Currently, Nordstrom is in the midst of its largest sale of the year. If you're looking to score deep discounts on a range of high-quality items from top-tier brands, then you've landed in the perfect place. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale deals keep getting better and better every time I browse the site. I've noticed a significant number of pretty dresses worth buying. Finding a cute wedding guest dress at a reasonable price point can prove to be difficult, so I couldn't keep these discoveries to myself. Ahead, shop my editor-approved selection of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale wedding guest dress deals today.

In the mix, you can expect a range of styles. From full-length to cocktail, the wedding guest dress codes are all accounted for. On top of that, there's a beautiful mix of WWW editor and reader favorites, like Petal & Pup, Topshop, and WAYF, among others. Keep scrolling to uncover these amazing dress deals.

Shop Nordstrom Wedding Guest Dress Deals

I'll be the first to admit that I have high standards when it comes to black-tie wedding guest dresses. The dress code calls for something elevated, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice personality—especially during the summer months, when I'm all about color.

After years of covering fashion and attending my fair share of events, I've learned that the best wedding guest dresses strike a very specific balance: They should be special enough for the occasion while still feeling like you. I've seen so many people choose a dress that falls flat just to feel like they're fitting into the dress code. Good news is that ends today with this edit.

Whether you're headed to a destination wedding, a garden celebration, or a formal evening affair, these are the summer black-tie wedding guest dresses I'd happily recommend. Each one passes my test.

I'd venture to say that investing in the proper attire is just as nerve-racking for those walking down the aisle as it is for those attending the wedding. Don't get me wrong. I love love, but there's no ignoring the pressure of being the best dressed guest. This may be a self-awarded title, but the stakes are high nonetheless. For context, I'm a NYC fashion editor who moonlights as a professional wedding guest. Well, at least the first part is true. But the second? Professional is a stretch. I just happen to have a lot of friends who are lucky in love. The upside is that I've racked up a considerable number of hours shopping for wedding guest looks.

What I've learned is that it comes down to the dress code. Whether black tie, formal, cocktail, or garden, the choice reflects the couple, the venue, and, most importantly, the vibe. Each comes with its own set of dos and don'ts. I've also discovered that you don't have to buy something new to look chic. Instead, if you invest in one timeless, versatile dress for each popular dress code, you'll look elegant, save money, and avoid the endless cycle of trying to keep up with what's trending. To streamline the process, I'm stripping down the most popular wedding guest dress codes to their basics and sharing what silhouette makes sense for each. Coming up is a crash course on when it's appropriate to stand out and when it pays to be a rule follower.

At the average wedding, wearing white would result in disapproving looks and whispered rumors (or, in extreme cases, a "clumsy" waiter and an overpoured glass of cabernet). But unlike vows, some rules are meant to be broken. It's become a recent trend for couples to request all-white attire. Despite this modern dress code contradicting everything we know about wedding guest etiquette, consider this your sign not to shy away from it.

While I'd steer clear of linen and cotton dresses, as they risk looking too casual, satin and silk feel like the right move. Simkhai's selection of all-white dresses has plenty to pick from—all of which are 10s. Speaking of, the Ora Satin Gown is a stellar choice if you find yourself on the receiving end of an invite, as it's statuquese with a marble-like satin finish. The mid-thigh slit ensures you show a respectable amount of leg. It is almost cape-like and has a cascading asymmetrical sleeve that stretches from the shoulder to the ankle. Be sure to pair it with a Kinn tennis bracelet, a Liffner clutch, and Zara heels.

If you love a rubric, then black-tie dressing will be a breeze. If you don't, well, good luck. Just kidding. I'm here to help. A full-length gown is a must. No, all black isn't required, but it is timeless. Sophisticated neutrals and jewel tones are excellent alternatives. Elegant silhouettes dominate. Think structured gowns, draped halters, and asymmetrical necklines. Do accessorize, but don't rely on trends.

To make things simple, I'd suggest the Taller Marmo Astor Dress. The high-neck silhouette and lustrous sheen cement its timeless status, and it's a polished look you will return to time and again, regardless of whether the black-tie destination is NYC, Mallorca, or Palermo. It's not a piece you'll get bored with easily, especially if you pair it with a Kinn diamond ring, suede Jimmy Choo Leo 65 Sandals, and the Reformation Aphrodite Pleated Pouch. It's classic, cohesive, and confident.

Here, you've been granted a bit more leeway. It's not as strict as black tie—ankle-length hems are now deemed appropriate—but for all intents and purposes, much has carried over from the previous category. While "optional" may be in the name, I'd err on the side of caution. A floor-length silk gown can do no wrong, such as the Reformation Jeany Dress.

Made of 100% silk, this dress is capable of holding its own on a red carpet. The Jeany Dress is for those who aren't afraid to make an entrance, and confidence is a side effect of this dreamy halter slip. Build up the look with a pair of Agmes silver-and-pearl earrings, a Toteme clutch, and satin pumps. These affairs are typically held at grand estates or Manhattan venues and spare no expense on floral arrangements and place settings, so be sure to snap pictures for future inspiration—you know, potential proposals, vow renewals, or a celebratory just-because.

Not quite floor-length formal but definitely not blue-jeans casual, cocktail attire is reserved for sipping a gin martini (filthy, of course) and using "summer" as a verb. Necklines remain respectful, but incorporating a trend here and there won't have you ostracized.

The SimonMiller sequin peridot midi dress is the perfect compromise. While it is a bold choice, it pulls from a classic silhouette. The embellished trim offsets the loose fit and ultra-thin straps. It's dazzling—literally—but it isn't a one-night affair. Double down on the playful texture with an apricot-colored beaded clutch. Keep the look grounded with a pair of Bottega Veneta earrings and Gianvito Rossi thong sandals. Be prepared for candid shots, '70s house remixes, and lots and lots of memories.

With any beach wedding, there's a good chance you'll end the night barefoot in the sand, so dress accordingly. That means above-the-ankle hemlines only and no stilettos. Wedges will be your friend, and thankfully, they're back in style. Airy cotton and linen are wise choices, and unless the couple specifies, I'd stick to periwinkle, violet, coral, and blush tones. If luck would have it, you'll end up matching the sunset.

There is one dress that comes to mind: the Tory Burch Mirror Embellished Cotton Dress. Chic people will recognize this reflective number in a heartbeat. Here, it comes in a soft pink with carmine and oyster stripes. The hand-embroidered mirrorwork ensures you and the event photographer will be best friends come final call. Don't let the uniqueness deter you; a simple swap of accessories can make this a repeat attendee. But in this case, I'd go with a Magda Butrym mini tote, satin wedges, and a touch of serpentine with a pair of Lié Studio hoops to finish the look.

If the invite reads "mountain chic with a side of Western flair," then snakeskin must be included somewhere, somehow. The obvious answer is a Nili Lotan clutch. It's pricey, I know, but the cost per wear will be minimal after wedding season is over. The same goes for this drop-waist Sirapop dress.

Don't let my introduction fool you. This dynamic chartreuse gown isn't content to take a back seat. Front and center is where it belongs. If the refined draping hasn't convinced you yet, maybe the dainty halter will. It's truly the perfect date for an evergreen wedding. Add a pair of two-tone earrings (I'm partial to the Dorsey Lucien Latchbacks) and suede pumps, such as the Gewls Chiara Kitten Heels, which are a fixture on my wish list. Now, you're ready to give a toast.

