ll look great.

WimpoleHat · 24/05/2025 08:46

I would interpret semi formal as meaning “dress but no hat” (in the way that “smart casual” often means a jacket but no tie for men). It’s not an “official” term at all. And it’s a lovely dress for a wedding; it is smart and stylish without being fussy.

DappledThings · 24/05/2025 08:47

Lovely dress, perfect for any wedding

real13 · 24/05/2025 08:48

Totally fine

SheridansPortSalut · 24/05/2025 08:49

It's a no fro me.
Don't wear white.
It's your brother's wedding. You'll be in the photos. The white will stand out more in the photos and will be there for posterity.
Pick any other colour. Literally any other colour. There's just one colour that's off bounds.

DappledThings · 24/05/2025 08:51

SheridansPortSalut · 24/05/2025 08:49

It's a no fro me.
Don't wear white.
It's your brother's wedding. You'll be in the photos. The white will stand out more in the photos and will be there for posterity.
Pick any other colour. Literally any other colour. There's just one colour that's off bounds.

This is daft and just makes people fret completely unnecessarily about their clothing choices.

It's a white background with a bold black pattern. It's not remotely problematic.

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