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24 Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses That Will Make You Feel Like “That Girl”
Say yes to the dress: guest edition.
I’m calling a time-out on wedding season—just for a moment while you read this. We’re still in the thick of it, folks. In fact, it’s only about halfway over if you consider the peak season to be May through October (which, I do). Weddings can be a real party, a total hoot. A saxophonist, open bar, and an excuse to play dress-up? Say no more. But when they dominate your social calendar, nuptials can become exhausting. You deserve a break from buttercream frosting and mini crab cakes. Unpack your weekender bag, unstrap your summer sandals, and take a breath.
Feel better? Now that you’re recharged and ready to party once more, you can look ahead at the rest of the season with a renewed sense of excitement, and what better way to amplify that emotion than with a brand new frock? I don’t care what anyone says, fancy dresses have magical powers that make you feel good about yourself. (Fact.) But, on the flip side, picking a wedding guest dress can be stressful. There’s much to consider when picking an outfit, and the dress code is at the top of the list. Below, find some of the best dresses to wear for black-tie formal weddings.
After Six Off-the-Shoulder Evening Gown
After Six Off-the-Shoulder Evening Gown
Match the romantic vibes with an equally whimsical dress.
Sizes: 0-18
Colors: Midnight Navy, Tea Rose, Terracotta Copper, or Willow
Material: Polyester
Show Me Your Mumu Jasmine Halter Maxi Dress
Show Me Your Mumu Jasmine Halter Maxi Dress
Was this my Maid of Honor dress for my sister’s wedding? Yes. Will I take any and every opportunity to rewear it? Also yes. It’s backless and simply stunning. At under $200 and available in a variety of colors, I’d suggest snagging one and keeping it on retainer.
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Colors: 16 options
Material: Polyester
Windsor Brinley Formal One Shoulder Ruffle Dress
Windsor Brinley Formal One Shoulder Ruffle Dress
Waterfall ruffles à la Y2k are back in style. This affordable gown balances a timeless style with a touch of trendiness.
Sizes: Black
Colors: XS-L
Material: Polyester, spandex
Hello Molly Ocean Odyssey Midi Dress Blue
Hello Molly Ocean Odyssey Midi Dress Blue
Is it floral? Is it tie-dye? I can’t tell for sure, but I do know one thing—you’ll look great.
Sizes: Blue Multi
Colors: XS-XL
Material: Polyester
Azazie Wow the Crowd Red Strapless Maxi Dress
Azazie Wow the Crowd Red Strapless Maxi Dress
If you’re brave enough to wear red to a wedding, might I recommend this option? Feathers have been all over the runways as of late, so this affordable number is chic and on-trend.
Sizes: XS-M
Colors: Red
Material: Polyester
Reformation Jasen Dress
Reformation Jasen Dress
Just in case the bride forgot her “something blue.”
Sizes: 0-12
Colors: Missy, Riviera, Valeria
Material: Viscose
Mac Duggal Metallic Column Gown
Mac Duggal Metallic Column Gown
This metallic dress has a beautiful sheen and the fabric moves like a dream—perfect for cutting up the dance floor.
Sizes: 0-14
Colors: Silver or Bronze
Material: Polyester
Norma Kamali Diana Gown Cocktail Dress
Ideal for the wedding of a frenemy or ex-lover, this gown is sultry in all the right ways. With eye-catching color options and an enviable cling, it’s one helluva reminder that you’re the one that got away.
Sizes: 22 options
Colors: XXS-XL
Material: Polyester, nylon, spandex
Alex Perry Strapless Gathered Gown
Alex Perry Strapless Gathered Gown
In the spirit of full disclosure, I’m just really obsessed with, well, everything from Alex Perry. How could you not be?
Sizes: XXXS-XXL
Colors: Blue
Material: Polyester, triacetate
If you’re the stylish friend, you simply can’t disappoint on the big day. Opt for a gown that’s both on-trend and unexpected like this voluminous number from Atsu.
Sizes: Orange, Green, Lilac, or Gold
Colors: XXS-XL
Material: Polyester
Solace London Zora Maxi Dress
Solace London Zora Maxi Dress
Simple and understated—what more could you want? Plus, you know this kiwi hue will look great with sun-kissed skin this summer.
Sizes: 0-10
Colors: Apple Green
Material: Polyester, elastane
Nana Jacqueline Caroline Dress
Nana Jacqueline Caroline Dress
Florals to rival the bride’s bouquet.
Sizes: Floral or Green
Colors: XS-XL
Material: Polyester, spandex
Showpo Adrie Strapless Corset Bodice Maxi Dress
Showpo Adrie Strapless Corset Bodice Maxi Dress
Corseting is everywhere right now, and I love it. Structured and sexy, this metallic gown has a boned bodice and a thigh-high slit up the middle.
Sizes: 0-16
Colors: Gunmetal, Turquoise, Pink, or Gold
Material: Polyester, elastane
ASOS Sheer Ruffle Shoulder Asymmetric Hem Maxi Dress
ASOS Sheer Ruffle Shoulder Asymmetric Hem Maxi Dress
A flouncy ruffled gown with more tiers than the wedding cake.
Sizes: 0-14
Colors: Peach
Material: Polyester
MUXXN Sheath Formal Dress
Hosting a wedding is expensive, but so is attending one! From the dress to transportation and accommodations, a wedding present, and a shower present...save where you can.
Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 11 options
Material: Polyester, spandex
Meshki Claire Satin Drape Back Maxi Dress with Split
May the bar be as open as the back of your dress.
Sizes: XXS-XXXL
Colors: Green, Black, Red, or Pink
Material: Viscose, rayon, polyester, elastane
Lulus I’m All Yours Burgundy Ruffled Maxi Dress
Lulus I’m All Yours Burgundy Ruffled Maxi Dress
This dress might be under $80, but you’ll feel like a million bucks.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Colors: 7 options
Material: Polyester, spandex
Mac Duggal Embellished Floral Sweetheart Spaghetti Gown
Flowers, cut-outs, and sequins will have you ready to say “I do...look good.”
Sizes: 0-14
Colors: Pink
Material: Polyester
Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Puff-Sleeve Two-Tone Tafetta Shirt Gown
Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Puff-Sleeve Two-Tone Tafetta Shirt Gown
You can never go wrong with black and white. Never.
Sizes: 2-18
Colors: Black & White
Material: Polyester
It’s practically two dresses in one!
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: 7 options
Material: Polyester, cotton
Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country. Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.
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