Where to buy the best wedding guest dresses, per shopping editors

Though you may not be the bride and groom at the party, finding one of the best wedding guest dresses is an opportunity to look and feel your best, as if you were the party’s debutant person of the hour.

Weddings, nowadays, come in all different settings and aesthetics, making it even more of a thrill to dress up for the nuptials you’ve been saving the date for. Whether a lavish outdoor affair (think: “Bridgerton”) or a traditional ballroom with butler hors d’oeuvres, we’re committed to helping you feel your finest.

That’s why the Post Wanted team rounded up the best wedding guest dresses — our sworn-in brands and retailers — for you to shop from. We’re consistently updating this guide with the latest styles and new fashion labels we’ve shopped from and adore, so you’ll want to stick around (and shop, of course).

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Below, you’ll find flattering cut-out dresses, exemplary cocktail dresses and everything in between, from midi to maxi. With detailed descriptions for each retailer, what you’re about to read is a fashion case study of sorts, written by us, the shopping experts. You’ll be saying “I do”, BTW.

Best Overall: Windsor

When you think of Windsor, you may draw up photos from your brick-and-mortar shopping mall. In its heyday, Windsor was more known for its cheaper “fast fashion” and miles-high stilettos (and, in some ways, it still is) but its catalog of wedding guest dresses is far too good to shy away from.

Since 2022, I’ve attended eight weddings, and most of my wedding guest dresses hailed from Windsor. Most of all, its satin gowns are the most flattering on my size-2 frame and always garner the most compliments. Styles similar to the dresses I hand-picked years ago, like the Aliyah Strapless Mermaid Satin Glitter Dress ($70), hug the body in just the right way and hold up for years. In fact, I’ve re-worn my Windsor wedding guest dresses to multiple nuptials. #SorryNotSorry.

Windsor’s wedding guest dresses fit true to size and come in exceptional jewel-tone hues which fare well for my fair skin. Of course, you’ll find an array of options, including classic little black dresses, and cocktail dresses in addition to gowns. I’ve picked up a fair share of cocktail dresses in that same, flattering satin fabric, like the Exceptional Off-the-Shoulder Flared Midi Dress ($37).

Luckily, the majority of Windor’s wedding guest dresses are affordable and resemble options you may find on the online racks of Revolve. For instance, each dress I’ve purchased was less than $100 and boasts long-lasting quality.

Sizing: XS to XL | Shipping: About 3 to 7 business days

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Best Budget: Lulus

For years, I’ve been shopping at Lulus. It was the first online brand that I thought, “Wow, I don’t want anyone to know about this site. Its styles are so feminine, affordable and different from what everyone else is wearing.” Now, Lulus has carved out a larger name for itself, namely among the influencer community, and has come to be respected for its classic, elegant and feel-good styles.

What you purchase at Lulus, for the most part, won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Half of my wardrobe is filled with Lulus pieces and they’ve held up for years. The Song of Love Black Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress ($98) is a designer-inspired option that’s less than $100 for you to rock at your next wedding and any other formal event for that matter.

Equally as great at Lulus is its roster of accessories to complement your outfit. Some of my favorite clutches and jewelry stemmed from Lulus before I hit the online checkout page and they surely completed the look.

Sizing: XXS to XXL | Shipping: About 3 to 7 business days

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Best Splurge: FWRD

Stay ahead of the curve with FWRD’s trendy dresses, showcasing the latest in fashion-forward designs for the style-savvy wedding guest. From bold prints to statement silhouettes, like with the Norma Kamali Strapless Fishtail Gown ($265), FWRD offers an eclectic mix of dresses that capture the essence of contemporary chic. So, plan ahead for those black-tie wedding guest dresses.

“I shop FRWD almost exclusively when I have an exciting event like a wedding to go to,” Kendall Cornish, commerce writer/editor, shared. “I’m able to try different brands, get the latest from my favorite labels and take advantage of some supreme sale prices a few times a year.”

The only downside, which comes as no surprise since Cornish is surely not the only FWRD shopper, is that certain sizes sell out quickly for certain brands. “That said, when the brands themselves have slim pickin’s, I find FWRD to be the next best reliable source,” she added. “Shipping is extremely fast, whether I’m in Texas or NYC, so I even have time to return and try new things before events (when I plan my time accordingly).”

What’s more, if you’re a fan of Revolve, you’ll find its online interface is most similar to the influencer-adored retailer that aggregates a wealth of designers. In essence, FWRD offers a similar shopping experience.

