Wedding season is just around the corner, and with many couples choosing to tie the knot in the summer months, it can be a challenge to decipher dress codes and know what to wear. One of the most formal dress codes a wedding might have is summer formal attire. In this blog post, we will break down what exactly summer formal wedding attire means and provide tips on how to dress for the occasion.
What is a Summer Formal Dress Code?
Summer formal attire is often used interchangeably with black tie or white tie dress codes. It is essential to note that the time of day and location of a wedding can influence the degree of formality.
A summer formal wedding held in the evening at an upscale venue typically requires a black tie dress code. Men are expected to wear a tuxedo with a black bow or long tie, polished dress shoes, and black or dark-colored socks. Women, on the other hand, are encouraged to wear floor-length evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or dressy separates.
For a summer formal wedding, held earlier in the day or at a less formal venue, white tie attire might be more appropriate. White tie dress code is the most elegant level of formality for weddings, and it is typically reserved for state dinners, royal events, and other high-end functions. Men will wear a black tailcoat, black trouser with matching black or white waistcoat, white dress shirt, white bow tie, and black patent shoes. Women will wear floor-length formal gowns, long gloves, and sophisticated hair and makeup.
What to Avoid?
While summer formal attire dress codes allow for more flexibility in dresses and colors, there are still items to avoid. For instance, women should stay away from wearing anything too revealing or short, while men should avoid bright colors and patterns. Linen suits are not appropriate for a formal summer wedding, as they are too casual for the occasion.
Another thing to keep in mind is comfort when choosing your formal wedding attire. Summer can be hot, so lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton or silk are better choices. You may also want to consider wearing dress shoes comfortable enough to dance the night away.
Accessorizing Your Summer Formal Attire
When wearing summer formal attire, it’s all about the details. Accessories like ties, bow ties, and jewelry add a personalized touch and can help take your look to the next level. For men, silk or satin ties in colors such as navy, burgundy, or forest green are timeless choices. Women can add a pop of color or sparkle to their evening gowns with jewelry-like statement earrings or bracelets.
In Conclusion
Summer formal wedding attire is all about sophistication and elegance. It is essential to understand the different dress codes and choose appropriate clothing based on wedding’s time, location, and level of formality. Remember, the key is to strike a balance between personal style and staying within the dress code guidelines. With these tips and suggestions, you’ll be able to dress for success at the next formal summer wedding you attend.
FAQ
When a wedding invitation says formal attire What does that mean?
When a wedding invitation says “formal attire”, it usually means that the wedding hosts have planned a black-tie optional or a formal wedding. The dress code for such an event is more relaxed than a strictly black-tie wedding, but still requires guests to dress in a certain manner.
For men, a black-tie optional or a formal dress code typically involves wearing a tuxedo or a dark, formal suit with a bow tie or a classic tie. The tuxedo can either be a classic black and white ensemble or a more contemporary style with a colored jacket and black trousers. It’s important to note that when it comes to black-tie optional, the choice between a tuxedo or a suit is left to the guest’s discretion. However, it’s still expected that the attire should be formal, so jeans, sneakers, or anything overly casual should be avoided.
For women, a black-tie optional or a formal dress code usually means wearing an elegant gown or a cocktail dress in a classic or neutral color, such as black or navy blue. The dress should be floor-length or hit around the ankle to achieve the formal look, and it’s recommended to avoid anything too revealing or flashy. Accessories should be kept minimal and understated, and hair and makeup should be kept polished and sleek.
A wedding invitation that says “formal attire” generally means that it’s a black-tie optional or a formal wedding. Men can choose between a tuxedo or a dark, formal suit with a bow tie or a classic tie, and women can wear an elegant gown or a cocktail dress in a classic, neutral color. The key is to achieve a polished and formal appearance, without being too flashy or revealing.
What do you wear to a formal party in the summer?
Attending a formal event in the summer can present a bit of a wardrobe challenge. You want to look stylish and appropriate for the occasion, but you also don’t want to overheat or feel uncomfortable in the warm weather. So, what should you wear to a formal party in the summer?
For most formal outdoor events taking place in the summer, it can be appropriate to wear a short-sleeved dress shirt. This can be paired with dress pants or khakis to create a polished look. However, if the event is taking place indoors where the air conditioning might be cranked up, you may want to bring a blazer or jacket to keep you warm.
Women can easily wear a short skirt in the summer, but if you don’t wear dresses, you should stay away from shorts. They aren’t always appropriate for formal events. The same goes for sandals. While sandals can be a comfortable and stylish option for the summer, they may not be appropriate for a formal event. Instead, opt for closed-toe dress shoes with a low heel.
When it comes to choosing your outfit, you’ll want to consider the dress code for the event. If the invitation specifies “black tie,” this typically means formal evening wear – for men, this means a tuxedo, while for women, it means a full-length evening gown or a formal cocktail dress. For “semi-formal” events, men can wear a suit and tie, while women can wear a shorter cocktail dress or a dressy skirt and blouse.
In terms of fabric, lightweight natural materials like cotton, linen, and silk can help you feel more comfortable in the heat. Opt for lighter colors as well, which will reflect more sunlight and help keep you cool. Darker colors are more likely to absorb heat and make you feel warmer.
The key to dressing for a formal event in the summer is to strike a balance between looking stylish and feeling comfortable. By choosing lightweight fabrics, lighter colors, and appropriate footwear, you can create a polished and sophisticated look that will help you beat the heat.
