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Once you’ve coordinated your wedding schedule, the next step is figuring out what to wear to all those nuptials. Between decoding dress codes (just how casual is a “casual” wedding, really?) and navigating different climates, this sort of occasion styling has far from a one-size-fits-all solution. So if you find yourself in the run-up to a fancy affair with a closet full of not-quite-right frocks and a looming deadline—don’t panic. We found the best wedding guest dresses to suit every possible style, venue, and budget.
The Best Wedding Guest Dresses, According to Vogue
- The Red Silk One: Dôen Lilaia dress, $698
- The Elegant Gown: Khaite Candita dress, $2,200
- The Cocktail Mini: Lapointe Satin dress, $1,650
- The Sweet Florals: Zara satin dress, $119
- The Beach-Ready Maxi Dress: Johanna Ortiz Floral dress, $1,773
- The Black Floor-Length Dress: Staud Joy dress, $695
- The Strapless Satin: Norma Kamali crêpe gown, $410
- The Retro Print: Pucci Marmo gown, $1,285
While certain attire requirements are set in stone, there is a lot of flexibility within each category. A black-tie ceremony might necessitate a floor-length gown; but a vibrant citron-colored option offers some personality. A summer wedding might mean gravitating toward uncomplicated silhouettes and looser fabrics in the name of practicality; but why not pick a splashy pattern to liven it up? And while a cocktail dress code or daytime fête definitely leans laid-back, there’s still plenty of opportunity to stand out with a feather-trimmed mini or asymmetric neckline. Whatever’s in the cards, the best wedding guest dresses cover a lot of ground.
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Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
Bold citrus hues, delicate satins, and unexpected prints are the way to go for summer wedding dressing—after all, ’tis the year of the polka dot. Silvia Tcherassi and Dries Van Noten both offer abstract takes on the pattern, while the lemon-colored ruffles of this Amur gown will have you matching the sunset for a golden hour ceremony.
Beach Wedding Guest Dresses
Shore-side ceremonies are your cue to relax a little. Lighter-weight fabrics and simple silhouettes are fair game as long as you have a little fun with the color palette. Break out that Pucci print for a retro look, or channel the tropics via a leafy Johanna Ortiz maxi.
Destination Wedding Guest Dresses
From Italian villas to rolling countrysides, the best way to go about a destination wedding is taking notes from your surroundings. Lean into the romance of a cobblestoned town with a rose-embellished satin dress from Dôen, or buy into the breezy style of an island venue with Massimo Dutti’s perfectly draped halter-neck number.
Floral Wedding Guest Dresses
This is one prompt that eliminates the guesswork; plus, you can never go wrong with a romantic bloom, be it a tonal floral off-the-shoulder dress by Saloni or a moodier strapless pick by Cara Cara. Keep accessories simple (sleek kitten heels and minimalist jewelry are the right choice here) and let the pattern do all the heavy lifting.
Black Wedding Guest Dresses
The best way to bring personality to a dress code with a limited palette? Playing with the silhouette. Reach for a dramatic one-shoulder column dress from The Row, or opt for a classic A-line gown from Staud that’s sure to become a closet staple.
Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dresses
Formal weddings are your moment to go all out. Dramatic lengths, unexpected draping, and chiffon overlays all make an elevated statement. Labels like Altuzarra, Norma Kamali, Taller Marmo show us how it’s done (the latter is especially perfect if your black-tie wedding happens to be on a beach—it’s the best of both worlds).
Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses
Prepare to say cheers to the new couple in a fun dress that makes a glamorous statement. Go short and sweet in a mini dress by Lapointe (our favorite mint-colored one comes with feathers) or make an entrance in a linen floral piece from Zimmermann that’s great for warmer weather. Unexpected textures and rich, vibrant colors always work well for those memorable moments.
Fall Wedding Guest Dresses
We may still be a while away from chilly temps—but that doesn’t mean we can’t do some prepwork. Ahead of the official autumn wedding season, we’re eyeing dresses in warm, rich colors, from Cortana’s persimmon-hued cape design to Galvan’s ochre halter-neck to Brandon Maxwell’s slinky gown in an ever-trendy chocolate brown.
Daytime Wedding Guest Dresses
Attending a courthouse ceremony or a simple yet intimate celebration? Elevated comfort is the name of the game. Slip on an easy-going dress with a polished finish like Proenza Schouler’s drop-waist dress or Faithfull The Brand’s fuchsia ruched style for the ultimate cool-girl look.
Spring Wedding Guest Dresses
Spring nuptials call for soft hues and pretty prints. Etro’s paisley ruffles will get you in the mood for a garden affair, while Simkhai’s verdant midi is fit for a tropical locale. For something simpler, minimalists will want to bookmark Victoria Beckham’s fluttery pink midi dress, which can be reworn more than once.