What to Wear to a Summer Wedding

If you’re like me, I always stress out when it comes to wedding attire! Short dress or long? Wedges or heels? If you’re in need of ideas, take a look at Macy’s wedding shop – they have everything you could ever need for a wedding, including all types of dresses! The outfit I’m wearing in these photos is a great example of what to wear to a formal wedding. This colorblocked fit & flare dress reminds me a little of Audrey Hepburn, I LOVE how classy it is. And these studded kitten heels look just like Valentino heels but they are less than $100! (And come in four colors πŸ˜‰ If you’re still questioning what to wear, you can go by a few of these rules:
If the invitation says “semiformal” or “dressy casual”:
Take your cues from the time of the event: if it’s past 6 p.m., wear darker, more formal colors, and opt for light colors and fabrics for a daytime event. A cocktail dress is perfect for this wedding.
If the invitation says “formal” or “black tie optional”:
This wording indicates attire slightly less formal than black tie. Your options include a long dress (although it isn’t required) and a formal cocktail dress.

If the invitation says “black tie”:
Typically, black tie functions start after 6 p.m. and are very fancy. Men should wear tuxedos,  and women should wear floor-length gowns.

If the invitation says “white tie”:
This is the most formal of all dress codes (think White House state dinners). For the ladies, a formal floor-length evening gown, and for men, a tuxedo and long black jacket with tails.
Once you’ve nailed down the attire, you can’t forget about the wedding gift! When you shop a couple’s registry at Macy’s, you can take $20 off your next purchase of $50 or more. You can find more details about Macy’s “give a gift, get a gift promotion” here! I’ve linked up a few of my favorite gifts below.
WEDDING GIFT IDEAS FROM MACY’S:

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*Thanks to Macy’s & ShopStyle for sponsoring this post

Leave a Comment

40 Comments

  1. I'm surprised that you choice a predominantly black dress for a wedding post! I may be traditional, but my Southern mother always said, "Never wear black to a wedding, or you'll curse the bride" — and that stuck with me! Weddings — especially in the summer – call for color!!!

    But, I LOVE the dress — very classy and elegant, just not for a wedding.

    6.16.16Reply
    • Oh really!? I grew up in a Southern home and have never heard of that rule πŸ™‚ I think black is so elegant and really dressy – and it's fine for a wedding after 6 p.m.!

      6.16.16Reply
  2. You look gorgeous! So classy I love it!

    6.16.16Reply
  3. Such a pretty dress on you! Perfect for a wedding.

    xo, Annie

    6.16.16Reply
  4. This is so pretty and I have a dress like this so I'll have to wear it to a wedding if I have any coming up plus I never thought to wear pearls to make it vintage looking.

    Jackie | fashionxfairytale |

    6.16.16Reply
  5. Love your outfit! I think it's perfect and I love the little clutch!

    http://sequinsinpink.blogspot.com

    6.16.16Reply
  6. Absolutely love that dress on you, it is so classic! Also love the large pearl necklace, it is so fun.

    Ashley
    MyWellDressedLife.com

    6.16.16Reply
  7. Such a classic look, I really like the pink cake batter appliance. My friend has it and she makes the best cakes. Have a wonderful weekend.
    XO,
    Maria
    MariaOnPoint http://mariaonpoint.com/ | Find me on IG https://www.instagram.com/mariajabad/

    6.16.16Reply
  8. OMG!!!!
    You look absolutelly stunning!
    Love how that dress fits on you.
    Emma
    http://www.emmalovesfashion.com

    6.16.16Reply
  9. This dress is perfect for a summer wedding! It is very Audrey Hepburn & I love it!!
    Kelsey
    http://www.thepeacockroost.com

    6.16.16Reply
  10. What size are you wearing?

    6.16.16Reply
  11. So beautiful and elegant!
    xoxo, http://www.piperellice.com

    6.16.16Reply
  12. This is a cute and classic dress. Love the heels with it too!

