As invites start to land in your inbox, finding the best wedding guest dresses to wear to all of those nuptials can be quite the task. Several friends and grooms have already put a date on the calendar and mailed out a calligraphed envelope to your door. And if you’re a recipient of any number of these invitations, you might be left with a question you haven’t had to ask yourself for a minute: What shall I wear? The idea of going all out—in a statement dress, a gown, and such—may be a daunting one, but the quest to unearth the best wedding guest dresses doesn’t have to be an unpleasant one. Pick a cheerful or elegant design that makes you feel great but also allows you to celebrate fully should an after-party be on the itinerary. Whether you’re attending a casual courthouse ceremony or looking for a formal gown for a black-tie affair, there’s something to help you win best-dressed guest just ahead.
The Best Wedding Guest Dresses, According to the Dress Code
Lean into seasonally-appropriate colors and prints–like warm pastel hues and statement florals. Saloni is on the top of the wish list for vibrant blooms while Adriana Degreas nods at summer seashells. For a more minimal look, opt for classic solid silk gowns by Reformation and Milly.
Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses
Formal weddings are your moment to go all out. Reach for dramatic lengths, unexpected frills, and classic silhouettes to make an elevated statement. Labels like Emilia Wickstead and Solace London show us how it’s done.
Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses
Prepare to say cheers to the new couple in a fun dress that makes a glamorous statement. Unexpected textures and rich, vibrant colors always work well for those memorable moments as you can see from Sandro’s crystal accent dress to Alexia Maria’s polka dot mini.
Floral Wedding Guest Dresses
You can never go wrong with a romantic bloom, be it a lilac-adorned Bernadette one-shoulder gown or a two-tone rose-covered De La Vali chiffon maxi dress. Lightweight fabrics like that on Simkhai’s linen halter or Rhode’s ethereal beach-ready print are both perfect for those shore-side ceremonies.
Black Wedding Guest Dresses
This easy-to-follow dress code eliminates some guesswork. Now all you need to do is pick a winning silhouette. Reach for a dramatic off-the-shoulder taffeta gown from Aje, or opt for a sultry cowl-neck gown by Toteme for the ultimate cool-girl look.
Daytime Wedding Guest Dresses
Attending a garden wedding or a simple yet intimate celebration? Elevated comfort is the name of the game here. Slip on an easy-going dress with a polished finish like Staud’s belted organza maxi or Vince’s versatile satin midi style in a cool shade of blue.
