Can You Wear Pants to a Wedding as a Guest? Here’s What You Need to Know

Dresses are no longer the only acceptable attire.
Three wedding guest outfits with pants
Photos, left to right: Hill House Home, Club L London, Rent the Runway
jenn barthole headshot
by
Jenn Barthole
jenn barthole headshot
Jenn Barthole
The Knot Fashion & Beauty Contributor
  • Based in New York City, Jenn Barthole is a Freelance Editor for The Knot, where she contributes fashion and beauty content.
  • Jenn also contributes wellness, interiors, celebrity, fashion, beauty, and travel content to notable publications including ELLE, Refinery 29, Domino, TripAdvisor, EBONY, Cosmopolitan and PopSugar.
  • She graduated with a major in Communications and a minor in Spanish, from Loyola University in Balt...
Updated Jul 16, 2024
We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.

The age-old question of whether women can wear pants to a wedding as a guest often sparks debate. If you're personally sick of wearing dresses, you may be asking yourself, can you wear pants to a wedding? The short answer is yes, women can absolutely wear pants to a wedding. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind to ensure you look stylish and respectful of the occasion.

To help you figure out the best types of pants to wear to a wedding and how to make them look chic, we consulted a fashion expert to give us her top styling tips. We also assembled a shopping guide with 18 pants for every type of wedding, personal style and gender expression.

Can You Wear Pants to a Wedding?

In general, wearing pants to a wedding is completely appropriate. "No matter the dress code, you can definitely wear pants to a wedding!" says bridal stylist Gabrielle Hurwitz. "The key to pulling off pants as a wedding guest is all about styling and confidence." Plus, they can serve as a flattering alternative to a dress and they're incredibly versatile. While a classic black tuxedo exudes timeless elegance, a bright, patterned pant gives your look a touch of personality. However, before rocking a dressy pant suit or polished trousers, Hurwitz says there are a few factors you should consider first.

Start by confirming the wedding's dress code by checking the invitation or wedding website for clues.

  • Formal or Black Tie Optional: "Wear a tuxedo or dark-colored suit. It doesn't need to be boring, but it should be elevated. Go with black or consider playing around with color (midnight blue or burgundy could be extremely chic) and silhouette (think: a double-breasted jacket or wide-leg trouser)," Hurwitz says.
  • Cocktail or Semi-Formal: Have more fun with playful prints, a dressy jumpsuit or a two-piece set with brighter colors or patterns. Also, "pay extra attention to the fabrics you choose. Choose silks, crepes or wools (depending on the time of the year)," says Hurwitz.
  • Casual: Wear a well-fitted pair of dress pants with a nice blouse or casual jumpsuit. Keep your look neat, stylish and comfortable in lightweight fabrics. Hurwitz says, "Unless the couple specifically asks you, leave your jeans and leggings at home."

The venue and season of the wedding can influence your outfit choice as well. Outdoor weddings, during the spring and summer, call for breathable fabrics (like linen and cotton blends) and relaxed silhouettes. While a city hotel or banquet hall will require a more polished look with structured fabrics and matching suit sets. During fall and winter, opt for richer materials and sharper silhouettes.

When wearing pants to a wedding, pay attention to their silhouette and cut as well. Tailored pants with a straight or slightly tapered leg are considered the most formal. Wide-leg or flare pants can range in formality depending on the fabric, color and styling, but tend to be semi-formal. Skinny pants can be dressed up or down so choose a dark, slim pant in a smooth fabric for an elevated look. When it comes to lengths, floor-length is the most formal—especially if it is made from a luxe fabric. Ankle length is versatile and can be styled up or down. Lastly, cropped pants tend to be the most casual.

18 Dressy Pants for Any Wedding Style

Now that we've explained all the fashion rules about how to wear pants to a wedding, it's time to start shopping! Luckily, some of our favorite places to buy wedding guest dresses like Lulus, Revolve and Abercrombie & Fitch also have great pants options. We've combed through the sites to select the most stylish guest attire options—so keep reading and choose the pants you love the most.

