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Stock Up on These Pretty Dresses for All Your Spring Weddings
Stand out without upstaging the bride (obviously).
The spring wedding season is here, and while we’re not trying to upstage the bride, per se, we are doing the most to make sure our own outfits get a look-in on the big day. No matter where or when the nuptials are taking place, the best wedding guest dresses are ones that not only make you look like a million bucks but also feel comfortable for a ceremony that spans vows, speeches, photos, eating, drinking, and dancing ’til dawn. For that reason, ensuring the right fit and fabric as a base point is crucial. For some, a silk maxi might be it, while others prefer jersey or slinky slip dresses. Similarly, a strapless column gown might make you feel free as a bird. Yet straps or a tailored bodice may be essential for people who want more structure.
This season, pastel color trends like delicate pink, creamy yellows, and striking blues have made their way from the catwalk into our periphery. However, you can’t beat a fun print, standout embellishment, or a romantic ruffle. Read on to shop the prettiest dresses worthy of a special occasion like a wedding to have on your radar and keep in your arsenal ahead of your next RSVP.
When it comes to occasionwear, New York City-based brand Hutch cranks out hit after hit. Known for its flattering feminine silhouettes, this printed number, which comes in a soft shade of ballet slipper pink, is no different.
Sizes: XXS-2XL
Colors: Pink, Green Motif
Materials: Polyester, elastane
If you ask me, a dress with a scarf detail always adds a new level of sophistication. I already fell for the charms of this pretty bias-cut maxi, thanks to its painterly rose print, and then the matching neck tie sealed the deal.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Yellow
Materials: 100% recycled polyester
For style inspiration that marries classic, chic, and cool, we often turn to see what supermodel Elsa Hosk is wearing. Thankfully, we can now go one step further as her Scandi-influenced label Helsa dabbles more and more in event dressing options. The figure-hugging Amala is demure yet subtly sensual, complete with a curved low-back and draped fabric, in a universally-flattering shade of wisteria.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Colors: Lavender, Dusty Rose
Materials: Viscose, elastane
Party lovers are no strangers to Retrofête. Whether it’s a destination wedding or an evening affair in the city in the cards, the look-at-me zebra print of the Nicole can be styled in infinite ways, and its slightly sheer high-cut skirt is bound to look epic twirling around the dancefloor.
Sizes: XXS-2XL
Colors: Earl Rose Zebra, Tiger Stripe, Tropical Leaf
Materials: 100% Silk
Do we even need to mention How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days for you to get the reference? Andie Anderson knew the endearing appeal of a slinky slip dress in a sunny, buttery yellow hue—and by wearing this backless halter dress by Australian brand Bardot, you’ll understand the power too.
Sizes: 0 -12
Colors: Canary Yellow, Mint
Materials: Viscose
In a mood-lifting shade of cornflower blue, this scoop-neck midi dress is a work of art. A new style by Sydney-based designer Leo Lin, its intricate floral appliqué shows why the brand is becoming a favorite in the U.S. for its standout occasionwear.
Sizes: US 2-12
Guests will do a double take when they see you coming in this disco-ready number from luxury resortwear brand Alexandra Miro. Its glamorous one-shoulder silhouette features a cascading scarf and a low criss-cross strap back, so it’s made for making memories.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Champagne Spot
Materials: Viscose, silk
Yes, you can be That Girl in this attention-grabber. The bodice is boned, meaning you’ll feel cinched, while the curved hem and sweetheart neckline add a playful edge.
Sizes: US 0-10
Colors: Fiery Red
Materials: Polyester
The fanfare around burgundy lately is warranted. This rich hue is timeless, seasonless, and guaranteed to garner compliments. As the weather heats up, send hearts racing at your next wedding in this mesh panel off-the-shoulder floor-sweeper, complete with fluted sleeves, from the size-inclusive Australian brand Meshki.
Sizes: XXS-3XL
Colors: Burgundy, Black, Midnight Blue, Basil, Ivory
Materials: Recycled polyester, elastane
Be the good luck charm at your next wedding in this ethereal emerald green dress. The lace edges on this handkerchief hem add an elegant air, and thanks to its wrap closure, you’ll be comfortable from the get-go.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Emerald, Ivory, Caramel Brown, Black, Tomato Red,
Materials: Nylon, viscose
Nothing screams luxe quite like a 100 percent silk maxi. Reformation, a longtime go-to for wedding guest dresses, answered everyone’s prayers with the divine Daniela. A plunging neckline adds drama, while a fitted bodice and relaxed skirt ensure a flattering silhouette.
Sizes: US 0-12 (including petite sizing)
Colors: 7 options
Materials: Silk
If an invite for a beachside ceremony or an island-based big day came my way, I’d know just what to add to cart. This thigh-grazing candyfloss pink mini by British brand Rixo splashed with sequin starfish is sure to be a hit, no matter what the backdrop is.
Sizes: 2-16
Materials: Polyester
Colors: Starfish Embellishment Lilac
This gown will have you feeling like a picture-perfect sunset come to life. Pair with gold sandals, Grecian-style accessories, and effortless waves or a tousled up-do for an outfit that’s simply...chef’s kiss.
Sizes: US 0-12
Materials: Polyester
A classic column gown is always a good idea. And the addition of capelet sleeves with a funnel neckline turn this simple scarlet dress into a moment.
Sizes: US 2-10
Colors: Red
Materials: Polyester
The tailored bodice on this tiered A-line cotton dress means you'll be both snatched and comfortable from the vows right through dessert. Plus, fans of pockets will be happy to know that this secretly has them, too.
Sizes: US 0-14
Materials: 100% cotton
Offered under Reiss’s elevated Atelier line, the drapery, sash, and deep side pockets on this burgundy-hued satin dress kicks things up a gear. A perfect happy medium when you can’t decide between a maxi and a barely-there mini.
Sizes: US 2-10
Colors: Burgundy
Materials: Polyester, viscose
Prints and bells and whistles come and go, and sometimes, you just need a great (read: reliable) black dress. This gorgeous ruffled number is light, airy, and ethereal, allowing you to float through the fête with ease. Its silhouette is ideal for pregnant or nursing moms, with a tie closure in the front and back. And chances are you can also wear it again when someone asks you to be a bridesmaid in the future!
Sizes: US 2-16
Materials: 100% silk
In an episode of And Just Like That, Carrie Bradshaw’s endorsement of Norma Kamali’s famed Diana dress for a date night reminded us just how comfortable and sexy the designers’ pieces are—and at an unbeatable price point too. Intended for a svelte fit, the soft four-way stretch fabric of this body-grazing gown is the glamorous equivalent of wearing athleisure to the function.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Colors: Vintage Green
Materials: Polyester, spandex
Cobalt is set to be the shade of this spring and summer. Get ahead of the Yves Klein Blue obsession with this easy breezy dress from Zimmermann. Its soft jersey fabric will also make this a desirable option for women during pregnancy.
Sizes: US 2-12
Colors: Blue
Materials: Viscose, polyamide
Between its asymmetric off-shoulder neckline, beautiful draping that naturally highlights your figure, and a dreamy shade of rose petal pink, this silk-blend dress by Staud is one we would say I do to over and over again.
Sizes: US 0-12
Colors: Rose
Materials: Silk, elastane
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