Okay, so my boyfriend's cousin is going to be getting married in a few weeks, and I guess I must be doing something right, because I got invited x)

Okay, the wedding attire is business casual... so what does /that/ mean? Anyone? Dress pants, a skirt, a cocktail dress, what?

I'm a heavier set lady with a bigger chest, 23, and I have absolutely no idea what to wear. I feel like anything I pick out, I'm going to end up sticking out like a sore thumb and/or making a total ass out of myself in front of my boyfriend's family because of my clothing choices. Also, I don't really have a lot of "nice" clothes, just the standard day-to-day stuff, and I don't exactly have a fortune to spend on it either, but more than likely I'm going to have to end up buying something.

This is the first wedding I've gone to as an adult, so any help would be appreciated as I have no idea what I'm supposed to wear really. I feel like I've asked three different times for any advice from his cousin, and I just keep getting, "business casual."

I wouldn't go with a cocktail dress, I think that would be too dressy. A simple skirt and blouse. Dark wash jeans (with no fashionable holes, tears or patches) and a nice blouse, possibly with a dark suit jacket. Long leg shorts, if you expect it to be very warm might also be okay, though a skirt might be better. Dress pants and a nice shirt would work as well. A sun dress with a light sweater, or suit jacket would be good too.

Mostly you want to avoid ratty jeans and t-shirts as too casual, or evening wear as too formal.

You can try typing "business casual for young women" in google images to get a better idea. There really are a lot of choices.

Thank you for the suggestions c: I have a better idea of what I need to be looking for now, so I super appreciate it ^.^

No problem. The biggest thing is to be comfortable. If you're squirming around because the clothes feel weird or unfamiliar that would look worse than if you end up wearing something a little too formal or casual. Mostly if you smile big and act friendly, they will feel your clothes are appropriate no matter what you end up choosing :).

I have to say, I feel a lot more confident about going that way c: I have social anxiety and get panic attacks a lot around unfamiliar people (so fun xP) but I think if I try hard to act friendly and be all smiles I might feel better and less nervous c:

What's already been posted is mostly pretty sound advice, but I do want to add one important note:

Even though they say "business casual" I'd advise avoiding jeans altogether, just because it's a wedding. Unless any part of the wedding party has said they'll be wearing denim, don't go there. A nice pair of dress pants or a skirt would be much more favourable in this scenario. Simple, classy - but best of all? They're neither too dressy or too sloppy, which is exactly the look you're going for. Wear whichever will make you feel more comfortable. And, if you're going with a solid base for your bottom, you can get a little creative with a nice top and a bit of jewellery. =)

Good luck!

Thank you c: I still haven't planned my outfit in my head just yet, but I like the idea of going with a solid base and being creative with a nice top and jewelry c:

To me, business casual is such a strange way to describe a wedding dress code - it makes it seem more like a conference rather than a celebration. I would suggest a dress that ends about knee length, and it can be sleeveless aka show your shoulders a bit, but just make sure it's not a spaghetti strap. I wouldn't pick a dress with a super busy print, but a mild print or solid/colourblocked dress would be appropriate. Asos and F21 have some gorgeous options in both regular and plus sizes that are super flattering and appropriate, and are budget friendly. You can probably find a dress from F21 for about $15-30, and I would say $25-$50 from Asos (free shipping at $25, free returns). I can also make some suggestions for 2 piece outfits if you would be more comfortable in pants/a skirt, just let me know :)

Ugh, right? Thank you so much for suggesting those shops to me!

Quick question, is black a color that should be avoided for something like this? I try to tend to stick with black since it's supposed to be slimming and it's a nice color on me, but it seems like wearing black to a wedding is ominous or something. Sorry, clueless x)

No problem! I would say that solid black may be a little too somber, but maybe you can compromise with something like a simple floral print that's on a black base like this, or maybe something like this, but with a different colour blocking pattern on it - I find that this one looks a little strange to me. I totally wish it weren't questionable to wear black to a wedding though, I personally live in black and I would be really lost if I were told I couldn't lol. Maybe try to find out whether your boyfriend's cousin will mind if you wear black, or if there's a colour theme? Although based on the previous answers, the answer won't be helpful either. If black is out of the question, then I would suggest a royal purple or teal that would be the next 2 more "universal" flattering colours to wear.