These 5 Fuss-Free Outfits Are Perfect for Casual Weddings

Showing up to a casual wedding in full-glam attire is akin to wearing a turtleneck on a summer's day. It's uncomfortable, a little inappropriate, and you'll probably end up feeling like everyone's staring at you.

Black-tie nuptials are a great opportunity to go all-out (while being mindful about stealing the bride's spotlight), but if the invite expressly states that the dress code is casual, there's most likely a reason. Maybe it's an intimate wedding, and the venue is rustic and laid-back; a parents' back garden, for example, or the local courthouse. You hardly need to buy something new and extravagant for this brand of ceremony. That being said, there's a fine line between casual and too casual—I'm sure it doesn't need to be stated, but please don't show up in jeans and a T-shirt.

Of course, you can still dress up, but aim to keep the frills and embellishments to a minimum and stick to everyday fabrics like cotton and linen. Save the chiffon and organza for another occasion. Footwear is also important, as are the rest of the finishing touches: a cute clutch and gold jewellery get the green light, but feather-trimmed shawl and diamonte-encrusted stilettos are probably a step too far.

To get the ball rolling, we've rounded up five outfits below that we think hit the mark for a casual wedding. They're elegant, smart and refined, and we think you're going to love them.

1. Colourful Blazer + Black Trousers + Smart Shoes

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(Image credit: @louisahatt)

Style Notes: Where a full suit feels like a formal choice for a wedding, mixing and matching your tailoring will result in a more laid-back look—especially if you opt for flat shoes. You'll be grateful for them when you hit the dancefloor, too.

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2. Linen Dress + Simple Sandals

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(Image credit: @juliesfi)

Style Notes: Linen is an inherently casual fabric choice and a safe option for a no-frills summer wedding. Opt for a dress in a simple silhouette with minimal embellishment (ideally one you can see yourself re-wearing on your next holiday), and pair it with strappy sandals. 

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3. Bright Jumpsuit + Kitten Heels

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(Image credit: @naaomiross)

Style Notes: Not only is a jumpsuit easy-going, but it's also a comfortable option for a wedding. After all, they're usually day-long events. In the same spirit, do yourself a favour and choose a low kitten heel over a sky-high stiletto.

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4. Black Floral Dress + Boxy Blazer

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(Image credit: @oliviamarcus)

Style Notes: To make your dresses feel instantly more relaxed, just add a loose-fitting blazer on top. Easy peasy. Top tip: keep to a minimal and neutral palette if you're unsure of the party wedding colours.

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5. Vintage Shirt + Slip Skirt + Mules

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(Image credit: @frannfyne

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Style Notes: I love the idea of styling separates together for a wedding, particularly pieces that you'd usually wear day-to-day. A vintage shirt, for example, will feel instantly dressier if you team it with a silky midi skirt.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed Confused and Indie magazine.

A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.

In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.