These dresses look so much more expensive than they are
Wedding season is in full swing, and if you’ve got a slew of spring and summer celebrations on your calendar, you’re going to need to dress the part. If you’re anything like me, you’re not looking to spend hundreds of dollars on a wedding guest dress that you’ll wear once, maybe twice, in a season.
Lately, I’ve started buying all my wedding guest dresses on Amazon. The price points are cheaper than at many other retail stores, the two-day Prime shipping makes it easy to try on a dress and send it back if it doesn’t quite fit, and they have a massive selection of frocks that look much more expensive than they are.
In this article: PRETTYGARDEN Floral One-Shoulder Tiered Ruffle Dress, MEROKEETY Women’s Sleeveless Lace Cocktail Dress and Ever-Pretty Women’s Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Formal Dress
What to wear for each type of wedding dress code
The most important thing to consider before you buy a wedding guest dress is the dress code. You don’t want to show up in an ensemble that’s too formal or will make you look under-dressed. Usually, you can find this information on the wedding invitation or website. The most common wedding dress codes are:
Casual
Despite how it sounds, this does not mean jeans and a T-shirt are OK. Though the celebration is more laid-back, you should at least dress like you’re going to a nice dinner. Sundresses with sandals are the perfect attire for such an occasion.
Semi-formal or dressy casual
Choose an outfit that falls in between formal and casual. Look for a more casual version of a cocktail dress. Popular choices include wrap dresses, midi dresses, skirts with dressy tops or elegant jumpsuits. For evening events, darker colors are encouraged, while lighter hues are more suitable for daytime festivities.
Cocktail
Wear a midi dress or a knee-length dress, an elevated jumpsuit or dressy separates. Pick fabrics that are more formal than those you’d wear to a semi-formal or casual wedding.
Black tie optional or formal
This dress code allows for some flexibility. While the event is slightly more elevated, you can opt for a maxi dress, a knee-length cocktail dress or an elegant pantsuit.
Black tie
A formal floor-length gown is most appropriate for this type of celebration. Choose a high-end fabric such as satin, crepe, organza, chiffon or silk. Your accessories, including a clutch and any jewelry, should be more upscale as well.
Best casual wedding guest dresses
Available in 42 colors and patterns, there’s a perfect hue for everyone in this wrap-style midi dress (just don’t pick white!). The polyester number is lightweight and lined.
YOBECHO Women’s Summer Ruffle Mini Dress
This light and breezy frock, which comes in 27 colors and patterns, is perfect for outdoor weddings. A smocked midsection keeps you comfortable as you dance the night away.
VETIOR Womens Cap-Sleeve Square-Neck Sun Dress
This floral midi dress features a ruffled cap sleeve and a flattering A-line silhouette. It has a faux wrap design, which makes way for a side slit.
Best semi-formal or dressy-casual wedding guest dresses
GRECERELLE 2024 Faux-Wrap Wedding Guest Dress
Available in solid colors, polka dots or floral patterns, this faux-wrap, ankle-length number strikes the right balance between elegant and casual. The fabric is flowy and soft.
PRETTYGARDEN Floral One-Shoulder Tiered Ruffle Dress
A flattering tiered ruffle bodice and a one-strap design give this floral number stylish appeal. Still, it’s comfortable and breezy to wear even for an outdoor summer wedding.
BELONGSCI Bell-Sleeve Shift Dress
For an evening or indoor event, this bell-sleeve frock is an excellent choice. It comes in 44 colors and patterns, but we recommend a solid color for an evening event.
Best cocktail dresses
PRETTYGARDEN Women’s One-Shoulder Ruched Bodycon Dress
This one-shoulder, knee-length number with a key-hole cutout is sure to attract compliments in any of the 18 available hues. The ruching in the front flatters your tummy area while a tulip hem adds interest.
MEROKEETY Women’s Sleeveless Lace Cocktail Dress
An elegant lace design elevates this figure-hugging, knee-length dress. It has a high neck and cap sleeves to add elegance while still keeping you cool at a summer event.
DRESSTELLS Women’s Modest Cocktail Dress
This fit-and-flare dress has a flattering silhouette that accentuates your waistline with a tie belt. A modest top with cap sleeves is elegant and appropriate.
Best black-tie-optional or formal dresses
Ever-Pretty Women’s Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Formal Dress
The floor-length stunner features a flowy, off-the-shoulder top, a cinched waist and a side slit. An elastic back adds comfort. It comes in 31 colors.
ANRABESS Women’s Sleeveless Cutout Halter-Neck Satin Dress
The satin fabric elevates this pleated A-line dress, which is sleeveless to keep you cool in the warmer months. It has a high neck with a keyhole cutout, and it comes in 16 hues.
BTFBM Women Sleeveless Mock-Neck Satin Wedding Guest Dress
Available in 15 different colors, this ankle-length dress strikes the perfect balance for a black-tie-optional dress code. The silky fabric elevates the curve-hugging, mock-neck number.
Best black-tie dresses
WOOSEA Women Sleeveless V-Neck Evening Dress
With a figure-hugging silhouette that subtly flares out at the calves, this floor-length number is elegant and appropriate. It has a V-neckline in the front and the back, and it comes in eight jewel-toned and neutral hues.
Ever-Pretty Women’s Floor-Length Wedding Guest Dress
An A-line silhouette always looks beautiful while moving on the dance floor. This gown, available in 17 hues, has a flattering, wide waistband to add to its appeal.
MUSHARE Women’s Halter-Neck Formal Dress
The high neckline on this sleeveless number gives it a level of sophistication that’s perfect for a black-tie event. It has a long, flowing skirt, which has a side slit for easier movement. It comes in nine dark colors.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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