The Top 5 Colors to Avoid Wearing as a Wedding Guest

Finding the perfect wedding guest look is no easy task—so if you're struggling to find an ensemble that strikes a balance between stylish and wedding-appropriate, don't worry, you're not alone. Not to mention, if your friend or family member has designated an unconventional dress code—island elegance, vineyard chic, seaside glam, to name a few—putting together an outfit can feel almost impossible. Before you start to get completely overwhelmed, however, there are a few style rules you can follow to help you navigate this difficult—but totally achievable!—task. Chief among them? Avoiding taboo hues.

Between wearing white, denim, and glitter, there are certain colors guests should always steer clear of when getting dressed for their loved one's big day. Your job is to help celebrate the couple entering this new life chapter after all, and the last thing you want to do is get mistaken for the bride, a bridesmaid, or even just a guest who stumbled into the wrong party. So, as you comb through your closet or scour the internet for a new ensemble, be sure to eliminate the below hues and fabrics from your list of options—lest you transgress and become that guest. Don't say we didn't warn you!

White or Ivory

Itching to wear the gorgeous white dress you just purchased? Don't do it! Though this may sound like an obvious style tip for some, most people forget (or worse, ignore) the fact that you should never wear white, ivory, or a white outfit with patterns to a wedding as a guest. Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule, like if the couple has requested an all-white attire dress code.

Champagne, Beige, or Anything Close to White

While on the topic of white ensembles, be sure to also steer clear of off-white, eggshell, beige, champagne, cream, or super light colors that could be mistaken for white. Luckily, since there are scores of dresses available in a variety of hues, you shouldn't have an issue adhering to this etiquette rule.

The Same Color as the Bridal Party

Try and do your best to find out what the bridal party will be wearing to avoid wearing an outfit that's too similar; consider consulting a member of the wedding party, another guest, or the couple if need be. If you're not able to get in touch with anyone, however, use the invitation as a way to gauge your loved one's color palette, as most couples will incorporate their big-day hues on their paper products.

Lots of Glitter

Always remember that a wedding is the couple's time to shine—not yours—so avoid wearing anything too shimmery or distracting. In other words, save the full-on sparkles for the bachelorette party or another Saturday night on the town. Instead, stick to outfits with pared-back fabrics, such as unembellished lace, chiffon, velvet, and crepe.

Denim

Even if the wedding guest dress code calls for casual, you should leave your jeans and Candian tuxedo at home. While a denim jacket may be appropriate to sport as outerwear, try opting for a leather jacket or shawl instead. Additionally, it's never appropriate to wear denim pants, skirts, overalls, and dresses for a wedding, unless otherwise noted by the couple.