Style Guide: Finding Your Dream Prom Dress

Weddings are a time for celebration. You get to reunite with friends and family, witness the love between those dear to you, and party the night away.  However, while weddings are a joyous occasion, knowing what to wear as a wedding guest can be pretty daunting. Not only do you have to think about the dress code and venue, but you also have to choose an outfit that flatters you without taking attention away from the bride. That’s why today, we’ll use our expert eye to help you find the perfect outfit for a formal wedding. We’ll also share some styling tips and outfit ideas to get you started. Formal Wedding Etiquette: Dress Code and Other Considerations If you’re attending a formal wedding, there are a few things to remember to ensure you’re not too underdressed on the day or committing a wedding faux pas. Formal Dress Code  A formal dress code means ditching the sweaters, sandals, and jeans. It’s a more sophisticated version of a cocktail dress code, and your outfit should have a refined flair and appear well-fitted. Common formal attire includes maxi-length dresses, tuxedo suits, stiletto heels, and tailored blazers. Be mindful that a formal dress code isn’t the same as a black-tie dress code, which calls for full-length ball gowns and black dinner jackets. A formal dress code offers more room for flexibility, meaning you can opt for bolder colors and the likes of midi-length dresses and flats, provided your outfit is still polished. Wedding Etiquette  As a guest at a formal wedding, you should typically avoid wearing white or off-white colors like cream, nude, and ivory. This is especially the case if you’re wearing a maxi-length dress. Wearing white takes attention away from the bride and will draw the spotlight on you for all the wrong reasons.  Some brides are more than happy for their guests to wear white, especially if they have a specific theme in mind or there are cultural differences at play. However, unless your friend has specified that white is permitted, avoid this shade (and similar hues) at all costs. You should also avoid wearing light colors like pastel yellow and pale blue. While these colors may not draw eyes in person, when photographed, they often become washed out and appear as white. This is particularly the case if your friend has opted for a wedding photographer with a light and airy editing style. Wedding Party Colors As a wedding guest, you usually want to avoid wearing the same colors as the wedding party. This prevents awkward mix-ups on the day and ensures the bridal party will stand out in the wedding photos.  Usually, the wedding color palette and any other important information will be detailed in your invitation. However, if you can’t find anything specifically mentioned, take a close look at the actual design of the wedding invite. You can usually find stylistic nods to the color or theme in its design. For example, if the wedding invite incorporates eucalyptus or ivy foliage, this would usually suggest the party color is green.  When in doubt, don’t be afraid to reach out to the bride or groom directly and ask for clarification regarding party colors, wedding theme, or dress code. Just make sure to ask them well in advance and not the day before the wedding! They’ll likely be very overwhelmed at this stage, and they won’t have the mental energy or time to respond. Shoes   A formal wedding calls for a sophisticated pair of shoes that’ll help tie the overall look together. However, be sure to prioritize your comfort, too — you’ll likely be on your feet the whole day and doing a whole lot of dancing! If you’re not comfortable with stiletto heels, consider a low, thick heel instead, such as a wedge or block heel. You can also opt for a wide fit to give your feet more breathing room and keep those pesky blisters away.  If you struggle with heels, a pair of pointed-toe flats is usually a safe option since they’re comfortable yet still provide that dressy, sophisticated vibe.  Men should stick with the classics; think oxford shoes, brogues, and slip-on loafers. Keep to high-quality materials, such as leather suede, and neutral colors, such as black, brown, and tan.  Season and Weather Don’t forget to dress appropriately for the season when attending a formal wedding. If you’re attending a summer wedding, opt for lightweight, breathable materials like chiffon to ensure you’re comfortable and don’t overheat throughout the day. In the winter, layer up and stick to warm materials like velvet. Make sure to check the weather forecast before the big day too. Venue Location  Venue location is just as important when thinking about a formal wedding guest outfit. If the venue is a luxury hotel and involves a five-course wedding dinner, you’re going to want to err on the “black-tie” leaning side of formal. However, if the ceremony is held outside and there’s a slightly more boho feel, you can probably get away with strappy, low heels for shoes. You may also be able to experiment with floral patterns or playful ruffles. Your Natural Features  Wedding guest attire comes in a vast range of colors, designs, and silhouettes, and certain styles will be better suited to your natural features than others.  While it can be tricky to determine specifically which styles will flatter you, always consider what you feel the most comfortable in. Consider previous outfits you’ve worn and loved, in addition to the styles you typically find your eyes drawn to when window shopping. Picking an outfit that you feel at ease in is sure to let your confidence shine through. It will also allow you to focus on enjoying the day itself rather than stressing over your appearance. Accessorize Accessories can help tie your look together and allow you to express your personality. You can elevate your look with a sophisticated belt, clutch bag, silver earrings, or a pendant necklace.  