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Updated Oct 14, 2024Can You Wear Pants to a Wedding as a Guest? Here’s What You Need to Know
Dresses are no longer the only acceptable attire.
Photos, left to right: Hill House Home, Club L London, Rent the Runway
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.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
