Blog
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What to Wear to a Summer Wedding: Complete Outfit Ideas for Guests
Summer weddings are full of sunshine, outdoor settings, and vibrant energy—but dressing for one can sometimes be a challenge. You want to look chic, stay comfortable in the heat, and respect the dress code. This guide will help you plan a complete wedding guest outfit, from dress to shoes to accessories—plus when and how to add a light wrap like the AprilMarin City Ruffle Shawl or alternatives from similar brands.
1. Start with the Dress
When choosing a summer wedding guest dress, aim for breathable fabrics and joyful colors.
Great choices include:
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Floral maxi dresses: Elegant and flowy, perfect for garden venues
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Slip dresses in satin or silk: Sleek and breathable
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Pastel midi dresses: Timeless and soft
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Wrap dresses: Flattering and versatile for semi-formal settings
Avoid white (unless you're told it's part of the dress code) and check if the event is casual, cocktail, or formal before deciding.
2. Footwear for Comfort & Style
Outdoor venues call for shoe awareness. You don’t want to sink into the grass or end the night with blisters.
Try:
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Block heels for lawn weddings
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Wedges for beach or garden ceremonies
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Strappy flats or sandals for ultra-casual or boho weddings
3. Accessorize Thoughtfully
Accessorizing can take your look to the next level. Think about the setting and your hairstyle when choosing earrings, bags, and more.
Wedding guest must-haves:
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Statement earrings or a delicate layered necklace
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Clutch or mini crossbody bag in neutral tones or metallics
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Wide-brim hat for daytime ceremonies
4. Hair & Makeup Tips
Summer weather = sweat and humidity, so opt for long-wear makeup and heat-resistant hairstyles.
Popular choices:
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Low chignon or sleek ponytail for hot days
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Loose waves with a barrette for romantic flair
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Natural makeup look with a soft glow, setting spray, and a pop of lipstick
5. Don’t Forget a Light Wrap
Even summer weddings can get breezy at night or in AC-heavy venues. A lightweight shawl or wrap is a smart and stylish addition to your look.
Top picks:
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AprilMarin City Ruffle Shawl – Soft, versatile, with a romantic ruffle trim
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Anthropologie Lightweight Wraps – Fashion-forward, though often seasonal
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Nordstrom Modal Shawls – Classic and simple but can lack feminine detail
Pro Tip: Choose a wrap in a neutral like ivory, blush, or soft gray so it complements multiple dresses.
Example Wedding Looks
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Floral midi dress + blush City Ruffle Shawl + nude block heels + pearl earrings
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Lavender satin slip dress + white wrap + silver strappy sandals + sleek low bun
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Wrap dress in dusty rose + navy shawl + gold accessories + woven clutch
Whether you're attending a beach ceremony, a garden soiree, or a city rooftop reception, planning ahead will help you stay cool, comfortable, and elegant all day long.
👉 Explore AprilMarin wraps perfect for summer weddings: www.aprilmarin.com
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What to Wear to a Summer Wedding
Summer weddings are joyful, sun-soaked celebrations—but dressing for one can be tricky. Between the heat, dress codes, and outdoor venues, finding the right look requires balance. Here’s your complete guide to what to wear to a summer wedding, including dresses, shoes, hair, and the perfect light layer for the occasion.
1. Choose the Right Dress for the Venue and Time of Day
When attending a summer wedding, consider the location:
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Beach wedding: Go for a flowy maxi or slip dress in breathable fabrics like cotton voile or chiffon.
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Garden wedding: Opt for floral or pastel midi dresses with feminine details like lace or flutter sleeves.
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Evening formal wedding: Choose a sleek satin dress in jewel tones or classic black with an open back or side slit for a modern edge.
Look for fabrics that breathe—linen, cotton blends, chiffon—and avoid anything too heavy or lined.
Color ideas: Soft blush, lavender, mint, pale yellow, or classic navy all work well for summer weddings.
2. Footwear That’s Elegant and Functional
Shoes should be both stylish and venue-appropriate:
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Grassy outdoor venues: Block heels or wedges
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Beach ceremonies: Flat metallic sandals or espadrilles
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Formal evening: Strappy stiletto heels
Stick with neutrals like nude, white, or metallics, which pair well with summer tones.
3. Wedding Hair: Simple, Polished & Heat-Resistant
Summer heat and humidity call for hairstyles that hold:
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Low bun or chignon: Classy and heat-proof
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Loose waves: Polished but effortless, great with flower clips or a barrette
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Braided updos: Ideal for boho or outdoor weddings
Finish with light hairspray and a soft shine serum.
4. Don’t Forget a Shawl or Wrap
Even in summer, a light wrap is a must-have—especially if the wedding extends into the evening or takes place in an air-conditioned venue. A shawl elevates your outfit, gives you a modest layer for religious ceremonies, and keeps you warm when the breeze kicks in.
