Wedding Guest Dresses
We all know the most basic rule for wedding guests: white dresses are for the bride only. With that said, the rest of the rule book is long and often open to interpretation.
Here’s my rundown of the best sellers to add to your closet:
Wedding Guest Dresses
Because weddings take place in any season and can have any dress code, there are plenty of different wedding guest dresses to choose from. Wedding attire can range from mini to midi to maxi dresses. Detailing like a well-placed ruffle or sleek drape are encouraged (I adore them).
Neckline types can be as numerous as wedding themes — halter neck, V-neck, cowl neck, and more; it’s a dealer’s choice here.
The options know no limits when it comes to wedding guest outfits. Read on for my breakdown of wedding dress codes and the trending pieces that you’ll love:
Formal Wedding
Black-tie weddings (or black-tie optional) tend to be on the formal end of the spectrum — but not as formal as white tie. Just below black-tie optional is cocktail formal.
If you’re attending a formal wedding, you have a lot of choices ranging from a cocktail dress or even fun options like pieces with a tulle skirt (as long as your dress does not resemble bridesmaid dresses). Wrap dresses and tie-waist dresses are also great options to wear to formal weddings, as well.
I love an excuse to wear midi dresses, like the Natalia Silk Dress from Cindy Castro, or long dresses like the Julieta Maxi Dress from Cindy Castro. These summer dresses both come in bright colors that are perfect for a black-tie summer wedding.
For a formal wedding in the fall or winter, I usually opt for a strapless dress and pair it with a blazer or some type of layer that can be removed later in the evening.
Short dresses work well for a formal wedding, too, especially black dresses. My go-to LBD is a mini dress with a high neck and an open back, or a deep neckline and closed back, which provides the perfect balance of being sexy without showing too much skin.
Another fun formal dress I have worn to a few weddings is a bodycon dress with sequins. Paired with delicate, minimalist jewelry, your outfit is sure to turn heads (while not taking away from the bride’s wedding dress, of course).
In terms of shoes, I hold the belief that a pair of pumps will work perfectly with whatever cocktail dress you decide to wear to a black-tie wedding.
Casual Wedding
Even though I love dressing up in formal dresses, I do look forward to wearing casual dresses to a wedding. Party dresses are a little more versatile, seeing as they can be worn both to a wedding and another casual event.
Some examples of casual wedding dresses would be high-low or swing dresses, which can be worn during any season. Sometimes I like to wear jumpsuits to a casual wedding, too.
As far as shoes go, depending on the level of casualness in the dress code, you might opt for wearing high fashion sandals if it’s a beach wedding or booties if it takes place in a rustic location.
Dress for the Season
As late spring and fall roll in, I gear up for what the industry calls “wedding season.” This timing (as well as location) can influence what attire I wear.
For warm weather climates, I opt for chiffon or crepe, often in sleeveless varieties. Slip dresses (or anything with a short sleeve) are the name of the game.
Cold weather is a chance to rock satin dresses or, daringly, anything with a corset. Since formal affairs tend to take place at night, if your garment doesn’t have long sleeves (or if it has cutouts), I would recommend bringing some type of cashmere coat or luxe outerwear.
Wedding Season Wishlist
Weddings are some of my favorite events to attend, not only because I love a celebration but also because I love dressing up. Wedding guest dresses are the most fun to wear due to the infinite silhouettes, necklines, and styles out there.