The best wedding guest dresses and outfits: 30 favourites for every dress code and budget

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You’ve sent off the RSVP, booked the hairdresser – and panic has set in. Despite a wardrobe bulging with dresses, you obviously don’t have anything to wear. If there’s a rigid dress code, you risk not feeling yourself; but if there is a dress code that reads “Big Lebowski meets Brat meets Blue Planet”, then there’s a very real possibility that you’re going to strike a bum note.

Of course, a big part of what you decide to wear will depend on where the nuptials will take place – church or country home, beach or barn – and the weather. Either way, the crucial thing is to choose a dress that guarantees comfort as well as style, one that will see you through from ceremony to best man’s speech and propping up the dancefloor for many hours after.

So if you fear that your otherwise well-dressed self might pick out a dud this wedding season – one that will be worn once and then relegated to the depths of your cupboard – worry not. We’ve searched online and off to find you the best wedding guest dresses, with options that will not only work for a variety of settings but also can be worn many times over.

The best dresses for summer weddings

Painted Kozo dress

_{£185 at Emiko Studios}

This oversized linen dress might not be one that you’d normally have down as “wedding guest” attire, but it’s sure to be comfortable and forgiving long into a day of festivities. Plus, did I mention it has pockets? Statement jewellery and shoes are all that’s needed to take it from everyday to wedding-worthy.

A model wears a bias cut v-neck sleeveless dress in dark chocolate brown. The model wears butter yellow shoes.

Bias-cut maxidress

_{£44 at John Lewis}

Another perfect example of a dress that’s what you make of it. It’s simple, but structurally it’s sound – elegantly cut on the bias in a chocolate brown that will look smart with this season’s butter-yellow trend. It’s also a bargain, although cheap comes at a price: it’s made of polyester.

Slip dress

_{£155 at Folk Clothing}

This is the perfect example of a very lovely dress that would happen to work brilliantly as a wedding guest dress. The viscose cotton mix ensures it hangs beautifully, while the tulip print looks like it came straight from a Paul Gauguin artwork. Cinch in the waist with a belt and add some jewels for weddings; or wear with a T-shirt or shirt and flats for daytime chic.

Silk dress

_{£179 at Arket}

Made from silk with washing instructions that will be music to your ears – “do not dry clean” – this dress looks subtle, but the delicate reverse ombre adds just enough interest to make it a real winner. Paired with a blazer or a denim jacket, it can happily be adapted for work and play.

A model wears a cowl neck midi dress. The tiger stripe pattern is brick and cream patterned. The model has hair past their shoulders and wears small strappy black heels.

Yardeen brick striped cowl neck dress

_{£65 at the Mercantile}

It might be the bold print that first grabs the attention – although I’d argue that if leopard print is a neutral, then why not zebra print, too? – but it’s the subtle, pretty cowl neck that keeps it. Ichi is a Danish company that’s available through a few UK stockists, and this dress has Scandi design DNA written all over it.

A model wears a long green and white vertical striped dress. The dress has an asymmetrical flare at the bottom and a large ruffle frill neckline that hangs off the model’s left shoulder.

Robin dress

_{£249 at Sika Designs}

A proper showstopper. Designed in London and handmade in Ghana from breathable batik cotton, the ruffles bring drama, and the asymmetric hem will inject some energy into any shapes you plan to throw to any Whitney Houston classic. Granted, it might not be the easiest dress to wear to the office afterwards, but the cotton lends itself to being dressed down with trainers on a summer day.

A peach A-line maxidress from cos. The dress is sleeveless with a deep v-neck.

A-line linen-blend maxidress

_{£115 at Cos}
_{£115 at H&M}

Sometimes the best option is the simplest. This elegant dress, made from lyocell and linen with a cotton lining, might not look the most interesting, but its clean lines and fluid movement will certainly give you an air of confidence – which can be half the battle when dressing for an occasion. Add bold bangles or sculptural earrings for a bit of zeal.

A red midi linen dress with adjustable spaghetti straps from Everlane.

Seamed dress in stretch linen

_{£165 at Everlane}

Another simple style, this time from ethically and sustainably minded company Everlane, which is sure to look spectacular with the right accoutrements. Made with stretch linen, the construction is smart and will be flattering on various body shapes. Paired with a bag in a contrasting colour – bright pink, say – it will certainly pack a punch.

A midi short-sleeved dress. It has a square neckline a neck line and green stripes with a repeating pineapple print

Pineapple stripe dress

_{£185 at Pink City Prints}

If you’re feeling wedding cocktails, then this piña colada-evoking number will certainly get you in the mood. Made from organic cotton block-printed by hand in India, the smock design will offer some forgiveness as that fourth course arrives. The fluted sleeves will spell relief for anyone who isn’t joyous about their upper arms, too. Again, I will never not laud a frock with pockets – for when the tiny bag you arrived with starts to feel like a burden, but you still want your lip balm to hand.

