6 wedding guest outfit trends for 2026

Choosing what to wear to a wedding can be one of the most challenging wardrobe decisions of the year.

From negotiating dress codes to balancing style and practicality, guests are often expected to find an outfit that works from day to evening, across different settings and in unpredictable weather.

This year, however, scarf-draped necklines and soft feather trims are leading the trends, and so here’s what to wear for a spring/summer 2026 wedding, without upstaging the bride.

Forget piling on jewellery, this season your dress is doing the accessorising for you.

ASOS Design’s senior womenswear designer Sarah Buchanan says one of the standout trends is built directly into the garment itself.

“Necklaces are no longer the only accessory for your neck; dresses with scarves are the trend of the season.

“There is something incredibly chic and romantic about long fabric draped around your neck and over your shoulder,” she says.

This extends to high necklines and floaty cape details, which give an elegant alternative to more traditional strapless or plunge styles.

The result is a look that feels elevated for a formal setting, while still looking effortless.

Nobody’s Child Light Blue Floral Satin Oceane Maxi Dress, £140
“ People often associate maximalism with patterns, but it can also be expressed through shape and silhouette,” says Buchanan.

Structured bodices, soft gathering and layered fabrics can transform even a simple colour into something striking.

Luxury stylist Angela Kyte says that balance is key.

“It’s about one focal point […] it could be a bold print, a strong colour or a sculptural detail but everything else should stay quite clean.”
In practice, this means letting one standout element lead the outfit, whether that’s a dramatic sleeve, an asymmetric neckline or subtle embellishment, while keeping accessories and beauty understated.

Mango Asymmetrical Dress with Scarf, £109.99
While fur was the dominant trim for 2025, feathers became one of the standout trends at Paris Fashion Week.

“Feathers are definitely coming through, but not in an over-the-top way,” says Kyte, “it’s more subtle, like a soft trim on a sleeve or hem that catches the light when you move.”
This lighter touch makes them particularly perfect for occasion wear, giving texture and movement without overwhelming the look.

You can try the trend with delicate feather cuffs on a midi dress or a feather-trim hem paired with a simple silhouette.

Coast Feather Trim Satin Maxi Dress, £129, Warehouse
4.

Polka dots, florals and bright colours
Florals remain a wedding staple, but every season there’s a certain way to rework and elevate them.

“A dress with a romantic, vintage-inspired floral print is a completely timeless choice,” says Buchanan.

“You’ll wear it again and again and it will still feel relevant.”
Polka dots are also sticking around, though they’re appearing in bolder iterations than last year.

“Expect oversized dots and more playful colour combinations, like brown and blue,” says Buchanan.

Alongside prints, colour is taking a brighter turn, away from the muted mochas and butter yellows of last year.

Buchanan says apple green is a standout shade for the season – a bold, high-impact hue that works particularly well in fluid, light-reflecting fabrics.

Meanwhile, Kyte says pastels like pistachio, apricot and powder blue are a good, more understated alternative.

Opting for more overt colours is always a safe choice “you should still avoid bridal styles and the colour white, or anything too similar like cream or pale lilac,” says Buchanan.

Ultimately, if you’re in doubt about champagne or butter yellow, maybe opt for a bolder colour or a lighter shade with a vivid print.

Abercrombie & Fitch Bra-Free V-Neck Slip Midi Dress, £72
Ro&Zo Athena Green Floral-Print Tie-Detail Dress, £179
“ One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to opt for a versatile pair of mules,” says Buchanan, “wedge mules are a stylish and comfortable choice that’s becoming increasingly popular.”
Luckily wedge heels are one of the biggest shoe trends this season.

They’re particularly suited to outdoor settings – from countryside venues to coastal ceremonies – where traditional heels might struggle on grass or uneven ground.

For more formal ceremonies, strappy metallic sandals or slim heels are a great choice.

Office Melissa Ankle Tie Espadrille Wedges Natural, £55.99
“Bags no longer need to be boring […] they’re one of the most effective ways to elevate an outfit,” says Buchanan.

From beaded bags to woven textures, a standout clutch can boost even the simplest look.

Investing in a seasonal clutch can be one of the best ways to change your look.

“You can wear it again and again,” Buchanan adds, “and it becomes your signature.”
Accessorize Polka Dot Beaded Bag, £31.50 (was £45)