While there weren’t too many opportunities to show off our wedding guest dresses last year, 2021 looks a bit more promising. As the vaccine continues to roll out, brides and grooms are putting a date on the calendar and sending out invites to friends and loved ones. It all makes for what wedding planners and forecasters are calling the post-pandemic wedding boom. And if you’re a recipient of any number of these wedding invites, you may be left with a question you haven’t had to ask yourself for a minute: What shall I wear?
After months in comfort-first clothing, the idea of going all out-in heels, a dress, and such-may be daunting, but the quest for the best wedding guest dress doesn’t have to be unpleasant. Pick a cheerful or elegant dress that makes you feel great but also allows you to celebrate fully should an all-night dance party be on the itinerary. Whether you’re attending a socially distanced outdoor wedding or looking for a formal little black dress, there are several wedding guest dresses to help you win best-dressed attendee just ahead.
Countryside Gathering
Depending on the exact location, outdoor spring weddings can be a little chilly. So reach for a dress with sleeves, like Malene Birger’s pleated design, or one that looks lovely with a shawl, like Zimmermann’s halter dress.
Micro Wedding in the Park
Bring some more romance to the park with a lace, floral, or ruffled dress from designers like La Double J and Maygel Coronel.
Black Tie in the City
This is your moment to go all out. Layers of tulle, sequins, and draping make an elevated statement, and designers like Prada and Self-Portrait show us how it’s done.
Wedding by the Beach
Lightweight fabrics like that on Jason Wu’s cotton dress or Jacquemus’s linen design are perfect for those shore-side ceremonies.
Casual Courthouse Celebration
Elevated comfort is the name of the game here. Slip on an easygoing dress with a polished finish, like Blaze Milano’s blazer dress or Tory Burch’s tunic.
Cocktail Affair
Prepare to say “cheers” to the new couple in a fun dress that makes a glamorous statement. Metallics and jewel tones always work well for those memorable moments as you can see from Ganni’s silver mini and The Attico’s emerald frock.
Romantic Garden Ceremony
You can never go wrong with a romantic bloom, be it a micro-floral frock from LoveShackFancy or a bouquet-covered Erdem dress. If prints aren’t your thing, a charming pleated dress—like Duncan’s—also fits the bill.