    How Gorgeous

    6.16.16Reply
  13. I absolutely love this outfit on you Caitlin! It's so cute and definitely a classic!

    xoxo,
    Katie
    chicincarolina.blogspot.com

    6.16.16Reply
  14. You look adorable in this dress! So Audrey Hepburn with a modern twist <3

    xo, Nina
    Law of Fashion Blog

    6.16.16Reply
  15. Very Audrey Hepburn like outfit, so classy and feminine!!

    http://lartoffashion.com

    6.16.16Reply
  16. So cute! Love your dress and heels:P

    Shall We Sasa

    6.16.16Reply
  17. I absolutely love this dress! Gorgeous photos and great tips!

    Kim

    http://bit.ly/265uYrt .. the best Georgetown brunch (&dresses under $40!)!

    6.16.16Reply
  18. This post is so helpful – I'm always wondering what the "dress codes" mean when I get an invitation. Thanks so much for sharing!

    xoxo,
    Bailey
    Here’s The Skinny

    6.16.16Reply
  19. Black, white and hot pink is probably THE best combination ever!!! <3

    You look so stunning.

    xo Vanessa from http://www.TheTrendique.com

    6.16.16Reply
  20. I love the black and white and pink together! Super cute.

    http://www.kristinadoestheinternets.com

    6.16.16Reply
  21. Great tips! And I love the pop of pink in your outfit!

    xo, Carey
    https://thedaintydetails.wordpress.com

    6.16.16Reply
  22. Such a darling post…i never used to want to wear black to a wedding but now I think it's super chic! your dress is darling! XO

    @stylemelauren
    http://www.stylemelauren.com

    6.16.16Reply
  23. I love that dress with the pearls!

    Her Heartland Soul
    Herheartlandsoul.com

    6.16.16Reply
  24. Omg this outfit is super cute, i'm in love!
    Please follow my new fashion inspiration blog: tfmbe.blogspot.com
    Thank you! xxx

    6.16.16Reply
  25. This dress is so gorgeous and I love your shoes as well. πŸ™‚ Perfect wedding look!

    Rachel
    Simply Rachel Nicole

    6.16.16Reply
  26. Great post! Wedding invitation dress codes can be so hard to decipher sometimes! I absolutely love that outfit you've got on, perfect for a summer wedding!

    http://www.blushandbordeaux.com

    6.16.16Reply
  27. I am in love with your posts. I really could have used the wedding info for my friend's wedding last weekend lol. I'm so inspired by your creativity and eye for cute and fashionable ideas!
    http://www.shoppingforgold.blogspot.com

    6.17.16Reply
  28. This dress is gorgeous. The comments suggest that this dress runs small and you should go one size up. Did you find this to be true?

    6.17.16Reply
  29. This dress is gorgeous. The comments suggest that this dress runs small and you should go one size up. Did you find this to be true?

    6.17.16Reply
  30. Love your black and white dress! So cute!
    -Meg
    http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com

    6.17.16Reply
  31. That dress is adorable and I love the pops of pink!

    xx Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes

    6.19.16Reply
  32. Love this post, Caitlin! The style of this look is true to your blog's name πŸ™‚

    Arum Lilea

    6.20.16Reply
  33. What a stunning look for a summer wedding! Beautiful.

    xx Kathryn
    http://www.chicandshimmer.com

    6.20.16Reply
  34. Super cute!! And I love the pop of pink! πŸ™‚

    Jordan: The Teacup of Style
    Instagram: @teacupofstyle

    6.21.16Reply
  35. Love this outfit! and this post was definitely very helpful in regards to what to wear and what to get for the happy couple.
    -Leah Pelly

    6.21.16Reply
  36. Is this at Wait Chapel!? These are such lovely pics! It rained after the hooding ceremony so I didn't get to get my final pics there πŸ™ I just graduated with my MA from Wake in psychology and I used to work at the Krispy Kreme on University Pkwy. Right before I left, we got these gorgeous white and gold glittery handmade mugs you would love! <3

    6.25.16Reply