Purple Summer Wedding Guest Dress Styles
Choosing the perfect dress for a summer wedding can be a delightful yet challenging task. This guide explores various aspects of selecting a stunning purple summer wedding guest dress, focusing on style, color coordination, accessorizing, budget, and etiquette.
Dress Styles & Fabrics
The right dress style depends on your body type and personal preference. Here are three styles suitable for various figures, along with fabric and embellishment suggestions.
- A-line Dress: This universally flattering silhouette suits most body types. Lightweight fabrics like chiffon or cotton voile offer breathability, while silk adds a touch of elegance. Embellishments such as delicate lace or subtle embroidery would complement this style.
- Sheath Dress: A sheath dress, with its fitted bodice and straight skirt, is perfect for those who want to showcase their figure. A heavier fabric like crepe or silk would create a sophisticated look. Consider minimal embellishments, like a beaded neckline or a single statement embellishment at the waist.
- Empire Waist Dress: This style, with its high waistline, is flattering for many body types, particularly those who want to emphasize their upper body. Flowy fabrics like chiffon or georgette are ideal for an empire waist dress. Delicate beading or floral embroidery could add a touch of romance.
Shade Variations & Color Coordination, Purple summer wedding guest dress
Source: weddingfrontier.com
Purple offers a vast spectrum of shades, each impacting the overall look differently. Careful consideration of the shade and its coordination with accessories is crucial.
- Lavender: A light and airy shade, perfect for a daytime wedding. It pairs well with silver or gold accessories, depending on the wedding’s theme.
- Lilac: A slightly deeper shade than lavender, lilac offers a touch more sophistication. It complements pastel-toned accessories and delicate jewelry.
- Amethyst: A rich and regal shade, amethyst is suitable for both day and evening weddings. It looks stunning with silver or darker-toned accessories.
- Plum: A deep, moody shade, plum is ideal for an evening wedding. It pairs well with gold or bronze accessories.
- Eggplant: A dark and dramatic shade, eggplant makes a bold statement. It is best suited for evening weddings and complements gold or black accessories.
Lighter shades of purple generally suit fair skin tones, while deeper shades flatter medium to darker skin tones. However, personal preference should always be the ultimate guide.
Accessorizing & Styling
Accessories can transform a simple dress into a statement piece. Here are a few styling suggestions.
- Elegant: A statement necklace, delicate earrings, and a clutch purse. A sleek updo hairstyle and a classic makeup look complete the ensemble.
- Casual: A simple pendant necklace, a straw hat, and a crossbody bag. Loose waves or a braid hairstyle and a natural makeup look would complement this style.
- Bohemian: Layered necklaces, a wide-brimmed hat, and a woven bag. Braids or loose, wavy hair, along with a natural, sun-kissed makeup look, would create a bohemian vibe.
Suitable hairstyles include a chic bun, loose waves, a French braid, a side braid, or a half-updo.
Makeup looks should complement your eye and hair color. A smoky eye look suits darker hair and eyes, while a soft, natural look works well for lighter hair and eyes. A pop of color on the lips can add a touch of vibrancy.
Finding the perfect purple summer wedding guest dress can be a delightful challenge. If you’re looking for inspiration beyond high-street options, consider exploring the elegance of designer pieces; you might even discover a stunning gown at a fraction of the cost by checking out options like pronovias second hand wedding dress sites. This could offer a unique and sophisticated alternative, helping you find that perfect purple dress to complement the summer wedding festivities.
Shopping & Budget Considerations
Setting a budget is crucial for a stress-free shopping experience. Consider the dress, accessories, shoes, and any alterations needed.
| Style | Fabric | Price Range | Retailer Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-line | Chiffon | $50 – $200 | ASOS, Nordstrom Rack, Lulus |
| Sheath | Silk | $150 – $500 | Revolve, Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue |
| Empire Waist | Cotton | $75 – $300 | Anthropologie, BHLDN, Rent the Runway |
Online retailers like ASOS, Nordstrom, and Lulus offer a wide selection, while brick-and-mortar stores like Nordstrom, Macy’s, and local boutiques provide in-person shopping experiences.
Etiquette & Appropriateness
Source: co.uk
Wedding etiquette plays a significant role in dress selection. Consider the venue, time of day, and the wedding’s dress code.
- Dress Length & Necklines: Knee-length or midi dresses are generally appropriate for most summer weddings. Avoid overly revealing necklines or overly short hemlines.
- Inappropriate Accessories: Avoid overly flashy jewelry, anything too casual (like flip-flops), or anything that might overshadow the bride.
- Dress Code: Always adhere to the wedding’s dress code. If it specifies a particular level of formality, ensure your dress aligns with those guidelines.
Visual Representation
Visualizing the perfect dress can help with your selection. Consider these examples.
- Dress 1: A flowing lilac A-line chiffon dress with delicate lace detailing at the neckline and sleeves. The overall aesthetic is romantic and ethereal.
- Dress 2: A sophisticated amethyst sheath dress in silk, featuring a subtle V-neckline and a fitted silhouette. The dress exudes elegance and confidence.
- Dress 3: A vibrant plum empire waist dress made of cotton, with a playful floral print. The style is fun, flirty, and perfect for a casual summer wedding.
Imagine a woman in a lavender A-line dress, gracefully moving among the guests at a garden wedding. The sun is gently shining, and the overall mood is joyful and relaxed. The floral arrangements consist of pastel-toned roses, lavender sprigs, and delicate wildflowers, complementing the dress beautifully.
Suitable floral arrangements could include lavender and white roses, lilac and hydrangea bouquets, or a mix of purple, pink, and white wildflowers.
Clarifying Questions
Can I wear a purple dress if the wedding has a specific color palette?
Check the wedding invitation or website for a color palette. If a specific color is requested, consider if your purple choice complements it. A muted or lighter purple might be more appropriate than a bold, contrasting shade.
What length is most appropriate for a summer wedding guest dress?
Knee-length or midi dresses are generally suitable for most summer weddings. However, consider the venue and time of day; a shorter length might be appropriate for a daytime beach wedding, while a longer dress might be preferable for an evening event.
How do I choose the right shade of purple for my skin tone?
Cooler-toned purples (with blue undertones) tend to flatter fair skin, while warmer purples (with red undertones) complement warmer skin tones. Experiment with different shades to find what looks best on you.
What are some budget-friendly options for purchasing a purple summer wedding guest dress?
Consider checking online retailers like ASOS, Nordstrom Rack, or Rent the Runway for affordable options. Thrift stores and consignment shops can also be great places to find unique and budget-friendly dresses.