Flared Crepe Trousers

Safiyaa pink flared wedding guest pants
Photo: Safiyaa

When to Wear Them: An elegant, classic event at a museum

How to Wear Them: If a standard suit isn't for you, slip into these fierce, magenta flares, which are tailored to perfection. For a cohesive and formal look, pair them with the matching blazer and metallic pumps.

Size Range: 2-16

Slim Fit Utility Pant

Banana Republic slim-fit utility pant for wedding guest
Photo: Banana Republic

When to Wear Them: A semi-formal, modern wedding at a restaurant

How to Wear Them: "With a slim-fit pant, play with volume on top for a dramatic fashion moment, or keep it more body con for a more minimalist, streamlined look. Then, tie the look together with a statement belt and strappy heels," says Hurwitz.

Size Range: 0-20

High Waist Wide Leg Linen Pants

ASOS Design wide leg linen pants for wedding guest
Photo: ASOS

When to Wear Them: A semi-formal, rustic event at a vineyard.

How to Wear Them: Match the cozy charm of a rustic affair in a linen pair of trousers in an earthy tone. To make the understated pants look wedding-appropriate, don a fitted vest on top and golden accessories.

Size Range: 2-14

A-line Culottes

CH by Carolina Herrera A-line culottes for wedding guest
Photo: CH by Caroina Herrera

When to Wear Them: A dressy, preppy event at a country club

How to Wear Them: Classic weddings ooze sophistication and these timeless culottes will keep you looking classy. Style them with "open toe, heeled sandals to elongate the leg and a top in the same or a complimentary material to dress up the look," says Hurwitz.

Size Range: 2-12

Tie Waist Mesh Pants

Black tie waist mesh pants for wedding guest
Photo: Nordstrom

When to Wear Them: A casual, backyard wedding

How to Wear Them: If you're heading to a relaxed event, embrace the laid-back vibe in these fluid, mesh pants. Yes, they're ultra-comfy but the sheer fabric and statement sash make them anything but frumpy. Complete your look with a bodysuit and strappy black sandals.

Size Range: 2-12

Cropped Flare Pants

Hill House Home cropped flare pants for wedding guest
Photo: Hill House Home

When to Wear Them: A semi-formal vintage wedding at a historic home

How to Wear Them: The micro floral print and slight kick flare on these beauties have a retro appeal that fits the aesthetic of a vintage-style ceremony. Pair it with the matching top for a chic pattern-on-pattern moment.

Size Range: XS-XXL

Tailored Suit Trousers

Reiss tailored suit trousers for wedding guest
Photo: Reiss

When to Wear Them: A luxe wedding at a hotel

How to Wear Them: You can never go wrong with a dark suit in a slightly relaxed fit with a silky camisole underneath. Play up your personal style with oversized earrings and statement stilettos.

Size Range: Petite 0-14

Sequined Bootcut Pants

Abercrombie sequin pants for wedding guest
Photo: Abercrombie

When to Wear Them: A minimalist, semi-formal wedding at a museum.

How to wear them: "Since these shimmery pants make such a style statement, I'd go for the less-is-more approach. Pair them with a black blazer or with a solid-colored top (though feel free to play with texture such as a cashmere sweater or a sheer, organza blouse) and minimal accessories," Hurwitz says.

Size Range: 24-33

Ultra Wide-Leg Pants

L'Agence wide leg pants for wedding guest
Photo: L'Agence

When to Wear Them: A romantic, semi-formal garden wedding

How to Wear Them: Capture the beauty of a lush botanical garden with these oversized, flowing pants that feature a soft, bloom print. Pair it with the coordinating blouse for a gown-effect that will look dreamy amongst the floral arrangements.

