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 & Gender Roles

I was recently received an invitation to a formal wedding requesting that women wear dresses and men wear suits, but I knew that my friend would not want me to be uncomfortable in my own skin! I ended up wearing a suit with a corset underneath, and I felt AMAZING!

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, but still adhere to the color scheme and formality. It is always a breath of fresh air!

Wedding Dress Codes Breakdown

Wedding attire is very often binary, something that doesn't speak to the gender diversity 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. I try to provide a more expansive description of each dress attire below!

This article will mainly focus on formal, semi-formal, and black tie wedding styles in order to keep things simple.

Black Tie: Dress to impress. Black tie is the most dressed-up and often evokes feelings of luxury and opulence, while highlighting strong tailoring and darker colors.

• Outfit = Tuxedos with bow ties, Floor length evening gowns, or Structured Jumpsuits

• Colors = Black (obviously!) Navy, and Jewel tones

• Fabrics = Wool for suiting, while Silk lapels are key to a black tie look!

Formal: Elegant, tasteful formalwear is one of the most popular attires for weddings. This broad category of dress is meant to be vague, as it can accommodate a large number of guests' wardrobes.

• Outfit = Full-length dresses in any color, tailored jumpsuits, and dark color suits are acceptable. Tuxedos will feel more dressed up but are also appropriate.

• Colors = Solid colors are a safe choice, while prints may depend on the theme, season, and the wishes of the bridal party.

• Fabrics = Rich fabrics such as brocade, satin, and ponte will look and photograph beautifully.

Semi-Formal: Think fancy but not stuffy. Hemlines can be shorter than formalwear, and masculine looks don't require a jacket. Semi-Formal always makes me think of Easter Sunday.

• Outfit = Dress shirts with dress pants (no jacket needed); Casual Suiting, Mid-Length Dresses, and Strapless Jumpsuits are acceptable. A vest and pant set are also a lovely choice.

• Colors = You can be more expressive with floral prints, bright colors, and trendy pieces.

• Fabrics = Lightweight, casual fabrics such as linen, cotton, chiffon and crepe are gorgeous and will keep you cool in warmer climates!

  
  
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P.S. — If you're able to look up the venue beforehand, I like to get a feel for the vibe of the space. A barnyard wedding, a garden wedding, and a beach ceremony all require a different approach. See what I mean?

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

@courtstylist