How to Choose a Wedding Guest Outfit That's Chic and Sustainable

Written by

Andrea Hill

Published

Wedding season is still going strong! And with the lineup of late summer and early autumn nuptial celebrations on the horizon, the time has come to get your eco-friendly wedding guest outfit in order.

Thanks to dress codes, destinations, and seasonality, selecting the perfect wedding ensemble can be a difficult task. Throw sustainability into the mix, and your options are further narrowed. But don't stress: shopping sustainably is a fun challenge, and, once you master some basics, it's manageable, too.

We have all the tips to help you become the best-dressed guest while keeping things eco-chic—and some outfit suggestions, too.

Choose an Eco-Friendly Wedding Guest Outfit

1. Opt for Sustainable Materials

This may go without saying, but getting familiar with materials while shopping is key. As a conscious consumer, you'll want to keep an eye out for recycled fabrics and certifications (hello, Fair Trade!), ensuring that your wedding look is sustainably produced through ethical practices.

Reformation Frankie Silk Dress, $298

Getting to know your clothes inside and out also helps ensure that your sundress or gown isn't made with toxic dyes or chemicals. For example, Reformation's crafted timeless pieces use sustainable practices like centering low-impact or repurposed materials.

2. Consider Consignment Pieces

Thanks to today's online thrifting and consignment options, secondhand has become something of a luxury. Opt for a vintage fit for a backyard wedding, luncheon, or coastal affair, or ready for an elegant evening with the help of a rented gown.

Especia Fatima Dress, $85 via Rent the Runway

Rent the Runway, for example, allows you to shop items from more than 700 designers, then send your selections back to be reworn by others whenever you're finished.

3. Don't Skimp Out on Accessories

What's an eco-friendly wedding guest outfit without a little sparkle or some statement accessories? These hoops and heeled sandals are sophisticated and sustainable—the hoops are crafted from recycled brass, the shoes of recycled leather. The bag is Leather Working Group (LWG) certified and made in a woman-owned factory in Turkey.