Key Takeaways
- Festive attire combines elegance with personality, so choose bright colors and bold prints while staying polished.
- Women should experiment with vibrant dresses, jumpsuits, or separates, and pair them with standout jewelry and accessories.
- Men can wear well-tailored suits in jewel tones or patterned fabrics, with colorful ties and accessories for flair.
While some wedding dress codes are simple to decipher, others can be a bit more challenging to figure out. “Festive attire often falls into the category of, ‘What does that mean exactly?’” says Lizzy Polden, a fashion stylist and founder of Agency Eight. “Are we talking semi-formal? Dressy casual? Cocktail chic? This dress code can be confusing.” If the invitation doesn’t offer up a more specific explanation on what to wear, it's acceptable to contact the couple or their wedding coordinator for clarification; most brides and grooms appreciate guests wanting to get the attire right—and asking ensures you’re in line with their preferred aesthetic for the big day. However, before you reach out to the soon-to-be newlyweds for their definition of festive attire, consider turning to the experts for assistance.
“Festive attire is a dress code that marries the elegance of cocktail and semi-formal dress codes but with a bit more personality,” says Corinne Pierre-Louis, a bridal stylist. “It encourages guests to play with brighter colors, bolder prints and statement accessories, while still looking polished and put together.”
Below, Polden, Pierre-Louis, and other expert stylists offer advice and guidelines on how to interpret a festive dress code, as well as suggestions on what to wear to such a celebration.
What Is Festive Attire?
Festive attire requires a cheerful—yet polished—appearance. “It usually strikes a balance between casual and formal, encouraging guests to dress in a way that reflects the celebratory nature of the occasion but without going overboard,” says Polden. “Festive attire invites guests to show off their personal style.” Compared to other dress codes, which can tend to be a bit more prescriptive, festive attire allows for more flexibility. “This dress code can be defined as tastefully experimental,” says Danielle Paul, a senior stylist at Angel Rivera Atelier. “It infuses fun with flair and embodies the spirit of the celebration.”
What to Wear as a Guest
Some modern couples opt to share seasonal mood boards as a visual depiction of their dress code. However, regardless of whether you have such guidance or not, consider the time of year when selecting your ensemble. “In spring and summer, reach for light, breezy fabrics, such as chiffon and silk and vibrant colors and floral prints,” says Pierre-Louis. “For fall, embrace the transitional mood with earthy tones, subtle prints, and a mix of both lighter and layered pieces to accommodate unpredictable weather. Come winter, lean toward richer textures like velvet or brocade, and consider layering deep, jewel-toned hues like emerald, burgundy, or navy for both warmth and style.”
Photo by Nirav Patel Photography
Festive Attire for Women
Festive attire provides an opportunity to experiment with bright colors, interesting patterns, and unexpected textures. Choose a cocktail, midi, or mini dress—or turn to a jumpsuit or stylish separates—in a vibrant color or print with whimsical details like sequins, ruffles, puffy sleeves, bows, or feathers.
“Accessorize an outfit with standout statement jewelry like chandelier or drop earrings, a bold necklace, or a stack of bracelets,” Pierre-Louis says. “A few well-chosen rings or a large, single cocktail ring can add a touch of sparkle without overwhelming a look. Consider a stylish clutch in a coordinating metal or contrasting color.” Micaela Erlanger, a celebrity fashion stylist based in New York City, suggests considering a luxurious fabric, such as velvet, jacquard, satin, or lace. Elevate the look with strappy sandals, pumps, block heels or embellished flats. “For fall or winter, I love a metallic pleated skirt and a bold colored top paired with a dainty metallic heel and mirror tile bag,” Paul says. “For spring or summer, you can’t go wrong with a sleeveless silk dress in a color like canary yellow with a gold ballet flat.”
Photo by Adovasio Photography Studio
Festive Attire for Men
A well-tailored suit that features a jewel tone, interesting fabric, or pattern is the perfect ensemble for such a dress code. “Avoid overly formal tuxedos unless specified and skip dull or too-business-like attire—this isn’t a board meeting,” says Erlanger. If you’re wearing a charcoal-colored or black jacket, consider a dress shirt in a subtle pastel or jewel tone, and choose a tie or bow tie with a pattern or a festive color. Reach for polished leather dress shoes like oxfords, loafers, boots or monk-straps. “For extra flair, throw on a pair of patterned socks that subtly peek out,” adds Pierre-Louis. If a colored suit seems too bold, consider a bright accessory. “Add personality with a vibrant pocket square, cufflinks, or a tie clip,” says Pierre-Louis. Paul also suggests integrating a pin or broach into your look. .
What to Avoid With Festive Attire
While the dress code encourages creativity with fashion, avoid upstaging the couple or going overboard by being too gimmicky. “Keep the look refined rather than theatrical,” says Pierre-Louis, who warns you also don’t want to err on the side of too casual. “Avoid items such as polos, denim, T-shirts and sneakers. Festive does not mean relaxed everyday wear.” Finally, steer clear of white, which should be reserved for the bride, unless otherwise noted. “I would even avoid colors that photograph lightly like baby pink or blue,” says Paul. “If you question whether it’s inappropriate, it probably is.”