Sizing: XS to XL | Shipping: About 3 to 7 business days

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Best for Petites: Petal & Pup

Just like part of my wardrobe is Lulus, another part is Petal & Pup. The Australian fashion label has those styles you’d likely save to your Pinterest board and aren’t too pricey, either.

When attending weddings, holiday functions and other semi-formal events, I typically turn to Petal & Pup for their collection of comfortable styles, all of which are infused with a flattering, feminine flair.

The Harmony Maxi Dress ($119), for example, looks like a Mac Duggal selection that you’ll find for hundreds of dollars less. If you’re looking for something a bit less formal, say a jumpsuit or a daytime wedding guest dress, Petal & Pup has lovely options, including the Savannah One-Shoulder Jumpsuit ($75) and the Lennon Halterneck Maxi Dress ($99).

Sizing: XS to XL | Shipping: About 5 to 7 business days

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Best for Plus Size Options: ASOS

Celebrate inclusivity with ASOS’s extensive range of plus-size wedding guest dress options, including a generous size range with a wealth of options. This ensures every wedding guest feels confident, sexy and beautiful.

From trendy styles to classic silhouettes, ASOS offers a selection of dresses designed to flatter and accentuate curves, allowing guests to embrace their individuality with fashion-forward looks. Namely, we love the ASOS Design Curve High-Neck Drape Bodice Cape Maxi Dress ($28) that’s dancefloor-ready and simply fabulous.

ASOS offers dresses at different price ranges, meaning you can find something that fits your budget without compromising on style. The brand is well-known for staying up to date with the latest fashions, so you can find on-trend wedding guest dresses that make you feel stylish and confident, guaranteed.

Sizing: XS to 26 Plus | Shipping: About 6 to 9 business days

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Best Formal: Revolve

Make a lasting impression at formal or black-tie weddings with Revolve’s glamorous and fashion-forward dresses. Featuring sleek silhouettes, luxurious fabrics and intricate details, much like the Nookie Electric Midi Dress ($329), Revolve offers an unparalleled selection of dresses that exude sophistication and allure.

Dazzling beyond compare, Revolve is a premium destination for all types of weddings. “Whenever I need a wedding guest dress, I always start with Revolve,” Brooke Matalon, social media marketing manager, shared. “The brand has so many options at all price points, and its edits make it super easy to find what you’re looking for.”

On that note, Matalon recently ordered a CIN CIN dress for a Mexico wedding, and it was so cute — flattering and super beachy. “Plus, Revolve’s shipping and returns are amazing, so you can try a few and send back what doesn’t work.”

Sizing: XS to XL | Shipping: About 3 to 7 business days

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Best for Maternity: PinkBlush

Embrace motherhood in style with PinkBlush’s elegant and comfortable maternity wedding guest dress, like the Blue Satin Smocked Fitted Maternity Maxi Dress ($87), for example, tailored to accommodate your growing bump with flair.

From flowing maxi dresses to chic cocktail options, PinkBlush offers a range of designs that prioritize both style and comfort, allowing expectant mothers to feel beautiful and confident on special occasions.

Additionally, the brand emphasizes comfort while maintaining fashion-forward designs. Maternity dresses from PinkBlush are made with stretchy, breathable fabrics, ensuring that you’ll feel comfortable throughout the wedding day, no matter how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Sizing: S to L | Shipping: About 5 to 7 business days

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Best for Cocktail Dresses: Reformation

Elevate your wedding guest ensemble with Reformation, renowned for its of-the-moment silhouettes and commitment to sustainable fashion. Its ethically crafted dresses, like the sleek Ryden Knit Dress ($198), exude timeless elegance but also contribute to a greener future, making them the perfect choice for conscious consumers.

From romantic florals to sleek silhouettes, Reformation offers a diverse range of options to suit every style and venue, ensuring you look and feel your best while celebrating love and sustainability.

Sizing: XS to XL | Shipping: About 5 to 7 business days

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Best for Casual Wedding Guest Dresses: Free People

Embrace bohemian flair and laid-back elegance with Free People’s collection of casual dresses, like the Selkie x FP The Staycation Dress ($375) is ideal for a relaxed and effortless wedding vibe. From flowy maxi dresses to breezy sundresses, Free People offers a range of effortless styles that capture the spirit of carefree romance.

Très demure and wonderfully woven, each dress offers a dose of personality and heart to your wardrobe. Whichever style you choose, you’ll be re-wearing it for years — no questions asked.

Sizing: XS to XL | Shipping: About 5 to 7 business days

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Best on Amazon: BTFBM

Explore affordable and stylish options with BTFBM’s collection of dresses, including this chic Grace Karin Ruffle Mermaid Dress ($30), conveniently available on Amazon for easy shopping and accessibility. Whether you’re searching for a classic silhouette or a trendy statement piece, BTFBM offers a diverse range of options to suit any wedding style or theme.

