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Best dressed guest! Wedding season is in full swing, and we’re gearing up for a summer of love. According to Brides, this is the busiest time of year to get married, with weddings peaking in June and September. And 2022 is particularly packed with parties due to postponed pandemic celebrations (try saying that 10 times fast). No wonder our social calendar is so swamped!
Weddings are our time to shine. Open bar and buffet? Don’t mind if we do. Dance floor? We’re always down to bust a move. Bridesmaid duties? On it — and you better believe we’re catching the bouquet! But finding the perfect outfit to wear as a guest is another story. We want to say yes to the dress too, but sadly it’s not that simple! It feels like there are infinite white gowns for brides but limited options available for guests. Most of the dresses in our closet just don’t cut it.
How We Picked the Best Wedding Guest Dresses
When searching for wedding guest ensembles, there are some important factors to keep in mind. As The Knot reports, each summer wedding has a specific dress code to adhere to: cocktail attire or black tie, backyard or beachy, dressy or casual. Plan accordingly. You can usually play around with tasteful prints, but we suggest steering clear of any pattern that features too much white. Ivory is out of the question at a wedding — you never want to upstage the bride! And as always, we like to keep it classy and comfy at the same time. Whenever possible, we opt for stretchy over stiff styles so we can survive the ceremony all the way until the cake cutting. Breathable fabric will be your best friend at a summer wedding.
Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours scouring the shelves for affordable wedding guest dresses. And this past year alone, I’ve been to so many weddings that I’m beginning to feel like Katherine Heigl in 27 Dresses! But unlike the plot of that rom-com, I can actually wear all of my dresses again. If I’m going to invest in formal fashion, I want to make the most of my purchases.
My goal in compiling this list was to choose party pieces that are timeless, not just trendy. Rock one of these frocks to a wedding one weekend and vacation the next. The possibilities are endless! I also tried to include budget-friendly designs that appeal to a wide range of body types and work in a variety of different settings.
By the power vested in me by Us Weekly, I now pronounce the 11 best wedding guest dresses for the summer season! Shop these chic styles, from Amazon to Anthropologie. May you live happily ever after with these dreamy dresses.
1. ASTR the Label Women’s Gaia Dress
Silky Smooth
Say hello to the holy grail of wedding guest dresses! This silky slip dress fits like a glove, accentuating your curves in all the right places while allowing airy movement with the sultry slit and flowy skirt. I wore this flattering frock to a wedding and received compliments all night long! Since this dress costs under $100 and comes in 17 different colors, you could even snag multiple shades for events throughout the year.
Pros:
- Universally flattering
- Comfortable
- Available in 17 colors
Cons:
- Midi dress — might not be appropriate for a black-tie wedding
Available at: Amazon
2. Lulus Moments Of Bliss Forest Green Backless Mermaid Maxi Dress
Long Live
Warning: jaws may drop when you wear this mermaid maxi dress. Shoppers say that this evening gown is figure-flattering and fabulous! Ideal for taller women, the long length makes this dress a black-tie staple. We’re smitten with the simple yet shapely silhouette — V-neckline, thin straps darted bodice and wide back cutout.
Pros:
- Flattering
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Runs long
Available at: Lulus
3. Lulus Such Sophistication Rust Red Floral Print Pleated Maxi Dress
Paint the Town Red
This is what we meant by tasteful prints! Make a fashion statement in this elegant floral frock, available in three different colors. Pleated with woven chiffon, this tiered maxi dress features sheer crochet lace accents, a surplice neckline and wide straps with sweet bow ties. So chic and charming! Perfect for a daytime wedding with matching black heels.
Pros:
- Unique details
- Flattering
Cons:
- No stretch
- Bust area runs big
Available at: Lulus
4. Lulus All About Love Maxi Dress
Flowy Frock
Whenever we hear “easy, breezy, beautiful,” we think of CoverGirl — and this maxi dress from Lulus. With seven colors to choose from, this gorgeous gown won’t break the bank for a black-tie wedding. One shopper even said, “It feels like a typical overpriced wedding dress without the crazy price tag.”
