Please note that this post about what to wear to a wedding with AFOS was previously published and has been updated as of July 2024 to reflect current summer wedding fashion and affiliate links. These affiliate links when used have zero impact on the price buyers pay but they do help me to offset some of my website expenses and splurge on an occasional Starbucks fix.
Summer weddings are pure magic, aren’t they? Picture yourself in a stunning garden or by the beach, with crashing waves providing the perfect backdrop as a couple exchanges their vows. It’s the stuff little girls (and even some boys) dream of—a fairytale ending straight out of a sappy Hallmark movie.
Now, imagine receiving that coveted invitation to a summer wedding. Most guests excitedly embrace the idea of an outdoor celebration without giving a second thought to the unpredictable weather or the challenges posed by uneven terrain. But for those of us with disabilities, social events, especially outdoor ones, can quickly become sources of stress. One major concern for many summer wedding guests with disabilities is finding an outfit and shoes that strike the perfect balance between style and practicality. After all, you want to be both disability-friendly and comfortable enough to enjoy hours of festivities under the scorching summer sun.
In this ultimate guide to wedding fashion for guests with disabilities, we delve into the dos and don’ts of navigating three common summer dress codes: Beach/Casual, Semi-Formal, and Formal. If you’re invited to a wedding or any other special occasion this summer, fret not—we’ve got you covered!
In our accompanying post, “The 10 Dos and Don’ts for Wedding Guests With Disabilities,” we leave no stone unturned when it comes to essential tips and tricks. We want to ensure you have an unforgettable time at the wedding, free from unnecessary stress. So, once you’re armed with our tips for navigating a summer wedding with a disability, get ready to explore our handpicked selection of disability-friendly outfits and shoes that seamlessly align with every dress code. Say farewell to sartorial stress and embrace the confidence of looking and feeling your absolute best. Okay, are you ready to shop for a fabulous outfit? Let’s go!Beach/Casual Summer Wedding Looks
Alright, my perfectly imperfect fashionistas, let’s dive into the world of beach casual fashion for that summer wedding extravaganza! We’re talking sand, sun, and all the fun. Picture yourself strolling along the shoreline, feeling the warm sand between your toes—well, maybe not so much for many of us!
If you wear AFOS (leg braces) or use other types of mobility devices, and can’t easily dip your toes in the sand, fear not! We’ve got the perfect beach casual outfit suggestions that will have you feeling like a beach goddess, while keeping comfort and practicality in mind. Say hello to flowy maxi dresses that gracefully glide over leg braces, giving you that ethereal and breezy look without any restrictions. Choose lightweight and breathable fabrics that keep you cool under the scorching sun, because nobody wants to be a sweaty mess on the dance floor. And when it comes to footwear, opt for wide-width embellished sandals with adjustable straps that offer both style and stability. So, let’s get ready to rock that beach casual look, making waves both in fashion and in life, disability and all! Because when it comes to enjoying the summer wedding festivities, nothing can hold us back from looking and feeling fabulous.Slide through and click on the images and links below to shop our favorite Beach/Casual looks for a summer wedding :
A Semi-Formal Summer Wedding
When it comes to deciphering the mysterious realm of semi-formal dress or “cocktail attire” for a summer wedding, even the fashion-savvy among us can feel a tad lost. But fear not! We’ve done our homework!
The semi-formal dress code resides in that gray area of party attire, straddling the line between casual and formal. You definitely don’t want to look like you’re attending your high school prom (especially if yours was back in ’88), nor do you want to give off the vibe of heading out for a dinner at Olive Garden. Now, here’s a game-changer for you: the easy, pull-on jumpsuit. It’s the perfect choice to conquer the semi-formal conundrum! And hey, if you happen to fall head over heels for a jumpsuit with a pesky back zipper, don’t fret! Check out my post, DIY Adaptive Fashion, where I spill the beans on how to make it accessible for those with fine motor weakness or other hand challenges. Trust me, there are plenty of gorgeous pull-on style jumpsuits this season that, when paired with some fun magnetic closure accessories, an easy-to-carry handbag, and a fabulous pair of flat sandals, will have you rocking that semi-formal wedding or any other summer occasion with absolute flair. So, get ready to strut your stuff in that stylish jumpsuit, exuding confidence and defying any fashion challenges that come your way.Slide through and click on the images and links below to shop our favorite semi-formal looks for a summer wedding :
A Formal Black Tie Summer Wedding
Ah, the formal or black-tie summer wedding—the dress code that’s practically a dream come true for those of us who choose to cover our mobility devices. Why, you may ask? Well, it’s because this occasion traditionally calls for women to don long, floor-sweeping gowns that graciously hide any braces or mobility aids. It’s like a fashion blessing in disguise!
