It’s wedding season, everyone. You may have found out months ago about this wedding, but most of us wait to find an outfit until two weeks prior.
Luckily, you have found me, someone with abundant knowledge on where to buy the perfect wedding guest dress that will fit any season, from summer weddings to autumn to cold northern weddings. As long as you don’t outdress the bride and don’t wear white…you will be in the clear.
Short or long dress?
Each wedding falls into a different category. Some are black tie and may call for a gown. Other weddings are more indie, relaxed, and intimate, so the dress can be similarly casual. At beach weddings, I have seen many guests wear midi-length dresses that fall to the mid-calf length. This is more comfortable in the summer heat, and the bottom of the dress won’t be bound to the sand for the whole duration of the wedding. The length definitely depends on the formality of the event.
Why you shouldn’t wear white
Everyone should know this by now. I mean, at the ripe age of 6, I knew better than to wear white at someone’s wedding. But for those who may not know, wearing white is considered rude because according to tradition, only the bride should wear white unless explicitly stated otherwise. Since it’s her special day, do not upstage her. To make sure you’re clear, I would stay away from cream colors and ivory. Some people even go as far as to avoid pastels.
Summer/beach wedding
Rat and Boa is my go-to designer for all things summer. Their lightweight dresses offer bold colors that contrast the bride’s white dress. The dress pictured above in the Absinthe Dress, and the powerful purple and flattering cowl will be a vision for any wedding guest planning to attend a beach wedding.
Rat and Boa offer a widely diverse collection in their newest line, encompassing everyone’s styles. Their collection ranges from affordable to mid-range in pricing. Think about this for the long run: any Rat and Boa dress can be worn again — it doesn’t just have to be for a wedding.
Fall wedding
Weddings in autumn have become increasingly popular over the years. The weather isn’t too hot, yet it’s not cold enough to require a shawl. Autumn weddings are my favorite to attend because the color palette fits perfectly with the season.
The Annabelle Silk Dress is stunning for any wedding guest who plans to attend a fall wedding. The navy and gold colors complement any skin tone, and the silkiness of the dress accommodates every body type. If you want something comfortable and stylish at the same time, this dress would be perfect for you.
Winter wedding
If I ever got married, I think I would choose married in the winter in the hopes that it would snow during the ceremony.
Wedding guests may find it challenging to select a dress for a winter wedding, but I can assure you that it is easier than you think.
This gorgeous silver dress from Revolve (pictured above) would match the aesthetic of any winter wedding. Accompanied by silver jewelry and a shawl to offer warmth, the look would be complete. The dress is called La Lune High Neck Cowl Maxi Dress, designed by Shona Joy.
One useful aspect of the Revolve Website is that they link other accessories to match outfit you picked — from purses to heels to even makeup. It makes the online shopping experience fly by.
The silver dress paired with Revolve’s Mai Wool Coat by Mackage would make for a stunning outfit, keeping the guest warm while not completely covering the dress. The belt can be left tied or untied, and the front framing of the coat accentuates the figure.
Spring wedding
Réalisation Par has unique dresses that fit perfectly into the spring aesthetic. This gorgeous long-sleeve dress should be on every wedding guest’s radar.
Called The Gia, it contributes a 70s vibe with its flowing bell sleeves. Look no further if you’re seeking an Indie vibe with your outfit. Réalisation Par has dresses you can wear more than once and dress up or down. The Gia would work well with a pair of ballet flats.
Black-tie wedding?
Need a gown? Ralph Lauren is currently having a summer sale with up to 30% off many gowns. For a timeless look, take a peek at some of their latest on-sale styles.
The beaded dress pictured above is the Beaded Mesh Sleeve Gown. It is a sophisticated, dusky blue color that would be perfect for a late summer wedding, and lucky for you, it is on sale right now. Ralph Lauren curates designs that will be staples in your closet for years, and black-tie weddings offer the perfect excuse to purchase a gown you have been eying for a while but never found a good enough reason to purchase.
This stunning gown by Ralph Lauren is on the vintage website Thred-Up and is an affordable designer option if you would prefer to purchase your gown secondhand.
There are numerous options for those of you who want designer pieces for cheaper, including The RealReal, another online website where you can buy designer dresses at lower prices.
There is a dress for all your future weddings; you just need to find the right one for the right season. Hopefully, this guide can help you along the way and steer you in the right direction!