Size Range: 00-18

Pleated Palazzo Pants

Pleated purple palazzo pants for wedding guest
Photo: Revolve

When to Wear Them: A bohemian wedding in a forest

How to Wear Them: You'll embody free-spirited flair in these vibrant bottoms that resemble a pleated maxi skirt. Since they are so voluminous, "balance them with a bodysuit or fitted top that you can tuck in," says Hurwitz.

Size Range: XS-L

Slim Fit Dress Pants

Slim-fit wedding guest dress pants
Photo: Kirrin Finch

When to Wear Them: A classic semi-formal event in a ballroom

How to Wear Them: Unlike typical dress pants, this menswear-inspired style is fit for a wider range of body types and gender expressions. We love this mauve tone that displays individuality and doesn't feel too stuffy!

Size Range: 0-24

Tailored Flared Trousers

Club L London flared wedding guest trousers
Photo: Club L London

When to Wear Them: A chic wedding on a rooftop

How to Wear Them: For a fresh take on a classic suit, match these flattering trousers with a halter, tuxedo-style top in the same hue. The set's structured lines, statement buttons and monochromatic palette make it upscale enough for a formal event. If red is too bold, it's also available in black and navy blue.

Size Range: 2-12

Straight Leg Printed Pants

Lulus printed straight leg wedding guest pants
Photo: Lulus

When to Wear Them: A summer wedding in the city

How to Wear Them: For a summertime wedding, "I love the idea of a matching set—it feels festive and fun," Hurwitz says. Complete the ensemble with delicate metallic accessories that won't distract from the busy print.

Size Range: XS-XL

Straight-Leg Linen Trousers

Marina Rinaldi straight leg linen trousers for wedding guest
Photo: Marina Rinaldi

When to Wear Them: A semi-formal destination beach wedding

How to Wear Them: Ideal for barefoot, seaside ceremonies, these lightweight linen pants will keep you cool in the tropical sun. Keep up the vacay vibes with an equally airy top and colorful accessories.

Size Range: 15-33

Leather Bootcut Pants

Good American black leather pants for wedding guest
Photo: Good American

When to Wear Them: A super-modern, casual event at an industrial loft

How to Wear Them: For an edgy yet sleek look, bootcut leather pants are an underrated option that will seamlessly fit the urban vibe of industrial venues. Dress them up by wearing head-to-toe black and statement silver jewelry.

Size Range: 00-30

Velvet Sequin Wide-Leg Trousers

Badgley Mischka velvet sequin wedding guest trousers
Photo: Rent the Runway

When to Wear Them: A glamorous formal wedding at a luxury hotel

How to Wear Them: For those who love all things luxe, these velvet, sequin pants by Badgley Mischka are extravagant enough for your next over-the-top wedding. The décor will be lavish and opulent, so the suit's rich fabric will deliver the perfect accent. If you want to make a less dramatic style statement, pair them with a tailored, black tuxedo jacket.

Size Range: 0-14

Silky Wide-Leg Jumpsuit

Silky wide-leg jumpsuit from Ramy Brook for wedding guest
Photo: Ramy Brook

When to Wear Them: A semi-formal hotel wedding

How to Wear Them: Elegant with an effortlessly sexy feel, this satin jumpsuit is simple yet still feels striking enough to wear to semi-formal nuptials. Yes it's pricey, but you can twist the halter neckline to wear it two ways—as a plunging neckline or crisscross over your chest.

Size Range: 00-16

Mid-Waisted Wide-Leg Trousers

Mid-waisted Saint Art black wedding guest trousers
Photo: Saint Art

When to Wear Them: A modern-yet-casual courthouse wedding

How to Wear Them: Meeting the couple at the courthouse for a quick daytime wedding? Skip the jeans and throw on these black, swingy slacks for an easy, put-together look, that's casual and cool all at once. Plus, they'll live in your closet for seasons to come.

Size Range: XXS-XXL

Up Next
  • Where to buy women's suits for a wedding.
    Where to Buy Women's Suits for Weddings (& Beyond)