Flashback to the First Runway Show for Kendall Jenner: Sherri Hill NYFW 2012

Weddings are typically held at sophisticated venues and call for a black-tie dress code. However, a beach wedding throws this tradition out to sea (literally). Instead of ironing your suit and polishing your loafers, you’ll need to bring out sunscreen and sunglasses. A beach wedding is a romantic way for the couple to let their wild and convention-defying personalities shine through. However, there’s no denying that knowing what to wear to a beach wedding can be tricky. Not only do you have to consider wedding etiquette and the couple’s preferences, but you also have to think about the elements and heat. Today, we’ll share our favorite beach wedding outfit ideas below to help you style the perfect beach-ready look. We’ve made sure to include outfit ideas for both ladies and gents, and we’ll also share some styling tips that’ll ensure you look (and feel) your best.  What to Wear to a Beach Wedding: Beach Wedding Attire for Women Weddings traditionally call for floor-length, formal dresses and heels. However, beach weddings typically allow more room for flexibility. Most beach weddings stick to semi-casual wear and are after a laidback, boho vibe. With this in mind, here are some great beach wedding outfit ideas for guests: Maxi-Length Dress A breezy maxi dress won’t just keep you comfortable and cool under the hot summer sun; it’ll also accentuate your natural features and perfectly capture that boho, relaxed feel a beach wedding is all about.  Maxi-length dresses come in a wide array of styles, though you generally want to opt for breathable materials such as linen, rayon, and chiffon. You should also pick a dress color that suits the wedding theme and flatters your skin undertones. Below, we’ll provide more insight into how to pick the perfect color for a beach wedding, so don’t fret if you’re still struggling with the nuances.  As well as the material and color, you should also consider the dress’s neckline and silhouette. Different necklines and silhouettes suit different body shapes, but you can’t go wrong with an A-line silhouette and a V-neckline. This combo is universally flattering and is perfect for a beach occasion.  If you want to add a touch more sophistication, elevate your look with a halter maxi dress. Pair with a luxurious matching clutch bag.  Midi-Length Dress  If the dress code leans more casual, you can definitely get away with a midi-length dress! Midi dresses are slightly shorter than maxi-length dresses, with most falling just below (or in line with) the knee. This length flatters all body types and conveys a feminine, fun vibe — apt for a beach wedding. Just like maxi dresses, midi dresses come in a wide array of designs, so you’re sure to find an option that suits the occasion and your features.  Don’t be afraid to play around with textures here, too. For example, a midi dress with ruffled sleeves is totally gorgeous and adds dimension to your outfit. And a fun perk? Textures like ruffles can even help capture the ebbing and flowing feel of waves! Jumpsuit Many guests choose to wear dresses to beach weddings. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t defy conventions (provided the dress code allows it). A jumpsuit is a stunning statement piece that’ll convey your rebellious side without taking the spotlight away from the bride. A jumpsuit with an open back will help keep you cool at the beach, and it even has a chic, modern vibe. You can dress the look up effortlessly with a clutch bag or keep it casual with sunglasses and your favorite strappy sandals.  If the beach wedding leans formal, stick to neutral colors and consider a jumpsuit with sophisticated beaded embellishments. Blouse and Skirt Combo A breathable blouse paired with a flowy skirt is a gorgeous (and practical) combo for a beach wedding. While you’ll no doubt look effortless and sophisticated in any skirt you wear, stick to knee-length or below to keep it wedding-appropriate.   A patterned, floral skirt can work perfectly for a laid-back summer beach wedding, but just make sure to avoid the color white. You should also ensure the skirt’s color palette doesn’t clash with the wedding party colors. What to Wear to a Beach Wedding: Beach Wedding Attire for Men  Next up are some stunning beach wedding outfits for men! These looks are comfortable, practical, and flatter all different features and physiques. While you can’t go wrong with these outfits, don’t be afraid to bring in your own personal flair, whether through accessories or colors. This will let you feel your best and be confident in what you’re wearing! Button-down shirt with slacks and a pair of smart chinos Buttoned linen shirt with a lightweight suit blazer  Cotton short-sleeved shirt with tailored shorts; neutral hues  Linen oxford shirt with a patterned bow tie A light-colored, breathable three-piece suit for formal occasions  Beach Wedding Styling Considerations  There are a few factors to consider when styling your beach wedding attire, including: Colors: Consider choosing colors that flatter your natural skin undertones. If you have warm undertones, opt for earthy hues like amber or beige, while if you have cool undertones, pink and blue will flatter you beautifully.  Dress code: As a wedding guest, you should familiarize yourself with the wedding dress code. Most beach weddings have a semi-casual dress code in place, but there are always exceptions, and some lean more formal. The dress code should be detailed in your wedding invitation.  Comfort: Always prioritize comfort when styling your outfit. Feeling relaxed and at ease in what you’re wearing will allow your confidence to shine.  Weather: Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather — check the weather forecast in advance! If you’ll be out under the sun for the whole event, pack SPF and use protective gear like sunglasses.  Shoes: While casual sandals are typically a no-go, dressy sandals or block heels work well for most beach wedding events. Accessorizing for a Beach Wedding Accessories are a must at a beach wedding! You can use them strategically to protect yourself from the elements, and they’ll also let your personality shine through.  Great accessories that are protective and stylish include sunglasses, sunhats, linen blazers, and sun-blocking, elbow-length gloves. However, be mindful of the wedding dress code. A sunhat works great at a beach wedding with a semi-casual feel, but if the wedding still has a formal dress code, you’ll want to give the sunhat a miss and pack on the SPF instead. Another accessory that’s sure to help complete your look is a sophisticated clutch bag. A straw-woven clutch is a beach staple that can withstand sand, heat, and sea salt. You can even find straw clutch bags that feature gorgeous patterns, which can help elevate your look for a formal beach wedding. Jewelry such as pendant necklaces can also help finish off your outfit. However, leave your finest pieces at home. A beach wedding means a whole lot of wind and abrasive sand, all of which may damage jewelry or make it impossible to find if you accidentally drop it. A high-quality leather belt can work beautifully, too, provided it’s not too bulky or distracts from other elements of your outfit. Keep to neutral colors and avoid belts with obtrusive patterns or embellishments (like metal studs). Beach Wedding Etiquette: Do’s and Dont’s A beach wedding may not be traditional, but that doesn’t mean etiquette has been cast out to sea too. Here’s a quick rundown of what to avoid when attending a beach wedding as a guest:  White or cream-colored dresses; doing so would overshadow the bride on her special day. You should also be mindful of light pastel hues since these can get washed out and appear as white in photography Swimwear and overly casual beach attire (think beach shorts, denim jeans, and flip-flops) Extravagant accessories that draw attention away from the couple  The wedding party colors; you don’t want to be mistaken for a wedding party member  When in doubt, make sure to reach out to the couple with any queries or concerns about the dress code. Just be mindful to ask in advance and not the day before the wedding! Sun, Sand, and Wedding Bells A beach wedding is buckets of fun, but don’t get too swept away by the laidback vibes. Be mindful of the dress code, familiarize yourself with wedding etiquette, and take measures to protect yourself from the heat. Most importantly, make sure the outfit you pick brings out your confidence and complements your features.

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.