What to wear to weddings these days?

[teenangst5]

Not lived in UK for years, or been to a wedding for a long time either! Fashion here is quite different to where I live now (Asia). It used to be all knee length Karen Millen/phase 8 fitted dress with jacket and heels but I’m guessing not any more 😊, or is that still a thing? I have loads of stuff like that in the back of my wardrobe that would still work if so!! We have one coming up later this summer, not casual but not ultra glam either, I see threads on here with all sorts. Would a patterned midi slip dress and oversized blazer work? Are maxi dresses a thing at weddings? Any and all inspiration and do’s and don’ts very welcome. I’m 5’8” size 8 mid 40s if that helps.

Just the dress, probably not the blazer unless it's a cooler day, with dressier flats, espadrilles or platforms and a couple of nice bits of jewellery.

As long as you dont outshine the bride it doesn't matter. I usually just wear a midi dress, heels or wedges, blazer if it's cold otherwise not and a hat but I wouldn't buy one specially.
The last one I went to I wore a lovely blue Anthologie floaty dress ankle length, navy heels, navy blazer and no hat because I have a large head and they look ridiculous on me.
I had a rose in my jacket lapel.

I wore a Phase 8 dress and jacket to a wedding two weeks ago. I was not alone. Late 50’s

You’re very fortunate in having a figure that can pretty much carry any style. I’d personally start by looking on Instagram and searching “wedding guest” and “wedding guest dresses” and seeing if any styles catch your attention as that will show styles that are more current.

Similarly if you search for “ladies day” “royal ascot” you will probably get lots of styles too.
Many influencers will add where their dresses are from but you can do a Google lens search too.
Finally it doesn’t have to be mega expensive, I saw a lady the other day and her dress looked high end couture and she said she had bought it from SHEIN!!

Wedding guest attire has definitely become a little more relaxed since Covid (if not before), but you still want to look and feel your best…and comfortable too !
Your new ideas sound fine. Or maybe a bright trouser suit with oversized blazer. You might also want a couple of options on standby depending on the weather. Don’t worry about heels unless you like them - lots of lovely metallic sandals and low block heeled shoes around that you can wear without causing yourself an injury !
Personally I wouldn’t wear anything bodycon or Karen Millen / Phase Eight style…it could age you fashion wise. Wedding appropriate styles fortunately seem to move alongside current trends these days - and people often opt for something slightly less formal that they can easily wear again, as it’s such a waste buying something you’ll get very little use out of.
Hope you find something you love !

Don’t assume every wedding is ‘Mumsnet standard issue’ … There’s a lot of freedom to tailor weddings to suit the wedding couple’s tastes: maybe the bride will be in a black mini dress and Converse; or they both might be in t shirts and braces. I’ve known wedding guests to wear brightly coloured dungarees and bomber jackets …

Judge your outfit according to the milieu!

A patterned midi dress and blazer sounds perfect and is what I tend to go for. No real dos and don't, other than don't wear white obviously. No need for a hat or fascinator, those are quite dated now. Maxi dresses are okay but I tend to avoid for fear of accidentally matching the bridesmaids. If you know they're in a different colour it would be fine. Are you looking for ideas, or do you have a midi dress in mind?

Thanks all! Bride is wearing very traditional long white lace gorgeous dress. One maid of honour, not sure what she will be in but I suspect fairly traditional also.

I’ve been eyeing all of these 3 up… the Reiss pink jumpsuit is beautiful but the material possibly a bit too heavy for me to wear back home. The orange and white striped one is closest to my style.

https://www.reiss.com/style/su829907/f27873?utm_content=search&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11449582052&gbraid=0AAAAADy9Enr4ySDTI-T_62VtfjwstCAA6&gclid=CjwKCAjwsZPDBhBWEiwADuO6y0nV4LCR3GPbTKtJSv62sbXbiFBpZ3-dkLOa8uQGzL7cNz9JxUKcGxoCspMQAvD_BwE#F27873

https://www.reiss.com/style/su640472/an1752?utm_content=search&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11406496471&gbraid=0AAAAADy9EnruX2oGmYmmWC7LWzVCLkDqZ&gclid=CjwKCAjwsZPDBhBWEiwADuO6y1FiGHevbK8YQrw_aeBkjETvrpqvCHVbOSow-lEQaNABTqANpG37yxoCvWcQAvD_BwE#AN1752

https://littlejoewoman.com/products/heart-of-gold-dress-royal-pheasant-print

This is what I wore to a wedding recently:

Lovely orange ‘Me + Em’ midaxi dress
White blazer
Gold strappy low to mid-height block-heel sandals (so the heel doesn’t dig down into the grass and they’re comfortable for dancing)
Gold clutch
Pearl drop earrings

https://www.meandem.com/silk-crinkle-halterneck-maxi-dress-intense-orange

We're at three weddings this year. Dress codes are i. Suits and Posh Frocks, ii. Formal attire, Morning Suit optional and iii.Smart/Cocktail.

Quite a selection!

Oh this is a lovely dress! I may try this one. I’m also in love with their new long flowery skirt but it’s way too long on me sadly.

That’s a lot! Our bride hasn’t given us a dress code. Just “normal wedding stuff” 😊