Just make sure that your natural features remain the focus; too many accessories can overwhelm your outfit and ruin the overall look. Formal Wedding Outfit Ideas for Women Below, we’ve gathered some of our favorite formal wedding outfit ideas. They offer that perfect blend of sophistication and comfort. They’re also sure to flatter your natural features without breaking wedding etiquette or taking attention away from the bride.  A-Line Ruffled Dress: An A-line ruffled dress is playful, feminine, and romantic. You can keep the look subtle with ruffles on the bodice or sleeves, or go for a more showstopping look with a ruffled skirt.  Satin Drape Midi-Length Dress: A satin dress with a drape cut is modern and universally flattering. Pair with a matching clutch bag to catch the eyes of other guests without stealing the spotlight from the bride. Floral Maxi Dress: A floral maxi dress won’t just keep you cool at a summer wedding; the style is also sure to accentuate your natural beauty, draw attention to your neckline, and offer a whimsical yet elegant vibe that very few dress styles can match.  Asymmetrical Maxi Dress: An asymmetrical cut is a great way to express your creative side while keeping in line with the formal theme. You can elevate the look further by pairing the dress with contrasting jewelry.  Sleek Tailored Jumpsuit: A jumpsuit is effortlessly chic and will allow you to dance the night away. Stick to a tailored fit to keep your look in line with the formal dress code, and pair with black heels.  Formal Wedding Outfit Ideas for Men Now for the Gents! Here are some staple outfit ideas that are sure to suit the formal occasion: A slim-fit suit with a white shirt and brogues for a classic look. Stick to neutral shades such as navy, gray, and beige.  A charcoal gray suit with a sophisticated wristwatch and embellished cufflinks. A burnt orange suit with a pair of leather dress shoes. Ideal for the fall season. A three-piece wool suit to keep you snug and stylish in the winter months. Remember What a Wedding Is All About While dressing for the occasion is important, don’t get too stressed and overwhelmed by it all. At the end of the day, what matters is being there to share your support and love for the happy couple! As long as you feel confident in what you wear, and it adheres to the couple’s dress code, you can’t go wrong with your outfit.  Be sure to check out our catalog for more formal wedding outfit ideas. From elegant maxi-length dresses to stunning jumpsuits, you’ll find a look that suits your features and the occasion in no time.

Graduation parties mark a significant achievement and should be celebrated as such. Friends and family gather to rejoice with the freshly graduated scholar, offering them warm congratulations on their hard work. Emotions charge the air as friends excitedly reflect on the memories they created during their journey. The momentous occasion calls for dressing up and having fun. Since there is no set dress code for graduation parties, it can be tough to decide what to wear to one. The following article compiles ideas on what to wear for different types of graduation parties.  Dress Code for Grads and Guests The dress code for a graduation party can be different based on factors such as the formality of the event and the venue.  Graduates may choose to wear their cap and gown during the graduation party, especially if the event is right after the ceremony. This serves as a reminder of their hard work and academic achievements. Graduates can also choose to wear a semi-formal outfit under their gowns. This would allow them to take pictures both with and without the gown, cleverly preserving memories of the day.  Under the gown, graduates should wear a comfortable outfit that is polished and dressy. Options include a midi dress, a skirt and blouse, or even a jumpsuit.  Guests at the graduation party should make sure that their attire is balanced. It should not be too formal or glamorous to avoid taking attention from the graduates. Think of the theme or the venue as a guide to determine the level of formality of the event.  A graduation party hosted at the beach calls for fun, colorful attire with flowy styles and fabrics such as linen and cotton. Similarly, if the venue is a garden, then you can wear semi-formal styles such as a floral dress.  Outfit Ideas for Grads and Guests The following sections explore stylish outfit ideas based on different graduation party themes.  Tropical Vibes A tropical celebration theme is perfect for a beach or an outdoor backyard venue. This theme is casual and suits lightweight materials such as cotton or linen. Wear relaxed, flowing silhouettes that allow for movement and breathability.  Graduates can wear maxi or A-line dresses in bright colors, floral prints, or fun geometric patterns. You can dress it up with strappy heels or sandals. Espadrilles are also a stylish and comfortable footwear option. To stand out, accessorize with floral or beach-themed jewelry such as shell necklaces.  For guests, printed rompers or jumpsuits are sure to complement the theme. Flowy skater dresses can also be worn.  Boho Chic A boho-chic outfit theme works great for outdoor and garden venues. It has a chill, laid-back vibe that is perfect for saying bye-bye to hectic academic routines. A boho theme calls for relaxed, yet stylish semi-formal attire such as maxi, off-the-shoulder dresses, and jumpsuits. Natural colors and earthy tones add to the comfortable vibe of this theme.  Grads can achieve a more polished look by choosing dresses that feature delicate embellishments or embroidery. Pair with statement crocheted earrings and heeled sandals.  Party guests can wear minimalistic vintage prints or monochrome outfits, and accessorize with sunglasses and a rattan bag to complete the look.  