What To Wear To A Wedding
Wedding season is here and there has never been a better time to embrace the joy of dressing up. Featuring expert advice from our editors, our guide will help you find the perfect look for every style of ceremony – from sleek city soirées to romantic outdoor vows and glamorous coastal celebrations
The ceremony-to-dance-floor dress
Wearing white to a wedding may be a no-go, but you could nod to the bride’s ‘something blue’ in Emilia Wickstead’s elegant ‘Keeley Mudu’ dress. Exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, it’s impeccably cut from duchesse-satin in a sleek column shape that echoes mid-century silhouettes worn by Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. Complement the pastel shade with chocolate-brown accessories – such as Khaite’s leather ‘Loulou’ sandals and Toteme’s ‘T-Lock’ clutch – for a look that’s understated yet sure to turn heads.
Destination weddings
A wedding by the sea encourages guests to reach for lighter pieces – think dresses in cool fabrics and summery prints. From the high-summer ’25 collection, Dôen’s ‘Ischia’ style is cut from lightweight cotton-voile, decorated with romantic anemone blooms, and has a signature smocked bodice. Wear yours with Saint Laurent’s flat ‘Cassandra’ sandals to avoid any sinking-in-the-sand situations, then finish the look with Hunting Season’s elevated canvas clutch and Barton Perreira’s aviator-style ‘Armstrong’ sunglasses, which will add an instant touch of retro glamour.
Cocktail receptions
You really can’t go wrong with an LBD for a formal event – especially when it comes to a city wedding. Nili Lotan’s halterneck version is both elegant and bold – it has an alluring open back and is made from smooth ribbed-knit that hugs your figure. Pair it with Savette’s timeless ‘Florence’ clutch from our NET SUSTAIN edit, plus a berry-stained lip to match Neous’ glossy red ‘Arneb’ slingbacks. Finally, pop in YSSO’s knotted gold-plated earrings – from the brand’s collaboration with model Danielle Copperman – to complete a sophisticated evening ensemble.
Oversized tailoring
Oversized tailoring delivers easy sophistication with a touch of non-traditional irreverence that makes it undeniably cool. To avoid anything that looks too corporate, seek out slouchier shapes and contemporary details – Burberry’s asymmetric wool blazer and pants may appear to be all business, but not when styled with a lace camisole underneath and heels. Finish with Alaïa’s burgundy suede ‘Le Teckel’ clutch and a diamond-encrusted ring by Nikos Koulis – the sculptural shape is the perfect complement to a suit.
City-hall venues
City-hall ceremonies are an opportunity to embrace sleek separates such as Galvan’s satin two-piece – the slinky ‘Ischia’ camisole and gathered ‘De Lovie’ skirt are super-flattering, not to mention timeless. Complement the shimmering bronze shade with Bottega Veneta’s burgundy intrecciato-leather ‘Concert Pouch’ (another NET SUSTAIN highlight) and finish with sculptural gold earrings. Since the reception and after-party will likely be held elsewhere, a shoe comfortable enough to walk in from one venue to the next is a must, making Aeyde’s kitten-heeled ‘Liz’ pumps a worthy investment.
Wedding-ready rentals
A diary full of weddings can often make us feel as though we need a different outfit for each event. That’s why there is no better reason to start using NET-A-PORTER’s rental offering, which gives you the chance to rent runway pieces and items from your favorite brands. Powered by rental platform Hurr, NET-A-PORTER’s hand-picked rental edits feature everything from floral-print midi dresses to designer It-bags.