The Things You Should Never Wear to a Wedding

The invitation is your first glimpse into the day itself and the best way to read the room before you walk in, so use it wisely. By that we mean dress for the occasion. As the invitation will tell you, you will be watching the bride and groom get hitched among any number of backdrops that could include but are not limited to the beach, the country club, the winery, or the backyard. With the setting also comes time of day and type of ceremony.

When picking your dress, think first of the time of day. Evening event? Leave the sundress at home. Conversely, if it's a daytime event on the beach, cocktail attire is not only inappropriate but also entirely impractical.

Reformation Lottie Dress ($248)

More than anywhere else, dressing outside the bounds of what is appropriate for a wedding is a surefire way to garner whispers of the negative variety. So perhaps it goes without saying that the finger test applies here, too; don't wear anything too short. And while we're at it, you can probably leave the body-con dresses where they belong: in 2010.

Zimmermann Floral Silk Chiffon Midi-Dress ($580)

Picking the proper silhouette is only half the battle. Nothing will steer attention away from the bride more than the wrong choice in color. This rule may be old fashioned, but it's not one we're retiring anytime soon: absolutely do not wear white to any wedding but your own. Besides, you get to wear it before Memorial Day and after Labor Day now. Let the bride have this one.

ASOS Beautiful Floral Ruffle Front Maxi Dress ($108)

White isn't the only color that's off limits. We err on the side of caution when it comes to black. This one still maintains its relevance in mourning, so be careful of sending the wrong signals. Similarly, a bright, over-the-top color like red is flashy — as in flashy enough to steal the bride's thunder. But the thing with black and red is that there are many loopholes. Lighten up the look with a feminine pattern and you're likely in the clear. But as with anything, use your best judgment.

Reformation Callalily Dress ($428)

Last but not least, your feet. Shoes may be the single most important part of any outfit because the way you walk dictates your level of confidence. Confidence, as we know, is the key to looking your best. With that being said, it is also vital that your shoes fit not only your feet but also — say it with us now — the occasion. Now that you've picked the perfect dress in the perfect color, don't mess it up with a shoe you can't walk in. Or worse, one that makes noise. (This goes without saying, but unless the wedding you're attending is also a luau and the invitation explicitly says to wear flip-flops, absolutely do not wear flip-flops.)

Stuart Weitzman Nearlynude Sandal ($398)