The Best Guest Looks for Every Type of Wedding

This flowy dress will look amazing billowing in the beach breeze. It comes in five different colors, all featuring delicately drawn flowers. Plus, because it has a high neckline and short sleeves, you’ll be protected from the harsh sun on the shore more than you would in a typical sundress.

Perhaps the most important part of attending a beach wedding? Not wearing heels. These wedges add height, but you won’t find yourself sinking into the sand and struggling to keep your balance as you walk to your seat before the ceremony.

A black clutch goes with just about anything, especially when it’s simple and well-made. This one has a classic croissant shape, and it’s big enough to hold your phone, wallet, keys, and some makeup without looking stuffed. A black chain adds some subtle texture to the piece, but it also means you can wear this as a shoulder bag if you get tired of carrying it in your hands.

With a patterned dress, sometimes less is more when it comes to accessories. These chunky gold hoops will last you forever, and you’ll probably wear them to work or for everyday, too. With this outfit, they’ll add a subtle sparkle, but they won’t detract from the stunning dress you wear.

A simple swingy shift dress is an appropriate option for a barn wedding. It feels slightly country without being hokey, and by switching up your accessories and shoes, you can give this dress a whole new vibe. Add a denim jacket if you tend to get cold, or you could even layer a leather jacket over this for some edge.

You have to be ready to hit the dance floor at any wedding, but something about a barn wedding really ups the ante. While you probably won’t be line dancing the night away, chances are you’ll be doing the electric slide or at least jamming to some country tunes. These heels add height without being hard to walk in, thanks to the platform sole and chunky heel. You may even find yourself wanting to put these on for the wedding or any other dressy event — they’re really that comfortable.

Don’t be afraid to really lean into the rustic barn wedding theme. This straw clutch from J.Crew has plenty of space inside and a magnetic closure to keep your belongings secure. The material is a nod to the barn venue, but it’s also neutral enough to use as an everyday summer accessory.

Because the dress, shoes, and bag are rather neutral, why not pile on the necklaces for this outfit? This necklace set actually comes with four chains, which you can layer together or wear individually. We say wear all four for the wedding, but you can always skip the charm necklaces if you want a subtler look.

Cocktail attire toes the line between dressy and casual, which can be a hard balance to strike. Wearing a midi dress adds a formal feeling, while a fun floral fabric feels a bit more casual. We love the asymmetric hem line on this dress, which gives you a moment to show off your shoes (and legs). The higher neckline and sleeves mean you can easily wear a regular bra under this dress too, which is always a relief.

Because the floral print on the dress is rather busy, try opting for a nude-toned shoe. This one has thin straps that crisscross over your foot (holding it in place and acting as a fun design element), and the heel isn’t so high that you’ll be forced to sit through the entire reception.

Keeping with the neutral theme, a classic crossbody bag is a great option for an outfit like this. The color is neutral enough to go with anything, yet the structure of the bag adds a bit of formality to it. Inside, there are plenty of pockets to keep you organized, even despite the smaller bag size. This one can also be converted into a belt bag, so you can wear it as a fanny pack after the wedding.

To play off the organic floral pattern of the dress, these imperfectly shaped hoops are a darling option. They’re lightweight and won’t weigh your ears down, but they are large enough to be seen even if you wear your hair down.

For a black tie wedding, it’s time to go all out. Spending a ton of money on a formal dress you won’t wear often is a drag, so we recommend snagging something on sale, like this beaded number. The intricate bead work classes up the simple silhouette, and the longer length is formal without requiring sky-high heels or taking your dress to the tailor for a last minute alteration. Reviewers have deemed it the ultimate mother of the bride dress, while one reviewer pointed out you simply cannot go wrong with it!

Nude heels will never do you wrong, and chances are you already have a pair in your closet you could wear to the wedding. If not, it’s time to invest in a pair. We like these from Nine West because they have a chunky heel and thin ankle strap that keeps your foot secure while still looking slinky.

A subtle metallic clutch is the way to go with an intricate dress. This will pull out the sparkly bits of the dress without making it feel overdone. There’s also a hidden chain strap in the bag, so you can toss it on your shoulder if you prefer to carry it that way.

Nothing says “black-tie wedding” like a pair of pearl earrings. We love Mejuri’s modern take on the classic style with these Bold Pearl Drop Earrings. Though they look like a million bucks, they’re actually pretty affordable, especially if you factor in wearing them to multiple events.