The Best Dresses for Wedding Guests for Every Shape and Style (2024)

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It’s wedding season, which means you probably have a slew of invites from friends and family members who will be getting hitched over the next several months. Wedding registries and honeyfunds take care of the stress associated with gift-giving, so if you’re all set with accommodations and travel plans, all that’s left to figure out is your outfit.

With so many styles and silhouettes out there, finding the right look can feel overwhelming. However, the thing to keep in mind is that the best wedding guest dresses are a mix of elegance, convenience and comfort. After all, it’s something you’re most likely going to be wearing for hours, so you’ll want to be able to move in it (not to mention dance). And depending on where the nuptials take place, you’ll also want to be dressed appropriately for the weather.

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Ahead, we’ve rounded up over 15 of the best wedding guest dresses for every type of celebration, from garden weddings and fancy evening affairs, to tropical beach destinations and beyond. Aside from a variety of price points, buzzy designers and trendy to classic silhouettes, so many of these styles are versatile enough to wear for other types of events, so don’t think twice if you feel compelled to reprise your look again and again.

Keep reading for our top wedding guest dress picks from go-to retailers and brands such as David’s Bridal, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Reformation, Saks Fifth Avenue and more, all organized by budget and ready to pair with your most comfortable dancing shoes.

Best Wedding Guest Dresses Under $100

Asos Curve Puff Sleeve Tux Midi Dress

The light pink flowers are perfectly contrasted against the lush green on this mermaid hem dress — the perfect match for a garden wedding or an outside evening celebration.

The Best Dresses for Wedding Guests for Every Shape and Style (3)

Asos Curve Puff Sleeve Tux Midi Dress$70

Buy now

Jasambac Off Shoulder High Low A-Line Wedding Guest Party co*cktail Dress

If you have a fondness for vintage-inspired wear, you might find this off-the-shoulder dress (available in more than a dozen colors and prints) a great choice for a classic, wedding-friendly dress that’s affordable to boot.

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Jasambac Off Shoulder High Low A-Line Wedding Guest Party co*cktail Dresson Amazon.com

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Who What Wear Floral Sleeveless Dress

The perfect sundress for vacations, weddings or a stroll at your local arboretum, Who What Wear’s sleeveless maxi dress features a halter top bodice and side cutouts for showing off just a peek of skin.

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Who What Wear Floral Sleeveless Dress$37

Buy now

Asos High Neck Maxi Satin Tea Dress

For those who prefer more modest wedding guest dresses, Asos’ high neck maxi satin tea dress delivers chic garden party vibes while keeping your covered up.

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Asos High Neck Maxi Satin Tea Dress$68

Buy now

Noize Robin Dress

This classic wrap dress is something to always have in your closet, whether you’ve got a wedding to attend or a brunch with family. It’s also constructed from a fabric made from renewable wood pulp, so you’ll be both stylish and sustainable.

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Noize Robin Dress (reg. $120)$84

Buy now

Best Wedding Guest Dresses Under $300

Norma Kamali Diana One-Shoulder Ruched Stretch Jersey Dress

Dubbed the new Carrie dress after its cameo inAnd Just Like That, Norma Kamali’s Diana one-shoulder ruched jersey dress (available in other colors) looks effortlessly chic with strappy sandals and a lightweight jacket.

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Norma Kamali Diana One-Shoulder Ruched Stretch Jersey Dress$215

Buy now

Reformation Buttercup Dress

For a classic and sustainable LBD, Reformation’s strapless Buttercup dress (available in three colors) is a versatile option for co*cktail parties and black-tie nuptials alike.

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Reformation Buttercup Dress$278

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Dannijo Midi Slip Dress

A silk slip dress — like this sleek one from Dannijo — is always a good choice for a special occasion, especially when you’re celebrating a friend’s nuptials. The shimmering copper makes for a great summer or fall wedding look.

