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As spring rolls into summer, we still can't figure out when we'll need to bring a jacket. The one thing we do know for sure? It's wedding season. Once you RSVP to someone’s wedding invitation, there’s no denying that finding the perfect wedding guest dress can be mildly stress-inducing.
For day receptions such as backyard, garden, or beach weddings, opt for above-the-knee or midi-length dresses in airy fabrics like crisp cotton poplin, light chiffon, and even jersey if it’s a more casual event. co*cktail attire calls for more elevated materials such as crepe, silk, or lace (check out our guide to co*cktail dresses, as well). Knee-length, midi, or maxi silhouettes are a good rule of thumb for the evening.
Our Top Picks:
1
Best Floral Dress to Wear to a Wedding
ASOS Design Satin Midi Dress with Blouson Bodice
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3
Best Amazon Dress to Wear to a Wedding
PrettyGarden Long Satin Dress with Mock Neck
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7
Best Plus-Size Dress to Wear to a Formal Wedding
Reformation Marguerite Silk Dress ES
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8
Best Wrap Dress
Frances Valentine Lucille Wrap Dress Pink
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9
Best Lace Dress
ASTR the Label Sleeveless Lace Fit & Flare Midi Dress
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Invited to a fancy black-tie soiree? Make like a royal and go all out in an elegant floor-length gown. It's always better to overdress than be unprepared. And friendly reminder: wearing white is an absolute no. This also applies to any lighter shades that could be mistaken for white in different lighting, like cream, blush pink, or pale yellow.
As for shoes, pair these dresses with comfortable styles that will withstand hours of celebrating. And if you'll be on uneven terrain like grass, gravel, or sand, don't overlook strappy flat sandals, block heels, or pretty embellished flats.
Whether you prefer a floral midi, an off-the-shoulder number, or a design with sleeves for extra coverage, we have the best wedding guest dresses from reliable stores like Nordstrom, Reformation, and Anthropologie, as well as budget-friendly websites such as ASOS and Lulus. P.S. Many of these summer dresses can even be worn with white sneakers when wedding season is over.
1
Best Floral Dress to Wear to a Wedding
ASOS Design Satin Midi Dress with Blouson Bodice
1
Best Floral Dress to Wear to a Wedding
ASOS Design Satin Midi Dress with Blouson Bodice
Vintage florals strike a sweet note, but be sure to check out the open back, too. A blouson front makes this a great choice for anyone who doesn't want something too tight.
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Talbots Halter Maxi Dress in Navy Metallic Floral
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Talbots Halter Maxi Dress in Navy Metallic Floral
This halter neck fit-and-flare blue floral maxi dress is ideal for dancing. Available in sizes 2 - 18.
3
Best Amazon Dress to Wear to a Wedding
PrettyGarden Long Satin Dress with Mock Neck
3
Best Amazon Dress to Wear to a Wedding
PrettyGarden Long Satin Dress with Mock Neck
Now 12% Off
Get ready to hit the dance floor in this mock-neck satin dress with an elastic waist. Available in a plethora of colors, there's something for everyone.
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A covered belt accents this berry-hued pleated midi with a relaxed fit for effortless style that's easy to wear. Available in sizes 0 - 20.
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Reformation Amiah Cutout Long Knit Dress
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Reformation Amiah Cutout Long Knit Dress
Lean into a black-tie dress code with this sleek brown midi dress from Reformation. Available in sizes XS - XL.
Cut in comfortable and unbelievably flattering jersey, this slinky one-shoulder number is all about the draping. It even has a built-in bodysuit.
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Best Plus-Size Dress to Wear to a Formal Wedding
Reformation Marguerite Silk Dress ES
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Best Plus-Size Dress to Wear to a Formal Wedding
Reformation Marguerite Silk Dress ES
You'll want to wear Reformation's beautiful fitted bodice midi for all your warm-weather occasions. This version was designed specifically with plus sizing in mind. Available in sizes 0 - 24, as well as petite sizing.
8
Best Wrap Dress
Frances Valentine Lucille Wrap Dress Pink
8
Best Wrap Dress
Frances Valentine Lucille Wrap Dress Pink
Named after Lucille Ball, this vintage-inspired dress is great for those looking for more polish and coverage for formal occasions. It also comes in green and blue, all with high shine. Available in sizes XS - 3X.
