New age weddings and quirky wedding guest dress codes: explained and decoded

New age weddings and quirky wedding guest dress codes: explained and decoded

QUIRKY WEDDING GUEST DRESS CODES EXPLAINED

Is your close friend's upcoming wedding invite giving you nightmares?

Weird or quirky dress codes many a times leave wedding guests scratching their head.
There has been a significant rise of quirky wedding dress codes.
Non-traditional dress codes have become the latest trend for new age couples. The trend started with destination weddings, with couples wanting to further capture the sense of the location or create an overall color palette that would look striking in pictures.
Many couples want to be different and want their event to stand out. This is the reason why wedding dress codes are becoming increasingly creative, theme-specific and often leaving guests with a sartorial conundrum of trying to decipher exactly what to wear. 
Be curious no more, we have researched and explained (With photos and recommendations) some of the latest experimental wedding dress code jargon just for you-
.
Dress in "California formal" - The invite says wedding guests should wear "California Formal," but what does that really mean? This suggests an elegant outdoor wedding in California—so dress to impress. 
      • He should wear: A summer suit with a shirt and formal shoes. Most gentlemen will be wearing ties. Sunglasses are a must. 
      • She should wear: A formal summer dress at tea, knee, or floor length. Makeup and hair can be natural. Many ladies will be dressed in flowing flower or print dresses with their hair down and loose. Sunglasses and a light sweater or wrap are a must. 

    Dress in "Brooklyn formal Dress code"- One can elaborate on the dress code as follows- nothing "too stuffy or too cool-for-school, nothing that is going to prevent you from getting down on the dance floor.
      • She should wear- "Sundresses, cute summer bright print dresses, same color or pattern sets" .
      • He should wear- summer suits, bowties, and stylish sneakers are all welcome.

           
          Dress in "Bohemian black-tie"  - We could literally translate this as formal boho chic look. Embroidery, tassels, busy prints and fringes all are welcome on a long maxi length dress. Ox-blood, black, reds, browns would be great dress colors unless specified otherwise.
            • She should wear- Long max dresses, long flared dress, big sleeve or embroidery dresses.
            • He should wear- velvet suit jacket, or printed brocade tie or bow tie will add drama to a regular black suit and complete the look. Interesting shoes in terms of shape or texture will also look cool.
             
            Dress in "Farmhouse chic" or “fancy ranch” attire - As the name suggests, farmhouse chic or fancy ranch would be full of sunshine and also might equate to white or light-colored clothing. The location is rustic and the look of the wedding is an homage to beautiful nature. I would recommend trying Madras check pattern maxi dresses or floral embroidered looks. You can always go for dressy separates instead of a dress as well. 
              • She should wear- Check or stripes dress in earthy tones or floral embroidered dresses or separates.
              • He should wear- Check shirt with a summer suit can look great on this occasion.
              Dress in "Coastal chic" or "Elegant Beach attire"- This will be an elegant beach wedding, so dress to impress.
                • She should wear- A formal summer sundress in citrus colors or print at tea or knee length with flat sandals. Makeup and hair can be natural or curls may also look great with some flowers. 
                • He should wear- A summer suit with a linen shirt (no ties required), linen pants (or khakis) and sandals.

                      Beach wedding guest dress
                      Dress in "Fabulous Attire"- It can be interpreted multiple ways. It means you're not restricted to black-tie, but says you gotta look good. It gives guests more leeway than "formal", and lets women dress up with "no rules. 
                        • She should wear- A dressy dress, cocktail dress, full length dress, anything that says you made an extra effort to dress up. Hair and make up should be event appropriate and heels are a must.
                        • He should wear- A formal suit, or a formal dinner jacket will look great. Bow tie, tie can be optional.

                            Dress in “Gatsby chic”- Hello 1920's, belle epoque era. Gatsby chic means glamorous so welcome shades of gold and glitter. Straight fits are great for this theme with some shimmer. Think about the movie "The Great Gatsby" featuring Leonardo Di Caprio, the hair, make up and costume can serve as the inspiration.
                                • She should wear- A short glitter dressy dress, fringed dresses with a flapper headband and matching heels. Straight pinned hair will also look good.
                                • He should wear- A formal double breasted suit with a pocket square.

                                Dress in “Summertime soiree”- Its so much more fun to get dressed up in summer. There are boundless colors, patterns and styles to choose from and it’s a great time to try something new and get creative with your outfits. Summertime soiree can be translated as a little dressier summer party. You combine simpler looks with statement earrings and shoes or wear a statement dress.
                                  • She should wear- A beautiful printed dress in colors you love, combine it with a gorgeous cane bag, kitten heels of gladiators and big loose curls.
                                  • He should wear- A linen suit in pastel color or a gorgeous jacket with jeans.

                                Sandhya Garg is a Project Runway designer. She studied and specialized in women's fashion at London College of Fashion, UK and has worked at Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Liberty London, Alice Temperley to name a few. She has her own successful resort dresses, special occasion dresses, wedding guest looks, swim coverups label. While on Project Runway Season 13, she won 2 challenges and was fortunate to show her collection at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. The brand has been featured in Marie Claire US, Ftv.com, Elle Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Vogue online to name a few. 

                                She designs limited edition high end printed spring dresses and swim coverups. Beautiful prints are inspired from around the world to be worn during travel, resort stay or cruise holidays.

                                    1 comment


                                    • Claire Haynes

                                      All the designs are amazing 👏. This collection warms my Caribbean heart. Thanks for sharing your gift!


                                    Leave a comment

                                    Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

                                    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.


                                    About the
                                    author

                                    Sandhya Garg is a Project Runway fashion designer. She studied and specialized in women's fashion at London College of Fashion, UK and has worked at Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Liberty London, Alice Temperley to name a few.

                                    She has her own successful resort wear, vacation dresses, special occasion dresses, wedding guest looks, swim coverups label. While on Project Runway Season 13, she won 2 challenges and was fortunate to show her collection at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. The brand has been featured in Marie Claire US,Workshop at Macy's, Ftv.com, Elle Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Vogue online to name a few. 

                                    She designs limited edition high end printed spring dresses, casual resort attire and swim coverups. Beautiful prints are inspired from around the world to be worn during travel, resort stay or cruise holidays.

                                    You may also like

                                    View all
                                    Dressing for a Caribbean Vacation
                                    Weekend Resort Getaways In The US