The AprilMarin City Ruffle Shawl:
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Soft, lightweight, and breathable
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Drapes beautifully over the shoulders
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Adds elegance to both formal and casual dresses
Competitor Comparison:
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Nordstrom Pashminas: Great quality but often heavier
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Revolve Scarves: Trendy but often too sheer or seasonal
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Banana Republic Wraps: Chic and simple, but without the feminine ruffle detail that elevates a look
5. Accessorize Smartly
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Jewelry: Dainty gold or silver pieces, pearl drop earrings, or layered necklaces
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Bag: Mini clutch or small crossbody in metallic or neutral shades
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Sunglasses: Pack a pair for daytime weddings (aviators or oversized chic frames)
Outfit Ideas:
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Lavender slip dress + nude block heels + City Ruffle Shawl in White + pearl earrings
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Floral midi dress + gold flat sandals + City Ruffle Shawl in Navy + messy bun
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Satin midi dress in blush + strappy heels + City Ruffle Shawl in Blush + vintage clip
With this guide, you’ll look and feel amazing at any summer wedding on your calendar.
👉 Finish your look with the perfect shawl: www.aprilmarin.com
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The Best White Wrap for a Summer Wedding
A summer wedding calls for graceful, breezy style—and the right wrap can take your look from lovely to unforgettable. Whether you're a guest, bridesmaid, or even the bride, having a chic white wrap on hand can be both fashionable and functional. Here’s what to consider when choosing the perfect white wrap for a summer wedding, and how to style it with your full outfit.
Why Wear a White Wrap?
Light shawls or wraps are ideal for outdoor weddings, especially when transitioning from a warm afternoon to a cooler evening reception. A white wrap feels fresh, light, and elegant—and works especially well if your dress has prints, lace, or soft pastel colors.
The Ideal Wedding Dress Pairing
White wraps pair beautifully with:
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Pastel slip dresses (think blush, lavender, or mint)
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Floral maxi dresses
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Satin or lace midi dresses
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Simple sheath dresses for minimalist weddings
Shoe Pairings
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Metallic or nude block heels
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Delicate white strappy sandals
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Low kitten heels with ankle straps
Hair and Makeup
Opt for a polished look:
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Hair in a low bun with a pearl hairpin
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Soft waves pinned to one side
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Natural makeup with a rosy lip and dewy finish
Top Options: AprilMarin vs. Competitors
There are many wrap options on the market. Here’s how a few stack up:
AprilMarin Shawl
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Feminine design
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Lightweight, soft material
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Elegant drape for day-to-night wear
When to Gift a Wrap
White wraps also make wonderful gifts for bridesmaids or mothers of the bride. They're elegant keepsakes that get worn again and again.
👉 Explore the AprilMarin Shawls: www.aprilmarin.com
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What to Wear to a Memorial Day BBQ: Style Tips for a Chic Yet Comfortable Look
Memorial Day BBQs are the unofficial kickoff to summer—and your outfit should reflect that easygoing, festive energy. Whether you’re heading to a backyard gathering, rooftop party, or beachside cookout, looking stylish and feeling comfortable is the ultimate goal. Here's your guide to creating the perfect BBQ-ready outfit from head to toe.
1. Choose a Lightweight, Breezy Dress
Dresses are always a go-to for warm-weather events. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or a soft rayon blend. Midi and maxi dresses are great for sitting comfortably and moving easily. Popular brands like Reformation, Hill House Home, and Madewell offer flattering summer silhouettes.
Style Tip: Floral prints, stripes, or classic solids all work well for a festive but relaxed vibe.
2. Layer with a Shawl or Wrap for Cooler Evenings
Temperatures can dip once the sun sets, so bring a light layer like the AprilMarin City Ruffle Shawl. It adds a polished touch and keeps you cozy without bulk. Other great layering options include the White + Warren Travel Wrap or J.Crew’s lightweight cardigans.
3. Keep Footwear Easy and Versatile
Skip the heels. Flat sandals, espadrilles, or block-heeled mules are BBQ-friendly and still stylish. Brands like Sam Edelman, Soludos, and Steve Madden offer great picks. Just be sure to choose something you don’t mind walking in on grass.
4. Hair That Holds Up in the Heat
Opt for low-maintenance hairstyles: loose waves, messy buns, low ponytails, or braids. Add a wide-brimmed hat or a headband for extra flair and sun protection.
5. Don’t Forget Accessories
A crossbody bag or small tote is ideal for hands-free mingling. Add sunglasses, layered gold jewelry, and a swipe of tinted lip balm to complete the look.
Pro Tip: Red, white, and blue is a festive combo, but you don’t have to wear the flag. Mix soft patriotic tones with neutrals for a sophisticated nod to the holiday.
The key to dressing for a Memorial Day BBQ is to combine comfort and style effortlessly. Lightweight dresses, stylish flats, and the perfect wrap—like the AprilMarin City Ruffle Shawl—will have you looking and feeling your best.
Shop the perfect lightweight wraps for Memorial Day and beyond at www.aprilmarin.com
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It's Almost Time for Coterie!!!
In collaboration with COTERIE happening in September, APRILMARIN brings you the newest collections, trends and looks for the Fall Season.
The much-awaited event gathers the fashion industry’s most distinguished collectors, influencers and stylists in a unique environment designed to inspire your wardrobe and retail offerings. Past seasons have highlighted panels and appearances by the likes of Iris Apfel, Norma Kamali and Stephanie Solomon.
Our booth location and other details will be posted soon, so stay tuned!
To make an appointment to view AprilMarin new collections, please contact contact@aprilmarin.com or call 914-219-5573.
See you there!