Florals for a garden party? Groundbreaking. But a sky-blue slip? Trendsetting. This daytime affair comes nowhere close to the dos and don'ts of a black-tie evening. Pastels are welcome, satin is appreciated, and semi-sheer textiles are acceptable as long as they're tasteful. A dress that combines all three is certain to win favor with the happy couple.

The only one that comes to mind is a Self-Portrait satin maxi dress. It would be a shame to limit this romantic slip, from the semi-sheer bodice to the flattering paneled silhouette, to just one ceremony. It deserves to be seen. Thoughts on pairing it with the Khaite Blake Clutch? I'm a fan. The only thing that could make it better is a set of diamond earrings and a pair of kitten heels.

I’ll be honest: wedding season has always felt a little bittersweet. Don’t get me wrong, there is something undeniably joyful about watching two people celebrate their love on a warm summer afternoon, surrounded by flowers, champagne and questionable dance-floor decisions. But for much of my adult life, the excitement of receiving a wedding invitation was quickly followed by the same familiar sense of dread: what on earth was I going to wear?

As someone who spent most of her life a UK size 24, occasion dressing always felt more like an exercise in making do as opposed to expressing myself the way I really wanted to. In my early and mid-twenties, I attended countless weddings wearing the same charity shop-bought beige linen suit, simply because there weren’t many other options available to me. Not because of a lack of style, but because occasionwear in my size was so limited that constant repetition felt like the safest choice.

Over the past five years though, things have shifted. I’m now a UK 16/18, and whilst the fashion industry still has a long way to go, there’s been a noticeable (if uneven) move towards greater size inclusivity, finally giving me more room to play and experiment with different styles.

My experience across both sides of the sizing spectrum is why I feel so rooted in mid- and plus-size dressing—it’s a lived experience. I’ve had to make things work when fashion didn’t make space for bodies like mine, and I know exactly what it feels like when it finally does. Now, with wedding invitations piling up and more options than ever before, I’ve rounded up a selection of the best wedding-guest pieces for mid- and plus-size bodies; styles that prove occasionwear can be both fashion-forward and genuinely inclusive. Keep scrolling to see the options that meet my (high) standards.

Shop the Best Mid-Size and Plus-Size Wedding-Guest Dresses 2026

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more dated wedding guest dressing rule than the one that claims you shouldn't wear black. Take one look at the black dress Dakota Johnson is wearing to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding at Madison Square Garden, and the word "mourning" (which is where the "rule" comes from) will be the last thing to come to mind. In fact, Dakota's black dress is the perfect example of what you should wear to a wedding in 2026, as it's one of the most elegant dress trends of the year, and is simultaneously timeless.

The trend I'm referring to is a high-neck halter dress. Johnson's wedding guest dress appears to feature a long scarf that ties at the back of the neck as well as a high slit, both adding to the drama of the semi-sheer dress. With the elegant dress she chose to attend her close friend's wedding on this very hot day, Johnson opted for a studded Valentino flap shoulder bag and a pair of satin stiletto mule sandals with an oversized bow. No notes.

Scroll on to see Dakota Johnson's elegant black halter-neck dress for Travis and Taylor's wedding, and shop similar styles for the weddings on your calendar (or any other special occasion).

Dakota Johnson en Route to Travis and Taylor's Wedding

On Dakota Johnson: Valentino bag

Shop Elegant Black Halter-Neck Dresses

We talk a lot about wedding guest dresses, specifically how to find the perfect one for the upcoming nuptials on your summer calendar, but there's one item that's even harder to source: a formal but versatile bag to pair with them. Formal bags tend to be quite boring and stuffy, or they only work for black-tie occasions, meaning that the cost per wear is extremely high. What you want is a purse that can just as easily be styled with a wedding guest dress as a pair of vintage Levi's and a T-shirt or a low-key linen skirt and tank top. That's where The Row's latest It bag, the Cecily Top Handle Bag, comes in, and Zoë Kravitz has already provided plenty of wedding guest dressing inspiration to prove it.

On Friday, Kravitz, along with most of Hollywood's elite, gathered at Madison Square Garden to watch Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce tie the knot in arguably the biggest wedding since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry married in 2018. For the occasion, the couple's guests took various approaches to dressing. Kravitz went a very cool route, opting for a long-sleeve beaded dress with a knee-length hemline, vintage-looking chandelier earrings, and minimalist black heeled sandals. (Others, like Dakota Johnson and Karlie Kloss, took a more traditionally formal approach, wearing a little black dress and a strapless gold gown by Tove, respectively.) Kravitz finished off the summer wedding ensemble with a pair of Oliver Peoples x Khaite 1969C sunglasses, a black scarf, and the aforementioned ideal wedding guest bag, The Row's satin Cecily Bag.

On Zoë Kravitz: The Row Cecily Top Handle Bag ($1250); Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 Bea ($4100); Khaite x Oliver Peoples 1969C ($555)

What makes the Cecily so great for weddings is how well it goes with every outfit, from a gown to an easy denim look. That, in part, is because it doesn't have any hardware, which could limit the wearer's jewelry options. Its simplicity makes it a chameleon of sorts, able to transform into whatever its owner wants it to be.

It's really no surprise that the Cecily Bag is selling out faster than anyone who desires one would like. To get your hands on one, you can join The Row's waiting list, and I just so happened to find one in stock at Net-a-Porter. Run to snag it before it's gone.

Shop The Row's Cecily Bag

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more dated wedding guest rule than the one that claims you shouldn't wear black. Take one look at the black dress Dakota Johnson is wearing to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding at Madison Square Garden today, and the word "mourning" (which is where the "rule" comes from) will be the last thing to come to mind. In fact, Johnson's black dress is the perfect example of what you should wear to a wedding in 2026, as it's one of the most elegant dress trends of the year and is simultaneously timeless.

The trend I'm referring to is a high-neck halter dress. Johnson's wedding guest dress appears to feature a long scarf that ties at the back of the neck as well as a high slit, both adding to the drama of the semisheer dress. With the elegant dress she chose to attend her close friend's wedding on this very hot day, Johnson opted for a studded Valentino flap shoulder bag and a pair of satin stiletto mule sandals with an oversize bow. No notes.

Scroll on to see Dakota Johnson's elegant halter-neck black dress for Swift and Kelce's wedding and shop similar styles for the weddings and other special occasions on your calendar.

Dakota Johnson En Route to Swift and Kelce's Wedding

On Dakota Johnson: Valentino dress and shoes; Valentino Garavani Spike bag

Shop Elegant Halter-Neck Black Dresses

Bettina Looney is a Who What Wear editor in residence, stylist, tastemaker, entrepreneur, and creative consultant recognized for her curated eye and cross-industry influence. Spanning fashion, interiors, and beauty, she translates style into substance through private styling at The Bettina Looney Edit.

It's wedding season. And every year without fail, the question is always the same: What do I actually wear, and where can I find something different? Cue the doom scrolling, the abandoned carts, the tabs you leave open for three weeks and then somehow never return to. As someone who genuinely loves getting dressed, I still find wedding dressing uniquely stressful. There are so many unspoken rules, so many things to consider, and yet the window to actually find something feels impossibly small.