Classic Black and White This theme is timeless and can be worn for many kinds of graduation parties. From formal events to semi-formal get-togethers, this theme offers style options to match any vibe. Black and white create a high-contrast effect that is understated yet impactful.  Graduates can wear a sleek, color-blocked sheath dress paired with black stilettos for a minimalist, yet sophisticated look. Other options include an empire waist dress with a white bodice and a black skirt. Guests can wear dresses with black and white geometric print or a color-blocked design. A fit and flare dress is the perfect style to capture elegance while staying comfortable.  Pastel Hues This graduation party theme sets up a sweet atmosphere where fresh graduates can receive messages of appreciation and love. The color palette for this theme is soft, dreamy colors such as baby blue, pink, soft green, and lavender. The dress code for this theme can be semi-formal or formal, depending on how dressed up you want to be.  Graduates can wear a floral watercolor gown in a breezy silhouette. Think along the lines of empire waist, A-line, or fit-and-flare. Another option is to wear a solid dress with floral appliques or embellishments.  Guests can wear a tea-length pastel-hued dress. Look for ruffled sleeves or a sweetheart neckline for a casual, yet elevated ensemble.  Formal Masquerade This theme is perfect for a dramatic and glitzy graduation party. The formal masquerade theme brings in elements of mystery, style, and glamour for a high-impact outfit.  Graduates should look for dresses made with fancy fabrics such as velvet, satin, and organza. Intricate detailing and embellishments also add extra flair to the ensemble. You can choose between many different silhouettes depending on how elaborate you want your event to be.  For a luxurious graduation party, wear a ball gown with layers of tulle for a show-stopping look. If you want an understated yet regal approach, you can wear structured silhouettes such as slip and sheath dresses.  If you’re invited to a masquerade-themed graduation party, choose cocktail dresses in jewel colors. Accessorize with a fancy clutch and heeled shoes for a classy ensemble.  Pop of Neon This theme sets the tone for a graduation party filled with lots of laughter and joyful energy. It also provides the chance to make a fashion statement in bold colors and sharp silhouettes. The palette for this theme includes neon colors such as lime green, coral, bright magenta, and cobalt blue. The formality can vary, depending on the environment of the party and the venue.  For graduates, choose a sleek, neon-colored dress with embellishments around the neckline to wow the crowd. You can also add flair to the silhouette by choosing an asymmetrical hem. This will make the outfit interesting without overwhelming the overall look. Pair with nude heels or shoes to balance the dress.  Guests to the party can wear color-blocked neon dresses in fun silhouettes. Look for ruffled skirts or puffy sleeves to create a playful aesthetic.  Tips and Tricks There are a few things to keep in mind when dressing for a graduation party.  Keep the venue and the theme on the event invite in focus. This will help you determine what kinds of fabrics and styles would be suitable to wear to the party. For outdoor graduation parties, wear light, breathable fabrics so that you are comfortable throughout the day. If the party will be at an indoor venue, you can get away with heavier fabrics and layered dresses.  Also, consider if the party will transition from day to night. Usually, graduation ceremonies take place early in the day, and the graduation party can run later into the evening. Prepare for an outfit that is versatile for both day and nighttime events. You may use accessories to adjust your look and enhance your overall outfit for the evening.  Another consideration is planning your outfit to be photographed. Graduation parties are events covered extensively through photography. Avoid wearing busy outfits or prints that may not capture well in pictures.  Graduates should factor in how their dress and accessories would sit under their gowns. The dress and footwear should be comfortable enough to be worn for an extended period.  Dressing for a Graduation Party FAQs Since there are so many different types of graduation parties, each with its own energy and vibe, you may encounter these questions when planning your look.  What Do You Wear When There Is No Dress Code? Think of the venue, timings, and any themes as your guide for the dress code. The more elaborate the venue, the more formal you can expect the event to be. Then, evening graduation parties usually call for more formal dressing than daytime parties.  What Kind of Footwear Is Appropriate for a Graduation Party? Footwear is an important element of your graduation party attire. This is because you will likely have to spend a fair few hours in your footwear of choice. You may also have to walk around a lot. Wear a pair of shoes that you are going to be comfortable in throughout the party. This can be a sandal, wedges, or even a pair of heels that you’ve broken into. Can I Wear a T-shirt or Jeans to a Graduation Party? While there is no rule that would discourage wearing a t-shirt or jeans to a graduation party, they may dull your outfit. If you want to be comfortable in a t-shirt or jeans and want a polished look, accessorize with statement jewelry. You can also incorporate elements such as a silk scarf or leather belt to elevate your ensemble.  Set the Tone With Your Graduation Party Outfit Graduation parties are all about celebrating hours of hard work and determination. It is your chance to acknowledge your own or your friend’s achievements and check off an important milestone. The right graduation outfit can set the tone for a fantastic graduation party that you’ll remember for years to come. 