Unlike the mostly black and dark color palette seen at black tie or formal fall and winter weddings, formal summer weddings invite you to embrace the vibrant side of fashion. It’s all about stepping into the sunshine with confidence, adorned in brighter hues and playful floral patterns. So, leave those dark colors behind and let your outfit bloom with the joyous spirit of the season. Get ready to turn heads and paint the wedding venue with the colors of your radiance! The possibilities are endless! We can choose to don a princess-like gown, feeling like Cinderella herself. Who knows, maybe Cinderella secretly rocked leg braces too, and that’s why she had only one pair of shoes that fit. The world may never know… One of the perks of a maxi dress is that your shoes typically remain hidden from sight. You can even sneakily wear adorned sneakers underneath, just like I did for my first wedding a million years ago. But you can also go with a pair of AFO friendly wide-width sandals or flats. If finding wide enough ones with a strap is an issue, we have an awesome hack. You purchase a stretchy embellished strap that dresses up the shoe and helps keep securely on your foot. Pretty cool, right? You’ll be able to dance the night away without any worries. Of course, let’s not forget about accessories! A small cross-body or wrist-handle bag allows us to be hands-free, letting us focus on enjoying the festivities. And when it comes to jewelry, why not opt for sparkly pieces that are easy to put on? After all, who doesn’t love a little extra sparkle to elevate our outfit and our spirits? So, get ready to embrace the elegance and glam of a formal or black-tie affair. Slip into that stunning gown, let your inner Cinderella shine, and dance the night away with a smile on your face. It’s your time to shine!Slide through and click on the images and links below to shop our favorite formal looks for a summer wedding :
Conclusion
As we bid farewell to this guide on navigating summer weddings with style and grace, remember this: it’s your time to shine, and nothing can dim the radiance of your spirit. Whether you’re rocking a beach casual look, conquering the semi-formal enigma, or unleashing your inner elegance at a formal affair, confidence is your ultimate accessory.
No matter what challenges you may face, remember that you are a force to be reckoned with. Your resilience, beauty, and indomitable spirit shine brighter than any summer sun. So, embrace the joy of celebration, dance like nobody’s watching, and savor every beautiful moment. You’ve hopefully found the perfect outfit! Now, it’s time to bask in the warmth of laughter, heartfelt speeches, and the electric energy of love in the air. So, go out there, make unforgettable memories, and show the world the power of confidence and self-love. May your summer weddings be filled with laughter, cherished connections, and the sheer delight of being exactly who you are. Here’s to looking fabulous, feeling incredible, and having an absolute blast. Cheers to you, my friend, and all the magical moments that await. Please leave us a comment below and let us know what you think of our summer wedding fashion guide.Xo
Lainie
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Hi,
I wear braces that come up the back of my legs and have to straps across the front, one just below the knee and the other above the ankle, I have to wear socks so my feet won’t rub. Can you please advise on some styles of shoes/sneakers/sandals for my braces.
Thanks
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
Please email me at info@trend-able.com with photos of your braces, what size and style you currently fit into and wear, and what type of shoes and style you are shopping for? Lainie
I wear Allard braces due to a severe case of bilateral avascular necrosis in the ankles. I wear an orthopedic gym shoe that has an open tongue so that my foot “drops in.” I cannot bend my foot into a “regular” shoe. My son’s wedding is in June. Can I really wear these shoes with my braces? There is a metal piece that connects the brace to the calf brace. Thank you for any help.
Hi Debra, I will email you.
Thanks for another great post Lainie. I can get anxious about formal occasions since I’ll be the only woman in flat shoes. I like your ideas. And you inspired me to look for a daytime jumpsuit for the hot weather, since short summer dresses aren’t a great option. Keep up the great work & have a wonderful summer.
Thanks do much Mary Jo! I think you will really love the ease of a pull on jumpsuit. I literally wear the one from the resort wear post at least 1x a week. Thank you for reading my posts and taking the time to let me know. Have a great summer ! ?
Can we have a maxi dress extravaganza! Including petite ones for us less tall perfectly imperfect ladies! Let’s get back into dresses and ditch the trousers for a change! Love your ideas, always puts the pretty back into my world! Love Dolly xxx
Yes! We can ?? Thank you for reading & making me laugh ?
Much obliged so much, Briana. I believe will probably fit into the shoes you propose than my Helios supports. Once in a while, I’d forfeit the vitality return I get from Helios for the opportunity to wear charming shoes, once more. Incidentally, a debt of gratitude is in order for sharing.
Thank you so much . I truly appreciate that ?
I know you told us before but I can’t remember…my age. I wear an Allard Brace 24-7, how do you wear the above I espadrilles when shoes does not accommodate brace. Thank you again.
I loved article on accepting how we look. I try not to be so tough in myself
Hi Sandra,
Did you see the video I posted on the Facebook page? I show the braces & talk about my sandals etc. Check it out & also look at the shoes posted on the website ”sandals for leg brace wearers”. Most are extra wide with depth & all fit the Allard braces. If you have specific questions, send me a message via Facebook or Instagram. ??
Aloha! Love the outfits and your site. Can you include shoes or boots that are narrow too? Some of us do not need wide but actually need narrow shoes with good support.
Thank you!
Hi Kim,
I will absolutely do so for fall when I put out boots etc. I’m assuming no leg braces or orthotics right?
These outfits are really beautiful. Thank you so much for what you doing here. I would actually feel confident going to a wedding in one of these, braces or not!
Thanks so much Briana! I so appreciate you taking the time to comment. I loved putting the outfits together & it’s just a bonus if someone buys anything…I want people to see they have options and as you said, I would wear these leg braces or no leg braces. ??
Btw have no clue why my response is srnding random links. Sorry. My web guy is away.
Awesome job here, Lainie! Thanks for inspiring confidence in me to start planning my summer party outfits. I think I need to look into an Allard brace, too. I think they’re more likely to fit into the shoes you suggest than my Helios braces. Every now and then, I’d sacrifice the energy return I get from Helios for the chance to wear cute shoes, again. ??
Joy,
As always thanks for your support. I do think you should check them out. Let me know if you do. ?