As I've been on the hunt myself for a few weddings I'm attending this year, I also put together a selection of my current favorite dress trends for the occasion.

Classic All Black

I really hope people’s aversion to black at weddings has subsided. I always find it to be the chicest, most elegant option, and you can never go wrong. When I look for dresses to wear, I always try to find something that feels a little different from what I have seen before. I stumbled upon this Cult Gaia Samya dress and thought it was so fun; perfect for a day party or dinner prior to the actual wedding day.

Wearing: Cult Gaia Samya Dress ($909)

Shop All-Black Wedding Guest Dresses

Champagne Romanticism

I fell in love with this Zimmermann dress and recently wore it to a wedding in Spain. The color is this perfect champagne—one of those shades that just feels inherently elegant without trying too hard. It was also genuinely so comfortable, which matters more than people admit. When you have two kids under 4 running around, the last thing you need is a dress you have to think about.

Wearing: Zimmerman Alchemy Billow Dress

Shop Champagne Wedding Guest Dresses

Classic Caftans

I have never met a caftan I didn’t like. There’s something so beautiful about being wrapped in all that material; it feels dramatic in the best possible way. This Taller Marmo number is one I've had my eye on for a while. The fringe detail and the fabric are just so good. They do so many different versions of a fringe dress, and I feel they are perfect for a formal evening or black-tie. Comfortable, elegant, and genuinely one of the easiest things you can wear.

Wearing: Taller Marmo Tigris Ecru Dress ($515)

Shop Classic Caftans for Weddings

Unexpected Color Combo

If there is one color combination I keep returning to, it’s green and brown. It just stands out and feels very different from what you would usually see at a wedding. I thought this Silvia Tcherassi dress was so fun—the sleeves, the color, the silhouette. It has this Spanish flair to it that I am always drawn to. Incredibly flattering and perfect for a day party or outdoor wedding event.

Wearing: Silvia Tcherassi Afrodita Dress ($2200)

Shop Unexpected-Color-Combination Wedding Guest Dresses

A Statement Gown

This is a Rosie Assoulin dress that I wore in Spain. The black structured bodice against that gold organza skirt—it’s just such a moment. I love that it manages to feel both dramatic and elegant at the same time. If you are going to commit to a statement gown for a wedding, this is exactly the kind of thing I would reach for.

Wearing: Rosie Assoulin Peak Drama Gown ($7495)

Shop Statement Wedding Guest Dresses

Over the past decade, living in France, I have attended what feels like 852 French weddings. I have been to more French weddings than any other type of social event in my life. Children’s birthday parties now come in a respectable second, though they’re nowhere near as competitive. Why so many? It’s not that I have an impossibly large social circle, though my husband does have an impressive number of first cousins. It’s that the French, with their passionate devotion to the separation of religion and state, often have two weddings per couple.

Before any religious ceremony can take place, couples are legally required to marry at their local mairie (city hall). Their forthcoming union is announced publicly on a noticeboard outside the building (to give anyone in the vicinity with just cause the chance to dispute the union), after which they may proceed with whatever religious celebration they choose (or not). For many couples, these become two entirely separate events: a civil wedding in the city, followed weeks or months later by a larger, countryside celebration.

Then there are the hen dos, which the French charmingly call "l’enterrement de vie de jeune fille"—literally, "the burial of the young woman’s life." (Men receive the same treatment.) That’s potentially three separate occasions requiring three separate outfits. More, if you’re the sort of person who likes an outfit change. As someone who loves weddings but also values efficiency, I’ve spent years taking notes. Somewhere around my 20th French wedding, I realised that French women approach wedding dressing quite differently from their English counterparts. Their goal isn’t perfection, but it’s endurance, because French weddings aren’t just photo ops; they’re marathons. Here are the lessons I’ve learned.

5 Style Tips for Dressing for a French Wedding

1. Comfort Always Wins

There is nothing—and I mean nothing—worse than spending 12 hours trapped inside an uncomfortable outfit. The biggest mistake wedding guests make is dressing for the arrival rather than the event itself. French weddings routinely begin in the afternoon and continue until the small hours. There may be a church ceremony (a Catholic mass can be two hours long), a cocktail hour, dinner, speeches, dancing, late-night food and then more dancing. Then, the next day, there’s the poolside brunch (giant afterparty).

You need to survive all of it. I’d personally rather feel fantastic than spend an entire day wondering whether a strapless bra is slipping south. Likewise, I’d rather dance properly in a sturdy mid-heel (or flat!) than spend the evening perched on stilettos before inevitably changing into emergency flats. French women have mastered this calculation. Rather than packing trainers for later, they simply start with shoes they can actually wear.

2. French Women Treat Dress Codes More Casually Than You’d Think

Like many wedding cultures, there is one universally understood rule: don’t wear white. Beyond that, things become surprisingly murky. You may be surprised to learn that despite Parisian women’s well-documented devotion to black, it isn’t typically the colour of choice at French weddings. Given its association with mourning, this makes a certain amount of sense, I suppose. The rule that truly baffled me, however, concerned red. I only learned of it recently whilst wearing a bright red dress to a wedding.

A fellow guest informed me that red supposedly signals that you are the groom’s mistress. Yes, you read that correctly. This felt like useful information that perhaps could have been shared before the ceremony. Apparently, it’s an old superstition that still circulates in certain circles. Meanwhile, red remains a traditional bridal colour throughout much of India and Pakistan, associated with prosperity, joy and marriage itself. So yeah, personally, I’m not buying it. In fact, I wore another red dress to a Paris civil wedding last week.

3. Weddings Are the One Time French Women Fully Embrace Colour

Every French wedding gives me a slight The Wizard of Oz moment. The same women who spend most of the year dressed in navy, black, camel and cream suddenly emerge wearing fuchsia, emerald green, tomato red, saffron yellow and combinations that, on paper, have absolutely no business working together. And yet they do.

French wedding style is often less about matching and more about intentional contrast: pink with red, lilac with burgundy, bright florals against tailored outerwear. The result feels joyful rather than precious. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve arrived questioning a colour combination only to spend the rest of the day wondering why I don’t wear it myself. Personally, pink and red remain my favourite pairing.

4. Don't Try Too Hard

One thing I consistently notice at French weddings is that women rarely look as though they’re trying too hard. That doesn’t mean they dress conservatively, quite the opposite. But French wedding dressing tends to favour suggestions, like a beautifully cut back, an incredible fabric, a dramatic sleeve or a perfectly tailored silhouette. Another not-trying-too-hard facet I’ve noted over the years is that with all the weddings to keep up with, my Parisian friends are spending less on these outfits than you might think.

There is no shame whatsoever in a dress from the high street or a French mid-level brand, in fact, and a perfect vintage find is one’s crowning glory. That or an excellent rotation of "tradesies" with one’s similarly fashion-minded friends. "You wear the shoes, I will wear that dress, then we swap." So yes, it’s definitely not a spending competition. To the contrary, pulling it all off for less is to be admired, even envied.

5. Low-Key Beauty Rules at Every Age

If there is one consistent French wedding beauty rule, it’s this: nobody wants to look overdone. Over-60 French women particularly excel at this. I am always amazed by the level of embracing one’s flaws and highlighting one’s natural features. The women whose beauty routines I want to snatch most throughout the marathon are rarely the ones with the most elaborate updos or the most complicated makeup.

