With 2024 seeded to be one of the biggest years for weddings, if you haven't already experienced an influx of calligraphy-laden save-the-dates, you're probably about to. And while we love weddings, this increase in invites can only mean one thing: an increase in worries about what to wear to all these nuptials.
With so many different dress codes, vibes, and locations, if you're trying to avoid spending a fortune on wedding guest attire, it can be hard to know what kind of dress will go the distance. We recommend investing in a special piece (or pieces) that can work for various occasions with some simple styling tricks or a change of accessories. Ultimately, the goal is to have pieces in your occasion-wear wardrobe that you love and avoid those last-minute panic purchases—a win for both your wallet, wardrobe and the planet! Keep reading below for a list of 15 fail-safe outfits you'll happily wear on repeat.
Best Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses
Bianca Spender Bronze Silk Isabella Gown
Price: $698
Image credit: Bianca Spender | Website
Cut from lustrous Bronze silk satin, this high neck dress skims the body and features an adjustable belt that cinches at the waist. Shop here.
Aje Violette Bubble Hem Maxi Dress
Price: $695
Play into the bubble hem trend with this voluminous dress that perfectly balances volume and proportion. Shop here.
Saloni Michelle Velvet-Trimmed Hammered-Silk Maxi Dress
Price: $1,538
Image credit: Net-A-Porter | Website
Made from hammered-silk that drapes beautifully, this elegant dress has a gathered halter neck bodice and a floor-pooling skirt. Shop here.
H&M Silk Dress
Price: $199
Crafted from a soft silk with a high-sheen finish, this bright and bold dress will make the perfect statement thanks to its chic high neckline and column shape. Shop here.
Best Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses
Bernadette Josselin One-Shoulder Bow-Detailed Taffeta Midi Dress
Price: $789
Image credit: Net-A-Porter | Website
Cut from pink taffeta for a slim fit, this bow-embellished dress was designed to be a show-stopper at any special occasion. Shop here.
Bianca Spender Taupe Ombre Satin Icon Pant and Taupe Ombre Satin Vice Top
Price: From $395
Image credit: Bianca Spender | Website
Splicing two summer colours together, this ombre two-piece set is the perfect choice for updating your wedding guest wardrobe. Shop here.
Aje Energy Mini Dress
Price: $525
This party-perfect mini dress makes the ideal wedding guest dress thanks to its easy-to-wear fit and playful construction. Shop here.
Reformation Yana Linen Halterneck Midi Dress
Price: $480
Image credit: Net-A-Porter | Website
Embrace the spirit of easy elegance with this lightweight linen dress that features an on-trend squared neckline and halterneck ties. Shop here.
Best Garden Party Wedding Guest Dresses
Oroton Silk Sundress
Price: $599
Image credit: Oroton | Website
Cut from silk dupion, this classic, empire-style sundress will make the perfect garden party wedding staple. Shop here.
Sheike Tornado Mesh Dress
Price: $169.99
Image credit: Sheike | Website
Showcasing a fitted cut, high neckline and gathering on side seam, this flattering and comfortable dress is ideal for wedding guest wear. Shop here.
MNG Halter Dress With Flower Detail
Price: $129.95
Featuring a bold printed design and on-trend flower detail, this comfortable and sleek gown will keep you looking and feeling cool all wedding season long. Shop here.
Best Beach Wedding Guest Dresses
Christopher Esber Arced Palm Strapless Dress
Price: $895
Image credit: The Undone | Website
Boasting a unique yet minimal design, this wearable, figure skimming dress can be styled with both flats or heels depending on the occasion. Shop here.
MNG Cotton Dress With Side Ties
Price: $129.95
Designed with parties and events in mind, this cut cotton dress is the perfect breezy option for beachside summer weddings. Shop here.
Agua By Agua Bendita Espliego Lunar Printed Poplin Maxi Dress
Price: $652
Image credit: My Theresa | Website
Perfect for wearing to the beach and beyond, this printed maxi dress is cut from 100% cotton poplin and features a sweet off-the-shoulder ruffle design. Shop here.
Seed Satin Halter Maxi Dress
Price: $229.95
With an elegant crossover halter neck cut and a fluid cut through the body, this dress is a must for your next event. Shop here.
Now, check out:
Image credit: Aje, Instagram | Bianca Spender, Instagram
Editor's note: Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, and if you purchase something through the links in this article, we will earn a commission from those partners. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.