The Wedding Guest Dress Trends to Shop Now Through Fall
3 min readMaybe you’re someone (like me) whose summer wedding invites are fast approaching after weeks full of travel. If so, rest assured: You’ve come to the right place. To save you the stress of starting from scratch, I culled inspiration from recent celebrity sightings (including attendees at Taylor Swift’s nuptials) and the street style crowd to curate summer wedding guest outfit ideas for nearly every type of ceremony and dress code. Think themes like bold yet elegant colors, beautiful draping, and even a fresh take on the all-black formula that’ll work just as well once the leaves start to turn. Consider this your fast track to securing a wow-worthy look that won’t blend into the crowd. Ahead, seven wedding guest dresses worth investing in this season (and beyond), plus exactly how to style each one.
A Gilded Column Dress
While stepping out for Taylor Swift’s top-secret nuptials at Madison Square Garden earlier this month, Karlie Kloss was a vision in a glamorous head-to-toe gold ensemble. Luckily, her look is surprisingly easy to re-create for any black-tie event on your schedule: Norma Kamali’s strapless column gown, paired with strappy gold heels and delicate matching accessories, fits the bill perfectly.
A Monochromatic Ensemble
Also on her way to Swift’s wedding, Dakota Johnson breathed new life into a classic monochrome black look with an airy chiffon midi, bow-embellished velvet mules, wire-frame sunglasses, and a studded shoulder bag from Valentino. When the dress code leans more formal, simply swap in a slinky high-neck maxi, then finish with black pearl drop earrings to maintain an air of elegance with an edge.
A Romantic Flair
With subtle nods to cottagecore and the ever-popular nightie trend, a baby pink long-sleeve maxi with ruffle details is easy to imagine at a lush garden or dreamy seaside wedding. The silhouette makes enough of a statement on its own that a bare neck and ears, coupled with a casually swept-back updo, still feel effortless and polished.
A Colorblocked Moment
While cultural traditions and dress codes can certainly vary, it’s generally best to avoid loud or flashy patterns that could draw attention away from the couple. Still, that doesn’t mean you need to shy away from bold colors altogether: a painterly motif that grounds vibrant hues with black or brown, like Ulla Johnson’s Nova midi, strikes the perfect balance. And don’t be afraid to finish the look with playful accessories, like a fringed bag and vintage-inspired pendant earrings, which feel ideal for a beach wedding.
Updated Florals
For a sophisticated, unique take on florals, Cara Cara’s sweeping silk twist-neck gown is a surefire compliment-garnerer. Statement accessories, like a shell-adorned top-handle bag and turquoise jewelry, add a whimsical splash of color and texture.
Simple and Elegant Draping
A draped jersey dress is the ultimate comfort-chic pick, like Anne Hathaway’s ethereal Alaïa version, complete with a cinching waist tie you can leave undone to accommodate her growing baby bump. If you prefer a more streamlined silhouette, try Meshki’s figure-hugging maxi, which features similar gathered detailing at the bust, or Kallmeyer’s sculptural draped-neck number for a bit more coverage up top.
Warm, Sunset-Inspired Hues
A red wedding guest dress will always exude confidence and look stunning against the backdrop of a warm outdoor ceremony, but a brick-red or burnt-orange number—like Zimmerman’s cutout silk maxi—feels a tad more understated and unusual. Better yet, it’ll look right at home at any crisp fall ceremony, too. Sleek leather flip-flop heels lend street style flair, while a structured top-handle bag and diamond studs make for easy, elevated accents.
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