Plus, if you haven’t gone for hair and makeup that’s too elaborate, it’s much less likely to look like it’s come apart at the seams after hours of wild dancing. Instead, hair tends to look soft and touchable. Makeup enhances rather than transforms. The irony, of course, is that achieving this level of apparent effortlessness often requires considerable effort. But that’s a different story for a different day. Oh, and if you’re like me, don’t forget to wear waterproof mascara—I'm not jaded yet!

Shop French-Woman-Approved Wedding-Guest Pieces

The one retailer I always check before wedding season officially kicks off is Zara. Shocking, right? Most people go for retailers with more luxury offerings but with all of these events being “destination,” I am going to splurge on the hotel and save on the dress. Zara has mastered the art of creating occasion dresses that look far more expensive than they actually are, and this year's selection is objectively better than I've seen in recent years. Think elegant fabrics, scarf details, sophisticated necklines, and just enough standout prints to guarantee compliments all evening long.

Because I've witnessed Zara's best pieces disappear from my cart in real time more than I'd like to admit, I have a feeling these dresses won't make it through the summer untouched. It's time to make moves. Whether you have a black-tie affair on your calendar, a coastal ceremony, or a casual garden celebration, I rounded up the Zara wedding guest dresses I'd recommend shopping immediately—ideally before July 1. Trust me, future you will be grateful.

Wedding season is officially underway, and with that, the wedding guest dress trends of 2026 are becoming clear. In terms of styles, we're seeing a lot of maximalist designs with floral and feather embellishments. At the same time, '90s-inspired and sleek slip dresses are dominating. When it comes to colors, there's a noticeable shift. Instead of butter yellow, the style set is favoring cobalt-blue dresses.

Cobalt-blue dresses have unexpectedly taken over the fashion scene in 2026, mirroring the sudden rise of butter-yellow dresses in 2025. What the style set loves about this shade is that it's bold but versatile. It works for all dressers and for a handful of wedding destinations—from Miami to NYC and Italy. Plus, the shade has that designer seal of approval, and it was spotted on tops, pants, dresses, and outerwear on the spring/summer 2026 runways. Think Akris, Meryll Rogge, and Versace.

Even if you have no weddings on your calendar, the cobalt-blue dress trend is worth noting. From Staud to Reformation, Valentino to Tove, every label has one to offer in a range of silhouettes. There are cute minis to wear on vacation in Ibiza, midis that can take you from the office to post-work drinks, and flowy maxis to throw over bikinis.

Since this story is about wedding guest dresses, though, I have curated an edit of the best cobalt-blue dresses you can wear to celebrate love this summer. Keep scrolling to check them out.

Style Notes: Embellished cobalt-blue gown + Mini black tote bag

Style Notes: Embellished cobalt-blue gown + Metallic heels

Jennifer Atilémile is the definition of a woman who does it all. A true multi-hyphenate, she is a model, writer, creative, activist, and intellectual. As an editor in residence, she gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry.

The courthouse wedding used to be an alternative to the old-school "establishment" religious ceremony, but now, it's one of the chicest ways to get married. There are two camps to the courthouse wedding: those who choose that moment to be their entire wedding and those who opt for the courthouse as their intimate moment before they celebrate in a main event with all their friends (your faves/cool girls/celebs). Dua Lipa had her intimate version in none other than custom Schiaparelli before her Italian celebration. Charli XCX married George Daniel at Hackney Town Hall in a Vivienne Westwood mini with her Sicilian blowout still to come. Let's talk about Sicily as the cool-girl musician's wedding-party destination in a different article.

I've got a personal stake in all of this. I'm following each detail like a hawk, even while I'm on date night with my fiancé, for any inkling or inch of the reveal of Lipa's ultimate wedding dress. My reason? I'm getting married at the end of the year, starting with the courthouse and then celebrating with all our friends at a separate event. So much of what I've seen play out as a 2026 bride has already been on my Pinterest list, and I'm watching—not so I can copy but so that I can appreciate and then make some choices on what feels most aligned with how I envision my moment.

For the Bride

The Suit

The most enduring courthouse-wedding look in fashion history is a suit, and it belongs to Bianca Jagger… well, according to my planning and Pinterest searches. She married Mick Jagger in Saint-Tropez in 1971 and wore an Yves Saint Laurent bias-cut column skirt and the ever-iconic Le Smoking single-buttoned jacket. She topped it off with a hat that hinted at a veil.

It's literally been on my Pinterest board for months, and clearly, I'm not the only one who thinks it's stunningly chic. That reference is having a full resurgence, and while the look is currently being talked about by one of the biggest pop stars of the moment, there's a reason why it's remained iconic since 1971.

Who What Wear's own Ana Escalante got married in a vintage Dior suit sourced by Studio Dorothy.

What I love most about the idea of the wedding suit is that it isn't just a one-and-done moment. It's something that can be reworn time and again, unlike a big, showstopping gown, which—don't get me wrong—I also love!

The Hat

The detail I keep coming back to, especially in my own bridal-look planning, is whether I want to wear a veil or have a hat. The hat is more city, less traditional bridal, and reminds me a lot of one of my favorite movie montages from The Parent Trap.

After Lipa's hat moment, I'm sure that we're going to see a lot more hats in final bridal looks, especially at the courthouse.

The Unexpected Mini

Not everyone wants to wear the suit, and I did until my designer told me, "I'm not making you a suit." I'm still not sure what my courthouse look will be, but if it's not a suit, it might be a little mini. You can't go wrong. Charli XCX's Hackney Town Hall dress was an off-the-shoulder Vivienne Westwood mini with a corseted bodice, something that had also been on my radar even before I had a boyfriend and got engaged. I also think you can't go wrong with a slip dress.

For the Guest

A courthouse wedding puts guests in a strange spot because it's not the traditional wedding we're used to. To be honest, I've never been invited to one because I think it's reserved exclusively for the future spouses and their immediate friends and chosen family. I don't know if there's an invitation specifying dress code, and I'm currently navigating that, but given what I'd want, there's still a dress code. It's not casual. You're not meeting friends for brunch. It's not business casual either, and it's not a cocktail garden party unless it's a mimosa brunch for the after-party.

The Only Rule That Really Matters

Don't wear white to a wedding that isn't yours—unless you're Lipa at Simon Porte Jacquemus's wedding, where her dress was actually designed by the groom, and the dress code is white to begin with.

At the end of the day, you can have Pinterest boards galore and be following every celeb wedding trend, but something that always gets missed is that, ultimately, the final decision for anything you plan to wear to your wedding, be it a courthouse or the whole shebang, is whatever your heart desires.

Lady Gaga, who could literally have the most extravagant wedding on the planet, said this about marrying her fiancé, Michael Polansky: "We actually talk a lot about just going to a courthouse, just the two of us, and ordering Chinese food. But knowing me, also, it could become like a circus with unicorns."

That's how I feel about ours right now. I've had a couple of fittings, and I keep seeing other people's weddings online, and the one thing I say is, "Do what feels natural to you." It's your moment, and these trends are all guidelines. So follow the suit if the suit calls you. Follow the resurgence, copy Bianca Jagger, and wear the hat. Or ignore all of it and wear the biggest dress you can find to a tiny municipal office because you love a big dress. It's your day, and nobody else's! The brides who look the best at the end of the day are the ones who looked and felt the most like themselves. That's the only thing your future self will care about.

