Dress Styles for a Wedding Guest

If you’re attending a wedding, then you’ll want to make sure that you’re dressed appropriately. A wedding guest is typically expected to dress in business casual attire, but depending on the type of wedding, there may be other dress code expectations.

Some weddings require all guests to wear black tie attire. These types of weddings are usually held at night and are more formal than others. Other weddings might require guests to wear cocktail attire or semi-formal attire.

Wedding Guest Dresses

Here are some ideas for dresses that work for a variety of different types of weddings:

Black pantsuit – A black pantsuit is a great option because it’s comfortable and professional-looking. You can pair it with flats or heels depending on how formal the event is going to be. If you’re attending an evening wedding, consider adding a little sparkle with jewelry or a clutch purse instead of wearing heels all night long!

Cocktail dress – A cocktail dress can be worn with flats or heels depending on the time of day and the type of event you’re attending. For example, if it’s during the day and it’s outside, then flats are probably best; if it’s evening outside or inside with low lighting levels (such as inside an hotel ball

Right here on ENCYCLOALL, you are privy to a litany of relevant information on Dress Styles for a Wedding Guest and so much more. Take out time to visit our catalog for more information on similar topics.

Colorful flower embroidered mini dress by Oscar de la Renta for wedding guests
Photo: Cass Bird/Courtesy of Oscar de la Renta

From sophisticated city weddings to casual countryside ceremonies, it can be challenging to figure out what to wear to a wedding, as a guest, especially while keeping the changing seasons and trends in mind. There are so many factors that go into picking a style, but ultimately you want a gown that makes you feel confident, stylish and fits well.

We loved gathering our top picks for each season for you. Match the dress of your choice to the time, location and formality of the wedding you will be attending! From a black-tie formal gathering to a laid-back country wedding, we have a variety of full-length, midis and mini dresses for you to choose from.

Fall Styles

Sequins, satin and metallic textiles take center stage for autumn.  Mix these textures with rusty amber and copper hues, and you will be up-to-date on the fall trends. Sheer chiffon and heavily embellished florals make the ultimate dynamic duo for the months to come.

1. Colorful Wildflower Embroidered Tulle Mini Dress

Detailed colorful flower embroidered mini dress for fall 2021 Oscar de la Renta styles.
Oscar de la Renta Floral-Embroidered Tulle Mini Dress | Available at Moda Operandi

2. Metallic Shimmer Puff-Sleeve Midi Dress

Fall midi dress with shimmering metallic copper fabric and puff sleeves.
Theia Mya V-neck Midi Dress | Available at Saks Fifth Avenue

3. Sparkling Gold and Silver Sequin Ombre Gown

Silver and gold spaghetti strap sequin gown for fall.
Halston Noah Ombre Sequin Gown | Available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Winter Styles

Choosing a dress for a winter wedding can be difficult, especially when you factor in the climate and location of the occasion.  With sequins and satin being a fashion statement for the season, these three designs will have you sparkling and snug in the frosty weather.  Deeper hues like pomegranate red and glimmering amethyst will set the holiday spirit. Heavily embellished gowns, faux fur and heavier fabrics are also good options to consider. 

4. Sophisticated Long-Sleeve Turtleneck Evening Gown

All black gown with sheer long sleeves and a turtleneck by Ralph Lauren for winter wedding guest.
Ralph Lauren Long-Sleeve Turtle Neck Gown | Available at Ralph Lauren

5. Enchanting Puff-Sleeve Sequin Midi Dress

Purple sequin puff sleeve midi dress for winter wedding guest.
ROTATE Birger Christensen Sirin Sequined Midi Dress | Available at Saks Fifth Avenue

6. Sleek Burgundy Ruched Satin Wrap Minidress

Silk burgundy long sleeve mini dress with puff sleeves for winter wedding guest
Lavish Alice Ruched Satin Wrap Minidress | Available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Spring Styles

When spring is in the air, it’s time to include light yet lively colors into your fashion choices.  Silky sky blue and bubblegum pink are just a few of the hues that are favored in spring, along with sophisticated 3D embellishments and shoulder-less gowns. Dainty garden-style patterns and billowing gowns are also a top-notch choice for a classic, whimsical outdoor wedding.

7. Sweetheart Neckline 3D Gardenia Embroidery Mini Dress

Pink strapless mini dress with gardenia embroidery for spring.
Oscar de la Renta Spring 2022 Collection

8. Sky Blue Satin Off The Shoulder Dress

Sky blue satin midi dress with one long sleeve for spring wedding guest
Alice + Olivia Dora Asymmetrical Off The Shoulder Dress | Available at: Revolve

9. Peony Silk Off The Shoulder Column Gown

Light pink off the shoulder gown with a train for spring wedding guest
Off the Shoulder Column Gown | Available at Monique Lhuillier

Summer Styles

Sweet summertime calls for vivid and brilliant colors to nourish the fashion soul.  Electric aquamarine, sunset coral and pure honeyed gold will have you radiating with confidence.  Shimmering sheer fabrics and elegant flowy gowns are also clever picks to prepare for the summer heat.

10. Sea Foam Sparkly Plunge Cutout Gown

Sea foam green shimmery long sleeve gown for summer.
PatBo Sparkly Plunge Cutout Gown | Available at Saks Fifth Avenue

11. Sunset Coral One Shoulder Ruched Cocktail Dress

One shoulder sleeve coral sparkling fitted midi dress for summer wedding guest
One Shoulder Ruched Cocktail Dress | Available at Theia Couture

12. Electric Aqua Halter Neck Dress

Aqua blue halter neck mini dress for summer.
Amanda Uprichard Samba Dress | Available at Tootsies

Match the dress of your choice with beautiful accessories and your outfit will be complete! Read more on the Houston Wedding Blog to see our top shoe and jewelry picks.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

eleven + nine =

Scroll to Top