To a wedding anniversary in the family you wear a polished outfit in soft, warm colours: for women a blouse with trousers or a skirt, for men a shirt with trousers and possibly a blazer. The couple is the focus. Match your outfit to the dress code and, if in doubt, ask whether certain colours are reserved. That way you are suitably dressed, whether the reception is at home, in a restaurant or in a hall.
A celebration for the couple
A wedding anniversary is a special moment for a family. It is about years together, about memories and about the people around the couple. Choose something festive that suits the location, the time and the family. Think of colours that are warm and friendly, fabrics that drape well and a cut that lets you sit comfortably during a long afternoon or evening. At a bigger anniversary guests often choose something smarter than on an ordinary family day.
First the location and the time
How formally you dress depends on the place and the moment. The table shows an indication.
| Location and time | Level | Example |
|---|---|---|
| At home, afternoon | Smart casual | Trousers with blouse, shirt with chinos |
| Restaurant, lunch | Polished | Blouse with trousers, shirt with cardigan |
| Hall, dinner | Festive | Skirt or trousers with smart top, blazer |
| Church service or ceremony | Understated | Covered shoulders, calm colours |
If you are not sure, ask the organiser. If in doubt, you can ask the organiser what level is expected.
Colours that suit an anniversary
Soft shades of blue, taupe, grey and navy are calm choices. They look elegant next to flowers and tablecloths and are lovely both in the daytime and in the evening. Deep burgundy or green works well in autumn and winter, but in May lighter shades are more beautiful. If in doubt, ask whether white, ivory or other striking colours are desired. Black is perfectly fine, depending on time and dress code.
For women: a blouse that feels festive
A blouse with a beautiful collar turns simple trousers into a festive outfit. The Rosamund in light blue is a blouse with lavallière collar and satin look of 96% acetate and 4% elastane. The light blue colour and lavallière collar give the blouse a festive detail. Wear it with the Arabelli in navy, high-waist trousers with pleats, and you have a look that works both in the daytime and in the evening. If you would rather have an extra layer for the cool moments, choose the Veronique cardigan in light blue, a fine-knit cardigan of 100% lyocell. You will find more inspiration in the Celebration collection and in the Signature Occasions for Women.
For men: a shirt that holds its shape
For men a good shirt is the basis. The Hamilton shirt in light blue is made of 100% cotton and has an Italian collar that looks neat even without a tie. Combine it with the Winston in cream, light high-waist trousers of 66% polyester, 28% viscose and 6% elastane, and a navy blazer if the occasion is more formal. That combination is soft and festive, and suits an afternoon in late spring. You will find more ideas on the Signature Occasions for Men page.
Are you the celebrating couple yourself, or the children?
As the couple, a child or a grandchild of the couple you are often more in the picture. Photos are taken, speeches are given and there is a round of all the guests. Choose an outfit you feel confident in and that looks good in photos. Plain fabrics often give a calmer picture in group photos than large prints. Wear shoes you can stand in for a long time and avoid fabrics that crease easily, because you sit and stand in the same clothes all afternoon. Also consider whether your clothes and those of the couple complement each other rather than clash: if they come in navy, you can choose light blue or grey.
Accessories and finishing touches
- Bag: small and elegant, with a strap so your hands stay free for greeting and toasting.
- Jewellery: small pieces are easy to combine.
- Shoes: women choose a closed shoe with a low or medium heel, men a polished leather shoe.
- Coat or scarf: a light layer for when you stand outside for the photos.
- Pocket square or tie: for men a lovely detail to finish the outfit.
A gift and a gesture
An anniversary is also a moment to bring something lovely. A bunch of flowers, a bottle or a personal letter can be a suitable gift, depending on the couple. Take the time to congratulate the couple personally and to share a memory. That too is part of a well-groomed appearance. Your clothes make the first impression and you do the rest with your attention.
A short checklist
- Ask about the location and the dress code if it is not in the invitation.
- Choose colours that suit the dress code and, if in doubt, ask about white or ivory.
- Iron or steam your outfit the day before.
- Bring a light extra layer for when it gets cooler.
- Pack a small gift or flowers, so you do not arrive empty-handed.
Shop the look
Rosamund: lavallière blouse, light blue
Arabelli: high-waist trousers with pleats, navy
Veronique: fine-knit lyocell cardigan, light blue
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, light blue
Winston: light high-waist trousers, cream
Frequently asked questions
What do I wear to my parents' golden wedding anniversary?
Choose a polished, festive outfit in soft colours. Women might wear a blouse with trousers or a skirt, men a shirt with trousers and a blazer. Avoid white and bright neon colours.
May I wear black to a wedding anniversary?
You can, but it is a cheerful celebration. Combine black with a light blouse or a lovely piece of jewellery, so it does not look too heavy.
Should I dress more formally than on an ordinary family day?
Usually a step more. An anniversary is a special moment, so choose a polished outfit that suits the location and the time.
Which shoes are the most suitable?
Closed shoes you can stand in for a long time. Women choose a low or medium heel, men a polished leather shoe.