Wedding guest dressing can be challenging at the best of times, but throw in a flight, hotter climates and a destination-specific dress code, and the stakes suddenly feel much higher. Whether you're attending a beachfront ceremony in Greece, a black-tie celebration in Italy or a countryside wedding in the South of France, knowing exactly what to wear to an abroad wedding requires a little more consideration than usual.

In my years as a fashion editor, I've learnt that the key to destination wedding dressing is striking the perfect balance between style and practicality. You want an outfit that feels special enough for the occasion, but one that will also travel well, suit the climate and keep you comfortable from the ceremony right through to the dance floor.

From floaty dresses to elevated co-ords and statement accessories, the best destination wedding guest outfits feel effortless without compromising on sophistication. Ahead, I've rounded up the chicest looks to inspire your next wedding guest ensemble, whatever the venue, dress code or destination.

1. Floral Dress + Thong Sandals + Head Scarf

Style Notes: Print clashing may feel daunting, but it remains one of fashion's chicest styling hacks when done right. @alicezielasko's choice of a subtly printed floral satin dress allows for the injection of another, more bolder print such as leopard print, in the form of a small accessory. By varying the scale of the prints, both can coexist in a way that looks cohesive while making a statement.

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2. Fringed Dress + Stilettos + Clutch Bag

Style Notes: Weddings abroad often feel like they call for a little extra wow-factor. But if bold prints and dramatic silhouettes aren't your style, a fringed dress can be a chic way to make an impact without stepping too far outside your comfort zone. The movement of the fringe catches the light beautifully as you walk, adding texture and a subtle sense of glamour to even the simplest shape. This detail requires minimal accessorizing, so keep bags, shoes and jewellery as pared-back as possible.

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3. Linen Co-ord + Heeled Sandals + Top Handle Bag

Style Notes: @cassdimicco's linen co-ord outfit is proof that you're not limited to dresses when attending a wedding abroad. Ideal for sun-soaked destinations, it offers a polished yet relaxed feel that's perfectly suited to hotter temperatures. Styled with statement jewellery and elegant sandals, it delivers all the sophistication of traditional occasionwear while feeling refreshingly modern.

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4. Mini Dress + Printed Heels + Statement Earrings

Style Notes: Now this is one for the maximalists. The combination of a statement silhouette, printed heels and bold earrings creates a look that's guarunteed to turn heads. The key is to keep everything within the same colour palette, and to keep volume to one area which in this case is up top, with the puff-sleeves and oversized earrings. Use silver and white accessories to ground the look so it doesn't feel too busy.

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5. Strapless Dress + Heeled Mules + Clutch Bag

Style Notes: A strapless maxi dress feels elegant while staying light and breathable, which is exactly what you want for partying the night away somewhere warm and humid. Details such as drop-waists or pleats elevate the style, and works really well with architectural accessories such as pebble clutch bags and flower earrings.

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I have a confession: Anthropologie wasn't the first retailer that came to mind when I started searching for wedding guest dresses this season. I assumed I'd end up bouncing between designer sites, specialty boutiques, and the usual suspects. Then I clicked into Anthropologie's Wedding Guest Dresses section and completely lost track of time.

The selection is genuinely impressive. There are romantic silk gowns; fashion-forward drop-waist silhouettes; modern, minimalist slips; and statement dresses that look like they belong at a destination wedding in Italy. Better yet, many of them have that hard-to-find quality of looking far more expensive than they actually are. If you've got a wedding on your calendar this summer, fall, or beyond, these are the styles worth adding to your cart before everyone else discovers them.

Much like the scent of fresh jasmine and a sweet humidity that hangs low and hot, love is certainly in the air. In London, you see these public displays of affection everywhere you look, from the paramours holding one another’s hands over glasses of pét nat at a local buzzy wine bar, to the sheer amount of bodies embracing on the open park spaces dotted throughout the city. Further testament of this fact, however, is that every little white chapel from here to Suffolk, the Cotswolds and Cornwall is filled each weekend with the grandest romantic gestures of them all—a wedding.

Indeed, the summer wedding season for 2026 is in full swing. Invitations have been sent out, bridal showers have been thrown, and floral arrangements have been made. Still, a perennial question that faces any attendee is the matter of what to wear. Selecting a style to say ‘I Do’ to isn’t a matter of fishing something out of your wardrobe the morning of the nuptials, though. Speaking to Teale Talbot, the co-founder of Réalisation Par, which specialises in slinky dresses rendered in magnetic prints that are undoubtedly a summer wedding staple, she tells me that she always thinks the best place to begin is to reframe your mindset and “look for a forever piece rather than just a dress for one event”.

“It’s important to find something that captures the memory and the feeling of the moment, but that you’ll genuinely want to wear again afterwards,” Talbot adds. “The most beautiful dresses become part of your life rather than something you wear once and forget about.” This season specifically, the Australian-born, London-based design director reveals that the key summer wedding guest dresses will all feature “soft, feminine silhouettes”. Key trends include “bias cuts, open backs, halter necklines and delicate straps”, noting these adhere to the discernible shift “away from anything too structured or over complicated” and “towards dresses that move naturally with the body”.

This idea of effortlessness is what permeates the best summer wedding guest dresses, Talbot adds. “Comfort is everything. If you feel restricted or uncomfortable by the afternoon, it changes your entire energy. I always think the best dresses are the ones you don’t have to think about once you put them on,” she continues. “Silk dresses work beautifully because they move with the body and still feel elegant after hours of wear. If you can dance in it, sit in it and still feel amazing at midnight, then it’s the right dress.”

As for how to style these pieces? “Slightly undone hair, sun-kissed skin and minimal jewellery. Nothing too overdone. Dresses always look best when they feel natural and lived in. There’s something very modern about simplicity and not looking too perfect.” You don’t have to tell us to ditch our V V Rouleaux-esuqe and Andie Macdowell in Four Weddings and a Funeral-inspired hats…

To have and to hold, uncover below the very best summer wedding guest dresses for every kind of ceremony.

The Best Wedding Guest Dresses for Summer 2026, Per Each Type of Ceremony

1. The Town Hall Wedding

Style Notes: A short and sweet civil service hosted within the marble confines of your closest town hall has become somewhat of the ceremony du jour. From Marlybeone to Hackney, these inner-city suburbs have become awash in dried botanical confetti and swaths of angelic whites as newlyweds exit the venue and enter this new chapter of their lives, a stone’s throw from the bustling city streets that make London such an exciting and vibrant capital.

As a result, the dress code is certainly less formal than in other settings, and you’ll often find yourself seeking out ways to breathe new life into a timeless slip or formerly-loved treasure instead of buying a whole new look for these kinds of celebrations. Echoing this sensibility, Talbot admits that she thinks rewearing pieces is incredibly chic and luxurious. “The women with the best style have a signature look and always repeat things. They just style them differently each time.” So, invest in something that can serve as a blank canvas. As Charli XCX said, fall in love again and again.

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2. The Destination Wedding

Style Notes: When the invite demands international flights, you might as well use the travel to your advantage and pack with you a dreamy ensemble that gives you an excuse to dress up. Anything can happen when you’re abroad, especially as venues like Tonnara Di Scopello in Sicily and Hotel Corazón in Mallorca become popular haunts.

