Head of womenswear design at M&S, Lisa Illis, reveals 10 need-to-know wedding guest trends you should have on your radar for 2025.
“Red carpet events and award ceremonies are opportunities for high end fashion designers to exhibit their designs. The styles we see celebrities introduce on the red carpet can begin the fashion trend lifecycle and shape global style trends. We can look to events like the Grammys and BAFTAs as a signal of the special occasion trends we can expect to see that year.
“That said, while we may look to social media and red carpet events for style inspiration, many of us are striving towards more conscious consumption which means curating wardrobes that offer versatility and timeless style. Added to this, most people only attend a small handful of weddings each year so it’s unrealistic to wear the very latest trend to every special occasion.
“I find it thrilling that today’s weddings embrace such a diverse range of venues, locations, themes, and cultures. An outfit appropriate for a ceremony in a rustic barn in December may be different to one you’d wear to a tropical beach wedding. The key is adapting your style to complement each unique celebration.”
Jackets to wear over dresses
Google searches for jackets to wear over dresses increased by 149% in the 12 months to December 2024. (Ahrefs)
“Let 2024 be the last year we see women improvising and borrowing men’s suit jackets to keep warm at wedding receptions. Staying warm and looking cool should not be mutually exclusive. While classic top layers often include a cashmere shawl or wool coat, a neat jacket can round off your outfit equally stylishly. Cardigan-shapes, especially, have seen a recent revival.”
Trouser suits
Celebrities including Nicole Kidman, Kate Winslet and Cynthia Erivo have walked the red carpet wearing trouser suits in 2025.
Google searches for trouser suits to wear to a wedding increased by 104% in the 12 months to December 2024. (Ahrefs)
“We’ve seen an uptick in demand for trouser suits. The trouser suit offers a sleek, tailored look that’s the perfect blend between traditional formality and contemporary, effortless style. As a wardrobe investment, I consider the three-piece suit the hero of versatility because you can casualise the various elements for everyday wear. For example, pair the blazer with a white tee and jeans for weekends.”
Long-sleeved dresses
Google searches for long-sleeved wedding guest dresses increased by 70% in the 12 months to December 2024. (Ahrefs)
“In recent years many of our instant sell-out styles have been long sleeve dresses. Whether you’re conscious about your arms or are concerned about being chilly, I always think long sleeves instantly add a touch of sophistication and grace. It’s the perfect option to take you from day-to-night as a wedding guest.”
Brown
Google searches for brown wedding guest dresses increased by 39% in the 12 months to December 2024. (Ahrefs)
“Brown is perhaps not a colour you’d automatically associate with wedding clothes. But chocolate brown has been featuring prominently in both high street and designer collections recently.
“Plus, it’s been a popular colour choice at awards ceremonies in recent months, with attendees like Jennifer Lawrence and Emily Ratajkowski nailing this shade. I’m excited to see this indulgent colour translate into wedding guest dress collections, perhaps paired with neutral, softer tones – another key trend for 2025.”
Navy blue
Google searches for navy blue wedding attire increased by 39% in the 12 months to December 2024. (Ahrefs)
“A shade of navy blue that sits somewhere between blue and purple called ‘future dusk’ has been tipped as one of the staple colours of 2025. We’ve seen a growth in demand for navy generally over the last quarter, but I think this year we’ll see this elegant and opulent colour on occasion wear.
“When it comes to accessorising, both gold and silver will compliment a navy blue outfit nicely. Whereas gold is warmer, silver adds a cool but sophisticated touch. For more contrast, any shade of yellow will pop against navy or go for a tonal approach with accessories in light blue.”
Black
Google revealed ‘Can you wear black to a wedding?’ was the fifth most searched fashion-related question in February. (Google Trends UK Newsletter, 25/02/2025)
Google searches for black wedding guest dresses increased by 38% in the 12 months to December 2024. (Ahrefs)
“While the rule that nobody but the bride should wear white generally stands true, these days I don’t think there’s any reason you shouldn’t wear black. Demand for black dresses spiked last summer and I expect we’ll see this replicated this year. A chic black dress is an excellent capsule wardrobe investment that you’ll get a ton of wear out of.
“You can go for a simple yet classic style, like a slip dress or column dress which you’ll get years of wear out of. Jewellery can be a clever way of amping up your black dress for a big celebration. A statement cuff bracelet or pair of eye-catching chandelier earrings can make a stylish statement without overshadowing your dress.”
50s style dresses
Google searches for 50s style wedding guest dresses increased by 36% in the 12 months to December 2024. (Ahrefs)
“The 50s style dress has timeless allure but it’s having a moment too with searches up 36%. The cinched waist and A-line skirt are elegant and super flattering. Plus, the style allows lots of movement – perfect for dancing!”
8. Co-ord sets
Google searches for wedding-appropriate co-ord sets increased by 33% in the 12 months to December 2024. (Ahrefs)
“Co-ords offer a refreshing alternative to dresses and suits. They’re a style we’ve noticed shoppers are gravitating towards amid the cost-of-living crisis as they can be worn together or separately, making them versatile wardrobe additions. For a wedding, they strike the right balance between on-trend and timeless.”
Floral prints
Google searches for floral print wedding guest dresses increased by 33% in the 12 months to December 2024. (Ahrefs)
“Last year, demand for floral wedding guest dresses increased by a third. While floral prints have long been summer wedding go-tos, in 2025 I’d like to see how richer, moodier floral prints could work for autumn and winter weddings. Think florals redefined with deep burgundies and forest greens on dark backgrounds.”
Ruffles
Ruffles were worn by Charli XCX and Chappell Roan at the Grammys.
Google searches for wedding guest dresses with ruffles increased by 33% in the 12 months to December 2024. (Ahrefs)
“Ruffles are something we’ve seen glimpses of on recent red carpets and I’m encouraged to say this will permeate wedding guest style. Boho ruffles are inherently romantic and therefore perfect weddings. They’re also a great alternative if you want to wear something impactful but are not a fan of bold prints and colours. They also add dynamic movement to your dress, which will look stunning in photographs and videos.”
