Where to Shop for the Best Queer Wedding Guest Outfits 🌈
We are officially headed toward that time of year when there's more than one wedding on the calendar. Then comes the dreaded question: what do I wear as a queer person to a wedding?!?
On Wedding Attire & Dress Codes
Wedding attire is very often binary, something that doesn't speak to the expansiveness of the queer & trans community. If you're lucky enough to be attending a queer wedding, guest dress codes may take on a modernized approach that doesn't designate proper attire into "male" or "female" categories.
There seems to be an ever-growing number of themed weddings these days—Great Gatsby, Bridgerton, garden-party chic, etc. This article will mainly focus on formal, semi-formal, and black tie wedding styles in order to keep things simple.
Black Tie: Tuxedos with bow ties; Floor length evening gowns; Jewel tones
Formal: Full-length dresses in any color; Formal Jumpsuits; Dark suits or Tuxedos; Rich fabrics & prints
Semi-Formal: Dress shirts with dress pants (no jacket needed); Suits in casual fabrics; Mid-Length Dresses; Strapless Jumpsuits; Floral prints and bright colors
Author's Note: I recently received an invitation to a formal wedding requesting that women wear dresses and men wear suits, but I know that my friend would not want me to be uncomfortable in my own skin. I plan on wearing some version of a suit or jumpsuit, while still adhering to the color scheme and formality. If you're ever unsure about when it's okay to "break" dress code rules, don't hesitate to double check in with the couple. I have been to many a wedding where queer folks showed up in the most fabulous, authentic outfits that do not adhere to their "designated" gender roles. It is always a breath of fresh air!
Let's Get Into My Favorite Brands:
Some of the brands below are queer owned and some are not. I suggest purchasing with 1) your taste and 2) your body type/sizing in mind in order to ensure the best result. I have listed size ranges for all the brands in the notes. I've also included a range of styles—from traditional suits, to dresses, jumpsuits—because queer doesn't look like one thing!
Disclaimer: I do NOT receive commissions or payouts from the following brands or products.
Mango
Mango is a Spanish based brand with more & more locations opening in malls across the U.S. Their suits are some of my personal favorites, with affordable price points depending on the style & seasonal sales. Though they are doing a better job of expanding their sizes, they fail to show plus models on their site (do better, Mango!) This is a great choice for folks with tall, slender proportions. [Mango is also available for purchase on Nordstrom & Macy's.]
Shop the image: 1) Red Jumpsuit with Cape, 2) Maroon Belted Blazer, 3) Blue Sheen Suit, Blue Satin Asymmetrical Dress, 4) Topstitch Blazer in Black
Queer Owned? n/a
Size Range: XXS-XL & up to 4XL in select styles
Location: Online & In-Store
Return Window: 30 days for full-price items & 14 days for sale items
Price Range: $$-$$$
Wildfang
If you're searching for bold suit sets in colorful prints, Wildfang is your perfect (online) shopping destination. With an inclusive size range of 0-30, this queer-owned brand is ideal for taller figures and statement-makers. Expect to get these items tailored, as they do not offer petite or tall options for most styles.
Shop the image: 1) The Essential Vest; 2) Empower Double Breasted Blazer & 3) Matching Tie; 4) Juliette Lewis X Wildfang Blazer
Queer Owned? YES!
Size Range: XS-4X; 0-30
Location: Online; Flagship Store in Portland, OR
Return Policy: Free Exchanges or Return within 35 days for $10
Price Range: $$
Maniere de Voir
Becoming popular with the Tiktok crowd, Maniere de Voir, meaning "Manner of Seeing" in French, is a UK based brand. Now shipping directly from the U.S., customers can avoid paying extra tariffs. They are not the most size inclusive brand, I hope that their success with the American market will change that soon. This brand is a great choice for fans of minimalism & European design details. These pieces are incredibly versatile, and can be worn way beyond the wedding.
Shop the image: 1) Strapless Belted Jumpsuit; 2) Blazer and Bandeau Set; 3) Asymmetrical Vest and Cuffed Trousers (my personal favorite); 4) Twisted Blazer with Belt; 5) Waistcoat and Pleated Trousers.
Queer Owned? n/a
Size Range: UK 4-18
Location: Online Only
Return Policy: $10 return fee for U.S. customers
Price Range: $$-$$$
Kirrin Finch
Kirrin Finch is a queer, size-inclusive brand that specializes in formal, semi-formal, and black tie suiting. KF is queer-woman owned offering menswear-inspired apparel for women, trans, and non-binary bodies.
Shop the image: 1) Georgie Suit Blazer, 2) Georgie Hopsack Dress Pants, 3) Constellation Pocket Square, 4) Tuxedo Shirt
Queer Owned? YES!
Size Range: XS-5X; 0-24
Location: Online Only
Return Window: Returns with 21 Days with a $12 processing fee
Price Range: $$-$$$
Me + Em
ME + EM is contemporary luxury made for "modern women." Designed in London, the label possess a strong commitment to perfect fit, outstanding quality, and social responsibility. ME + EM is a stellar choice for those with a bigger budget and an eye for beautiful design details.
Shop the image: 1) Straight Tux Shirt, 2) Icon Oversized Blazer in Blush Pink, 3) Wrap Vest and Clever Pant
Queer Owned? n/a
Size Range: 0-14
Location: Online & In-Stores Globally
Return Window: Free US Returns and Exchanges within 14 days
Price Range: $$$+
Eloquii
Founded for and dedicated to the plus-size customer, Eloquii is available online and at select Nordstrom stores. Eloquii is one of few destinations for formal plus-size attire.
Shop the image: 1) Halter Cowl Neck Satin Jumpsuit, 2) Nipped Waist Blazer, 3) Cinched Waist Striped Blazer
Queer Owned? N/a
Size Range: Women's 14-32
Location: Online & www.nordstrom.com
Return Window: Return or Exchange within 60 Days
Price Range: $-$$
Still Feeling Overwhelmed?
This is where hiring an LGBTQIA+ affirming stylist comes in. A Personal Stylist can style you in-person or virtually, taking the headache of "what do I wear this time?" off of your plate.
If you're interested in virtual or in-person services, I would be incredibly honored to serve you! Please submit an inquiry form on my contact page, schedule a complementary call, or send me an email styling@courtneydavila.com
Cheers & Stay Queer!
xx Courtney
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