If you’re a pants and shorts kind of girl, then the idea of wearing a dress to a wedding is probably making you feel pretty uncomfortable.
The good news is, you don’t have to wear a dress if you don’t want to. So, what are your options? Can you wear a romper to a wedding?
Maybe. While a lot of rompers are way too short and sexy for a wedding, the right one will give you the best of what both pants and dresses have to offer: comfort and style. Not sure what a romper is? This garment incorporates shorts and a top in one piece and can have sleeves or be strapless or sleeveless. Styles typically range from semi-formal to casual.
If you’re thinking about wearing a romper to the next wedding you attend, our guide can help you choose the perfect style for every ceremony.
Can You Wear a Romper to a Wedding? The Dos and Don’ts
If you’re looking for a suitable way to wear a romper to a wedding, there are a few important etiquette rules to keep in mind.
1. Don’t choose a romper that’s too short
Whether you’re wearing a dress or a romper, the rules are the same: showing too much leg is in poor taste. So, how short is too short?
A general rule of thumb for determining if your romper is too short is by using the fingertip rule. If the hem of the romper is shorter than your fingertips when your arms are held straight at your sides, then it is too short to wear to a wedding — no exceptions.
While most rompers are likely to be too short, there are some that meet the rules, or you can opt for a cropped jumpsuit instead.
2. Do choose a well-made romper
Weddings, even casual ones, are more formal than everyday occasions, and your outfit needs to reflect that. When choosing a romper, look for higher quality fabrics and elegant cuts.
3. Do choose a dressy romper
Choosing a romper with dressy details such as pleats, ruffles, a touch of lace or a bit of sparkle will take your look from casual to dressy, especially when paired with the right shoes, which brings us to our next point.
4. Do choose the right shoes
If you’ve chosen to wear a romper that hits you at mid-thigh, your shoe choice is crucial to ensuring your outfit is appropriate. When hemlines are brief, high heels will make your romper look even shorter than it is. Keep your heels under three inches or opt for a wedge or a dressy flat.
5. Don’t over accessorize
Most rompers, even those appropriate for weddings, still show a fair amount of leg. That in itself is pretty eye-catching, so keeping your jewelry subtle and elegant is key. A pair of earrings and, perhaps, a simple bracelet, is all you need to complete your look.
6. Do keep the dress code in mind
A romper will not be appropriate for every style of wedding, no matter how fancy it is. To help you look your best as a wedding guest, here’s an overview of the six main wedding dress codes with examples of appropriate attire for each.
How to Choose an Outfit for Every Wedding Dress Code
If you’re looking for an appropriate way to wear a romper to a wedding, the first thing to think about is the dress code. A romper simply won’t work for every style of wedding, so knowing when you can and can’t wear one is key.
Our guide will walk you through wedding-appropriate outfits for each level of formality.
White tie
A white tie wedding typically requires female guests to wear floor-length gowns, but if wearing an evening dress isn’t your thing, you can opt for a formal jumpsuit instead — but not a romper. Showing leg at a white tie event would be in incredibly poor taste.
Here are some elegant options perfect for white tie.
- V-neckline V-shaped Back Beaded Applique Waist Jumpsuit
- Mariora Plunging Illusion Jumpsuit
- V-Strap Cape Jumpsuit
Black tie
Black tie weddings may be less formal than white tie affairs, but a traditional short romper is still out of the question for this style of wedding. Instead, opt for a traditional full-length or a culotte-length jumpsuit in elegant fabrics with a bit of embellishment such as some sparkle at the neckline or a touch of lace on the bodice.
You should avoid an all-lace or a heavily sequined jumpsuit, however. Stealing attention from the bride with a loud, showy outfit is a major breach of etiquette and could be seen as an insult to your hostess.
These jumpsuits all perfectly balance special touches with subtle elegance for stunning black tie wedding options.
- Divine Dream Navy Blue Satin One-Shoulder Culotte Jumpsuit
- Plus Pleated Culotte Jumpsuit
- Scuba Drape Neck Culotte Jumpsuit In Black
Formal (or black tie optional)
A black tie optional wedding is still a formal event, but is slightly less conservative than black tie. That means you can get away with a romper here, but it does need to pass the fingertip test.
