To me summer formal means formal, but with considerations for the weather. So you might wear a flowy, sleeveless maxi dress instead of a bodycon satin dress to stay cool, and your friend might wear a linen suit (with tie) instead of a wool or polyester one. Answer from Deleted User on reddit.com
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/weddingattireapproval › “formal summer” attire but it’s going to be 95°
r/Weddingattireapproval on Reddit: “Formal summer” attire but it’s going to be 95°
January 18, 2025 -

My husband and I have been invited to a wedding, and the dress code is “formal summer.” However, this wedding will be outdoors and it is going to be around 95° and very humid. Do you think my husband is still expected to wear a full suit with a jacket and everything? I know I can find a strappy formal dress and hopefully stay cool, but I don’t want him sweating to death, and I don’t really think it’s fair to expect men to wear jackets in this kind of heat. What is the etiquette here?

🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/malefashionadvice › advice for summer wedding wear
r/malefashionadvice on Reddit: Advice for summer wedding wear
May 28, 2024 -

What are you wearing to a wedding this summer? I've got a wedding in mid-July that I'll be attending (as a guest, not in the wedding party), and am trying to figure out what to wear. Any advice/guidance/recommendations on styles or places to look?

There are two main events that I need help with - the reception and the ceremony itself. The dress code is described as "cocktail attire" and "summer formal" respectively. For more context, this wedding will be in upstate New York in the Adirondacks/Tupper Lake area with a relatively affluent crowd.

I've been wanting to update my closet anyway, so let's say I need a full set for both nights, but shoes not included. I'm not on a shoe-string budget, but I'm also not looking to blow out my budget. Let's say around $500 total, no more than $1000, but I'm not married (badum tss) to that number if it needs to move around.

🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/weddingattireapproval › summer wedding, women's non dress options
r/Weddingattireapproval on Reddit: Summer wedding, women's non dress options
February 18, 2025 -

Family wedding in a historic mansion, indoor/outdoor event, summer. Dress code is formal, website says "Formal attire is preferred. We never get to get all dolled up anymore so let’s go all out!! Dress to impress babes Please refrain from wearing green or brown."

I am a woman who refuses to wear a dress or skirt for personal reasons, so I'm looking for appropriate formal wear that is NOT a dress. I am also on a limited budget. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/weddingattireapproval › level of formality appropriate for "summer formal" wedding this weekend?
r/Weddingattireapproval on Reddit: Level of formality appropriate for "summer formal" wedding this weekend?
February 2, 2024 -

The wedding dress code is "summer formal" and for women specifically reads "Tea or full-length dress or gown." I'm thrown off by the distinction between dresses and gowns, and had to Google (have never encountered "gowns" in a dress code, nor have been to a wedding this formal). Is this dress (Baltic Born Kia Kimono Maxi Dress in Dusty Blue Floral) ok? For context, the code for men is "Linen, light, or dark suit and tie". Time frame: evening wedding starting 4:30pm.

Any recommendations for bumping up dressiness welcome, if needed. Thank you for any pointers! Want to be a good guest and blend in!

https://preview.redd.it/2cak93p32y8d1.png?width=1026&format=png&auto=webp&s=271e21ebe27a6182f1ad855bfebf0d0308a83a37

Edit: THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for saving me from sticking out in a not great way, I learned so much about this dress code! Lol.

🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/fashionwomens35 › formal wedding guest attire
r/fashionwomens35 on Reddit: Formal wedding guest attire
March 1, 2023 -

I’m having a hell of a time shopping for a formal dress for a late summer wedding. I’m tall and will not be wearing heals. I prefer midi length but it doesn’t feel as formal.

I have no idea what brands or shops are legit, outside of department stores. I feel like the formal dress section of online shopping for most department stores is either old lady dresses or slits up to my crotch!

How can I find something I’ll feel comfortable eating, drinking and dancing in while looking somewhat on trend or timeless? I’m thinking something Simple and not too tight around the stomach.

This is my first formal wedding, I usually like funky patterns but that doesn’t seem appropriate.

What online stores do you trust? What dresses have you bought that you liked? Got any formal closed toed flat suggestions? Any advice for this lost soul?? Help?!?!

🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/mensfashion › "summer formal" wedding attire for a guest
r/mensfashion on Reddit: "Summer formal" wedding attire for a guest
September 20, 2024 -

I've been invited to a wedding in Atlanta in early June. The invitation specifies "summer formal attire". The wedding and cocktail are outdoors (weather permitting) and the reception is indoors.

I will need to buy a suit for this, since I don't have anything that fits the bill (I just bought a nice, black suit, but alas...). I'd like to save some money, so I'm considering options from either Zara (example) or Uniqlo (example).

A couple of questions:

  1. Do you think that those examples are appropriate for a summer wedding?

  2. What are appropriate footwear options to go with those suits?

  3. I'm assuming I should wear a tie. Any recommendations for a particular style?

About me: 40 y/o, tall, slim, live in France (potentially relevant for store options and for the potential excuse for showing up looking silly, "oh, he's french...")

Merci beaucoup in advance for your help!

