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It’s wedding season, which means you probably have a slew of invites from friends and family members who are 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.
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 — all in hues other than white to avoid classic nuptials etiquette — go-to retailers and brands including Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Revolve, Reformation, Azazie and more, all organized by dress code and ready to pair with your most comfortable dancing shoes.
Black Tie
Black tie usually calls for floor-length gowns in silk, brocade, velvet, chiffon and other luxe fabrics for women and tuxedos for men.
Norma Kamali Sleeveless Low Back Drape Gown
You can’t go wrong with Norma Kamali’s low-back draped LBD for your next gala.
Reformation Anaiis Silk Dress
Jewel tones exude sophistication and easily go with your favorite jewelry pieces.
Sachin & Babi Bonnie Satin One-Shoulder Gown
Use code GETJUNESF for 20 percent off at Saks Fifth Avenue through June 18.
Meshki Malakhai Chiffon Halter Maxi Dress
The unique design and cut at the front creates an understated and effortless look.
Formal
While formal is close to a black-tie dress code, dress hemlines can be (slightly) higher. Ankle-baring silhouettes are acceptable for formal dress codes, but avoid anything above too far above knee. Men can go for a suit and tie — no tuxedo needed.
Petal & Pup Naira Pleated Maxi Dress
Go for a less common hue that complements your skin tone for a more understated look.
One Shoulder Shirred Midi Dress
You can never go wrong with a black dress, and a one-shoulder cut with a side slit will give you a chic and elevated style.
Birdy Grey Hannah Dress
Bridal label Birdy Grey’s bridesmaid dresses also make great options for wedding guests (just make sure to avoid the bridal party’s color scheme). The velvet Hannah dress comes in a range of shades and features ruffled sleeves and a V neck and back.
Cocktail
Just a small step above semi-formal, cocktail attire usually involves knee-length or midi cuts and in materials such as silk, chiffon, linen and lace.
Silk High Neck Midi Dress
Florals are always a wedding season go-to. This midi dress offers a soft hue that radiates sophistication.
Cleobella Carrie Midi Dress
Milly Aurora Satin Midi Dress
ASTR the Label Ruched One-Shoulder Maxi Dress
Subtle florals, bright colors, ruffles and ruching —what else can you ask for in this sunny silhouette?
Stella McCartney Iconic Poppy Print Minidress
Stella McCartney’s pink poppy dress even has pockets.
Semi-Formal
Semi-formal allows for a knee-length or midi dress and jumpsuits in prints and more casual fabrics, such as linen and cotton.
Marie Oliver Neeley Dress
Embody easy, breezy and beautiful with this printed dress inspired by the Greek Isles. The flattering cut is fits right in at beach weddings.
Everlane Gauze Open-Back Dress
Premium Linen High-Neck Maxi Dress
Wear the season’s favorite shade of yellow, pair some fun accessories or throw in your classic hoops, this is a simple and fashionable choice made with 100 percent linen.
