If you’re anything like us, your mailbox is rife with invitations from newlyweds-to-be, which means you’ll need all of the best wedding guest dresses to keep up with your RSVPs. Luckily, there’s no shortage of dreamy options to start budgeting for, and we curated versatile wedding guest outfits to help you secure the perfect look—no matter what dress code or season you’re shopping for.
Finding the perfect wedding guest dress is no small feat; once you’ve nailed down what you’re wearing, you can then start accessorizing your look, arranging travel if it’s a destination wedding, and checking presents off the happy couple’s registry. So whether the invite takes you to an ivy-covered terrace, a majestic European villa, or a hayfield surrounded by wild grasses and sweeping expanses, below you’ll find our edit of the best wedding guest dresses to shop now.
Step into fall with dresses that have endless layering potential under oversized blazers or aviator jackets. Silky midi dresses will make moving around the dance floor a breeze, while carefully placed cutouts will keep you cool on balmy autumn nights. Dark tones, like auburn and marigold, transcend seasons—and are a no-brainer for transitioning your aesthetic away from summer brights.
A long-sleeve dress is a foolproof option for a stately autumnal affair, and the latter half of the year is the perfect time to lean into more natural hues like earthy browns and green. A balloon-sleeve or wrap dress will deliver maximum comfort and ease as you navigate the dance floor (or better yet, the dessert bar). For a more dramatic entrance that taps into the sheer dress trend, try a high-low gown in a patchwork animal print. With glossy, liquid hair pulled back in a low bun, the figure-hugging style serves up an alluring glam that’s perfect for stepping out on a warmer-than-usual fall evening.
End-of-year ceremonies are festive and super romantic, but as a guest, it’s truly hard to feel like your best self when dressing for bitter winds and freezing-cold temps. Long sleeves are excellent for layering over tights and under jackets, while moody prints and subtle cutouts offer a refreshing take on winter wedding guest style.
Embrace the holiday cheer with all-over sequins or psychedelic velvet. These eye-catching fabrics are especially great for large-scale affairs with a sizable guest list where you’re encouraged (nay, expected) to bring it. If your taste leans minimalist, a streamlined silhouette with little embellishment is a no-fuss way to make a statement.
Semiformal Spring Wedding Guest Dresses
Planning for a few low-key spring ceremonies? Swap winter’s heavy materials and deep tones for airier fabrics and pastel color palettes that read on trend throughout the entire wedding season. A statement slip dress is perfect with strappy sandals for a rooftop soirée, while a bright jumpsuit will see you through a midday reception that extends into the early evening.
Formal Spring Wedding Guest Dresses
When you’re mentally ready for skin-baring outfits but the forecast isn’t quite in full-on summer mode, opt for the next best thing: a midi or maxidress with fluttering cap sleeves, which provide just enough arm coverage to bear the wind chill at the start of the season. Formal spring soirees are ideal for wearing the frilliest house dresses and Bridgerton-inspired gowns.
Relaxed warm-weather nuptials are arguably the easiest to shop for. If you’re celebrating someone’s big day at a beachside venue in the afternoon or a romantic garden at dusk, pretty much any kind of sundress will do—and the best part is that you can absolutely rewear any one of these to other outdoor weddings. Now’s also the moment to embrace bright colors and mood-boosting prints.
Daring cutouts, solid brights, and high-low hemlines are just a few details that make a summer wedding guest dress black-tie-worthy. You can dial up the drama with plunging necklines or a backless pleated midi. As far as color goes, vivid shades like punchy pink and lemon are always fun to style—not to mention these feel-good hues pair seamlessly with gold accents and any kind of footwear, from crystal-embellished mules to strappy leather sandals.