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Dannijo Midi Slip Dress$325.00on Amazon.com

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Selkie Parliament Dress

Selkie’s puff-sleeve dresses are made for anyone who prefers a whimsical, fairytale-inspired touch when it comes to fancy attire. The dresses come in all sorts of colors and prints, from pastels to florals and even clouds.

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Selkie Parliament Dress$225

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Astr The Label Elsa Floral Tiered Maxi Dress

The tangerine floral embroidery and deep-V neckline of this pleated maxi dress screams romance, so it only makes sense to wear it to a wedding. (Perhaps it could be your wedding uniform?)

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Astr The Label Elsa Floral Tiered Maxi Dress$198

Buy now

Eloquii Full Sleeve Maxi Dress

The full sleeves and floral satin jacquard pattern on this beautiful light pink gown make this a truly elegant choice if you’re in the mood for something that shows less skin.

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Eloquii Full Sleeve Maxi Dress$150

Buy now

Best Wedding Guest Dresses Under $500

Mac Duggal Tiered Ruffle Sleeveless Gown

The soft powder blue that makes up this ruffled gown (also available in red) will invoke your inner Cinderella. Wear it with strappy silver heels and diamond-accented jewelry.

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Mac Duggal Tiered Ruffle Sleeveless Gown$458

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Peter Dundas Silk Lurex Stripe Dress

Perfect for bohemian or desert glam weddings, this silk lurex stripe dress by Peter Dundas (who has been worn by Olivia Wilde, Reese Witherspoon and Amy Adams) has a plunging neckline and a flowy silhouette that’s finished with sparkling stripes.

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Peter Dundas Silk Lurex Stripe Dresson Amazon.com

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Vera Wang Bride Sarah Sleeveless Bodycon Mini Dress

Featuring structured piping and a V-neck style, this bodycon mini dress by Vera Wang Bride is one of the best wedding guest dresses for anyone looking for a figure-hugging silhouette.

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Vera Wang Bride Sarah Sleeveless Bodycon Mini Dress$495

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Joie Markus Silk Maxi Dress

Joie’s breezy floral maxi dress fits right in at casual beach weddings, thanks to the lightweight silk and sweetheart neckline.

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Joie Markus Silk Maxi Dress$448

Buy now

Wedding Guest Dresses Under $750

Batsheva One-Of-A-Kind Coatdress In Gold Silk With Ribbons

This swing-style coat dress from Batsheva (the cult-favorite label has been worn by Natalie Portman, Celine Dion and others) will give your wedding look a ’60s feel. The best thing about this dress? It has pockets.

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Batsheva One-Of-A-Kind Coatdress In Gold Silk With Ribbons$550

Buy now

Staud Coliseum Dress in Capri Tree

If you find yourself attending a beachfront wedding in the tropics, opt for this gorgeous cut-out dress from Staud. It will even pair well with comfortable sandals, so you can dance all night long without worrying about painful feet. (Mindy Kaling, Katy Perry and Yara Shahidi have worn the cool L.A. label.)

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Staud Coliseum Dress in Capri Tree$625

Buy now

Alice + Olivia Niesha Pleated Handkerchief Hem Midi Dress

The stunning, otherworldly blue on this pleated Alice + Olivia gown ensures you’ll have a wedding look that will stand out from the crowd. Keep it in mind for an evening affair that calls for more dressy attire. A + O designer Stacey Bendet’s pieces have been worn by Olivia Munn, Addison Rae and Blake Lively.

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The Best Dresses for Wedding Guests for Every Shape and Style (2024)

FAQs

What is the best dress to attend a wedding? ›

Formal or Black Tie: These types of weddings typically call for women to wear floor-length gowns or fancier style co*cktail dresses, such as ones with sequins or embroidery detail.

What should a wedding guest dress look like? ›

"Guests should also have the appropriate tuxedo shirt, a stud set and cufflinks in a matching metal, either a cumme*rbund or vest waist covering, black bow tie, white pocket square, and black patent leather shoes." Similarly, women are encouraged to dress up in a floor-length evening gown or an elegant dress.