Sizing: S to XXL | Shipping: 2 days with Amazon Prime

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Most Modest: Simple Retro

Embrace understated elegance with Simple Retro’s collection of modest dresses, perfect for guests seeking refined and demure attire for any wedding occasion. From timeless classics to contemporary interpretations, such as the Ariella Round Neck Puff Sleeve Dress ($59). Simple Retro offers a range of dresses that prioritize modesty without sacrificing style. It’s like Reformation, with an affordable twist.

The brand offers a range of styles that cater to different tastes, from classic and sophisticated to more playful or boho-inspired looks. Whether you want a full midi or maxi dress, an A-line silhouette or a dress with flattering draping, Simple Retro has options that are suitable for various wedding themes, such as formal, semi-formal and casual.

Sizing: S to L | Shipping: About 3 to 5 business days

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Best for Rental: Rent the Runway

Enjoy the ultimate flexibility and variety with Rent the Runway’s rental service, offering access to designer dresses for a fraction of the price, like the SIMKHAI Amarantha Dress. Whether you’re attending multiple weddings or simply seeking a one-time statement piece, Rent the Runway allows guests to experiment with different styles and trends without the lofty, sometimes $200-plus commitment of purchasing a certain dress.

What’s more, borrowing from Rent the Runway can be significantly cheaper than purchasing a new dress. Instead of paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a designer dress, you can rent it for a fraction of the price (typically between $30 and $200 for a multi-day rental). This makes it easier to wear a designer dress for a special occasion without the steep cost.

Sizing: XS to XL | Shipping: About 3 to 7 business days

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Best for Black Tie Weddings: Nordstrom

Nordstrom offers a broad array of wedding guest dresses across multiple styles, including formal gowns, semi-formal dresses, cocktail dresses and more casual options. Whether you’re attending a black-tie wedding, a beachside celebration or a daytime affair, Nordstrom has options for every type of wedding and dress code.

Notably, Nordstrom carries a diverse range of brands, from high-end designers to more budget-friendly options, ensuring that there’s something for every budget. Because of its expansive variety, Nordstrom allows you to find a wedding guest dress that fits both your personal style and your price range.

One of our favorite picks is the Betsy & Adam Cape Sleeve Crepe Sheath Dress ($199) for its timeless charm and flattering fit. We anticipate it’ll not only look phenomenal in photos but is uniquely elegant to capture the eyes of many at your next wedding.

Sizing: XS to XL | Shipping: About 4 to 6 business days

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Most Unique: Sézane

“My preferred place to shop is Sézane for dresses; it adds a refreshing, unexpected touch of style that sets you apart from the crowd,” Emma Sutton-Williams, commerce writer/reporter, shared. “If nothing else, follow this French brand for styling ideas — it won’t disappoint.”

Sézane’s collections feature a blend of vintage-inspired and modern pieces, characterized by delicate fabrics, flattering silhouettes and understated details. Its dresses often exude a sense of effortless chic, making them perfect for a wedding guest who wants to look polished yet not overdone.

Whether you’re attending a formal or casual wedding, Sézane has versatile options that feel both fresh and timeless, like the Vivianne Dress ($225), avoiding the overly trendy or cookie-cutter wedding guest attire.

Sizing: XS to XXL | Shipping: About 5 to 7 business days

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Best Variety: Macy’s

Macy’s offers wedding guest dresses at a wide range of price points, making it accessible for various budgets. You can find stylish, budget-friendly options starting around $50 to $100, or splurge on higher-end designer pieces, like the Donna Karan Fit & Flare Midi Dress ($299) for a more luxurious look.

The retailer often has dresses that can suit both affordable and premium tastes, making it a versatile destination for shoppers. Additionally, Macy’s offers an inclusive size range, so you’re likely to find a wedding guest dress in your size, whether you’re looking for petite, plus-size or maternity options. The store carries dresses in sizes 0 to 24 or higher, which makes it easier to shop for your body type as well.

“My mom instilled in me at an early age a reverence for Macy’s (we used to go to the iconic 34th Street location when I was a kid), so I think it’s understandable I’d continue shopping there as an adult,” Holly J Coley, commerce updates editor, shared. “It’s one of the first places I turn when I have a wedding or fancy event to attend. There’s always something on trend for me to snatch up that’s also well made and reasonably priced.”

