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Got a wedding to go to this year? Whether it’s a traditional country do or a more formal evening bash, we’ve got a wedding guest dress for every occasion. Plus InStyle’s Fashion Editor Natalie Hartley shares her top styling tips.


Throw on the pillbox hat, palazzo pants and towering shoes for the ultimate in city wedding chic. Go for sleeker silhouettes, cinched-in waists, and plenty of sparkling accessories.

Colour palette: The city is the place to get away with wearing black. Monochrome works well for cocktail occasions, while you can’t go wrong with colour-blocking. Strong, striking colours will carry you from day-to-night in style.

Wedding Guest Dresses: Body-con dresses, galaxy dresses, sleek separates, palazzo pant-suits, and skirt suits.

Go for heels as it’s unlikely you’ll have far to walk.

Celebrity Wedding Guest: Kate Middleton


InStyle’s Fashion Editor Natalie Hartley says:
“People tend to wear black a lot for city weddings, so if you’d like to stick to this then step outside the box a little and try it in a glamorous jumpsuit. You'll be surprised as it actually flatters all heights and sizes dependent on the cut.

“Wide leg trousers give the appearance of a long skirt, so it still feels feminine, and if you feel confident enough, throw on a strong coloured heel as brights are a big trend for this season.”



Whether an afternoon on the lawn or an evening occasion, the key to dressing for a country wedding is to be a little more laidback with your style. Silhouettes can be softer, waists can be loose, and layering is a great way to build up an outfit to take you from day-to-night.

Colour palette: Light and bright. Go for pretty prints, feminine shades and plenty of accessories.

Wedding Guest Dresses: Floral tea dresses, detailed shifts, floaty chiffon gowns, maxi dresses.

Avoid wearing heels during the day - you wouldn’t want to get those Louboutins stuck in the grass!

Celebrity Wedding Guest: Sienna Miller


InStyle’s Fashion Editor Natalie Hartley says:  “Even though you are in the country you can still dress up, but maybe a cooler way to do it is to go for a maxi dress but wear with flats for a more laidback approach to the outfit. Try stacking up bangles and play with accessories, even going for the 70s wide brim hat as an alternative headpiece”.



Not always the most common of wedding venues, but perhaps the easiest to dress for - the maxi dress was made for a beachfront wedding. Go for loose fitting, flowing fabrics, with plenty of bright prints and laidback vibes. Add accessories for extra detailing and give form to floaty fabrics with statement belt.

For far-flung destinations, skip the shoe splurge and slip into the trusted gladiator sandals. Floral wedges are a big trend this season so style up your look for the evening with a pair.
Colour palette: Go for plenty of fun, lively patterns, brights and even a touch of fluro.
Wedding Guest Dresses: Maxis, floaty chiffon gowns, pretty sundresses, detailed kaftans, Grecian style gowns.

Celebrity Wedding Guest: Olivia Palermo


InStyle’s Fashion Editor Natalie Hartley says:
“The orient is a big trend for the summer and is a great inspiration to use for a beach wedding.  Kimono style sleeves are great cover-ups on the arms and use a kimono as a cardi-coat over a dress or belt it and wear as a dress. Alternatively find a dress with an oriental print.

“The simplest update is to find an obi belt and use over a plain, simple dress to add detail and also gives shape to something boring!”



If the bride has chosen to say, “I do” in an intimate, laidback ceremony don’t worry so much about traditional wedding-wear such as fascinators or florals. Instead go for something that’s a little more neutral and a little more you! Trousers make a great alternative to frocks, while accessories can transform a dress you already have.

Wedding Guest Dresses: Mix and match separates, try this season’s palazzo pants or other wide-leg trews, throw on a blazer over your outfit to give it a laidback edge, go for sandals or flats for a dressed-down look.

Celebrity Wedding Guest: Cate Blanchett


InStyle’s Fashion Editor Natalie Hartley says:
“No frills rules are not as strict for weddings and even trousers have become acceptable to wear - but smarten them up and go for a full trousers suit look.  Stick to luxury fabrics if you’re doing this to smarten the look, and wide leg trousers always seem more glamorous and sometimes are the most flattering shape.

“Stick to neutrals for day and navy or black for night and make sure the trousers touch the floor with shoes, as it will make you look taller!”