9
Best Lace Dress
ASTR the Label Sleeveless Lace Fit & Flare Midi Dress
This delicate lace dress is perfect wedding fare. With a V-neck and a semi-sheer A-line skirt, it's flattering for most body types. Available in sizes 00 -16.
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ASTR the Label Pleated Sateen Floral Blythe Dress
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ASTR the Label Pleated Sateen Floral Blythe Dress
ASTR's pretty pleated floral midi is light enough for a day wedding that rolls into nighttime drinks and dancing. Available in sizes XS - XL.
11
Best Black Dress to Wear to a Wedding
Loft Keyhole Halter Midi Dress
This super-flattering, wear-anywhere little black dress is perfect for throwing on and looking good for any summer wedding. Plus: It's now 40 percent off with code MIX. Available in sizes XXS - XXL.
This ankle-length dress in textured jersey has a narrow cut at top with a twisted detail in the front for a draped effect, a halter neck with long, wide straps to tie at back of neck, and a low-cut back with an elasticized seam. Available in sizes XS - XXL.
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13
Best Off-the-Shoulder Dress
ASOS Design Fallen Shoulder Body-Conscious Midi Dress
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Best Off-the-Shoulder Dress
ASOS Design Fallen Shoulder Body-Conscious Midi Dress
Make a sculptural statement in this draped, off-the-shoulder dress with a gathered waist. The mid-length makes it suitable for co*cktail attire.
If solids and florals aren't your thing, this patterned halter-neck dress from Zara is as unique as you are. Available in sizes XS - XXL.
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1. STATE Twist-Front Cutout Midi Dress in Golden Orange
This tiered ruffle midi is made from lightweight satin fabric that's subtly printed so you don't have to worry about tiny creases showing throughout the event. Available in extended sizes XXS - XXL.
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Best Dress to Wear to a Beach Wedding
Lulus Chasing Sun Marigold Halter Midi Dress
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Best Dress to Wear to a Beach Wedding
Lulus Chasing Sun Marigold Halter Midi Dress
With a sunny yellow crinkle-woven chiffon and ruched bodice, this lightweight midi is ideal for a beach wedding. Available in sizes XS - XL.
17
Best Petite Dress to Wear to a Wedding
Reformation Petites Frankie Silk Dress
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Best Petite Dress to Wear to a Wedding
Reformation Petites Frankie Silk Dress
Reformation's pretty Frankie silk maxi dress has been designed specifically for petite frames. It features a square neckline, so you don't have to worry about any wardrobe malfunctions while dancing the night away. It comes in a range of florals and a solid deep blue. Available in sizes 0P - 12P, 0 - 12, and 14 -22.
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Best Plus-Size Dress to Wear to a Wedding
Eloquii Kimono-Sleeve Maxi Dress
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Best Plus-Size Dress to Wear to a Wedding
Eloquii Kimono-Sleeve Maxi Dress
Now 59% Off
Plus-size specialist Eloquii is known for making beautiful, flattering dresses. This kimono-sleeve silk maxi dress is also available in bright pink, light blue, and black; sizes 14 - 32.
One reviewer writes, "Beautiful dress with a perfect fit! I knew it was a glamorous dress, but never expected it to hit all of my curves in the right places while hiding slight imperfections."
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ASOS Curve Satin Midi Dress with Tie Back in Blush
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ASOS Curve Satin Midi Dress with Tie Back in Blush
ASOS' Curve line has tons of options for plus-size women looking for fantastic dresses, like this long pink dress. It has a supportive V-neck with a pretty tie back for dressy occasions. Available in sizes 12 - 26.
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ASOS DESIGN Curve Satin Plisse Twist Halterneck Midi Dress in Black
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ASOS DESIGN Curve Satin Plisse Twist Halterneck Midi Dress in Black
This satin plisse halterneck is designed specifically for ASOS' plus-size Curve collection. It's formal enough for black-tie dress codes, but you'll be surprised how often you'll want to wear this. Available in sizes 12 - 26.
Sara Klausing
Sara Klausing covers all things fashion and style for Oprah Daily. Follow her on Instagram.