“For a destination wedding, practicality is just as important as the style,” Talbot tells me. “You want something lightweight, easy to travel with and comfortable in heat, but still romantic. Soft silks and prints always work beautifully.” Still, there’s something to be said for maximising the contents of your carry-on. “A dress can feel completely different when slung casually on holiday with flats and oversized sunglasses versus styled for a wedding with heels and jewellery,” Talbot says. So why not make the most of this investment and style it both ways?

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3. The Countryside Wedding

Style Notes: Quaint and quintessentially British, the countryside wedding is a charming way to escape the big smoke and revel in verdant greenery and plush landscapes that the United Kingdom has to offer. Rural but by no means less cosmopolitan, this occasion is defined by bouquets of native wildflowers, so embrace the delicateness of the occasion in a dress that reflects your surroundings. Like something out of Alice in Wonderland, a trip down the sartorial rabbit hole will lead you to a warren of watercolour palettes, ethereal blooms and leafy hues.

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4.The Beach Wedding

Style Notes: Long gone are the days when the likes of Pamela Anderson rocked up to get married in an itty-bitty white bikini at her local beach. These days, beachside weddings are balmy affairs straight out of a Slim Aarons photograph. Under the setting sun and with salt hanging in the hair, these are occasions to embrace your most bohemian and hedonistic sensibilities. Because where else could you wear seashell-emblazoned dresses from Conner Ives with generously sized raffia hats from Jacquemus and call it wedding appropriate?

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5. The City Soirée Wedding

Style Notes: Another common choice for couples is to eschew the big, stuffy ceremony altogether. Focusing on a more intimate service provides the opportunity to go all out with a raucous reception that stretches into the early hours of the next morning. Where dirty martinis are slung all evening, and the paramount concern is convincing the DJ to play your favourite karaoke song, opt for something slinky, sensual and fit for midnight glamour. As Talbot says, “for a city wedding, I’d probably lean slightly more polished with cleaner silhouettes and minimal styling.”

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I've worked in fashion for a decade now, and here's what I know: There's no undertaking more time-consuming and complex than searching for the perfect wedding guest dress. There are numerous factors that need to be considered—weather, dress code, day-to-night activities, silhouettes for your body type, and fabric, among a multitude of others—and on top of this, you never want to choose something that's radically different to your own personal style.

If you have warm-weather weddings to attend this year and need some inspiration to help you feel cool, current, and, most importantly, comfortable, then take a look at some of the summer 2026 dress styles that are dominating, from scarf dresses to lace-trim details. The fashion set from London to L.A. is embracing these trends right now. Perhaps they will take the hard work out of hunting for a dress that feels chic and on-trend and that you can actually wear for plenty of other formal occasions. Keep scrolling to get inspired.

1. Scarf Necklines

If there's one trend I'm spotting absolutely everywhere this season, it's dresses that come with matching scarves. The accessory instantly adds elegance and movement to your wedding guest outfit.

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2. Lace-Trim Details

It's natural that one of the biggest trends of the season—delicate lace-trim details—is now one of the most popular choices for wedding guest dresses. There are so many gorgeous satin and lace options in various hues that are perfect for a summer wedding.

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3. Magnified Florals

Forget ditsy florals—this summer is all about large and bold floral prints, as if they've been zoomed in on a macro lens. They make for an Insta-worthy wedding guest look.

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4. Shimmer & Shine

Shimmery dresses are taking center stage, but forget the black, burgundy, and silver sequins reserved for the holiday season. For summer 2026, it's all about shimmery fabrics in subtle pastel and gentle hues that will sparkle in the sun.

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5. Romantic Ruffles

Thanks to Chloé's bohemian resurgence we've seen on the runways for the past few seasons, delicate ruffles are back on the scene, and they strike the perfect balance of romantic and playful—ideal from daytime to dance floor.

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6. Fringe

Playful fringe is trending, and I'm seeing a rising number of fringe dresses at all our favorite retailers right now that feel chic and fun for a summer wedding. Keep your accessories polished to elevate your wedding look.

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Finding the perfect wedding-guest dress is rarely straightforward, but for those of us under 5'4", the challenge is often twofold. Not only does a dress need to feel appropriate for the dress code and align with our personal style, but it also needs to fit properly without requiring a trip to the tailor.

As someone who stands at 5'2" and has spent more than a decade working as a fashion editor and stylist, I've become well-versed in spotting dresses that flatter a petite frame whilst still looking incredibly chic. So, I've put my expertise to good use and searched through hundreds of styles to find the very best petite wedding-guest dresses for 2026.

The good news? Brands are finally paying attention to proportions. From dedicated petite collections to cleverly cut silhouettes that naturally suit shorter heights, there are now plenty of elevated options that don't involve hemming maxi lengths or adjusting straps before the big day. Whether you're attending a countryside ceremony, a city celebration or a black-tie evening reception, I've got you covered.

Keep scrolling for 26 petite-friendly dresses that I would genuinely recommend investing in for the season ahead. Compliments incoming.

Shop the Best Petite Wedding-Guest Dresses for 2026

The Best Petite Wedding-Guest Dresses Under £50

The Best Petite Wedding-Guest Dresses Under £100

The Best Petite Wedding-Guest Dresses Under £200

The Best Petite Wedding-Guest Dresses Under £500

Sara Walker is a Who What Wear editor in residence, content creator, stylist, and fashion consultant based in Los Angeles.

I feel so lucky to be having not one but two bridal showers. I didn’t think I’d have any, but my aunt in NYC and my best friend in L.A. both offered to host, and I certainly don’t need an excuse to celebrate. So yes, two bridal showers: one very family-oriented in New York and one very sunshine-in-Malibu in Los Angeles.

I wasn’t initially set on having a bridal shower for a number of reasons. While I love celebrating all things love, it didn’t feel like a priority in the grand scheme of wedding planning. Time has flown by, and there are so many logistics—not to mention my friends and family are spread all over the country. While I’m based in L.A. and most of my friends are here, my family (and some of my closest friends) are on the East Coast. I also didn’t want anyone to feel obligated to travel for this. But thanks to two incredible women in my life who so generously offered to host, I now get to celebrate in two completely different ways, and I feel endlessly grateful.

With that comes two totally different approaches to dressing—something I’ve had a lot of fun thinking through.

NYC Bridal Shower

My NYC bridal shower has already happened, and I had four fantastic options to choose from: a watercolor Altuzarra dress (one of my favorite NYC designers!), a Liberowe fringe tweed mini, a Staud white mini with a matching coat, and a vintage Chanel suit from The RealReal. Each felt very “New York” in its own way—polished, considered, and slightly more traditional. For this event, I really leaned into spring with soft pastels and a more sophisticated, buttoned-up look, literally. I even considered a Ralph Lauren button-down with a pencil skirt, which felt very Upper East Side in the best way. As you can tell, my mindset was more formal and classically bridal, with an emphasis on tailoring and timeless silhouettes.

The Altuzarra Dress I Chose for My NYC Bridal Shower

I ultimately landed on the watercolor Altuzarra dress. I went into the process leaning toward something a bit more traditional and polished, but this felt like the perfect balance—feminine and girly yet slightly unexpected with the soft wash of color. It still felt bridal, just with a bit more personality. I also love Altuzarra as a New York brand, so wearing it in the city made the choice feel even more fitting and special.

