As a wedding guest, finding the right dress to wear can be tricky. You want to look stylish and put-together, but not overdressed. This is where A line dresses come in. With their flattering silhouette and timeless style, A line dresses make excellent choices for wedding guest attire.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about wearing A line dresses as a wedding guest. We’ll go over:
- The benefits of an A line silhouette
- Fabric and color considerations
- How to accessorize properly
- Style ideas for every season and dress code
By the end, you’ll feel confident picking out a gorgeous A line dress perfect for any wedding celebration.
The Flattering A Line Silhouette
A line dresses are characterized by their triangle-like shape. They are fitted around the waist and flare out towards the hem, creating an “A” silhouette. This universally flattering shape accentuates the waist and flows gracefully over the hips and thighs.
Unlike pencil skirts or body-hugging sheath dresses, A line dresses are comfortable and allow freedom of movement. Their billowing skirt creates an elegant, ladylike aesthetic perfect for weddings. They are also available in a variety of lengths, from short cocktail dresses to sweeping floor-length gowns.
Benefits of an A Line Wedding Guest Dress
- Flattering for all body types: The fitted waist slims the midsection, while the skirt hides wider hips, thighs, and rear. The A line is one of the most universally flattering silhouettes.
- Allows mobility: You’ll be comfortable sitting, standing, walking, and especially dancing at weddings.
- Timeless and elegant: A line dresses have an enduring ladylike charm perfect for formal events like weddings.
- Endlessly versatile: A line dresses come in endless styles, fabrics, colors and prints to suit any wedding.
Choosing Fabrics and Colors
From breezy chiffons to structured satins, A line dresses come in a variety of fabrics. Lighter fabrics like chiffon or crepe work well for summer and outdoor weddings, while richer fabrics like velvet or brocade make luxe choices for formal winter weddings. Stretch fabrics like scuba knit or ponte knit also make comfortable yet polished options.
For color, avoid anything too close to a bridal white. Pastels, jewel tones, metallics, and neutrals make safe wedding guest dress colors. For print dresses, choose small-scale prints rather than loud, large patterns that can appear distracting. Florals, polka dots and subtle stripes all make great prints for weddings.
Recommended A Line Wedding Guest Dress Fabrics
- Chiffon
- Crepe
- Lace
- Satin
- Velvet
- Brocade
- Scuba knit
- Ponte knit
Ideal A Line Wedding Guest Dress Colors
- Pastels – blush pink, mint green, pale blue
- Jewel tones – emerald, sapphire, amethyst
- Metallics – gold, silver, copper
- Neutrals – black, white, nude, grey
Accessorizing Your A Line Dress
The right accessories can elevate even the simplest A line dress into a show-stopping wedding guest outfit. For shoes, opt for heels or wedges to balance the volume of the A line skirt. Delicate jewelry like layered necklaces or dangling earrings also enhance deep V-necks or off-the-shoulder A line dresses.
For formal black tie weddings, opera-length gloves add old Hollywood glamour. A sparkling hairpin or floral corsage at the waist lends a feminine, festive touch. And don’t forget the clutch! A sleek envelope or minaudière clutch pulls the entire look together.
A Line Wedding Guest Dress Accessories
- Heels or wedges
- Statement necklace
- Dangly or chandelier earrings
- Opera gloves
- Rhinestone or floral hair accessories
- Satin clutch or minaudière
- Shawl or pashmina
A Line Dresses for Every Wedding Style and Season
From backyard barn weddings to black tie hotel ballrooms, A line dresses work for weddings of every style and season. Here are some A line wedding guest dress ideas for various wedding themes and seasons:
Beach Wedding A Line Dresses
Breezy chiffon A line dresses with tropical prints capture the relaxed seaside vibe. Spaghetti straps and open backs keep things cool in the oceanfront heat. Neutral tones blend right in with sand and surf.
Rustic Barn Wedding A Line Dresses
Embrace farmhouse chic with flirty floral A line dresses in cheerful prints. Off-the-shoulder necklines and ruffle trims enhance the romantic, vintage-inspired aesthetic. Dusty blues, rosy pinks, and sage greens evoke pastoral charm.
Black Tie Wedding A Line Dresses
For formal hotel or country club weddings, break out the luxury fabrics. Velvet, satin, or brocade A lines make refined yet comfortable choices. Deep jewel tones like emerald green or sapphire blue channel old world elegance.
Fall Wedding A Line Dresses
Rich autumnal hues like burgundy, mustard and hunter green flatter fall foliage backdrops. Velvet A lines keep things cozy, while long sleeve options provide warmth. Metallic sheens and shimmering sequins catch the candlelight beautifully.
Winter Wedding A Line Dresses
Fight the winter chill in A line dresses with long sleeves, higher necklines and warming fabrics like velvet or brocade. Metallic sheens add festive sparkle, while jewel tones provide richness against icy white backdrops. Faux fur stoles deliver extra coziness and elegance.
Finding Your Perfect A Line Wedding Guest Dress
A line dresses make endlessly flattering and versatile options for wedding guest attire. With the right fabrication, color, accessories and style for the wedding theme, you’re guaranteed to look and feel amazing.
So next time you receive a wedding invite in the mail, look no further than an A line dress to craft the perfect wedding guest outfit!