Whenever I receive a save the date for a wedding, you better believe my sole mission is earning the title of best-dressed guest. Aggressive? Perhaps. But hey, when you work as a shopping editor, you have a certain responsibility to show up looking your absolute best – at least, that’s the expectation within my friend group. With a healthy appetite for occasionwear, I’ve come to discover a handful of brands that are now my go-tos for chic and practical wedding guest dresses, particularly when the aim is to make a statement – be it via an unexpected silhouette, bright color, or eye-catching print.
Spring 2023’s dress trends run the gamut from satin slip dresses and formal, ’90s-inspired minidresses to splashy floral prints (groundbreaking!) and bubbly, Barbiecore-centric styles that are equal parts feminine and fierce. Each of these elegant dresses for wedding guests are all sure to make a fresh and fashion-forward statement this season, whether you’re into midi dresses, tiered skirts, or even cropped, above-the-knee silhouettes. Another show-stopping approach? Elegant fabrics like sequins, metallic materials, and textured tulle (great for a black-tie wedding!) or a vibrant color to stand out from more muted tones; teal blue, honey yellow, and hot pink are a few of my in-season favorites.
While bold shapes, patterns, and colors are a surefire way to turn heads as a wedding guest, they’re not the only tactics worth applying. When it comes down to it, the fit is truly the secret to a “wow” moment, whether you opt for a classic silhouette in a less-expected shade or give a nuanced silhouette a try in a subtle hue like navy or black. Regardless of what you’re in the market for, I went ahead and rounded up the 13 best wedding guest dresses for spring that range from under-$100 options to designer styles and more. Browse my favorite selects ahead!
– Additional reporting by Laura Lajiness Kaupke