A model wears a maxidress that has a floral watercolour pattern. The pattern is red orange bright blue and peach tones. There is a frill neckline. The right shoulder has a thin strap and the left a cap sleeve. The model wears the dress with white heeled spaghetti strapped shoes.

Delphina watercolour floral dress

_{£245 at Kitri}

If finding matching items is a headache you can do without, then this floral print dress is statement enough. Its asymmetric styling, frilled neckline and a just-above-the-knee side split mean you needn’t worry about having to style it up – let the dress do all the talking. It will be your wedding guest go-to for years to come.

Milan midi

_{£98 at Free People}

Sex and the City fans might see a striking resemblance to the DKNY SS/99 dress that Carrie wore to Miranda’s interior designer’s wedding in series 2, episode 7. For everyone else, this vintage-inspired midi with full skirt will flatter countless shapes and keep you comfy through that second piece of wedding cake. Wear with sunglasses in a contrasting colour for a daytime do – I like the idea of grass-green with the pink.

The model wears a bodice style sage green dress with their hands in front of their waste.

Green bow back midi dress

_{£150 at Nobody’s Child}
_{£150 at Asos}

Fair warning: this dress from the London-based womenswear brand Nobody’s Child could, in a certain light, look a little bridesmaidy.

This a back view of the model wearing sage midi dress. Each shoulder strap meets the shoulder blade with a dramatic bow.

But with its unusual sage colour, flattering bodice and sweetheart neckline, we think it’s interesting enough to take the risk. While repeat wear would be easy, it’s also available to rent via the Nobody’s Child link above.

A sleeveless v neck viscose long leopard print dress. The neckline has a black lace detail.

Sandrine midi dress

_{£195 at Rixo}

A great bet for a wedding that you know will run into the wee hours, the leopard print also means you’ll be able to wear this dress to multiple dos. Beware, however, that Rixo is a classic wedding guest outfit go-to, so you run the risk of literally meeting your match – this does also mean that the rental market is rich with pickings, though.

A model wears a long dark gold smock dress with elbow length sleeves and a square neckline. They also wear a chunky gold necklace and black patterened tights.

Commot gold smocked dress

_{£105 at Kemi Telford}

Stretchy, soft and shiny, this dress ticks a lot of boxes. The work of a London-based fashion brand that draws inspiration from its founder’s Nigerian heritage, it’s a dress that demands a good time. A few words to the wise – go easy with the accessories; it sparkles plenty on its own.

A red with white spots smock midi dress on a white background.

Alicia smock midi dress

_{£169 at Baukjen}_{£169 at John Lewis}

Made from organic cotton poplin, you wouldn’t go far wrong turning up to anything but the smartest of nuptials in this. Polka dots might be enjoying particular plaudits right now, but this dress won’t feel past it even after the fashion pundits have moved on to something else.

Mini dress

_{£153 at Farfetch}_{£195 at Ganni}

Traditionally seen as more funereal than fun, black is a controversial choice for a celebration of love. But hear me out. The short length of this cotton poplin dress, from sustainably minded Scandi brand Ganni, helps to make it less wake and more wedding, as does the ruffle hem and tie closure around the back. Team it with a few pops of bright colour – fuchsia or vibrant orange, perhaps – and I think you’ll be well on your way to a great wedding-guest look.

A bright red silk organza layered midi dress. The dress is sleeveless with a high round neck

Silk organza layered dress

_{£350 at Rise & Fall}

The most expensive dress on the list, this number from Rise & Fall deserves a spot here, not least because it will work hard in your wardrobe for years to come. Made entirely from silk – including the organza silk overlay and sand-washed silk satin slip – in this red colour, it’s a special dress for special occasions.

A model wears a sky blue sleeveless crepe maxidress with an asymmetrical dart and a cut out by the left shoulder. The model has shoulder length brown hair and fringe and their arms are behind their back.

Zelma crinkle sleeveless dress

_{£195 at Vivere}
_{£195 at John Lewis}

If an interesting silhouette is what you’re after, with its sternum-adjacent cut-out and asymmetric hem, this dress delivers. We especially like the pre-crinkled finish, which means that any creases that come after a few hours of sitting won’t totally derail the look. It’s a style the likes of Greta Gerwig know well.

A model wears a v-neck frill detail midaxi length dress. The dress is dark green with a light green large floral print. The dress is a relaxed fit and the model is holding a lime green clutch purse.

V-neck frill detail midaxi dress

_{£45 at Marks & Spencer}

Offering the kind of drop-waist that’s popping up (or down) a lot at the moment, this is floral brought right up to date. Its relaxed feel and flattering frill neckline will serve you well, from wedding dancefloors to casual dinners and summer lounging.