Coley noted that she has purchased long, slinky black dresses from there for under $80, as well as cute frilly skirt halter dresses, and sequined gowns on clearance. “I’m not kidding, at least 70% of my evening wear has been from Macy’s,” she says. “And, since it sells a bit of everything, I usually add dress shoes to my cart and some sparkly accessory to complete the look. There are always sales going on, so it’s a top pick of mine for times I need to look amazing but don’t want to spend more than $200 bucks.”

Sizing: US 0 to 24 | Shipping: About 3 to 7 business days

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Best Value: Abercrombie

“I love Abercrombie for wedding guest dresses because of the wide range of styles, high quality yet affordable designs and reliable sizing,” Meaghan Roche, senior commerce SEO manager, shared. “I find it best to stick to what you know when shopping for a wedding guest dress, so that you don’t have to go through the hassle of ordering (and returning) multiple outfits, and Abercrombie always delivers.”

We recommend checking out its new A&F Wedding Shop (pro tip for brides: also check out the bridal shop!) for regularly refreshed styles that often go on sale. We can’t stop glossing over The A&F Giselle Strapless Drama Maxi Dress ($105), most of all.

“Abercrombie really has something for everyone, with outfits from cutout maxi dresses to jumpsuits to trending scarf dresses, and inclusive sizing for curvy figures, Petites, plus, tall and short,” Roche added.

Sizing: XXS to XL | Shipping: About 3 to 7 business days

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Most Comfortable: Birdy Grey

“Though technically Birdy Grey is a brand that makes and sells bridesmaid dresses, the sheer amount of colors, fabrics and styles also make it a perfect spot to get a wedding guest dress,” Angela Tricarico, commerce writer/reporter, shared. “The brand even offers floral patterned fabrics, which often look more ‘guest’ than ‘bridesmaid.’ However, most of the available styles don’t look too bridesmaid-y (trust me, I got multiple opinions before purchasing a midi dress for a late summer wedding I attended this year), and they’re super affordable, which was definitely a plus when I was searching for a dress I don’t plan on wearing too often.”

Tricarico noted that the Lisa Midi Dress ($99), in particular, “was super comfortable to wear the entire evening,” from the Uber to the wedding through the ceremony, dinner, and dancing. Plus, you’ll be amazed by its vast color variety — in all styles.

Sizing: XS to XXXL | Shipping: About 3 to 7 business days

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What is the best dress code for attending a wedding?

You’ve been invited to a wedding — hooray! Now it’s time to figure out what to wear.

Many couples include the dress code in the invitation. However, if it’s not mentioned, most wedding attire falls into one of five categories:

1. Formal or Black Tie: These types of weddings typically call for women to wear floor-length gowns or fancier style cocktail dresses, such as ones with sequins or embroidery detail. Men wear dark suits or tuxedos.
2. Semi-Formal/Cocktail Attire: While black ties are not required at these types of weddings, guests are still expected to wear elevated clothing. Traditionally, men wear dark suits, while women opt for longer or midi-length dresses. Accessories and colors will be dependent on the season, time of the wedding, and what the bridal party is wearing.
3. Theme Specific: Based off someone’s cultural background, the dress code may require guests to wear or avoid a specific type of clothing or color. At Indian weddings, for example, it’s discouraged for women to wear red, because that is the color the bride wears.
4. Destination: The season and location matter. Although it’s best to defer to whatever dress requirements the bridal party has declared, it’s generally acceptable to allow the weather and venue to influence what outfit you choose. For a beach wedding, for example, it’s appropriate to wear a maxi or sundress. Men can choose lighter fabrics for their suits, such as linen, and ties may be optional.
5. Dressy-Casual: This type of wedding attire is exactly what it sounds like. Although no one is expected to wear a tux or sequin gown, jeans or shorts are not appropriate. It’s important that your clothing still signals you’re attending a special event. For men, chinos or dress slacks paired with a button-down work well. For women, sundresses, flowy skirts or even pants or jumpsuits can do.

While the above guidelines will steer you to the right retailers to find the best wedding guest dress for you, it’s always wise to check with the bride or a member of their party if you’re truly not sure.

Is it okay to wear black to a wedding?

It’s absolutely okay to wear black to a wedding. The color is universally flattering and no longer solely associated with mourning. As long as you keep in mind any bridal requests, as well as the wedding venue and dress code, you should be good to go.

If you’re going to a formal wedding, we suggest considering this slinky but sophisticated number from Net-A-Porter. The KHAITE Nonya Crepe Maxi Dress ($2,640) is perfect to dance the night away in, and you can definitely wear it more than once!

Another LBD we like (especially since it’s an affordable dupe to the above) is the Lovers and Friends Odessa Gown ($190). It has a similar side split and neckline but also has some ruching for extra detail.

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