Retro Wedding Guest Outfits: Our Guide To Mod-Inspired Wedding Guest Looks
So, you’ve just received an invitation to a friend’s wedding that says ‘Dress code: Mod’, and you’re not sure what that's supposed to mean? Worry not. You’re in the right place.
A Mod wedding ditches the usual floral and flowy looks in favour of the retro-inspired, iconic 60s vibe. It will be a wedding bound to be bold, playful, and have a whole lot of attitude. This basically means that if you’re a guest who loves to stand out (without outstaging the couple, of course), you’re going to feel right at home.
But before that, you need the right look. Follow our guide as we walk you through everything you need to know about dressing the Mod way. Brace yourself for the era that brought us style, structure, and swagger. It's time to dive in.
The Key Pieces You Need for a Mod-Themed Wedding
For the ladies, there ain’t no other staple that screams Mod louder than the shift dress. Maybe you recall it from Twiggy’s iconic look in the 60s. Remember her? Short hair, big earrings and that straight line bright-coloured short dress? The simple cut flatters the body without clinging and allows for freedom of movement, which you’ll be thankful for once the Mod music hits post-ceremony. For a daytime wedding, we advise you to go for pastel colours and floral patterns combined with block heels. If the invitations suggest a more formal setting, then dial up the glamour with rich jewel tones or a monochrome palette. And don’t forget the big, bright statement earrings! It's not the time to shy away from the drama.
For the gents, 60s-style weddings are your excuse to look razor-sharp with sleek, tailored suits. Now’s your moment to nail it. Sharply cut jackets and cropped trousers paired with a floral shirt? Don’t mind if we do. Such a clean outfit works very well in winter and autumn as well. Just swap the light fabrics for tweed and wool blends and the shirt for a bold rollneck, and you’re good to go! If the big event is scheduled for the summer, though, a satin finish and cotton or linen fabrics will be just dapper.
Vintage Style Wedding Outfits For Every Setting
Naturally, the perfect wedding guest look would also highly depend on the venue. Thankfully, the Mod movement is all about minimalist silhouettes, so you’ll be sure to match the dress code regardless of the setting.
Garden Weddings
A pastel A-line dress in pastel colours with chic flats will fit the vibe and instantly nod to the iconic 60s. Keep accessories to a minimum, though. Just add a simple floral clip to match the vibes.
For the men, pair a Paisley shirt with vintage trousers and loafers, and you’ll be seriously stylish and comfortable all day long and ready for the late-night disco.
Formal Black Tie
Formal vintage wedding guest outfits require a sharply tailored Mod suit and a monochrome dress in a luxe fabric like silk, satin or brocade. It’s an opportunity for you to explore vintage stores and find good examples of quality and craftsmanship. That way, you’ll truly steal the show.
Beach Wedding
Ah, the breeze! The fun! A Beach Mod wedding wants you to enjoy every moment of the hot summer day. To do so, trust cotton and linen blend shirts and tailored trousers to keep you fresh and cool throughout the event. Bright colours and patterns are very welcome to join you at the party as well.
Ladies, bring out the sandals and the now-trending kitten heels. Gents -oversized sunglasses and a vintage watch will keep things sharp and classy at all times.
Winter Wedding
Take the opportunity to go wild with custom tweed suits, woollen coats, and richer fabrics like tactile velvet or corduroy. You could also layer a Mod-inspired fur overcoat or cape for warmth and some extra edge. And while at it, why not add some vintage braces over a crisp long-sleeved shirt?
Whatever the venue and setting, make sure you have fun picking out your retro wedding guest outfit. Hit the stores and the boutiques and look for retro brands and labels. All the better if you find a one-of-a-kind tailored piece. And don’t shy away from talking to the people who run these places. They do know a thing or two about the classic movement. Trust their expertise to find a great fit.
How to Accessorise Your Iconic Retro Wedding Look
If your structured, sharp outfit is the core of your look, accessories will be the soul that brings your inner Mod to life. Here’s how to channel that signature '60s spirit:
Footwear
Ladies, it’s time to bring out the Mary Janes and those shiny black boots made for walking. Chunky heels are peak Mod. Stylish, comfortable, and perfect for dancing the night away without breaking a sweat. For the gents, classic loafers or polished Oxfords will keep you looking sharp and feeling great from ceremony to last call.
Jewellery
When it comes to jewellery, remember that your job is to capture the playful vibe of the era. For women, chunky bangles, oversized geometric earrings, and bold cocktail rings will be perfect. And if you prefer something more subtle and classy, minimalist gold hoops and delicate chains will be just right.
Men should stick to sleek watches and maybe go as far as a bold ring. If you’re feeling particularly brave, a patterned silk pocket square and cufflinks will be a superb detail to add to your look. The devil’s in the details, after all. And that’s why he always looks the part.
Final Touches Before You Set Off
Sure, Mod thrives on bold choices, but the trick is knowing when to rein them in. Let one statement do the talking and amaze with quality and patterns while keeping the rest of the elements simple and more refined.
Mod is not just about attitude. The movement also prioritises comfort, and so should you. After all, weddings are long affairs, so make sure you feel as good as you look. You don’t have to choose one over the other. Make sure you can dance in your shoes and that your fabrics allow you to move freely.
Attending a Mod-themed wedding doesn’t mean you can’t mix and match the old with the new. Have fun experimenting with pieces and expressing your personality in a way that feels right to you.
Ready to Rock the Wedding?
If you’re hunting for the perfect vintage wedding guest outfit, then you need to learn to stand out by combining the timeless classics and playful energy like a pro. And if the dress code requires a throwback to the Mod era, fear not. Just take a trip back to history and get inspired by the unique, swinging ‘60s.
Go ahead, embrace the retro spirit, and have fun putting it all together. You’ll show up looking dapper, like you were made for this Mod moment.