If you’re anything like us, you’ve got a slew of wedding invitations piling up in your mailbox, and that means you’ll need a closet full of fabulous formalwear so you can promptly respond to each and every one. Fortunately, there is no shortage of desirable possibilities to begin saving for, and we have compiled a collection of adaptable wedding guest outfits to assist you in looking your best no matter the season or the strictness of the dress code.
Finding the ideal dress to wear as a wedding guest is no easy task, but once you’ve found the one, you can move on to planning the rest of your outfit, booking flights if the wedding is far away, and purchasing gifts from the couple’s registry.
Semiformal Fall Wedding Guest Dresses
Dresses with a lot of potential for layering under oversized blazers or aviator jackets are perfect for the transition into fall. Dancing in a silky midi dress will be a breeze, and the strategically placed cutouts will keep you cool on the dance floor and on warm autumn evenings. Shades of darkness, such as auburn and marigold, are timeless and can be used year-round as an easy way to shift your style away from the brighter colors of summer.
Formal Fall Wedding Guest Dresses
A long-sleeved dress is always appropriate for a formal fall event, and in the second half of the year, it’s acceptable to favor more natural colors like brown and green. Wearing a dress with balloon sleeves or a wrap will allow you to move around the dance floor with ease and comfort (or better yet, the dessert bar). Try a high-low gown in a patchwork animal print for a more dramatic entrance that plays into the sheer dress trend. The figure-hugging style serves up alluring glam, perfect for stepping out on a warmer-than-usual fall evening, thanks to the glossy, liquid hair pulled back in a low bun.
Semiformal Winter Wedding Guest Dresses
Ceremonies held at the end of the year are joyous and romantic, but it can be challenging for guests to feel like their best selves in attire unsuitable for the brisk wind and cold weather. Guests at a winter wedding would benefit from dresses with long sleeves because they can be worn over tights and under a jacket and because the dresses’ moody prints and subtle cutouts provide a new spin on traditional wedding guest attire.
Formal Winter Wedding Guest Dresses
Wear velvet or sequins all over to show your holiday spirit. These eye-catching fabrics are perfect for formal events with a sizable guest list where you are welcome (nay, expected) to bring a gift for the host. If you prefer things simple, go for a form-fitting silhouette devoid of extraneous trim.
Semiformal Spring Wedding Guest Dresses
Do you have a couple of low-key spring ceremonies in the works? Get rid of the bulky fabrics and dark tones of winter and replace them with light, airy options that will look right at home all through the wedding season. For a rooftop party, a statement slip dress with strappy sandals is ideal, while a bright jumpsuit will see you through a daytime reception that lasts into the evening.
Formal Spring Wedding Guest Dresses
For those days when you’re itching to wear something slinky but the weather forecast isn’t quite ready to support it, a midi or maxi dress with fluttering cap sleeves is the way to go. House dresses and gowns inspired by Bridgerton’s style are perfect for formal spring soirees.
Semiformal Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
It’s safe to say that casual, outdoor weddings in the summer are the simplest to shop for. Any sundress will do for a wedding on the beach in the afternoon or in a romantic garden at dusk, and the best part is that you can wear the same dress to other outdoor weddings as well! The time is ripe for bold hues and cheery patterns.
Formal Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
Black-tie formality can be achieved in a dress for a summer wedding by including elements such as daring cutouts, solid brights, and high-low hemlines. Deep V-necklines and strapless, pleated midi-length dresses are great ways to amp up the drama. When it comes to color, bright hues like pink and lemon are always exciting to wear because they are so easy to accessorize with, and they look great with everything from crystal-embellished mules to strappy leather sandals.
