Dresses to wear as a guest at a wedding, in midi, maxi and mini lengths, for every season and every dress code. Not sure what the invitation is asking for? Start here.
What should a wedding guest wear?
Read the invitation first. The dress code, the time of day and the place tell you most of what you need to know. A daytime or outdoor wedding calls for lighter colors and lighter fabrics. An evening wedding calls for deeper colors and dressier fabrics like satin.
What do the dress codes mean?
Black tie means floor length. See Black Tie Dresses. Formal or black tie optional means a maxi, or a dressy midi in satin or lace. Cocktail means a midi or a knee-length dress in a party fabric. See Cocktail Dresses. Semi-formal or dressy casual means a midi in a print or a soft color. Garden, beach or casual means a cotton or floral dress you can walk across grass or sand in. Our guide to Black Tie vs Cocktail Attire explains the difference.
What to wear to a fall or winter wedding
Satin, jacquard, velvet and long sleeves in deeper colors like burgundy, emerald and navy. See Fall Wedding Guest Dresses.
What to wear to a spring or summer wedding
Florals, lace and cotton in lighter colors. A midi or a maxi keeps you covered at the ceremony and cool at the reception.
What colors should a guest skip?
Skip white, ivory and cream. Those belong to the bride. If you are not sure about a color, ask someone in the wedding party.
Shoes, bags and jewelry
The rest of the outfit is here too: heels, clutches and earrings. For an outdoor wedding, choose a block heel so you do not sink into the grass.
How to pick your size
Every dress has a size chart on its product page, and most pages list the model's height and the size she is wearing. Order early enough to try the dress on before the wedding day.
Dressing the wedding party? See For The Bridesmaids.