Photo Credit: by jaguarmena Jaguar MENA Jaguar Style Stakes | 2014 Dubai World Cup

There’s one rule everyone knows when it comes to dressing for friends’ or family weddings: never wear white. Yet different weddings have their own subtle dress code differences. So before heading off to Dobell or other online formal wear retailers, make sure you choose the appropriate outfits that’ll help both you and your hosts stay comfortable.

For a spring wedding

Adaptability is a useful thing for spring nuptials. You never know when it’s going to rain or shine, so something that works both indoors and out will cover all bases. Long dresses might drag over wet grass and through mud, open-toe shoes may mean your nail polish gets a muddy makeover and carefully styled hair may be affected by moisture in the air. Miniature hairspray bottles, umbrellas and spare shoes will help here.

Men can play around with colour – since the season’s temperature fluctuates, hotter or cooler fabrics and colour choices can be worn, with dashes of bold detail such as pocket squares and socks.

For a summer wedding

Staying cool both figuratively and literally is many guests’ aim at warmer weddings, so light, breathable fabrics are helpful. Cotton or even linen (although beware of excessive creasing) over man-made fabrics, open-necked shirts for men – and possibly bare ankles too, if the invitation suggests a not too formal event – sun dresses with chic heels… you can go to town. For men, just remember that if you are going slightly more casual, a jacket will still be essential – although even this doesn’t have to mean sweltering. Look for a linen or very light wool mix.

For an autumn wedding

Even more unpredictable than a spring do, the changeable weather likely at an autumn wedding means layers are a must, for both men and women. Then you can remove and add as conditions require. For women, try brightening up what might be a traditionally muted outfit with a colourful scarf or lipstick, and throw a pashmina into your bag just in case the temperature does drop. Gents, light tweed or wool is a great autumnal look – but add a point of interest with a classy silk tie.

For a winter wedding

The advantage of shopping for a winter wedding outfit is that it just happens to be office party season too – so that dress or suit can be re-worn without anyone clocking the repetition. Unless, of course, it’s a colleague’s wedding. Heavy fabrics for both men and women can work at this time of year, so velvets, tweeds and woollens. Dark, full colours will complement the drawn-in nights for men, while deep reds and greens are no longer out of bounds for women. Sparkly accessories always seem to work better under low winter lights, while men can finally let loose that winter beard – properly trimmed, of course.

Still in need of advice on what to wear? For men, The Guardian has a helpful picture guide. And for women, Glamour has just the article.