Pieces I Considered for an NYC Bridal Shower

L.A. Bridal Shower

For my L.A. bridal shower, I took a completely different approach. I found myself gravitating toward texture, ease, prints, and a more relaxed, playful energy. I’ve always felt that bridal looks can be casual and interesting, especially in a setting like Malibu where everything feels a bit more undone in the best way.

One outfit I kept coming back to was a structured Staud top paired with vintage Levi’s and chic white mules. I loved the contrast of something tailored and polished with lived-in denim—it felt effortless but still intentional, which to me is the essence of L.A. style.

Another option I considered was a Dôen fringe dress. It was a bit dressier but still felt easy and romantic, especially styled with a heeled flip-flop for that slightly unexpected touch. I also kept thinking about the “shark dress” from Staud. While it was mostly white, it had a subtle shark design along the side, and I loved that it didn’t take itself too seriously. Because honestly, who doesn’t want to wear a shark dress by the beach while sipping champagne with all their friends?

The Jacquemus Dress I Chose for My L.A. Bridal Shower

I ultimately landed on a light pink Jacquemus dress. I went into the process wanting something a bit more undone and slightly rebellious—leaning away from anything too traditional or expected. While I explored a lot of those directions, I ended up choosing something that still felt effortless and true to me. It wasn’t white, which I loved, but it still carried a softness and femininity that felt right for the moment. It struck that balance of feeling a little unexpected but still completely natural.

There were also a few other pieces in the mix that almost made the cut—some more traditional bridal options, a few ultra-minimal looks—but ultimately, I kept coming back to outfits that felt the most like me in each setting. That’s really been my guiding principle through all of this.

Pieces I Considered for my L.A. Bridal Shower

At the end of the day, planning these looks made me realize how much style is tied to place and mood. New York called for something polished, classic, and a little more buttoned-up, while L.A. invited a more relaxed, playful, and slightly unexpected take on bridal dressing. I loved leaning into each city’s personality and letting that guide my choices. If anything, this experience reminded me that bridal style doesn’t have to fit into one box. It can, and should, feel like you—wherever you are, whatever that looks like.

Wedding bells are soon to ring this spring and summer, with UV rays on high and love in the air. It's strange to finally arrive at that age when your friends decide to get married and be, well, adults. The invites have started hitting my email and physical mailboxes, from destination weddings to intimate ceremonies. If you have more than one wedding to attend during this warm season, shopping for the right wedding guest dress may seem almost as stressful as shopping for a wedding dress. But don't fret. I promise it doesn't have to be so hard. Finding the right plus-one is the actual difficult part.

To lighten the load of searching high and low for a chic, lightweight wedding guest dress, I've found 32 perfect ones, ranging from black-tie to laid-back, silk to linen. No matter your aesthetic or dress code, any of these dresses will garner compliments without overshadowing the couple. Reformation is my destination for many formal events, including weddings. Its selection of dresses is versatile and within a relatively affordable price range. If you need assistance in your hunt for the perfect wedding guest dress, keep scrolling.

I have had my fair share of wedding guest outfit ideas go all wrong. Recounting them still makes me cringe, but such is life. At one wedding, I wore a dress that definitely fit the American standards of wedding guest outfits more so than the British ones. Being born and raised in the U.S., I know many weddings take place later in the day and have an evening attire feel with darker dresses, more formal looks and occasionally more revealing cuts. (They can lean casual, too; I've even been to a blue-jean wedding.) After now living in the UK for six years, I’ve picked up on lighter materials, floral prints, higher necklines and looks that work from day to evening as the norm.

As I've written about before, I'm also not a dress person and am often seeking out more interesting, alternative wedding guest outfits. Altogether, you have the makings of a perfect disaster. Luckily, these have been exceptional learning lessons. I am now a strong proponent of finding the perfect wedding guest outfit and doing so early.

When you have an idea of wedding guest outfit trends and what most fashionable folks are gravitating toward, it's easier to find a fail-proof option that you feel incredibly chic wearing to a wedding. This summer, there's an eclectic mix. Once you're aware of dress codes, location, themes and colours (either to wear or avoid), you can plan and pull inspiration from the following trends and outfits. They seemingly all have one thing in common—to provide the perfect level of energy that stands out without detracting from the couple, of course.

There are scarf dresses, which, courtesy of that extra element, instantly upgrade your outfit. Sleek jumpsuits and pops of red are also emerging, alongside dresses with textured materials. Additionally, a movement toward vintage and vintage-inspired outfits has taken over social feeds, showing that unique personal style is a key focus of getting dressed for a wedding this year. If you're immersed in your own outfit-finding research, scroll on for plenty of trends setting the tone for the summer.

6 Wedding Guest Trends to Wear in Summer 2026

1. Magnified Florals

Style Notes: Florals are undoubtedly one of the most iconic patterns and constant trends used in wedding guest dresses. Floral prints have a long, rich history, and I expect they'll remain a timeless choice decades from now. That said, the type of pattern is always shifting, and my eye has been drawn to a particular trend I've seen on my feeds lately: magnified florals. These dresses typically only feature one or two flowers, or a handful of larger ones, as if zoomed in on a macro lens. They look exceptionally refined and sophisticated in a way that usurps other blossoming prints.

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2. Scarf Dresses

Style Notes: Though I can't quite put my finger on why, a scarf instantly elevates a dress. It could be the way it drapes, its fluidity and movement, the attention it draws or simply the fact that icons like Princess Diana started wearing the scarf dress trend many years ago (that Cannes Film Festival look was everything). Regardless, a scarf dress is chic, and understandably, there has been a resurgence this year.

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3. Textured Dresses

Style Notes: A quick way to find a wedding guest outfit that feels a little different is to seek out materials that stand out on their own. From crinkled tea-length gowns to layers of ruffles to burnout textures, it's no surprise there is an uptick in textured dresses when so many shoppers are seeking out ways to feel individual amongst a sea of other wedding guest dresses and jumpsuits. Opting for a more tactile material is great, too, if the dress code states a specific colour.

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4. Jumpsuits

Style Notes: If you love the elegance and movement of a dress but prefer trousers through and through, a jumpsuit is the best wedding guest outfit idea. Whilst suits often look impeccable, there's something about the fluidity and materials that jumpsuits come in that feel so romantic. It's the best of both worlds, and a strapless style is functional for summer weather. Simply add a chiffon cape if you need more coverage.

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5. Pop of Red

Style Notes: Whether you opt for a bold and vibrant red dress or a pair of red shoes, a pop of red is a fun and fitting summer trend to incorporate into a wedding guest outfit. Depending on the style of dress or garment you opt for, you can also take this colour into autumn and winter weddings, too. As a quick caveat, there are some weddings where a bride might wear red, so it's never a bad idea to check.

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6. Vintage-Inspired Dresses

Style Notes: Whether you source a vintage dress secondhand or find a dress that's reminiscent of older styles, you'll be right on trend. There has never been more interest in seeking out styles that differ from modern-day wedding guest dresses. As part of feeling unique and going beyond the offerings on the high street, vintage and nostalgia-driven is the way to go. More recent looks from Y2K, like fringe, babydoll and bustier dresses, are popular, as are styles that go back further, like '50s halter-necks and glimmering, sequined shifts reminiscent of the 1920s.