Attending a graduation for your beloved family member or friend is always a fun event. It’s rewarding to watch someone you love walk across the stage and celebrate their achievement, whether it’s a graduation from high school, college, or a higher degree program.  However, dressing for a graduation as a guest can be confusing, as you will want to look your best without overshadowing your graduate.  Our article gives you tips on what to wear to a graduation in addition to graduation guest outfit ideas so you can start thinking about the best outfit to wear. What Do You Wear to a Graduation? Deciding what to wear to a graduation event can be difficult, as every school is different in its expectations. There can be several things to take into consideration, such as the season, the weather, and the venue. When it comes to choosing what to wear to a graduation, we suggest thinking about the venue first of all. If your venue is outside, and the season is warm – most graduations take place in the summer months –  you will want to wear something light, breezy, or flowy. This will help you remain comfortable throughout the ceremony. Indoor graduation ceremonies or those held in very upscale venues may call for a more semi-formal look. You may need to pair your graduation guest outfit with a jacket to ensure you remain comfortable in a very air-conditioned space. Additionally, you will want to double-check with your graduate and your graduation ceremony invitation to see if there are any specific rules or dress codes you need to follow. This may include things like semi-casual, business casual, or semi-formal clothing, or certain styles of clothing, such as those in your graduate’s school colors, that are preferred for guests. Are There Dress Codes for Graduations? In general, you won’t be asked to adhere to a specific dress code when attending a graduation ceremony. That being said, you will not want to show up to a graduation ceremony with an outfit that is dirty, ripped, too casual, or simply not very presentable. In order to show your support and fit in with the rest of the graduation ceremony crowd, it’s important to look polished, put together, and presentable. This is especially important if you plan to take pictures with your graduate – you will want to make sure you look nice and that your outfit is suitable for the important occasion of the graduation ceremony. Graduation Guest Outfit Ideas The following outfit ideas can help you start thinking about your graduation guest outfit and what you might like to wear. A sundress and sandals, possibly with a hat as an accessory, and as long as your hat does not block anyone’s view A midi dress, with a hemline that falls around the knees, and a pair of heels A pair of dress pants and collared shirt for men A jumpsuit for women A skirt or a pair of dress pants and a nice blouse, paired with a jacket depending on the weather A tailored suit for women or for a more gender-neutral option; leave off the suit jacket to make the outfit more casual When thinking about your graduation outfit, make sure you keep in mind any particular clothing requests or dress code requirements that may be present for the graduation ceremony. Additionally, make sure that your graduation outfit is well-fitted, suited to your figure, and not too risqué or flashy. These things can lead to you fidgeting with your outfit all night or an accidental fashion faux pas. Where Can I Find My Graduation Outfit? Shopping for your graduation outfit can feel overwhelming, though having an idea of what to wear helps you direct your shopping focus and the stores you visit. We recommend shopping at your local mall or department stores. These stores are likely to have a range of semi-formal and business casual outfit options that you could potentially wear to a graduation.  You could also shop for your graduation outfit online. Just remember that you will need to make sure that you leave plenty of time for shipping and returns or exchanges, as sometimes clothing online doesn’t fit like we think it will. How Do I Accessorize My Graduation Outfit? Accessorizing your graduation outfit isn’t too difficult, as we recommend sticking with classic and semi-formal items. You won’t want to wear anything too flashy, such as very tall high heels or jewelry that makes a statement; these items are likely to detract from the attention of your favorite graduate. We recommend a fashionable, yet comfortable, pair of shoes, a nice purse or clutch, and simple jewelry that complements your outfit as the best accessories for a graduation outfit. Men can accessorize with a tie or bow tie depending on how formal their outfit needs to be. How Do I Get More Details About Graduation Guest Dress Codes? Dressing for a graduation ceremony as a guest can be confusing, but there are a couple of things you can do to better understand the dress code.  If you have lots of questions about the dress code or you need help deciding what to wear, we recommend talking to your graduate. They will be able to give you more details about the ceremony, including any information on dress code requirements, and they can approve your outfit if you are worried about what they might think.  If you have concerns about the venue, you can look it up ahead of time to see if it is more upscale or more casual. Then, you can keep this information in mind as you decide on your graduation guest outfit. Gathering Your Graduation Guest Style When you start to think about your graduation guest outfit, it’s important to keep in mind things like the graduation ceremony venue, the weather, and the season. You should make sure that your outfit is put together and polished, and you should communicate with your graduate if you have any concerns about dressing for the ceremony.  With all of these steps, you should be able to find the perfect graduation guest style to support your graduate on their big day.