What's trending to wear to a wedding? ›

When it comes to wedding guest dress trends, contemporary style is in. "The most popular wedding dress colors this year range from sugary pastels to vibrant jewel tones like emerald green and ruby red," says New York based, world-renowned professional and celebrity stylist, Samantha Brown.

What are the best colors to wear to a wedding? ›

Neutral shades are timeless options that won't detract from the wedding's formal atmosphere. For a more colorful look, consider wearing shades of blue, lavender, or pink to show that you're in the celebratory spirit. If the wedding is in a tropical destination, opt for colors like yellow, orange, and green.

What does a 50 year old wear to a wedding? ›

A sundress or a dress that you would wear to church would be fine. However, if the wedding is in a fancy hotel or at a swanky country club, a formal or semi-formal dress code would be the safest bet. Look at the invitation to see if a dress code is listed.

Which type of outfit is best for wedding? ›

Formal/Black Tie: For an evening wedding or a highly formal event, opt for a tuxedo or a formal dark suit with a white dress shirt, a bow tie, and polished black dress shoes. Women can choose a floor-length gown, a formal co*cktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.

What do ladies wear to weddings as a guest? ›

Women wedding guests should wear full-length dresses, be it a ballgown, a sheath or an A-line dress. High heels are strongly recommended. Feel free to accessorize with opulent jewelry and even elbow-length white silk gloves.

What should a woman over 60 wear to a wedding? ›

Fuschia, emerald, burgundy, and plum are some suitable colors. Although maxi dresses are suitable for the warmer weather, they can also be worn well into fall. Knee-length or midi co*cktail dresses are also great options.

What is the most popular wedding dress code? ›

Between "black-tie optional" and "semi-formal," the language can be tricky to decipher. "While many couples would like their guests to arrive in black-tie attire, the most common wedding dress code is formal attire," says Alicia Mae, CEO of the New Jersey-based wedding planning company ILÈ Events.

What is the trend for wedding guests in 2024? ›

Nothing says spring like pastels, and popular pastel tones such as pale yellow, neutral pink, and dreamy orange sorbet are predicted to be some of spring 2024's buzziest color trends.

Is it okay to wear black to a wedding? ›

Since nuptials are celebratory occasions, the dark hue was labeled off-limits for attendees in the past. However, in today's modern-day age, wearing black to a wedding is completely acceptable, and in many cases, it's even encouraged.

What is the dress code for a 5pm wedding? ›

Semi-formal or co*cktail

If a wedding is taking place at 4 or 5 p.m., you should wear something that easily transitions from day to night. A dark suit and tie are appropriate for men, while a co*cktail dress or a long skirt and top combination would work perfectly for women.

What are the most timeless wedding colors? ›

Classic colors such as white, ivory, blush, navy, burgundy, gold, silver, emerald green, dusty blue, and black have proven to be timeless choices that never go out of style. These colors can be incorporated into various aspects of your wedding decor, from flowers and linens to bridesmaid dresses and stationery.

What color is good luck for wedding? ›

While you'll see different colors all around, yellow and red are considered the luckiest colors. Yellow signifies purity and red signifies fertility and prosperity.

What should a 40 year old wear to a wedding? ›

Formal weddings typically call for dressier attire, such as long gowns or co*cktail dresses, while semi-formal weddings may allow for more flexibility, with options like knee-length dresses or dressy jumpsuits. For beach or outdoor weddings, it's best to choose a lightweight and breathable fabric.

Does it matter what you wear to a wedding? ›

A wedding ceremony is a serious occasion, so you should always dress respectfully: Skip anything too casual (no jeans), too bridal (no formal, white gowns), or too short. "I think a micro mini dress is always too short when it comes to a wedding," says Hurwitz.

What to wear to a summer wedding as a guest? ›

Casual Summer Wedding Attire

But don't forget this is an important event. Showing up in shorts and a T-shirt is not a good idea. For women, think pretty, flowy dresses paired with sandals; an open-collared shirt, chinos and boat shoes are great for men.

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