For a wedding in September, a guest wears a polished outfit in a muted or deep colour, with an extra layer for the evening and shoes that also work on grass or gravel. Always check the dress code and, if in doubt, ask whether white, ivory or very light shades are acceptable for guests. For women, a dress or a combination of blouse and skirt or trouser in blue, black or a warm autumn shade works well. For men, a shirt and trouser, with a blazer if it gets formal. Below you can read how to approach this per dress code.
Start with the invitation
The invitation tells you more than you think. If there is a dress code on it, that is the basis. If not, look at the time, the location and the wording. A ceremony at two o'clock in a town hall with a dinner afterwards is more formal than a party in a garden on a Saturday afternoon. In doubt? Ask the bride, the groom or a witness. A short question prevents an awkward moment.
Colours: what works and what does not
In September the days are still mild, but the evenings get cool. That suits colours with some depth: navy, shadow blue, grey, burgundy, brown and black. These colours fit the season well. Stick to two rules:
- White and very light shades. If in doubt, ask the couple whether these colours are acceptable for guests.
- Black. Whether all black is suitable depends on the dress code, the time and the preference of the couple.
For women: three options
A dress is one option, but a blouse with a skirt or trouser can fit just as well. Above all, choose a combination that suits the dress code and stays comfortable for a long time.
- Blouse and skirt: the Rosamund in light blue is a blouse made of 96% acetate and 4% elastane. Wear it with a black skirt such as the Rosa in black, made of polyester with elastane. Light blue and black is a polished combination for a ceremony during the day.
- Blouse and trouser: the Delphine in shadow blue suits the Daphni in black. The blouse contains bamboo, among other things, and the trouser is made of polyester with elastane. Together they form a calm outfit that you can still wear after dinner.
- Dress: choose a dress in navy, burgundy or a muted shade, at or just below the knee. For evening parties it may be longer.
You can find a complete overview of festive pieces on the Signature Occasions for women page and in the Celebration collection.
For men: shirt, trouser and blazer
For a wedding, a shirt with a trouser is the basis. The Hamilton in light blue is a shirt made of 100% cotton, and suits a trouser in a dark or muted shade, such as the Ulysses in taupe grey. Add a blazer in navy or grey for the ceremony and take it off during the party. A tie is possible, but not necessary, unless the dress code asks for it. You can find more inspiration for men on the Signature Occasions for men page.
Choosing colour by time and place
An afternoon ceremony calls for something lighter than an evening dinner. If the party is during the day and outdoors, light blue, grey blue, sand and soft earth tones work well. If it is later and indoors, you can choose deeper shades such as navy, burgundy or black. The location counts too: a castle or a country house calls for something more formal than a beach club or a farm. Look on the venue's website for photos of earlier parties. That gives you a good feel for the atmosphere.
If you stay overnight nearby, bring a second outfit for breakfast or the brunch the next morning. It does not have to be formal, but it should be polished.
Layers for a cool evening
In September the evening air starts to cool quickly, especially if the ceremony is outdoors or the party takes place in a tent. So bring a layer that is easy to wear: a fine-knit cardigan, a light jacket or a scarf. For women a cardigan over a blouse works; for men a blazer with a knitted top underneath. Leave the layer in the car or the cloakroom if it is not needed.
Shoes and practical details
- Grass and gravel: high heels sink in. Choose a block heel, a flat model or a shoe with a sturdier sole.
- Long day: bring a second pair of shoes for the evening party.
- Bag: small enough to dance with, big enough for your phone, lipstick and a few plasters.
- Creases: choose fabrics that do not crease quickly, especially if you have to travel some distance. Hang your outfit up the evening before.
As a guest, witness or family
If you are a witness or family of the couple, extra agreements often apply. Often you are asked to coordinate the colour beforehand, so that the photos look calm. If the invitation says nothing about it, send a short question before you buy. If you are an ordinary guest, match your outfit to the invitation and choose something in which you stay comfortable all day.
When is it too much?
A wedding outfit may be festive, as long as it suits the dress code. If you wear shoes you have never worn before, blisters are a quick result. So try the outfit on at home a week beforehand: sit down, bend forward and walk a bit. What pinches or slips then does not suit a ten-hour day. Also check whether your layer, bag and shoes go together in colour and style.
Overview per dress code
| Dress code | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Casual chic | Blouse with trouser or skirt | Shirt and trouser |
| Cocktail | Dress or suit in a deep colour | Blazer, shirt, possibly a tie |
| Formal | Long dress or a beautifully combined set | Suit with tie |
Shop the look
Rosamund: lavallière blouse, light blue
Rosa: skirt, black
Delphine: blouse, shadow blue
Daphni: trouser, black
Hamilton: shirt, light blue
Ulysses: trouser, taupe grey
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear black to a wedding?
Yes, black is fine, especially at a formal wedding or an evening party. Make it a little lighter with a light blouse or a piece of jewellery.
Which colours should you not wear to a wedding?
White, cream and other colours that resemble a wedding dress. Leave those to the bride.
What do you wear if the wedding is outdoors?
Choose shoes that do not sink into grass or gravel and bring an extra layer for the evening. In September it cools down quickly.
