Shopping for a special event can be both thrilling and stressful. For us, any excuse to splash our cash on an entirely new ensemble is reason for excitement, but if said event is a wedding, our feelings can fall more toward the latter.
Finding the perfect outfit as a wedding guest traditionally comes with very particular rules—like no wearing white (for obvious reason) or black.
Of course, some modern couples happily pass up these customs, which only helps to widen your search.
But, there are a number of factors you’ll want to consider before deciding on an outfit, including the dress code —smart casual, black tie or cocktail—which must be adhered to, as well as the location, style of wedding and any recommendations made by the couple.
Below, we round up some of the most stylish, wedding guest-approved dresses to shop right now.
Most stylish wedding guest dresses to shop
Quintesa Flower Midi Dress, $495 at Aje
Long Jersey Halter Dress, $699 at Camilla
Giacomo Gathered Gown, $720 at SIR
Azzurielle Quincy Mini Dress, $229.95 at The Iconic
Cora One Shoulder Midi Dress, $829 at Rebecca Vallance
The Wolf Gang Claypso Maxi Dress, $299 at The Iconic
Lori Dress, $899 at Lee Mathews
Shona Joy Camilla Lace Plunged Dress, $380 at David Jones
New Radicals Strapless Midi Dress, $599 at Manning Cartell
IDS After Dark Dress, $109.95 at The Iconic
Rixo Marni open Back Maxi Dress, $1,166 at Net-A-Porter
Pilgrim Hadriane Dress, $219.95 at The Iconic
Luminosity Strapless Midi, $1,950 at Zimmermann
How can a guest look classy at a wedding?
As long as you look comfortable, feel good and adhere to the dress code, you can guarantee to feel your best, classiest self on the day.
What is the best color to wear as a guest to a wedding?
Apart from avoiding the cardinal sin (not wearing white), there aren’t too many rules on what colour palettes you can and can’t wear. It’s best to stick to softer colours and avoid anything bright or neon, but it really comes down to your personal choice and the dress code.
What should a woman wear to a wedding as a guest?
While most people will argue that women should wear dresses, there’s really nothing to stop you from wearing a pantsuit if it’s more your style (and is in keeping with the dress code).
What should I wear to a summer wedding?
If you’re dressing for a particular season, just consider what’s on-trend at that time. Summer boasts a range of floaty dresses and floral patterns with a soft palette (think butter yellows and baby pinks).
What guests should not wear to a wedding?
The only thing to keep in mind when it comes to the cut of your clothes, is too avoid anything too revealing like very short dresses or things with a low cut.
Shop Market Editor Emily Gittany’s Wedding Guest Dress Picks
Thelma Knit Dress, $289 at Elka Collective; Foxy Heels, $179.95 at Nine West
Dress, $715 at Wynn Hamlyn; Constella Drop Earrings, $269 at Swarovski; Rota Cocktail Ring, $269 at Swarovski; Foxy Heels, $179.95 at Nine West
Gabriella Dress, $595 at Jillian Boustred; Constella Bracelet, $269 at Swarovski; Millenia Drop Earrings, $199 at Swarovski; Foxy Heels, $179.95 at Nine West
Shona Joy Isola Ruched Dress, $440 at David Jones; Attract Hoop Earrings, $139 at Swarovski; Ortyx Necklace, $500 at Swarovski; Millenia Bracelet, $380 at Swarovski; Foxy Heels, $179.95 at Nine West