Got a wedding invite but no clue what “coastal formal” or “dressy casual” actually means? You’re so not alone. Decoding a wedding dress code is a lot, and let’s be real, Google isn’t always helpful when you’re staring at your closet (or cart) wondering what counts as “garden party chic.”
Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Whether you’re heading to a black-tie affair, a backyard bash, or a “try-to-show-up-the-bride” themed wedding, this cheat sheet breaks down exactly what to wear to every kind of wedding—and yes, you can find the perfect outfit for all of them at David’s.
White Tie
Let’s start at the top and work our way down, shall we? A white-tie wedding dress code is your excuse to pull out all the stops: Think peak formality. Though less common than its little sister, black tie, some couples love this extravagant aesthetic.
The Vibe: We’re talking royal ball or Met Gala level.
What to Wear: Full-length evening gowns (the fancier, the better), gloves are optional but on-theme, and tuxedos with tails and all. Hair, makeup, and accessories should all be polished to perfection.
Black Tie
More common for wedding dress codes, a black-tie affair is still uber-dressy, but a little less stuffy.
The Vibe: Glam, red-carpet energy.
What to Wear: Floor-length gowns, sleek evening dresses, or a super-elevated jumpsuit. Go for luxe fabrics like satin, velvet, or crepe in darker, jewel-toned, or metallic hues. The guys should be in a full suit with a bow tie—oh, so chic!
Formal or Black-Tie Optional
Probably the most confusing wedding dress code, a black-tie optional or formal wedding means you certainly have the option to wear your most formal fit, but you also have a little flexibility to go for an elevated cocktail dress instead.
The Vibe: Fancy, but not too fussy.
What to Wear: Long gowns are still great (you can never be too overdressed!) but a dressy midi or cocktail dress would work too. Polished accessories and heels will elevate your look if you aren’t too sure. Men should wear a suit and tie but can play with colors and patterns for a fun pop!
Cocktail Attire
We’re willing to bet 9 out of 10 wedding dress codes are cocktail attire—and there’s a reason why! Easily accessible, it’s somewhere between date night and formal.
The Vibe: Party-ready, polished, but not prom-y.
What to Wear: A chic mini or midi dress, jumpsuit, or two-piece set. Play up the texture with ruffles, satin, or chiffon fabrics! Guys can get away with a suit, tie or no!
Coastal Formal
Quick question…huh?! Coastal formal is trending in a big way, and we know we’ll be seeing more of it in the future. It’s actually pretty self-explanatory: Formal looks that can be worn to a beach wedding (or at least, beach-inspired).
The Vibe: Beachy elegance with “clean girl” energy.
What to Wear: Ocean-inspired looks in soft blues or neutrals. Linen, gauze, and satin rule.
Garden Party or Outdoor Wedding
Perfect for peak-wedding season events, garden party dress codes are airy, light, and often heavily floral-inspired.
The Vibe: Afternoon tea with a romantic twist.
What to Wear: Florals (duh), flowy silhouettes, and soft colors. We love wedge or block heels, too. You do not want to be yanking your stilettos out of the grass… so not cute for pics! Guys can wear khaki or navy dress pants with an optional blazer. Bonus Points: Floral-patterned tie!
Dressy Casual
We know, these two should totally contradict each other. This wedding dress code is made for the laidback couple who really just want to celebrate their love surrounded by their people.
The Vibe: Lowkey but still wedding-appropriate.
What to Wear: A midi dress, sundress, or cute jumpsuit. Add a blazer or some elevated accessories to pull it together. If you’re looking for menswear, we still say stray from denim. A good pair of dress pants with a short-sleeve camp shirt or knitted polo are the move.
Western or Ranch Wedding
Yeehaw! Western and country-inspired looks are all over our socials, and we think they’re here to stay.
The Vibe: Cowboy boots + cute dress = approved.
What to Wear: Flowy midi dresses (to show off the boots) with prairie-style details, corsetry, and earthy tones are all fair game. We’re begging the guys to rock a Canadian tuxedo, but if denim-on-denim isn’t your thing, a traditional button-down with a bolero tie will suffice.
Maximalist or “Main Character” Wedding
What the couple wishes is your command: When more is more and over-the-top is not optional, take the plunge and have some fun!
The Vibe: The bigger the better. No neutrals allowed!
What to Wear: Bold colors, fun prints, sequins, feathers, etcetera. Gentlemen, we want to see you in colorful suits à la Sebastian Stan at the 2022 Met Gala (look it up).
Our Final Tips
- Always check the invite or couple’s wedding website for extra dress code deets.
- When in doubt, go one notch more formal than you think.
- Comfort counts, but confidence is always the real wedding dress code.
Whether you’re RSVP-ing “yes” to a beachside bash or a black-tie ballroom event (or all of the above), David’s has the outfit that’ll make you feel confident, comfortable, and totally on-theme.
Looking for more inspo? Check out Pearl by David’s for all the latest trends, advice, and more.
