The thrill of getting a save the date for a destination wedding (provided you receive it well in advance) is twofold: It’s an honor to be invited, and also, it means you’re going on a weekend getaway to a venue that actually doubles as a vacation spot. With enough time to prepare, you’ll be able to pick out the perfect dress to match the occasion—not all destination wedding guest outfits are created equal, you know.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Destination Wedding Guest Dresses
For instance: A countryside affair calls for something unabashedly feminine, and possibly floral—think, romantic ruffles and garden party-ready patterns. Perhaps you’re headed to a rooftop ceremony in a far-flung city. Keep things modern and sparkly in Prada or Tory Burch. If you’ve booked a puddle jumper to somewhere on the coast of New England, you don’t need to change your whole style to embrace prep; but it is nice to lean into the vibe with a little blue and white. Tropical getaways and beach nuptials call for palm fronds à la Johanna Ortiz or sunset-inspired prints à la Ulla Johnson. You get the picture—let the invite’s dress code lead, and then come back here for an appropriate (and wildly chic) option that will fit every theme and venue.
Ahead, here’s what to wear to the destination wedding in your calendar this year.
For the Countryside
Calling all the most important girls—Chloé, Khaite, and Ulla. Add a floral, ruffled Doên number, and you have the most ideal options for a lovely countryside affair. Just make sure to pair these with a shoe that won’t sink into the grass and you’re all set for dancing under the stars.
For City Lights
While we’re all certainly well-versed in how to dress for an evening in the city, a metropolitan wedding (even if it’s a low-key courthouse celebration) demands a little oomph. From effortlessly cool Proenza Schouler to playful Tory Burch; from sparkling Prada to sultry lace Ulla Johnson, this dress code is all about matching the glittering lights of a high-energy metropolis after dark.
For the Coast
Just because you’re invited to a New England wedding doesn’t mean you need to morph into a Kennedy at a clambake. Instead, put just a little prep in your step with colors that embrace the aesthetic of the area—like soft pastel yellows and nautical blues, care of labels like J. Crew and Jacquemus.
For a Mountain Retreat
A wedding in the shadow of a towering mountain in Aspen or Jackson Hole is absolutely glamorous; to match the mood (and the drama of the landscape) we love the idea of a dark floral by Khaite or a deep burgundy piece from Rodarte. It’s all about bringing something slightly more refined to meet the majesty of the vista.
For the Tropics
There’s no shortage of options for beautiful beachside venues—from Jamaica to Bali to every Hawaiian island. The one thing they have in common is a decidedly laid-back approach to glamour that can’t be pulled off anywhere else. Choose playful prints and airy silhouettes for your look; or, go more on the nose with a tropical pattern from Cala de la Cruz or Johanna Ortiz.
For Wine Country
Whether you’re in Sonoma or Tuscany, the vibe of a vineyard estate is equal parts rustic and refined. Those perfectly positioned rows of grapes bely the wild growth that’s constantly happening beside the on-site chateau or villa… and clearly, all of that calls for a dress with presence. Try a dark, long-sleeve floral from Agua by Agua Bendita, or cascading ruffles in a gown the color of a great cabernet by Aje.
For a Castle
We often consider destination weddings to be more laid back—unless, of course, you’re heading to a castle. Whether it once belonged to Italian nobility, a Scottish prince, or a French aristo, the point is that this is the moment to really bring it. Think: a caped number by Brandon Maxwell, something strapless and citrine from newcomer Aflalo, or a draped satin gown in the hue of royalty by Victoria Beckham.
