As a wedding guest, choosing the right dress can be tricky. You want an outfit that is appropriate for the occasion, complements the bride, and makes you feel confident and comfortable. A line dresses are a versatile and flattering option perfect for a wedding.
With their cinched waist and flowing skirt, A line dresses are figure-flattering and elegant. They come in a variety of styles, colors, and fabrics, so you’ll have no trouble finding one that suits your taste. And as an added bonus, A line dresses photograph beautifully!
Key Features of A Line Dresses
Let’s explore why A line dresses make excellent choices for wedding guest attire:
Universally Flattering Silhouette
The signature A line silhouette features a fitted bodice that flares out from the natural waist into a skirt with a hem that is wider than the shoulders and hips. This shape flatters nearly all body types by accentuating the waist and camouflaging wider hips.
Variety of Styles
A line dresses come in endless styles. Choose from knee-length, tea-length, maxi, sleeveless, cap sleeve, lace, chiffon, satin, solid colors or prints. This versatility makes it easy to select an A line dress that aligns with your personal style.
On Trend
The A line silhouette is a timeless style that regularly tops best dressed lists. An A line never goes out of fashion. Whether the trend is bold prints, pastels, midi lengths or off-the-shoulder necklines, A line dresses adapt seamlessly to current fashion preferences.
Wedding Appropriate
A line dresses toe the line between casual daywear and formal eveningwear perfectly. They are dressy enough for special occasions without going over the top. Hemlines and necklines can be adjusted for differing dress codes. Fabrics range from casual cottons and linens to more formal satins and chiffons.
Guidelines for Selecting an A Line Dress for a Wedding
Keep these tips in mind when shopping for the perfect A line dress to wear to an upcoming wedding:
Consider the Time of Day
Morning and afternoon ceremonies call for daytime dress silhouettes and fabrics. Knee length hemlines, casual lightweight fabrics, and subtle accessories are best for daytime nuptials. Evening weddings require more formal floor length gowns in luxe fabrics with sparkling jewelry and shoes.
Mind the Dress Code
The couple’s requested attire sets the boundaries for guest outfits. Black tie optional means full length gowns and tuxedos. Beach casual may call for sundresses and sandals. When in doubt, err on the side of slightly overdressed rather than too casual.
Complement the Color Scheme
Find out the wedding colors and avoid wearing those exact shades. However, coordinating or contrasting colors are great options. Dusty blue works nicely for a wedding featuring navy blue tones. Blush pink flatters a coral and peach color palette. This shows you put thought into your outfit.
Plan Ahead
Give yourself adequate time to shop for the perfect A line dress. Start looking a few months in advance online and in stores. Order early to allow time for tailoring and shipping. Give yourself a couple dress options in case you need a backup.
Accessorize Thoughtfully
Tasteful accessories polish off your wedding guest ensemble. Strappy heels dress up a midi length A line while a cropped jacket adds coverage for outdoor or places of worship. Statement earrings and a sparkling bracelet amp up the glam factor.
A Line Dress Styles for Common Wedding Dress Codes
Not sure what to wear? Here are some fail proof A-line dress options for popular wedding dress codes:
Black Tie Optional Wedding
A formal floor length A line gown with a luxe fabric like satin or chiffon is ideal for black tie optional. Try a sleeveless style with an open back detail. Accessorize with embellished evening shoes, a beaded clutch and elegant jewelry.
Beach Casual Wedding
Bring a breezy vibe to a beach wedding with a lightweight A line sundress featuring tropical prints or nautical stripes. The hem can hit anywhere from above the knee to tea length. Add strappy leather sandals and a rattan handbag.
Garden Wedding
A floral print A line dress complements an outdoor garden wedding perfectly. Look for a knee length hem in a cotton, linen or chiffon fabric. Neutral platform heels and a straw hat maintain the garden vibe.
Rustic Wedding
Embrace the rustic setting with an A line dress in a solid color featuring eyelet details, lace trim or subtle patterns like gingham. Tea length hems keep things casual. Finish it off with cowboy boots or block heel sandals.
Where to Shop for A Line Dresses
Here are some excellent retailers carrying a wide variety of stylish and affordable A line dresses perfect for a wedding:
Department Stores
Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Lord & Taylor house entire dress departments brimming with A line dresses in all lengths, fabrics and colors. Department store brands like Tahari, Calvin Klein and Adrianna Papell offer chic dresses at reasonable prices.
Special Occasion Retaillers
Stores like David’s Bridal, BHLDN and ASOS specifically cater to special event dressing. Shop evening gowns or more casual daytime dresses in sizes 00 to 30W. Many offer custom sizing as well.
Rental Services
Rent the Runway pioneered designer dress rentals delivered right to your doorstep. Other popular rental sites like Nuuly and Le Tote make it affordable to temporarily borrow expensive dresses. This allows you to stand out at a fraction of retail prices.
In Conclusion
The universally flattering A line silhouette adapts well to casual daytime sundresses or formal evening gowns. With options spanning fabrics, prints, lengths and sleeve styles, wedding guests can easily discover an A line dress aligning with their size, taste and the wedding style. Accessories take the outfit to the next level. So embrace this versatile, on trend dress shape that photographs attractively on all body types.
