Issue 69. My summer wedding guest formula
(featuring pieces you can wear over and over)
For the last few weeks, I’ve been gleefully figuring out what I’ll wear to weddings this summer—and I finally cracked it!
Spending a lot of time online means I’ve seen plenty of inspiration and have a clear vibe in mind. The challenge? Getting that look with pieces I already own, rather than giving in to the (very tempting!) urge to buy an entirely new look.
In case you’re new here, I’m not a professional stylist, just someone figuring it out alongside you. Let’s get into it!
I’m craving maximum versatility this event season
I read in Indyx’s State of the Wardrobe report that dresses are the least worn items in people’s closets. I think we know why. We’re buying ‘event’ specific dresses that are too fancy or uncomfortable for everyday life. I’ve certainly done it! But is there a better way?
Then, while scrolling back through
’s Instagram archives, I found an incredible post about buying maximally versatile pieces for vacation dressing. In general, great suggestions, very logical, yet somehow it took me years to decide to stop buying boldly printed dresses.
So I wondered: Could I apply Angie’s approach to the semi-formal weddings I’m attending this summer?
Below, I’m sharing four types of dresses that can be styled up or down, plus what to pair them with, and what I’ll likely wear myself.
The solid, neutral dress
Certainly the most traditionally ‘formal’ of the bunch, this is my personal *ideal* wedding guest outfit.
The only trouble? I would personally need to buy a brand new dress, shoes and bag to bring my vision to life. So, a great place to start the conversation if not end there!
WHY IT WORKS: The dress has a simple shape and color, ready to be livened up by an unexpected handbag and of-the-moment sandals. And, because it’s not an Event Dress, it can also be styled for day with a skin-tone sandal and tote bag. This is basically the type of outfit the Moosgaard sisters or Abisola Omole would wear and I want ALL of dat. Here’s my event-wear Pinterest board for reference. It’s quintessential
.
The cotton dress
The type of dress I thought I could never wear to a fancy event because they seem so casual. But, is that true?
HOW TO DO IT: Look for a midi or maxi length in an 'evening' color like navy, black, taupe, olive, or even hot pink and pair with very fancy shoes.
I have a similar pair of clear heels purchased years ago, which are so fancy that they elevate even the simplest cotton dress (up to XL) by proxy. Really, any heeled open-toe sandal will do, but I wouldn’t recommend a pump, that might be too structured for a summery wedding. A funky clutch adds texture, dimension, and communicates that you know you’re at an event, not the grocery store.
You already know how to style this dress for day, but in case you’re looking for a sandal or a denim jacket (up to XL)!
The red dress
I don’t wear red, but if I did…
WHY IT WORKS: The bold color makes a big statement, while the simple silhouette doesn’t read “event” when paired with flats and a large contrasting tote. For the more formal event, pair with a matching red heel to double-down on the formality, and a fun structural bag that is just as great with jeans.
The floral Event dress
The dress that’s already in my closet—and maybe yours too. We love it, it fits, but how do we make it feel fresh again this season?
Truth be told, I don’t totally feel like wearing my floral midi dress this year, but I already have it and I have no desire to re-sell it. So, how are we livening it up? Enter: the unexpected handbag. This bag *should* clash. (I’m buying this one). The clashing bag’s job is to tone-down the girli-ness of a floral dress. Add a strappy skin-tone heel and simple earrings: set.
Should we wish to maximize the versatility of this dress, we can throw on flat sandals and an oversized denim jacket for a casual dinner. Might as well bring the unexpected handbag again! Tons of other bag, shoes, etc, options here.
A quick funky bag round-up, because I think a fantastic bag could be a more versatile and impactful purchase than a statement dress. The texture, nuanced color and detail of these bags will add just the right amount of edge to a summer wedding look. Shop all my picks here (most don’t have affiliate payouts)
So, what do I actually think I’ll be wearing to weddings this summer?
Throughout the options above, I sprinkled in the pieces I already own and would like to re-style this season but specifically:
The floral dress I’ve worn to many weddings already, reimagined for this year with a simple bangle, clashing bag, and nearly invisible heels
Or a cotton tank dress I bought for casual summer days, but think I can dress up!
Or last but not least, if I decide to buy one of the navy dresses:
and, I expect to be able to wear the clutch more casually too:
You made it to the end! I loved putting this together and hope it gave you some ideas for dressing up (without starting from scratch) this wedding season.
PS - I tried on the orange dress I linked above, and it is GOOD (and comes in more colors - up to XXL)!
Let me know in the comments, what are you re-wearing this wedding season?
Thank you for reading Intuitive Style. Your readership, likes, shares and comments mean so much to me. You can shop my *highly curated* recs here, and listen to the Intuitive Style podcast on Substack here or on Spotify here. If you choose to upgrade to a paid membership, a portion of your payment will go directly to the Stop Child Labor Coalition.
xx, M
Funny enough, that post from Angie was one of the first times I found her and I thought it was such a brilliant way to show how to create versatility in a dress. I LOVED this visual exercise you did and- obviously- loved the Midimalist shout out. That red dress on you is GORGEOUS.
I just came across this post and it's including so many styling ideas I have for the two weddings I'm attending this summer (funky bag is a must!). Love the red dress on you, too!