Suki linen dress

_{£145 at Beyond Nine}

Not all weddings require you to dress super-smart. If you’re heading to a more relaxed event this wedding season, then this dress from the maternity-and-beyond brand Beyond Nine could be a good pick. It will make a statement with its bold stripes in coral pink and mustard, but in a more laid-back manner. Made in the UK from Oeko-Tex linen, the shirred back is a nice aesthetic and practical touch.

The Fruit Picker sleeveless dress

_{£208 at Les Animaux}

This dress won’t work for all weddings. For more formal ones, it’s out – but for a more casual summer wedding, it will be just the thing, and something you can then wear on repeat for many summers to come. Made from organic cotton drill in the UK, it’s hand-finished at the brand’s Margate studio. At first sight, it’s definitely more workwear than wedding, but a splash of silver jewellery will help up its ante.

A red and cream maze print poplin dress with thick straps.

Maze print dress

_{£155 at Toast}

With a print that will befuddle bleary eyes late at night, this dress from slow-fashion champion Toast is a winner. I’m sounding another klaxon for the inclusion of pockets and also nodding to the pleasing corozo buttons – the kind of finishing touch for which Toast is well known. (It’s worth noting that Vinted is a bonanza of secondhand Toast, for a fraction of the price and fit for a big day. See here and here.)

Draped tie detail dress

_{£255 at Jigsaw}
_{£255 at Next}

When it comes to sophistication, this dress wins hands down. For the cut, the drape, and most of all, the combination of oxblood and Jigsaw’s own Hockney Blue. It feels like the kind of hue play that would make French chemist Michel Eugène Chevreul, a 19th-century colour theorist and inventor of a complementary colour wheel, gleeful.

Damson Madder bea cami – butter yellow & black and charlotte midi skirt – butter yellow

Bea cami and Charlotte midi skirt
Cami

_{£65 at Damson Madder}_{£65 at Urban Outfitters}Skirt

_{£75 at Damson Madder}
_{£80 at Anthropologie}

With repeat wear in mind, separates are a great shout. Made largely of organic cotton, this cami and skirt from London-based brand Damson Madder are a particularly good option for weddings and beyond. Keep accessories to a minimum and let the colour and bows do the talking.

A model wears cream floral-print strapless linen top and floral-printed linen midi skirt. They wear chunky sandals and carry a cream bag.

Alexa top and Elise midi skirt
Top

_{£150 at Harvey Nichols}_{£169 at Revolve}Skirt

_{£250 at Harvey Nichols}_{£262 at Revolve}

The price of this skirt and top combination might set you back a pretty penny, but one or the other could work multiple ways alongside existing items in many wardrobes. Together is perhaps where the magic lies for a wedding outfit, though. Made of flax linen, this set is floral, but it feels fresh rather than bogged down in any weeds.

A dark grey strap dress with bold geometric print in purple red and bright green. There are dark grey buttons down the centre.

Multicolour print dress

_{£127.50 at Junior Edition}

This dress, crafted from organic cotton, is the work of a Spanish brand that’s finding fans outside Spain, as well as outside its initial customer base in this case (Bobo Choses started out as childrenswear). Made from organic cotton, the print feels 80s. Although more subtle Memphis style than boom boom.

A model wears a Stine Goya Short red dress. The dress is has an all over metallic sequin pattern. The model wears it with matching trousers and lilac shoes.

Fluid short dress

_{£240 at Selfridges}_{£247 at Farfetch}

The genius of this dress is that you can wear it with anything and it will feel special. I have worn a similar one, also from Scandi-brand Stine Goya, for weddings over slip-skirts as well as over jeans for bar nights out and birthday dos. Made of polyester, albeit some of it recycled, it’s one to buy with thought and treasure for life.

A jersey crepe maxidress with a matching fabric Belt. The dress is navy with a repeating green and blue birds of paradise pattern. There is a long neck tie in matching fabric too. The dress is long-sleeved.

Birds of Paradise maxidress and belt

_{£225 at Me+Em}

Busy and graphic but still somehow simple, this dress is the work of the brand favoured by Victoria Starmer and Angela Rayner. Make of that what you will. The ruching will be a friend on a long day, and the necktie could double as a fun prop for dancing.

A lime green Puff Sleeve Satin Mini Dress with square neck line.

Ivy mini dress

_{£145 at Aligne}

Just the right side of something Tinkerbell would wear, this dress is made from a jacquard material that will magically hold its shape. The structured silhouette is the draw here, but then so too is the Mountain Dew green. Puff sleeves and pockets make it a party staple.

Dark brown Draped maxidress with an asymmetrical neck.

Priam draped dress

_{£45 at Ninety Percent}

This maxidress is made from MicroModal – a viscose fabric made from renewable wood sources – by a brand that puts thought into sustainability. While the brown might not feel super summery, the ruched detailing and draping effect of the lightweight fabric certainly is. Use it as a simple backdrop for bold accessories.

Ellie Violet Bramley is a writer who has been delving into style and what it means for nearly a decade – mostly for the Guardian’s fashion desk

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