Few fashion scenarios induce as much perspiration as trying to find a wedding guest dress. If you’re reading this, it’s likely you’ve been dressing yourself with next-to-no drama for quite some time, yet having to clothe ourselves to witness someone else’s nuptials still seems to undo even the most accomplished dressers among us.
To be fair, it’s understandable if event dressing brings you out in a sweat. The rules used to be fairly simple – don’t wear white, don’t upstage the bride, wear shoes you can stand up in – but with today’s increasingly varied weddings it can be particularly tricky to work out what the hell you’re supposed to wear.
City weddings? Something chic, probably – but can you wear black? Really, the answer to that will depend on how chill your bride is. Country affair? Florals are always in, but shop on the high street and there’s a high chance you’ll be twinning with another guest. And as for those far-flung destination weddings? Nothing is more challenging than finding a dress that you won’t overheat in once the temperatures tip 40 degrees.
So, how to win the wedding-guest dress game now? An easy option is to embrace the world of rental, where you can borrow something extra special without the investment. Platforms like By Rotation and Hurr have incredible designer options to hire for a few days or even a few weeks if you're headed abroad – perfect for an outfit you might only wear once.
Generally speaking, something party-ready fits the bill for most weddings these days – I might not know how fun your friends are, but I’m willing to bet hardly any of them will be mad at you for making a major effort on their big day, so consider ruffles, feathers and highlighter-bright hues – especially if the date falls in the festive season. Even cut-outs are acceptable (just perhaps don’t go for the full Kendall.)
As for length? Pretty much anything goes these days, but a midi usually comes with maximum wardrobe mileage after the big day: a calf-skimming floral-print dress will look just as good with chunky boots at the weekend.
So from nuptials in a country pile, modest church, local boozer or back garden, there's a wedding guest dress for each and every invite – here, see the ones we’ll all be wearing for this year’s love-in.
The Wedding Guest Dresses We Want To Wear Again And Again
One of the rental sites we recommend the most, Hurr really shines when it comes to special-occasion dresses – especially now they've teamed up with Rejina Pyo to offer a capsule collection of the designer's cult pieces, in every size and a host of hues.
The dress we're bookmarking for those festive weddings? It has to be the shoulder-baring Dora, which comes in dazzling silver or navy lamé,
Aje’s creative cut-outs and sculptural ruffles make the chicest statement every time. My ultimate pick from the new season, the Asra dress gives just the right amount of frothy, feminine energy. Gold finishers are an obvious choice, but consider chunky silver jewellery for a fresh twist.
One of Vivienne Westwood's most flattering cuts, the Ginni dress features the late designer's signature drapery in a bold shade of red. Consider this a true investment purchase.
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Reformation’s Kourtney dress is one of those brilliant designs you’ll find yourself calling on for so many occasions. It’s the small, thoughtful details that make it look so expensive: note the gently curved neckline, adjustable straps and discretely ruched back panel.
Warehouse Chiffon Diamante Detail Maxi Dress
This flowing floral-print dress is crying out to be worn to a wintry wedding. Note the crystal embellishments and ruched detailing on the sleeves: two considered details that make it look so much more expensive than it really is.
A signature Rotate silhouette, this puff-sleeved midi is demure enough for the most formal affairs, yet still makes a major style statement (the cutaway back makes sure of that). Team it with statement earrings for a glam city celebration.
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Cecilie Bahnsen Shilo Off-The-Shoulder Matelassé Mini Dress
Cecilie Bahnsen’s cloud-like silhouettes are a modern classic – this is one you’ll wear for years to come.
A serious Versace treasure from Farfetch's resale category, this glittering logo-ed mini is the Eighties throwback of designer dreams.
Net-A-Porter's party capsule has landed on Hurr, with pieces from the likes of Nina Ricci and Clio Peppiat ready to rent for your most special occasions.
Size-inclusive occasionwear brand Taller Marmo is at the very top of our wishlist – specifically, this sequin-soaked dress, finished with a fringe of feathers for maximum drama.
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A slinky black dress is always a chic move for evening invites and cool city weddings. Mango's asymmetric design is strategically skin-baring, yet still appropriate for sitting opposite grandma in.
Whether you're shopping for a far-flung island or a country estate, Louisa Ballou's energetic prints are guaranteed to induce joy.
Your most fun friend deserves your most fun dress, so save Fanci Club's Y2K throwback just for them.
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Rixo has long been a go-to for occasion dresses, but this season's collection is especially brilliant: think super-flattering silhouettes, slinky fabrics and vintage-style detailing.
Our pick is the Sandrine dress, which features a flocked floral pattern for a touch of nostalgic glamour, and a clever ruched bust that nips you in without feeling restrictive.
Norma Kamali Diana Ruched Asymmetric Dress
Norma Kamali's classic super-stretch dresses are such a brilliant investment. Not only are they incredibly comfortable (even on a sweltering beach) but the all-over ruching is so flattering. You can't go wrong with classic black, but I love this neon green for a hot destination wedding.
Simone Rocha Bow-Appliqué Tulle Midi Dress
Simone Rocha Bow-Appliqué Tulle Midi Dress
Few designers encapsulate modern romance quite as well as Simone Rocha. From the AW23 runway, this conceal-and-reveal dress is neatly contoured around the bust and brought to life with fluttering bow embellishments.
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So apparently there’s this thing called Barbiecore…
The Vampire’s Wife’s Victoriana ruffles are equal parts sweet and sexy. An It dress for good reason, these precisely cut pieces are also incredibly flattering, with the peaked shoulders and defining ruffles creating a streamlines silhouette.
Loewe’s anthurium print is the chicest way to wear florals now – and thanks to Hurr, you can borrow it for a long weekend.
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Liquid-metal silver is going to be everywhere next season, and Amy Lynn’s ruched party dress is a seriously fun way to wear the look.
Evening weddings call for maximum glamour, and Cult Gaia’s navy feathered mini is up to the task. Silver accessories will always look good, but try it with a contrasting pastel shade for maximum impact.