Find elsewhere
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r › Weddingattireapproval
WeddingAttireApproval
March 7, 2020 - I have body shape that's awfully hard to dress for, and this is the only dress so far that seems formal enough and is flattering on me. But I'm worried about the "only the bride wears white" rule given the bodice. I figure the dress is still 85% pink, so it might be ok? If you saw the sister of the groom at a wedding in this dress, would you consider it inappropriate?
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/weddingattireapproval › can someone post examples and explanations of the different dress codes?
r/Weddingattireapproval on Reddit: Can someone post examples and explanations of the different dress codes?
December 6, 2024 -

I’m just curious! Y’all have some great advice and I have really enjoyed reading the comments and learning.

After watching for a while, I still don’t totally get which dress code means what and the order from casual to the most dressed up.

I googled, but it was kinda confusing. 🫤 Would love to learn from y’all if you happen to have a few moments!

Thank you. 😊

Top answer
1 of 12
7
At your service!! I’ll post a bunch. I’m a wedding planner/ SAHM so it’s a passion of mine. These are for the USA dress codes. I can’t speak to the other countries but maybe someone can do another post. White-Tie: This is the most formal wedding attire possible (think: White House state dinners and royal events). Simply put, women should wear a formal, floor-length evening gown—no exceptions—with jewelry, heels, and an elegant clutch. Men are required to wear a tuxedo with tails, a formal white shirt, a vest, a bow tie, white or gray gloves, and formal footwear, such as derby shoes or oxfords. Black-Tie: A step down from white-tie attire, black-tie dress codes usually indicate a formal, evening event. Women should wear a floor-length gown that does not reveal the ankles, in sumptuous fabrics like silk and organza. If the wedding seems a bit less formal, however, a sophisticated cocktail dress might be acceptable, but be sure to consult with the bride first. Additionally, it’s okay for women to sport elegant pantsuits if they’re more comfortable with that specific silhouette. As for men, tuxedos are a must. Formal or Black-Tie Optional: As the wording here suggests, this dress code is slightly less formal than a black-tie wedding. So, a tuxedo isn’t required, but can still be worn if preferred. If opting for a suit, however, a formal dark suit, white shirt, and a conservative tie are acceptable. For women, the outfit choices remain the same: a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit. In fact, there isn’t much of a difference between black-tie and black-tie optional, although Mae says it’s more acceptable to wear a dress that shows the ankles (which is not true of a black-tie dress code). Cocktail: A small step above semi-formal (which we’ll get to next), cocktail attire is an extremely popular choice within the wedding space. It’s a balance between elegant and comfortable and fancy and pared-back. Instead of a floor-length dress, women should opt for a tea-length, knee-length, or midi look. And while tuxedos are no longer an option, men are required to wear a suit and tie, regardless of the wedding’s setting. Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual: Part of dressing for a semi-formal or dressy casual wedding is paying close attention to when the ceremony will take place. For evening events, darker, more formal colors are recommended, while light colors and airy fabrics work best for daytime affairs. Women can wear below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, a dressy skirt and top, or an elegant pantsuit (styled with heels, nice wedges, or formal flats). As for men, opt for a dress shirt and slacks, with the option to wear a tie. “Semiformal gives you flexibility on comfort, but be sure not to dress too casually,” Mae adds. Casual: Casual attire will typically indicate that the wedding is being held outdoors or on the beach, meaning the event will be much more laid-back. With that said, jeans, shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, flip-flops, and sneakers are absolutely not appropriate unless specified by the couple. Women can wear a summer sundress or a floral patterned mini, with wedges or dressy sandals. Men should choose to wear dress pants or khakis paired with a collared shirt, with the option to also style their look with a tie or sports jacket. Tropical or Destination: Since tropical weddings are usually humid and hot affairs, you should be mindful of what you choose to wear and lean into lightweight fabrics and airy silhouettes. What’s more, always err on the dressier side of caution, and if you’re questioning whether your look is appropriate, check with the bride. As with a casual wedding, women should look for cotton sundresses and nice sandals or wedges. If the wedding is being held outside and the weather is blazing, consider topping the look off with a sunhat. For men’s attire, guayabera shirts are wonderful for the tropics. Known more commonly as “Mexican wedding shirts,” these short-sleeved, button-down tops usually have decorative square pockets and some form of embroidery.
2 of 12
4
Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual Part of dressing for a semi-formal or dressy casual wedding is paying close attention to when the ceremony will take place. For evening events, darker, more formal colors are recommended, while light colors and airy fabrics work best for daytime affairs. Women can wear below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, a dressy skirt and top, or an elegant pantsuit (styled with heels, nice wedges, or formal flats). As for men, opt for a dress shirt and slacks, with the option to wear a tie. “Semiformal gives you flexibility on comfort, but be sure not to dress too casually,” Mae adds.
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/weddingattireapproval › which dress for a summer formal/cocktail outdoor wedding
r/Weddingattireapproval on Reddit: Which dress for a summer formal/cocktail outdoor wedding
January 19, 2025 -

I’m 4-5 inches shorter than the models so the dresses will be closer to ankle length on me.

I’m leaning towards the first dress (it’s a jacquard fabric and the review pics look nice). I personally don’t like satin, and I’m trying to stay under $150.