Can You Wear Red to a Wedding?
If you’re trying to pick out an outfit to wear to a wedding, you might know that it can be a challenge to find the right thing. Not only do you have to figure out any tricky dress codes or the requirements of a far-flung location, you also have to consider the many bridal etiquette rules. Some things like skipping jeans and mini dresses might be a given, but what about others where the lines are more blurry. For example, can you wear red to a wedding?
To find out how fashion insiders weigh in, we went straight to the source to find out their options. We were interested to find out that they all said red is fine in their books. Take it from them and try out a red dress for the next wedding you’re attending. And when it comes down to it, there’s only one hard and fast rule you should follow: Don’t wear white. Unless of course the bride asks you to show up in it.
Go on to see how fashion insiders are weighing in about wearing red to a wedding.
RACHEL WANG
"As long as you don’t wear white, (or off-white, cream, white sequins, white iridescent, et al.), you’re good.”
SIMONE KUHFAL
"I feel it’s acceptable for guests to wear red to a wedding if it takes place later in the evening and if the outfit has a sleek silhouette—nothing too in-your-face!”
LINDSEY MEIOJAS
"Recently [when I was] tying the knot, I was asked whether I would care if one of my guests wore red to my wedding. My wedding was intimate with all our closest friends, plus in South America where color is vibrant, so I wouldn’t mind. I want everyone to look and feel their best (hello, Instagram!). Everyone knows you’re the bride, but then again, I had all my friends wear white…”
ANNA LAPLACA
"I say red is totally fine to wear to a wedding! The only sartorial wedding guest rules I follow are never wearing, under any circumstances, any amount of white (the obvious choice) and no head-to-toe black (keep things lighthearted, please!).”
Go on to shop for our favorite red dresses for the wedding guest.
There is nothing better than a one-shoulder dress.Available in sizes 0 to 8.
Reformation starting a formalwear line is perhaps the best thing to ever happen.Available in sizes 0 to 12.
This silhouette is flattering and fashionable. Available in sizes 14W to 24W.
Accessorize this dress by wearing red shoes and using a red clutch.Available in sizes 4 to 10.
Wear your hair in a sleek bun and go with statement earrings for an effortless look.Available in sizes 2 to 12.
Keep your jewelry minimal, and let the details be the center of attention.Available in sizes XS to L.
Style this dress with statement shoes to stand out.Available in sizes 0 to 6.
Pair this satin dress with your favorite black heels. Available in sizes 0 to 10.
Show off your shoulders in this dress by wearing your hair in an updo.Available in sizes 4 to 16.
Keep your outfit simple by wearing minimal jewelry with this dress.Available in sizes 0 to 12.
This elegant and timeless dress is perfect paired with black heels.Available in sizes 4 to 8.
Show off the ruffles on this dress by wearing simple black heels. Available in sizes 2 to 14.
Show off your legs in this dress by wearing simple heels.Available in sizes 2X to 3X.
Next, find out what to wear for every fashion dress code.
This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. BeforeBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
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