One of my friends is getting married this summer, and I’ve been planning my outfit ever since I received the invitation. Naturally, I’ve been on the lookout for the most sustainable option, and luckily, I already have the perfect dress in my closet.
However, this might not be the case for everyone. So, in this article, you’ll find five tips to help you find your perfect wedding guest outfit.
Shop in your own Closet
One of the most sustainable options is to re-wear an outfit you already own. Remember that graduation dress or suit from that one cocktail party? It’s still hanging in the back of your closet, so why not wear it again?
Before going on a shopping spree, look around your closet – there might be a hidden gem you have forgotten. Many people hesitate to re-wear party outfits, worrying about previous pictures or people noticing, but if you restyle the dress and add some accessories and cute heels, it’s like you have a whole new outfit.
Borrow from Friends
Another fantastic option is to borrow an outfit from a friend. This is a great way to wear something new without buying it. If you don’t share the same dress size, consider borrowing accessories. They can add a touch of extra glamour to your existing outfit. Just don’t forget to return the borrowed items!
Rent an Outfit
Wedding guest outfits are often items that you don’t get to wear all that often, especially if the wedding has a specific dress code. A solution for this would be to rent an outfit for the wedding. Renting has become much more popular these days, and there are many amazing platforms to choose from. Here are some options:
Rent the Runway
- Ships to: USA and Canada
- One-time rental starts from $30
Hurr Collective
- Ships to: Worldwide
- One-time rental starts from $20
Gwynnie Bee
- Ships to: US
- Memberships start from $50/month
Nuuly
- Ships to: US
- Membership costs $98/month for six styles
Something Borrowed
- Ships to: The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg
- One-time rental starts from €30
Buy Second Hand
Thrifting a wedding guest outfit is a great sustainable alternative if you want to wear something different. Second-hand stores and online platforms offer many unique and affordable options.
Gather your friends and go on a shopping spree to vintage stores. With the many available options, you will find the outfit for the wedding.
For those who’d rather scroll online, platforms like Vestiaire Collective, Vinted, and Depop are great options. Type in the brand name or a description of what you’re looking for to see what options are available. Check out my Vinted Guide for tips!
However, be sure to order on time because delivery can take a while.
Shop from Eco-Conscious Brands
If the options above do not provide the solution for you, another option is to shop from a brand that aligns with your values. Luckily, sustainability is gaining momentum, and fashion brands are increasingly implementing eco-friendly practices, so there are many options to choose from. Of course, I can’t leave you without any recommendations, so here are some sustainable brands you can look into to find the perfect outfit.
Mother of Pearl
Price: €98,95 – €793,95
Ships to: Worldwide
Sustainability: Slow fashion | Eco-friendly materials | Recycled materials | Circularity | Ethical production
Founded in 2002 by Maia Norman, Mother of Pearl is a contemporary women’s wear brand that celebrates individuality, authenticity, and sustainability. In 2013, Amy Powney was named creative director of the brand. She made it her mission to reduce Mother of Pearl’s impact on the environment while pushing for transformative change in the fashion industry.
The brand uses eco-friendly materials, focuses on circularity, and ensures ethical treatment across the supply chain. With their timeless, beautiful designs, Mother of Pearl is the perfect brand to find your wedding outfit.
For more information, visit Mother of Pearl’s website or take a look at their Instagram (@motherofpearl).
Mochi
Price: €70 – €595
Ships to: Worldwide
Sustainability: Handmade | Upcycled | Small batches
In 2013, Palestinian designer Ayah Tabari established the fashion brand Mochi in Amsterdam. The brand was born from Ayah’s love for vibrant colours, beautiful fabrics, and traditional embroidery methods.
Mochi’s mission is to offer accessible, avant-garde, sustainably made clothes for everyday women. The brand has amazing colourful floral designs for the best wedding guest outfits.
For more information, visit Mochi’s website or take a look at their Instagram (@allthingsmochi).
Maqu
Price: €35 – €369
Ships to: Worldwide
Sustainability: Eco-friendly materials | Low-impact materials | Climate-neutral shipping | Upcycled design
Certifications: GOTS
Marisa Fuentes Prado founded the brand Maqu in 2016 in Berlin. The brand combines Marisa’s Peruvian heritage with modern, minimalist designs inspired by European culture. By combining cultures, styles, and materials, Maqu celebrates diversity and inclusivity.
The brand highlights sustainability through its designs. Maqu opts for sustainable and resource-saving practices and mainly uses organic materials. In addition, the brand uses all fabrics entirely and focuses on durability. The brand offers a wide range of colorful clothing perfect for finding your wedding outfit.
For more information, visit Maqu’s website or take a look at their Instagram (@by_maqu).
CARPASUS
Price: €59 – €229
Ships to: Worldwide
Sustainability: Eco-friendly materials | Ethical production | Low-impact materials | Recycled materials
Certifications: GOTS
In 2015, René Grünenfelder and Michael Zäch launched the first CARPASUS collection. The idea for the brand was born after the Rana Plaza disaster when the men reflected on the environmental and social conditions in which clothing was made. The brand’s mission is to make shirts that are ethical and sustainable, all the while making the consumer feel good.
CARPASUS uses eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and ensures safe and healthy working conditions for the garment workers. The brand offers many different types of shirts for every occasion.
For more information, visit CARPASUS’ website or take a look at their Instagram (@carpasusofficial).
Whimsy + Row
Price: €16,95 – 258,95
Ships to: Worldwide
Sustainability: Small batches | Local production | Low-impact materials | Upcycled | Ethical production
Founded in 2014 in Los Angeles, Whimsy + Row is an eco-conscious lifestyle brand born out of a love for quality goods and sustainable practices. Emphasizing sustainability and ethical production, Whimsy + Row‘s limited-run batches are handcrafted under fair conditions. Most of the clothing is made just a few miles from their office. This proximity allows for regular factory visits, ensuring fair wages and treatment for workers.
Committed to using locally sourced, upcycled, and low-impact materials, Whimsy + Row creates quality pieces designed to last. The brand meticulously selects the best eco-friendly fabrics to offer flirty and effortless styles that are as fashionable as they are sustainable.
For more information, visit Whimsy + Row’s website or take a look at their Instagram (@whimsyandrow).
Sources
All pictures link to their source, and all credits go to the rightful owners.
You can find the header picture here.
Image Credit: Evgeniy Volivach on Pexel
