Festive Tops for a Wedding: Lace, Sequins & Blouses

Festive tops for a wedding are the easy alternative to a dress: a lace top, a flowing blouse or a top with sparkle looks dressed up with a skirt or a pair of fabric trousers. What matters is the fabric and the combination, not the amount of jewellery.

Not everyone wants to wear a dress to a wedding. A festive top gives You more room: You combine it with the skirt or the trousers You feel comfortable in, and wear the pieces separately afterwards. Here You will find which tops count as festive, how to combine them and what to keep in mind with fabric and colour. For the complete guest outfit and the usual dress codes, see our guide Wedding Guest Outfit.

Which tops work for a wedding?

A top looks festive above all because of its fabric: lace, shine, a fine texture or a soft drape set it apart from an everyday shirt. Frequently worn are:

• Lace top: understated and still festive, works with a skirt or fabric trousers
• Blouse: in a flowing fabric, often with a ruffle, a bow or embroidery
• Glitter or sequin piece: the most eye-catching way to dress up an outfit
• Off-shoulder top: off the shoulder or strapless, with a summery, festive feel
• Elegant top: plain in cut, but in a fabric with drape or shine

You will find an overview in our Tops & Shirts and plainer styles among the Tops.

Lace tops and lace blouses for a wedding

Lace is considered the classic among festive fabrics, because it works without shine and still does not look everyday. A lace top goes with a plain skirt just as well as with wide fabric trousers.

Tone on tone. Lace top and bottom in the same colour look calm and let the texture of the lace speak for itself.

With contrast. A dark lace top with a light skirt draws a clear line in the middle and makes the look more modern.

As a layer. A lace blouse worn over a plain top takes the transparency out of the lace without losing the festive impression.

You will find styles among the Lace Tops and in the Lace category.

Dressy tops for a celebration: glitter and sequins

For a party in the evening, glitter and sequins are the clearest way to make a top festive. So that the look stays balanced, usually one piece stands out and the rest stays calm.

• Sequin top with plain trousers: the top takes over the festive part, the bottom stays one colour.
• Glitter in the tone of the outfit: black on black or brown on brown looks more restrained than a strong colour contrast.
• Just an accent: a fine glitter effect in the fabric is enough if You prefer it subtle.

You will find a selection in Glitter & Sequins.

Blouses as a festive top

A blouse is the most discreet and at the same time the most versatile choice. Flowing fabrics fall softly and therefore look more elegant than a firm cotton.

The details decide: ruffles on the sleeves, a bow at the neckline, fine embroidery or a light shine turn a blouse into a festive top. Tucked into the waistband the waist stays visible, worn loose the look is more relaxed.

You will find styles among our Blouses.

Off-shoulder and strapless tops

Off-shoulder tops are often seen at celebrations in summer because they look festive without much effort. For a church ceremony many people add a scarf or a light jacket over the shoulders.

An off-shoulder top goes with something calm underneath: wide fabric trousers or a plain skirt. You will find a selection among the Off-Shoulder Tops.

What do I combine a festive top with?

With a skirt. A midi or flared skirt is the most obvious combination and comes closest to a dress. You will find styles among the Skirts and long versions among the Maxi Skirts.

With fabric trousers. Wide, flowing trousers are comfortable when You are on Your feet for a long time. They look festive as soon as the top sets the accent. You will find a selection among the Fabric Trousers.

In the same fabric. A top and trousers or a skirt in the same material look like one piece and can be worn separately later. How to combine lace on the bottom is shown in our guide Styling Lace Trousers.

Which colours suit festive tops?

As a wedding guest, white and anything that recalls a bridal gown is considered off limits. Everything else is a question of the season and the occasion.

• Spring and summer: pink, lilac, sage and other light tones are worn frequently at this time of year.
• Autumn and winter: burgundy, dark green, navy and brown suit the season better.
• Black: is usual at evening celebrations and looks more festive with a colourful accessory.

More on colours, dress codes and the complete guest outfit is in our guide Wedding Guest Outfit for Women.

Matching pieces in the shop: Lace Tops, Blouses for Women and Glitter & Sequins.

Frequently asked questions

Which tops are festive for a wedding?

Lace tops, flowing blouses, tops with glitter or sequins and off-shoulder styles look festive. The fabric decides: lace, shine or a soft drape set the top apart from an everyday shirt.

What can I wear to a wedding instead of a dress?

A festive top with a skirt or fabric trousers is the most common alternative to a dress. A top and a bottom in the same fabric come closest to a dress.

Which dressy tops work for a celebration?

For an evening celebration, tops with sequins, glitter or lace are worn frequently. To keep the look calm, usually only one part of the outfit sets the accent.

Which top goes with a festive skirt?

A patterned or shiny skirt goes with a plain top or a single-colour blouse. If the skirt is calm, the top may stand out with lace or sequins.

Can I wear an off-shoulder top to a wedding?

Off-shoulder tops are worn frequently at celebrations in summer. For a church ceremony many people add a scarf or a light jacket over the shoulders.

Which colour should a festive top for a wedding be?

White and cream tones stay reserved for the bride. In spring and summer light tones such as pink or lilac are worn, in autumn and winter rich colours such as burgundy, dark green or brown.