Heading to a wedding? Looking for a dress? Say “see you later” to your classic little black dress and try navy! Navy is a wonderful choice for wedding guests.
To start, let’s talk about they style of dress that makes a good wedding outfit. When it comes to weddings, you want to make sure that you follow the dress code!
A beach wedding will have a different look and feel than a formal wedding and you don’t want to show up in a formal gown for a casual affair. How do you know how casual or formal to go? Start with the invitation!
What to Wear to a Wedding
The wedding invitation will help you to get an idea of what to wear. For example, if it’s a beach wedding you’ll want to be sure to steer clear from heels or super formal dresses.
If the wedding begins in the morning or early afternoon it is likely more casual. If the wedding is in the evening it’s going to be a bit more formal and you’ll also want to be sure to have wrap or shawl in the cooler months to stay warm.
The venue will also clue you in to the attire! A fancy hotel downtown will like be a more fancy event. A wedding at a barn in the country will likely be more on the casual side.
If you’re still confused about the type of wedding it will be, just ask! Any bride (or groom for that matter) would much rather you ask about how formal or casual the wedding is rather than show up in something that doesn’t fit the scene and makes you feel uncomfortable.
A wedding guest dress should also be appropriate and never more breathtaking than the bride’s dress! While it’s unlikely you’ll know what the bride is going to wear, just be sure to not to stand out too much.
Navy Dresses for Wedding Guests
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While your personal style and body type will determine which dress is the best option for you, we wanted to get the ball rolling with a few beautiful dress options for you to see! We hope it helps you enjoy the next wedding you attend.
For Beach Weddings:
1. Halter Backless Maxi Dress
This beautiful maxi dress is a beautiful option for a beach wedding. The maxi length will keep it from blowing up on a breezy day near the ocean. The fun backless halter top style keeps it flirty and fun while the simple polka dot prints makes it a great choice for outdoors.
2. Lace Midi Dress
This dark navy lace midi dress is a classic dress that is great for a variety of weddings or special occasions (summer wedding, outdoor wedding, etc). It’s the perfect choice for a beach wedding given its modest length.
Add a shawl to protect your shoulders on very sunny days and throw on a pair of espadrilles and you’re ready to go!
Country Wedding
3. Knee Length Halter Dress
If you’re heading to a country wedding, this is a perfect option! The ruffled hem keeps it fun and flirty and the A-line fit makes it incredibly flattering. Comes with a built-in bra.
Many reviews say to email the seller to get a more customized fit rather than bring it in for alterations. That’s a huge perk!
For Winter Weddings
4. Long Sleeve Navy Dress
A winter wedding is a great place to wear long sleeves. This dress is a beautiful choice for a wedding. With its mock neck detail, this dress is one that you’ll wear over and over for all types of formal events!
For Summer Weddings
5. Ruffle Dress
Dance the night away in this fun ruffle dress! The fun detail all the way down the dress is super flattering yet fun.
For Evening Weddings
6. Off the Shoulder Dress
Have great shoulders? Show them off! This stunning popover dress shows off your stunning shoulders in a form fitting cocktail dress.
Despite being form fitting the folded over look of the dress keeps it chic and classy and wedding appropriate but also great for other special occasions in the future.
For Summer Weddings
7. Lace Knee Length Sleeveless Dress
Lace is always a great option when it comes to weddings, especially evening weddings. This fitted dress hits at the knee for a classy, chic feel. With the beautiful higher neckline all you need is a pair of beautiful earrings and heels, and you’re all set! The dress speaks for itself.
8. Sleeveless A-Line Embroidery Dress
A-line dresses are some of the most flattering dresses around, and this one is no different! This simple dress has an added embroidered accent along the waist. It also comes in a long sleeve option.
Formal Weddings
9. One Shoulder Dress
For a more formal wedding, this stunning one shoulder dress with a higher yet still approppraite slit would be perfect!
10. Long, Off the Shoulder Gown
This stunning dress looks way more expensive than it is! Wear it off the shoulders or with a higher neckline, you’ll sure to look amazing in this one!
Accessorizing a Navy Dress for a Wedding
If you’ve picked out your dress, you also need to figure out what accessories to wear. Subtle enough to keep the attention on the bride, but fun enough to make you feel great in photos.
Shoes
Not sure what color shoes to wear? I’ve got a whole blog post about it! Long story short: wear any color you feel great in! Even black can work with navy for a dressy look.
The safest options are nude, gold, or silver. You don’t have to worry about matching the shade of your dress or clashing. But if you’re feeling a little more bold (or are shopping your closet), try bright colors, red, jewel tones or even a pattern!
Jewelry
What jewelry you wear depends a bit on what color shoes you choose. If you’re wearing gold or silver shoes, you probably want to match your jewelry or thoughtfully mix silver and gold jewelry (tips here!). Pearls or rose gold can also be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Other great colors for jewelry accessories if you’re going to a more casual wedding include turquoise or mint, yellow, or coral.
Your Date
When it comes to your date, they can choose a navy suit (just be sure your dress and his suit aren’t clashing in shades of blue) or have him wear a navy tie. Regardless of what he wears, I’m certain you’ll both look great!
I hope these dresses help you in choosing a great dress for the next wedding you attend!
If you’re heading to a country or barn wedding this year and want to wear cowboy boots, check out the best dresses to wear with them!
Don’t forget shapewear! The right shapewear can help any dress look 10x more amazing!
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