Pros:
- Affordable
- Multiple colors
Cons:
- Big in the bust area
Available at: Lulus
5. La Femme One-Shoulder Jersey Gown
One-Shoulder Showstopper
Looking for a lovely wedding guest dress? Allow Us to take a weight off your shoulders with this one-shoulder maxi. Featuring a sultry slit and dipped back, this glamorous gown is fitting for any formal function. Available in six solid shades, this dress is a jewel-tone jersey gem.
Pros:
- Fits well
- Six beautiful shades
Cons:
- Runs long
Available at: Nordstrom
6. Dress the Population Nicole Sweetheart Neck Cocktail Dress
Va-Va-Voom!
Have you ever had the unfortunate experience of running into an ex at a wedding? It just happened to me recently — not fun. But one way to survive this inevitably awkward encounter is by looking your best. And if there’s one dress that will have your ex eating their heart out, it’s this stunning sweetheart sheath. A satisfied shopper reported, “Very sexy fit without showing too much skin. Classy for any event.” Sign Us up!
Pros:
- Flattering
- Multiple colors
Cons:
- Not super fancy
Available at: Nordstrom
An Ace in Lace
With over 15,000 reviews on Amazon, this lace sheath dress is a wedding guest dress winner. “MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE DRESS HANDS DOWN!!!” proclaimed one shopper, in all caps no less. “I got SOOOOOO many compliments on this dress and everyone was so shocked that I had gotten it for so cheap off of Amazon.” This classic silhouette will never go out of style.
Pros:
- Available in 15 colors
- Affordable
- Flattering
Cons:
- Not long enough for a black-tie wedding
Available at: Amazon
8. Ever-Pretty Women’s Off-The-Shoulder Ruffle Party Dress
Go With the Flow
Whether you have a destination wedding or a black-tie ball coming up, this off-the-shoulder gown is divine! The layered ruffle along the neckline adds a delicate touch, and the thigh-high slit adds for flowy movement. If the off-the-shoulder style isn’t for you, you can wear this dress higher up on the shoulder, as a one-shoulder look or strapless. As another versatile victory, this maxi comes in 17 different colors. Almost every single reviewer gushed that they received compliments on this gown all night long!
Pros:
- Versatile
- Top-rated
- Affordable and on sale!
Cons:
- No zipper
Available at: Amazon
9. Adrianna Papell Petaluma Sequin Dress
Sparkle and Shine
Searching for a sophisticated Mother of the Bride or Groom dress? This sparkling midi is a modest yet magnificent choice. Covered in crystals, sequins and intricate beading, this dress demands attention without stealing the spotlight from the bride. Also perfect for a New Year’s Eve celebration!
Pros:
- Ideal for Mothers of the Bride or Groom
- Comfortable and slimming
Cons:
- Not black-tie
Available at: Anthropologie
Also available in silver and copper!
10. Norma Kamali Diana Gown
The Carrie Bradshaw Dress
As seen in baby blue on Sarah Jessica Parker in And Just Like That…, this iconic Norma Kamali one-shoulder dress has taken the internet by storm. Wonder why? This flattering gown hugs your curves while concealing trouble spots with the draped ruching effect. According to one reviewer, “It’s the kind of dress that looks amazing on any body type.” Made from a Spandex blend, this stretchy dress is comfy-chic!
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Available in a variety of colors
Cons:
- Built-in bodysuit
Available at: Revolve
11. Lulus Got Your Love Mustard Yellow Ruffled Button-Back Maxi Dress
Golden Hour
As a wise Hilary Duff once sang, “You always dress in yellow, when you want to dress in gold.” Go for the gold in this gorgeous gown, featuring a side slit, flutter sleeves and an open tie back. This sunny summer dress is perfect for a beach wedding! All you need is a bronze tan, and you’re golden (no more puns, we promise).
Pros:
- Lovely details
- Beautiful summery color
Cons:
- Some shoppers say this dress runs a little large
Available at: Lulus
Other Wedding Guest Dresses We Love:
- BCBG Max Azria Tiered Ruffle Gown
- Lulus Came For Cocktails Sage Green Pleated Tiered Lace Maxi Dress
- Lulus Cascading Crush Blue Floral Print Tiered Bustier Midi Dress
This Comfy Maxi Dress Was Made for Summertime Picnic Dates
Looking for additional ways to elevate your closet? Check out more picks below:
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Browse fashion, beauty and health products. Also, check out our gift guides.
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