(Style)

Two-Piece Wedding Guest Outfits To Try When You’re Bored Of Dresses

An easy way to switch things up.

by Marina Liao
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
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two-piece wedding guest outfits
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My secret for looking put together with little effort is to wear two-piece sets. I have an ivory corduroy co-ord from Madewell, which I always reach for come winter, and for summer I have various floral sets along with a recently acquired number from Reformation. A matching top and bottom can create a powerful, unique fashion moment and I’ve come to realize the look works well as a wedding guest outfit, too. In a sea of summer dresses, you will stand out in coordinating separates. They’ll give gives you that je ne sais quoi style factor — without taking attention away from the bride.

This season, you’ll find that shopping for options in this category are plentiful, as major retailers and brands continue to heavily invest in sets. For ceremonies with a strict and rather fancy dress code, one might opt for one of Markarian’s two-piece pleated options. If the wedding you’re attending happens to be on a beach with a more relaxed attitude (as is the case for a ceremony I’ve recently RSVP’d to), you may find yourself falling in love with La DoubleJ’s bold printed set or Ulla Johnson’s free-spirited halter top and skirt combo. No matter what the vibe is at the party, you’ll find a two-piece look, ahead, that will help set you apart from the crowd.

Plus, when the festivities are over, you can easily repurpose the top and bottom with other pieces in your closet — thereby granting you even more styling options compared to that of a one-and-done wedding guest dress. Scroll ahead to browse and shop the different types of beautiful sets you can wear to any wedding or formal affair on your social calendar.

All Black Two-Piece Sets

For a less expected alternative to the timeless LBD, reach for coordinating separates in a noir color scheme. Whether you go with striking textured silhouettes, like Silk Laundry’s crinkle top and skirt or a sultry take on suiting à la Kallmeyer’s satin waistcoat and trousers, the look will be both classic and different enough to stand out.

Floral Two-Piece Sets

Half my wardrobe is composed of floral pieces, so the print is my default option for a wedding guest look. Luckily, two-piece sets with this motif are not in short supply right now as evidenced by the likes of the dreamy Autumn Adeigbo separates, below. The selections are perfect for any outdoor ceremony/reception — say, at a rooftop restaurant or vineyard.

Bold Two-Piece Sets

The word bold can take on many meanings, depending on your style. If you’re a risk-taker when it comes to experimenting with texture, opt for head-to-toe sea blue sparkles. Should you be a fan of bright color, Farm Rio offers a vibrant orange look that’s well-suited for any island wedding. Meanwhile, if you are one for drama you will certainly appreciate the ruffle skirt and pleated corset top creations from Markarian.

Pants Two-Piece Sets

If you’re thinking about wearing pants to a wedding, which is acceptable by the way, why not opt for a two-piece set? The shopping options in this category can be colorful, sultry, breezy — or all of the above.

Slinky Two-Piece Sets

The sultry dressing theme has permeated into the world of wedding guest looks, with many favoring cutout dresses or backless jumpsuits. You can find an array of flirty sets that embody this vibe, too, such as figure-hugging fit found in Mia Vesper’s tank top and ruffle skirt combo or the multiple cutouts found in Altuzarra’s fiery red set.

Silky Two-Piece Sets

After florals, my other go-to look for a wedding guest outfit is usually a silky slip in a fun, solid color like lavender or emerald. This season, I’ll take a break from wearing my favorite slip dresses and look to a two-piece set instead. The smooth fabric lends an air of minimalism and elegance (plus ease) to an outfit, which I love.

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