Wedding Guest Dresses for Women

The wedding guest problem is rarely finding something appropriate. It's finding something appropriate that you'll actually be glad to see... Read More

The wedding guest problem is rarely finding something appropriate. It's finding something appropriate that you'll actually be glad to see in the photographs — and that nobody else in the room is wearing. These are limited-edition dresses in exclusive prints designed in-house, cut XS through 3XL, by Project Runway Season 13 designer Sandhya Garg.

The Gatsby Square-Neck Poplin Fit & Flare Maxi is the most-reviewed dress here, in four colourways — several customers own two, one owns five. The Azalea and Tiffany wrap dresses are the reliable midi choices. For autumn and evening, the Gaudi Teal Velvet Wrap and Hera Black One-Shoulder Maxi carry a formal dress code without borrowing from black tie. Pieces run $148 to $398.

What the invitation actually means. Black tie — floor-length, or a very formal midi. Black tie optional — a maxi is safest; a dressy midi is fine. Cocktail — knee-length to midi, the most common code and the most forgiving. Semi-formal — midi in a good fabric; skip the floor-length. Dressy casual or festive — a printed midi with heels. Garden or beach — maxi or midi in a light fabric, and a block heel rather than a stiletto. If the invitation says nothing at all, a printed midi is appropriate at roughly ninety percent of weddings.

On colour. Avoid white, ivory, cream and champagne. Check the invitation or the wedding website for the party's palette so you're not mistaken for a bridesmaid. Black is widely accepted now, particularly for evening — the old rule has largely gone, though it can still read sombre at a daytime country wedding. Autumn and winter suit burgundy, navy, forest green and plum; spring and summer take blush, sage, cornflower and coral.

Shop by season: spring · summer · fall · winter
By venue: beach · garden · bohemian
By dress code: formal · cocktail · casual
By role and fit: mother of the bride · plus size · A-line · bridal shower

Read more: every wedding dress code explained, maxi dresses for wedding guests, what to wear to a beach wedding, and what to wear to a bridal shower.

Need a different size or a longer hem? Any style can be made to your measurements for $50–$100 above retail. Check the size chart before ordering.

Free US shipping on orders over $250. Afterpay available. Ships from Scottsdale, AZ within 1–3 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear to a wedding as a guest?
A midi dress in a good fabric is appropriate at the large majority of weddings — dressy enough for a ceremony, comfortable through a long reception, and easy to photograph. Match the formality to the invitation, the fabric to the season, and avoid white in any shade. If the invitation gives no dress code, a printed or jewel-tone midi with heels is the safest choice available.

What does cocktail attire mean for a wedding?
Cocktail attire means a knee-length to midi dress in a dressy fabric, with heels and considered jewellery. It sits below black tie and above semi-formal, and it's the most common wedding dress code. Floor-length is generally too formal for cocktail; a casual sundress is too relaxed. A structured midi in satin, velvet, poplin or a good viscose is the reliable answer.

Can you wear black to a wedding?
Yes. The old prohibition has largely disappeared, and black is now common and well accepted, especially for evening and formal weddings. Choose a fabric with texture, embroidery or print so it reads celebratory rather than sombre, and add colour through accessories. The one setting where black can still feel heavy is a daytime outdoor or country wedding.

What colours should you avoid at a wedding?
Avoid white, ivory, cream, champagne and anything that photographs as near-white — that remains the one firm rule. Also check the wedding party's colours, usually listed on the invitation or wedding website, so you aren't mistaken for a bridesmaid. Beyond that, most colours are open to you; season is a better guide than etiquette.

What length dress should I wear to a wedding?
Midi is the most versatile and works for nearly every dress code. Maxi suits black tie, black tie optional, and outdoor or beach weddings. Mini is best kept for casual or festive daytime weddings, and rarely suits a religious ceremony. When the dress code is unclear, midi carries the least risk in either direction.