4 Unconventional Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas for the Non-Traditionalist

Save this story Save Story Save this story If there’s one thing I’m not, it’s a traditionalist; an ethos that extends from my personal style and interests right into my disinterest in weddings. I never played bridal dress-up as a little girl, instead riding around on a Fisher-Price motorcycle. So while I’m always sincerely happy for my loved ones getting married, I’d be even happier to hear they eloped. Nuptials are possibly my least favorite gathering; the prospect of putting together a note-perfect outfit often only adds to my aversion.

One thing I’ve learned over my years in the guest seat: I may not be able to control my social battery draining by the time the reception rolls around, but I can control what I wear so I still feel like myself. And if you, like me, aren’t interested in throwing on any black suit or floor-length pastel slip dress in the name of easy formality, I’ve put together a few unconventional wedding guest outfit formulas I rely on whenever the occasion calls for it.

The Non-Boring Black Tie Rick Owens Shailee gown Read more $1,055 FWRD

The Fun Bag Veronica Beard Ziger Prism bag Read more $375 VERONICA BEARD

The Statement Earrings Simone Rocha stacked pearl hoops Read more $470 NORDSTROM

The Silky Slip Skirt Anna Sui lace-trimmed maxi skirt Read more $300 NET-A-PORTER

The Chain Belt Chan Luu Ondine chain belt Read more $490 CHAN LUU

The Animal Print Shoe Toteme calf hair pumps Jump to review $880 BLOOMINGDALE'S

Instead of purchasing (or renting) a slew of dresses destined to be worn once, I’m keen on a slowly acquired capsule wardrobe of formal and semi-formal attire I can reach for at a moment’s notice. Even if my edgier-leaning aesthetic isn’t exactly your cup of tea, there is a method to my stylistic madness: The secret, I’ve found, is to discover your favorite silhouettes, stick with them, and get creative with accessories.

Scroll on to discover four adaptable outfit ideas for the wedding non-traditionalist.

I often find myself asking—what even is black tie ? In lay terms, it’s a floor-length gown over a cocktail dress, or a tux over a suit. That said, black-tie dressing doesn’t have to be stodgy, nor does it have to feel like a prom. I gravitate towards dresses with draped and ruched details for their figure-flattering cuts. Then, I use accessories to add personality—this is where I like to lean into what one of my favorite designers, Simone Rocha , calls “hardcore femininity.”

Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Rick Owens

Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Simone Rocha

Say you don’t want to splurge on a look for a one-time occasion—I often don’t, either. I feel a bit more justified (and less rueful) about buying separate pieces I’m sure I’ll wear again; they don’t necessarily need to be from the same brand, either. These are the items you can dress up or down with ease, like a structured, bodice-like top and a flowing maxi skirt. A brooch and fun shoes can zhuzh up any otherwise plain ensemble.

Save to wishlist Save to wishlist The Frankie Shop

Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Manolo Blahnik

A little black dress is the most classic wardrobe staple—and I’ve found that a cocktail-length option is especially versatile. (Plus, depending on the belt or brooch you pair with your LBD, it’ll feel like a new look each time.) One of my favorite dresses is from Geel; it easily takes me from drinks out and about in Brooklyn on warm nights to a semi-formal wedding when styled with a dressier heel-and-clutch combination.

Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Liffner

Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Chan Luu

My style is heavily ’90s and ’00s-inspired—not in the minimalist, CBK-inflected way; more like Nicole Kidman in Practical Magic . I’m a big Anna Sui enthusiast, so who better to turn to for a ’90s-inspired set than the queen of whimisgoth style herself? After all, cocktail attire leaves room for play, and if I can find a way to sport an animal print, I always will. Again, I follow my rule: Will I ever wear this again, and can I do so in different settings? If yes, I’m clicking add to cart.

Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Anna Sui

Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Veronica Beard

Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Reformation

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Source: Lifestyle