My calendar is packed with excitement, as I have five weddings to attend just this year. While I look forward to immersing myself in the joy of celebrating love, I am slightly even more thrilled about shopping for and wearing a new outfit for each event—I'm just a girl, after all. Even so, with the help of some wise advice from my financial advisor, I consciously decided to limit my outfit budget to $300 for each celebration.
Finding complete outfits within a tight budget can be challenging, but after thorough research, I've identified some fantastic options at popular stores like Zara, Mango, Shopbop, Nordstrom, and Revolve. When putting together my looks, my strategy was to invest in versatile, minimalist-friendly dresses that offer a range of styling options and can be worn across different seasons and occasions. Additionally, since carefully chosen jewelry and handbags have the power to enhance affordable fashion pieces, I made sure to pick the best accessories that can effortlessly elevate my looks.
To show you what I've been up to, I displayed seven under-$300 wedding guest outfit ideas and my styling process for them below. Whether it's a beach wedding or a formal ballroom celebration, these ensembles are designed to make you look like you're wearing high-end pieces, even on a budget. Happy wedding season!
Beach Wedding Attire Outfit Idea
When shopping for a beach wedding, look for a flowing, ethereal dress in gentle, understated shades, such as Bardot's Lilah dress. The midi length is perfect—it won't drag in the sand—and the subtle floral pattern adds a charming touch. The dress will beautifully accentuate your figure with its fitted bodice, and the substantial straps offer ample support, allowing you to forgo a bra. While you may take your shoes off when stepping in the sand, you'll still want to select stylish and practical footwear. I recommend choosing heels like the Strap Stiletto Sandals from Source Unknown. They feature a timeless tan hue, sleek straps, and a contemporary square-toe design, making them both current and enduring.
Shop the $299 outfit:
Cocktail Wedding Attire Outfit Idea
A cocktail attire dress code means women can choose dresses ranging from mini to midi and even floor-length gowns. This provides wedding guests a wide array of choices that suit their budget. I'm a fan of Norma Kamali, a brand that offers affordable dresses for all kinds of weddings. The Strapless Flared Dress from its collection is an ideal choice due to its classic look. The strapless design features a fitted bodice that flows into an A-line skirt, giving it an ageless appeal. What makes this dress even more special is its versatility—it can be worn on various occasions and styled with a range of shoes, including knee-high boots, ballet flats, and sneakers. For a wedding, I envision pairing the Norma Kamali dress with elegant pointed-toe pumps.
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European Summer Wedding Attire Outfit Idea
Attending a wedding in Europe during the summertime might strain your budget, but the stunning backdrop and picturesque landscapes will make it all worth it for the perfect Instagram shots. To capture every moment, you'll need a flawless outfit that complements the scenic beauty. Embracing a rosette-adorned dress, like this chic striped design from Moon River, is a great way to achieve that. Then, finish the look with simple accessories such as strappy sandals, a petite shoulder bag, and exquisite gold earrings.
Shop the $270 outfit:
Black-Tie Wedding Attire Outfit Idea
When the dress code says black-tie attire, guests are expected to wear elegant, formal outfits crafted from luxurious materials. A black dress is a timeless and safe choice for this occasion, especially if you're a plus-one. So consider WeWoreWhat's Lace Slip Maxi Dress. This beautiful gown features a captivating V-neck, intricate lace embellishments, and a sumptuous satin fabric that exudes sophistication. Pair it with sleek slingback heels and statement stud earrings to complement this refined look.
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Casual Wedding Attire Outfit Idea
Even if the dress code on your invitation is casual, it's still a good idea to dress slightly more formally than the word implies. Instead of wearing cocktail attire, opt for something a bit more relaxed, incorporating fun colors, prints, and low-key fabrics. You can elevate the outfit by adding metallic heels and fine jewelry. Remember to consider the time of year, the venue, and the couple's preferences when interpreting what "casual" means for the occasion.
Shop the $273 outfit:
Formal or Black-Tie Optional Wedding Attire Outfit Idea
Formal wedding attire, or black-tie optional, encourages people to choose polished maxi dresses made of luxurious fabrics. I stumbled upon a stunning printed dress from Revolve's Superdown collection that perfectly fits the bill. This contemporary dress features a floor-length hem, a stylish halter cowl-neck, and an alluring open back. The animal-inspired print adds a playful touch without being too flashy. To complement the dress's modern vibe, I'd pair it with the current trending footwear style—flip-flop heels—and an embellished evening bag.
Shop the $253 outfit:
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