Regardless of how you feel about weddings after attending a dozen in one year, there is one type of matrimonial celebration that gets everyone excited, because it’s the best excuse to pack up and leave town for a few days. We are, of course, talking about destination weddings. It’s always fun to discover a new city or region in the fun company of a large group.
Of course, an official event like a wedding requires appropriate attire — and your sundress doesn’t count. If you’re stuck on the perpetual question of what to wear, the easiest thing to do is take inspiration from the destination you’re jetting off to.
Related: 17 Travel-themed Wedding Gift Ideas for the Globetrotting Couple
Take the tropics, for example. A tropical wedding reception is the perfect opportunity to go for bold color and prints. Or if you’re flying to Paris, Rome, or another cosmopolitan city, go for a modern, polished outfit, heels, and statement jewelry.
Or if your friends are getting hitched in a rustic ceremony in the mountains of Austria, opt for a velvet dress in a dark hue. Fall is a mysterious season and the plush, smooth texture of velvet matches that vibe.
Now, peruse these gorgeous outfits that will make you the best-dressed guest at any destination wedding.
What to Wear to a Beach Wedding
A romantic wedding on the beach calls for vacation-inspired attire. This pretty off-the-shoulder dress (shopbop.com, $392) entirely fits the description. Plus, the ruffles evoke sea waves so it really is perfect. Slip on a pair of flat, yet elegant sandals (modaoperandi.com, $210) to make sure you’re able to stand in the sand. And be sure to bring a clutch (shopbop.com, $205) that’s big enough to stow your shades (nordstrom.com, $149) post-sunset.
What to Wear to a City Wedding
A modern city wedding is the perfect occasion to pull off a sleek jumpsuit like this one from Diane von Furstenberg (net-a-porter.com, $470). Keep it classy with a pair of simple black sandals (bananarepublic.com, $118) and this gorgeous gold-plated Carolina Bucci bracelet (net-a-porter.com, $550). To continue the gold theme, carry a metallic pouch like this Comme Des Garçons one (net-a-porter.com, $180).
What to Wear to a Wine Country Wedding
Whether you’re headed to California or Burgundy, one thing is certain — you’re in for a fun event because, well, wine. Choose a cute dance-floor friendly dress like this lace midi-length number in red tannin (nordstrom.com, $89). And speaking of dancing, do your feet a favor and don’t pack your sky-high stilettos. Instead, go for a pair of block-heeled slides (nordstrom.com, $150) that look elegant and will allow you to enjoy the dance floor. This color-blocked metallic mesh clutch (nordstrom.com, $90) and a pair of champagne-colored tassel earrings (baublebar.com, $36) are all you need to complete the look.
What to Wear to a Wedding in the Mountains
Fall is the perfect time of the year for a rustic celebration in the mountains so if you are attending one, we have one word for you: velvet. It’s not just trendy, but it has this coziness and warmth to it that no other fabric has. And it’s totally appropriate to wear to a wedding. We are obsessed with the deep green hue of this shoulder-baring halter-neck midi dress (nordstrom.com, $148). Go for a glitzy pair of Gucci loafers (net-a-porter.com, $870) and an embellished clutch (farfetch.com, $69). And finally, these Kate Spade earrings (katespade.com, $92) add the final touch of shine.
What to Wear to a Tropical Wedding
Tropical destinations are lush and rich in flora and fauna so why not draw inspiration from this abundance? Opt for this elegant wide-legged jumpsuit in a fun floral print (shopspring.com, $218) and a pair of classic Stuart Weitzman block-heeled sandals (zappos.com, $398). Accessorize with this beautiful Mar y Sol raffia mini clutch (shopbop.com, $35) and drop earrings by Mercedes Salazar (revolve.com, $223).
What to Wear to an Arctic Wedding
Jetting off to Scandinavia or another chilly destination this season to celebrate your friends’ union? Opt for an outfit inspired by the night’s icy surroundings like this navy slip dress by Tibi (tibi.com, $895), sparkling crystal drop earrings (matchesfashion.com, $734), and a matching metallic clutch (saksfifthavenue.com, $95). For shoes, pack a pair or pointed-toe pumps (nordstrom.com, $99) and layer a lurex turtleneck (farfetch.com, $275) beneath if you’re looking for an extra layer of warmth.
What to Wear to a Wedding in the Countryside
The idyllic and quiet countryside calls for an effortlessly chic outfit, one that really matches the relaxed surroundings, but doesn’t look too informal. And this silk A-line dress with bell sleeves by Tanya Taylor (revolve.com, $635) is a total winner in our book. Pair its vivid floral print with these blush velvet sandals (nordstrom.com, $129) and a vintage-inspired wood clutch ($498, anthropologie.com).