If the hemline passes the test but still seems too short, try pairing it with sheer black pantyhose and black heels. This will expose way less skin and help you to look classy rather than overtly sexy.
Need some ideas? These are all great options.
Semi-formal
A common dress code for weddings, a semi-formal affair means you can definitely wear a romper, but it needs to be elegant. While a lot of sparkle would be out of place at a semi-formal wedding, silky or chiffon-like materials are a good choice.
Here are some lovely options for a semi-formal wedding.
- Bert Gathered Floral-Print Silk Crepe De Chine Playsuit
- Irvete Floral Print Deep V-Neck Ruffle Tie Front Long Blouson Sleeve Romper
- Pretty On Point Brown Pleated Romper
Dressy casual
A dressy casual wedding is similar to a semi-formal one, but it’s slightly more relaxed. Similar to a fancy sundress, a dressy casual romper still needs to be well cut and sophisticated and can be paired with stylish heels, wedges or flats.
These rompers are all appropriate for a dressy casual ceremony.
Casual
If you regularly wear rompers, then you may already have one in your closet that you can wear to a casual wedding. Not just any romper will do, however. You still need to look elegant and put together — not like you’re heading out to run errands.
These outfits will have you looking wedding-appropriate.
What to Wear When No Dress Code is Stated
With some dress code knowledge under your belt, you’ll be well prepared for any style of wedding. But what if your invitation doesn’t list a dress code?
Opting for a semi-formal outfit will serve you well in many cases, but not always. To figure out what to wear, simply note the time of day and location listed on your invitation. Want to know more? Read on!
Daytime wedding
Morning and afternoon ceremonies are not the time to show up in a sparkly jumpsuit. More casual than evening ceremonies, a daytime wedding is a good time to don dressy casual or semi-formal attire. Only dress casually if your invitation says so.
These rompers are perfect for a daytime wedding attire.
Evening wedding
Unlike daytime weddings, a more formal style of dress is required for an evening ceremony. Evening weddings tend to be black tie, formal or semi-formal, making a fancy jumpsuit or romper a good choice.
These will have you looking wedding-appropriate for an evening ceremony.
Church wedding
A church wedding ceremony means finding a jumpsuit — not a romper —that is ladylike and modest. Avoid low necklines, brief hemlines and, if you’re attending a Catholic ceremony, your shoulders should be covered too. If your outfit is sleeveless, it’s a good idea to bring a cardigan or blazer with you in case you do need to cover up.
While you won’t be able to wear a traditional romper, these culotte jumpsuits are all super sophisticated and church-appropriate.
- Femme Jumpsuit Pink
- Floral Print Chiffon And Jersey Cropped Jumpsuit
- Ted Baker Misty Embroidered Pleated Culotte Jumpsuit
Beach wedding
One of the more casual wedding venues, a beach ceremony doesn’t mean you can grab a pair of shorts and a top and call it a day. You still need to look chic and put together. A romper is an easy way to accomplish that but make sure you choose one that looks more like a dress than a pair of shorts.
Here are some good examples to get you started.
Garden wedding
A garden wedding has major English tea party vibes, so think ladylike and feminine when choosing your romper. Pretty florals and patterns and well-cut fabrics are perfect for this style of ceremony. Paired with the perfect heels or wedges and a hat, you’ll look picture perfect.
These three outfits are sure to offer some inspiration.
- Orange Floral Ruched Romper
- Abstract Print Silk Playsuit
- Trendy Plus Size Quinn Off Shoulder Jumpsuit
Country wedding
If you’re attending a wedding in the country, that doesn’t mean you can wear your denim romper or jeans. You will still be expected to don a dressy casual outfit at minimum — even if the ceremony is being held outdoors or in a barn. Pretty florals or crisp gingham rompers with feminine touches like ruffles or puff sleeves are perfect for a country affair.
Ladylike but comfortable, these outfits are ideal for a country wedding.
