A day wedding gives you the perfect opportunity to look distinctive and sophisticated, without looking overdone. The elegance resides in the details at these celebrations: from a flowing, flattering dress to standout accessories. The trick is to strike the right balance between natural and distinctive – think vibrant colours, sheer fabrics and carefully chosen accessories that elevate your look. Read this guide and find out exactly how to dress for a winning day wedding look.
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Dresses for day weddings: the focus of your look
Your dress is the star of any day wedding look. This is when midi and short designs come into their own – full-length dresses are the reserve of more formal events or evening dos.
Lighter fabrics with lovely movement like chiffon and tulle lend an elegant sense of fluidity – without sacrificing comfort. If you're looking for a more defined silhouette with some colour, think about more structured fabrics like crêpe and brocade, ideal for dresses for a day wedding. At day weddings you want to avoid anything too clingy like a mermaid silhouette, these dresses aren't right for this type of event. Pastel colours, vibrant tones like fuchsia or lime green, and lively floral prints are trending this season, and they'll definitely make you stand out.
For inspiration, check out our article on sensational day wedding dresses and dive into all the latest trends. Or you could browse our range of guest dresses for day weddings and find the perfect design for your next event.
Key accessories for a day wedding
Your accessories give you the chance to add an extra dose of personality and distinction to your day wedding look. From shoes to hair ornaments or standout wide-brimmed hats, the combination of pieces you go for should create a balanced and stylish day wedding look. Next we'll look at what to wear for a day wedding in terms of accessories.
Shoes for day wedding guests: style and comfort
When you're choosing shoes as a guest at a day wedding, you need to prioritise combining style and comfort. Mid-height heels or sandals with special details like thin straps or sparkly embellishments are always a safe bet. Don't go for heels that are too high or too thin – you need to stay comfy, potentially for hours and hours! As a rough guide you should probably dismiss any heels around 10-12 cm – these are the reserve of weddings later in the day.
Check out our article on shoes for day wedding guests and find your ideal pair in our selection of party shoes.
Bags for day weddings: different types and how to choose the right one
Bags are a key accessory. They complete your look, and they need to be functional. For a day wedding, clutches or mini bags in neutrals or metallics are your best bet. If you go for a print dress, you could pick out a colour and tie your bag in with that shade; an original way of pulling your whole day wedding look together.
If you'd prefer something a little different, consider a bag with an interesting texture or floral details, always considering the overall colour scheme of your look. Because really, when you're thinking about how to dress for a day wedding, it's about coordinating all the details for elegant and balanced results – without being too bland.
Check out our article on day wedding bags for more inspo, and find your ideal design in our selection of evening bags.
Simple hair ornaments for day weddings: winning styles
Hair ornaments are the number one accessory for a day wedding, giving you a unique and sophisticated edge. Summer day weddings are all about wide-brimmed sun hats – they're ideal for elevating a simple look to the highest heights of elegance.
But maybe they're not for you, and that's fine. There are plenty of other, simpler hair ornaments for a day wedding. Printed headbands with floral details or subtle netting, flower crowns, elegant pillbox fascinators... there's something to suit all tastes. Need some ideas? Browse our selection of party hair ornaments and choose the one that best suits your style.
Day wedding stoles: top off your look with this elegant piece
For autumn/winter weddings or colder locations, stoles work really well with a dress for a day wedding. Sheer fabrics like chiffon and tulle lend sophistication to your overall look, achieving the perfect balance between style and keeping warm. Choose the same colour (or same tone) as your dress for an incredibly elegant tone-on-tone look; or go bold with a contrast colour for a real wow effect.
If you're looking for inspiration on what to wear for a winter wedding, you could definitely think about a fur stole. With more modern styles available than ever, they give you a luxuriously elegant look while keeping you warm.
Jackets for day weddings: style and function
If you're looking for something more structured than a stole, a well-chosen jacket can really elevate your look. If you want to play it safe for a day wedding, blazers are for you. Opt for neutrals or powdery hues – but never white – for a flawless look. Or you could think about printed kimonos, lace boleros, satin jackets... there are so many stylish pieces to add sophistication and originality to your day wedding look.
Day wedding makeup: fresh and natural
Day wedding makeup is all about highlighting your natural beauty with flattering, illuminating effects. Eyeshadows in warm tones, a touch of blusher for a fresher face, and lips in nude or pink tones are all guaranteed winners. Want to know more about the best techniques and products? Check out our day wedding makeup article.
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Conclusion: Now you know what to wear to a day wedding
You've learned the secrets about how to dress for a day wedding, now you just need to choose the best look for your style and personality. Whether short or midi length, remember to get a dress to suit the occasion; select balanced accessories, don't go too high with your heels and opt for fresh, natural makeup to bring out your natural beauty. With these tips, you'll be dressed to impress at any day wedding in your elegant, sophisticated outfit.
