The Best Wedding Guest Dresses
Picking what to wear to a wedding can be a challenge. There are dozens of factors to consider, such as finding a dress that suits the dress code, a style that flatters your figure, and something that suits the formality of the occasion. But you don't have to stress for weeks about what dress to wear, because we've done a little digging for you to make getting dressed that much easier. That way, you can stop scouring your closet or frantically searching online and instead opt for one of our favorites.
What to Look For
While you search for the best wedding guest dresses, we suggest focusing on three key qualities: the quality of the material, the color, and the length. With those factors informing our own search, a few favorites stood out from the rest. Jasambac’s cocktail dress is one of our top picks thanks to its elegant, classic style and modest hemline. The stretchy lace also wins points for all-day comfort. For more formal affairs, though, the Norma Kamali fishtail gown is a showstopper that will have you turning heads the moment you walk through the door. Discover these and our other recommended wedding guest dresses to make your shopping experience a breeze.
Jasambac Cocktail Party Wedding Guest Dress
Look good, feel good
This classic A-line dress will land you on the best-dressed list at any wedding. The fit-and-flare style helps to accentuate your waist, and the illusion lace neckline adds a modern touch to the otherwise traditional silhouette. We love how well it can be paired with elegant accessories like pearl earrings or gold hoops for an effortless, understated look. You can even finish it off with black or nude pumps for a neutral look, or opt for a bright pop of color with a pair of red or patterned heels to make a more eye-catching statement.
Pros:
- We love that the dress comes in various colors, as well as sleeveless and three-quarter length sleeve styles.
- The lace is super soft and stretchy, so you’ll look stylish while remaining comfortable.
Cons:
- It runs a bit small, so consider sizing up.
Jasambac Off-the-Shoulder High-Low Dress
This dress combines all of the best fashion-forward elements into one style, making it an eye-catching garment. For starters, the off-the-shoulder neckline is a sultry style that helps draw attention to your face. A wide waistband emphasizes your shape, while a high-low hemline is a modern take on the classic A-line silhouette. From cocktail parties to galas to black-tie weddings, you can wear this dress for any formal event and look like a total knockout.
Pros:
- You can choose from a huge variety of colors to find the perfect shade to complement your wardrobe. From green to red to gold, there is a shade everyone will love.
- We love that the dress has pockets, making it a practical option for storing personal items like your phone, wallet, and lipstick.
Cons:
- The lighter colors are a bit sheer.
Norma Kamali Off Shoulder Fishtail Gown
For black or white-tie occasions, look no further than this breathtaking gown. Made from polyester and spandex, the fabric will hug your curves and accentuate your shape for a form-fitting final look. The off-the-shoulder neckline exposes the perfect amount of skin, while the three-quarter length sleeves give the dress a tasteful and classy overall look. A fishtail hem is a finishing touch that gives this dress a fashion-forward edge, making it a modern option for fancy occasions.
Pros:
- The dress is the perfect option for achieving understated glamour. It isn’t showy, but it is elegant and beautiful enough to win compliments.
- It is beautifully made and perfectly hugs your curves. It doesn’t cling or accentuate the wrong places, giving you an instant confidence boost.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, it’s only offered in black.
Miessial Chiffon Wrap Dress
With a tonal leopard pattern, this chiffon wrap dress is a fun option for wedding guest attire. The wrap style helps to define your waist, and the V-neckline is the ideal way to elongate your frame. A ruffled hem gives the dress a flirty edge, making it the perfect option to dance the night away. With multiple different shades to choose from, you can easily find your favorite.
Pros:
- Because it’s a wrap dress, the sizing is very forgiving. You can tie the sash looser or tighter depending on your needs to get the fit exactly right.
- We love that it doesn’t wrinkle easily. Thanks to that, the dress will look good even after a night of tearing up the dance floor.
Cons:
- The lighter shades of the dress are a bit sheer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you not wear to a wedding?
When choosing a wedding guest dress, there are a few key things to avoid, the most important of which is to avoid anything white. You should also choose a dress that is appropriate for the dress code, whether that’s casual, cocktail, or black tie. You should also avoid informal footwear like sneakers or flip-flops.
Is it okay to wear red to a wedding?
Yes. Besides white, there are no colors you must rule out when shopping for a wedding guest dress.
Can a wedding guest wear the same color as the bridesmaids?
If you know the bridal party colors in advance, it’s best to avoid wearing a color similar to the bridesmaids. If you accidentally match the bridal party, however, it is not considered a guest faux pas, so it shouldn’t be cause for concern when choosing your attire.
About the Author
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