Not every woman likes, or feels comfortable, in a dress or skirt. So, what are your options as a wedding guest? Do you really need to buy a dress or can you wear pants to a wedding?
Yes, you can definitely wear pants to a wedding and look fabulous — as long as you do it properly. Any pants you choose must be dressy enough for the occasion and you’ll need to pair them with the right top and dressy shoes.
In many ways, finding the right pants can be even harder than finding a dress to wear to a wedding. After all, not just any pair of tailored trousers will do. You’ll first need to find out the wedding’s dress code.
Can You Wear Pants to a Wedding: Understanding Dress Codes
If you want to wear pants as a wedding guest, knowing the dress code is key. After all you won’t want to show up in trousers and a blouse if the wedding style is black tie.
The information you seek should be listed either on the invitation or the couples’ wedding website. Not sure what to wear for the dress code the couple has chosen? Our overview of the six main wedding dress codes will help you figure out how to rock pants at any type of wedding.
White tie
An evening gown is traditionally expected of all female guests attending a white tie wedding. While you still need to be dressed to the nines at this style of event, you can choose to wear a lady’s tuxedo or a fancy pantsuit. To help elevate your look, try pairing your outfit with some sparkly heels or velvet booties.
Here are some elegant options perfect for white tie.
- Tarik Ediz 93810 Jumpsuit (featured above)
- Sequin Lace and Jersey Three-piece Pantsuit
- Black Sequined Formal Blazer Set
Black tie
While you do have more leeway at black tie weddings, this dress code still requires sophisticated attire. You can wear a lady’s tuxedo or a pantsuit in silk, velvet or another luxurious material. Aside from some sensational shoes, make sure your hairstyle and makeup are as sophisticated as your attire.
Need some help finding the perfect pantsuit? Any of these would all be stunning for a black tie wedding.
- Women Green Satin Suit (featured above)
- Black Shawl Collar Tuxedo Jacket
- Women Double Breasted Violet Velvet Luxury Suit
Formal (or black tie optional)
Traditionally, a formal event means either a floor-length evening gown or a cocktail dress for female guests. If you’re not into dresses, however, a stylish pantsuit in a special fabric can work equally well. You can also wear a pair of tailored trousers with a fancy top and a pair of heels.
If you do opt for a suit or trousers, make sure your outfit is not too businesslike. Fabrics like velvet, silk or jacquard, like the examples shown below, can really elevate classic business wear.
- Corette Cotton-blend Velvet Flared Pants (featured above)
- Alexa Stretch-Crepe Flared Pants
- Metallic Jacquard Waistband Detail Slim Leg Pants
Semi-formal
One of the most common dress codes, semi-formal attire offers you a wider range of wardrobe options. An elegant pantsuit or fancy trousers with a sophisticated top or blouse are both great looks for a semi-formal wedding.
Here are some lovely options for a semi-formal wedding.
- Joss Wide Leg Pant (featured above)
- Pleated Satin Wide-Leg Trousers
- Jovani 06922 Slit Sleeve 2 Piece Pant Suit
Dressy casual
Similar to semi-formal, a dressy casual dress code is slightly more relaxed, making a pair of well-tailored trousers your-go-to choice for pants. Whether you choose traditional trousers or sleek, cropped pants for warm weather nuptials, be sure to pair them with a structured blazer or a pretty blouse or top. Stylish boots, heels, wedges or flats are all acceptable choices for finishing off your outfit.
These pants are all perfect for a dressy casual affair.
- Clean Tailored Darted Wide Leg Pants (featured above)
- Lucy Jacquard-Knit Cropped Pants
- Women Designer Custom Made Personalized Suit
Casual
If you’re attending a casual wedding, you likely have a pair of pants in your closet that would be appropriate. Just remember that casual for a wedding is not the same as your typical casual clothing, so no jeans, cargo pants or athletic wear.
Instead, opt for tailored trousers in the cooler weather or a pair of chic capris or palazzo pants in the warmer weather.
These pants will have you looking your best, no matter which option you choose.
- Kieran Pants (featured above)
- Kickflare Darted Waist Dress Pants
- With Confidence Wine Red Paper Bag Waist Pants
What to Wear When No Dress Code is Stated
Now that you have the lowdown on wedding formality levels, let’s talk about how to dress if your invitation doesn’t request a particular dress code.
Wearing a pantsuit is a pretty safe option, but you can often determine exactly what type of attire is expected just by reading the time of day and location stated on your invitation. Want to know more? Let’s dive in.
Daytime wedding
More casual than evening ceremonies, a daytime wedding still requires you to make an effort with your appearance. Opting for dressy casual or semi-formal wear means you won’t feel out of place by being undressed.
Here are some cute ways to incorporate pants into your daytime wedding attire.
- Cropped Tailored Pants In Light Blue (featured above)
- Making Big Plants Black Smocked Waist Pants
- Chic Chick Purple High-Waisted Wide-Leg Trouser Pants
Evening wedding
Fancier than daytime ceremonies, an evening wedding means having to find a pair of pants to match the increased formality. With most evening weddings being black tie, formal or semi-formal you can’t go wrong with a sophisticated pantsuit and accessories.
Here are some elegant examples of wedding-appropriate pants for an evening ceremony.
- High Waisted Wellar Pant (featured above)
- Jovani 07551 Lace Top Two Piece Pant Suit
- Jovani 23739 Orange Off he Shoulder Evening Pant Suit
Church wedding
You can’t go wrong with a pair of tailored trousers or a pantsuit at a church wedding ceremony. With modest dress being the order of the day, it’s important to ensure your top or blouse doesn’t show any cleavage and, if you’re attending a Catholic ceremony or a wedding at any conservative church, it’s also important to keep your shoulders covered.
Need some ideas? These classy outfits are the perfect starting point.
- Lush Approach Emerald Green Floral Jacquard Satin Wide Leg Pants (featured above)
- Relaxed Tailored High Waist Wide Leg Pants
- Tailored Fit & Flare Pants
Beach wedding
Can you wear pants to a wedding on the beach? You certainly can! Floral pants, palazzo or wide-leg pants, cropped pants… they are all fair game for beach nuptials. Paired with a cute top and dressy sandals or flats, you’ll be beach-ready and wedding appropriate.
Here are some good examples to get you started.
- Sunny Days Wide Leg Pants (featured above)
- Women’s Casual Long Palazzo Pants
- Adison Wide Leg Pants – Green Swirl
Garden wedding
A garden wedding calls for female guests to don their most ladylike and feminine attire. That doesn’t mean pants are out of the question, however. Floral suits or trousers and blouses are perfect for a garden wedding and can be paired with heels or wedges as well as a hat to make a statement.
Here are three fab looks to serve as inspiration.
- Floral Plisse Extreme Wide Leg Pants (featured above)
- Italian Structured Satin Rose Print Pants
- Green Floral Print Cigarette Trousers
Country wedding
A country wedding does not mean you wear your favorite pair of jeans. Even if the ceremony is being held outdoors or in a barn, the dress code will still require dressy casual or semi-formal wear for daytime and formal for evening nuptials.
Here are three adorable daytime looks that are perfect for a country wedding. If you’re attending a dressy casual or semi-formal event, however, we do suggest a different style of top than the one shown with the gingham pants. A pretty blouse would be the perfect accompaniment.