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Bridal season is truly one of my favorite times of the year as a beauty editor because there are always new trends on the rise to stay on the lookout for. And although I'm not planning a wedding anytime soon, I genuinely enjoy watching how people like to celebrate their big day with the beauty choices they make. Hair and makeup are the usual standouts, but as someone who's obsessed with nails, I always end up peeking at manicures the most.

There's also always a little bit of stress that comes with planning a wedding look and that goes for pretty much everyone in attendance. But no matter if you’re the bride, maid of honor, or a wedding guest, odds are you're going to be thinking about your manicure. Personally, I have my own theories on which nail colors will be on the rise throughout the 2026 wedding season.

However, it was only right that I cross-check with some leading experts. So naturally, I chatted with two nail artists to help you narrow down your perfect mani. Read on for the five colors you’ll be seeing everywhere.

1. Sheer Pink

2. Matcha Green

3. Milky White

4. Butter Yellow

5. Peachy Nude

The summer wedding season is right around the corner. If you have the opportunity to attend nuptials, then you know how exciting it can be. However, it can be really difficult to find a solid wedding guest dress—especially in plus sizes. Since hunting down great dress options is quite literally my job, I took to the virtual aisles of the online retail world and handpicked solid plus-size wedding guest dresses totally worth shopping this season.

Don't worry. I've detailed my findings below. In the mix, you can expect a slew of pretty dresses perfect for any kind of wedding, from black-tie optional to garden party. Keep scrolling to uncover your next wedding guest outfit for the months ahead.

Shop 2026 Plus-Size Wedding Guest Dresses

Historically, I have had a toxic trait when it comes to weddings: I like pretty shoes. Comfort hasn't always been my first priority when putting together my outfit, and I've ended up in a lot of pain near the end of the night. Over the years, my experience working in fashion has led to smarter shoe choices. Now that I've tried every brand, interviewed experts, and done my research, this mistake is far less common for me, but every now and then, I purchase a pair of shoes that just won't work for more than a door-to-door car ride to dinner.

When I had the chance to ask a podiatrist what actually makes wedding guest shoes comfortable, I listened. The takeaway? It's less about sacrificing style and more about knowing what to look for. The right pair should carry you from the ceremony to the dance floor without a second thought. I had a few words with Anna Baird, a podiatrist and the founder of Bared Footwear, about exactly what to know before picking out a pair of shoes for your next wedding.

What are the biggest mistakes you see people make when choosing wedding guest shoes?

The number one mistake is choosing shoes based purely on how they look in the box. You pick them up. They're beautiful. You convince yourself they'll be fine on the day, but a wedding is genuinely one of the longest days you will ever spend on your feet. You're standing for ceremony, cocktail hour, photos, dinner, dancing. People so often wear shoes with no consideration at all for comfort, so by the time the dance floor starts, they are either in pain or barefoot.

The other thing I see constantly is people underestimating the venue. A stiletto on a lawn is not a great idea, and a barely-there strap on a cobblestone terrace is likely to end in disaster. Think about where you're actually walking, not just what the shoe looks like standing.

Is there a safe heel height for standing and dancing for hours?

As a podiatrist, I would say that you are always going to be more comfortable in a lower-heeled shoe. Every body is different, so there is no known safe height, but under seven centimeters will definitely give you a good chance of staying comfortable all day and night. Around six centimeters gives you enough height and elegance without putting excessive load through the forefoot. A biomechanically designed footbed with arch support and cushioning is going to make a six-centimeter heel feel very different from a six-centimeter heel with nothing inside it. That's really what we engineer at Bared.

How should your feet feel when you first try on shoes? What's a red flag immediately?

It should feel comfortable straight away if you are just standing or walking around a store. It is much better to have a bit too much room in the shoe, but choose a style that fastens onto your foot. That little bit of extra room will be your lifesaver by the end of the night.

Avoid really narrow straps that feel snug in the store. These will end up feeling like wire if your feet swell after standing all day.

How much breaking in should you realistically do before the event?

I think the whole concept of breaking in has been normalized in a way that is really doing people a disservice. You should not suffer through weeks of wear before a shoe becomes comfortable, but leather shoes do need to soften and shape to an individual's foot. It is important to wear any new shoe two or three times around the house for a few hours before a big event. It may not be a great look, but wearing socks on the first few wears can help to keep your feet comfortable whilst the shoe molds to your feet.

What's your opinion on bringing a second pair? Smart or unnecessary?

I would say smart. Most brides and guests do want to wear a heel on their wedding day, but even a mid-height heel is putting extra pressure on your feet and affecting your posture. Even if your heel seems perfectly comfortable for the first few hours, you might want to change into something flatter as the night rolls on. And I say that as someone who has worked incredibly hard to make sure the first pair goes the whole day, but even we put out a flat option for exactly this reason.

It is nice to choose your second pair with intention rather than just grabbing flip-flops. A pointed flat with an ankle strap, something like the Riparia, gives you elegance with zero sacrifice. You never have to feel like you've given up on the look. You've just made a smart decision.

How do you plan for shoes that have to last through ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing?

You plan backwards from dancing. The dance floor is the most demanding part of the day, and it is also the part people want to be fully present for. If you choose a shoe that can handle that, it can handle everything before it.

Look for a block or sculpted heel over a stiletto for stability, an adjustable strap to accommodate any swelling, and cushioning. At Bared, every one of those things is engineered into the shoe from the start, not added as an afterthought.

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While I personally don't have family or friends who are fancy enough to host black-tie weddings (the last ceremony I went to doubled as a Halloween costume party), I understand the dress code can be a bit intimidating. If you're currently being taunted by that black-tie invitation pinned to your fridge, fret not. Amal Clooney is here to offer you some excellent fashion advice when it comes to extra formal wedding guest attire.

In London today, Clooney attended an event at the Royal Albert Hall celebrating the 50th anniversary of The King's Trust. (Yes, King Charles and Queen Camilla were on hand as well.) Clooney looked right at home among the royals, wearing an Alexander McQueen F/W 07 gold gown, but you don't need access to designer archives to pick up on Clooney's style cues. All you need to know is that a gold sequin floor-length gown is an elegant, chic, and foolproof choice for any black-tie event that might come your way. Unlike more casual fabrics like linen and cotton, you'll never feel underdressed in sequins. Scroll down to see Clooney's newest outfit and shop the trend for yourself.

On Amal Clooney: Alexander McQueen F/W 07 dress

Shop Gold Sequin Floor-Length Gowns for Black-Tie Weddings

There's no reason that shopping for a wedding guest dress should be any more difficult than shopping for any other occasion, yet every time I sit down to take a stab at it, sourcing the perfect style feels just shy of impossible. I have several weddings on my calendar this year, which means I've been spending a considerable amount of time finding a dress to wear to each of them, taking into consideration the season, setting, and dress codes on the invite. Today, though, I'm diving into the top wedding guest trends of the moment.

We’ve already reported on the biggest bridal fashion trends to know for 2026 brides, but now it's time to discuss the trends shaping what guests will wear to weddings this year. There are already several themes emerging—from the trending colors defining the standout dresses to the personality-driven accessories to wear with them, these are all the elements of what defines a winning wedding guest look this year.

After analyzing overarching wedding trends, 2026 dress trends, and chatting with bridal stylist and fashion editor Corinne Pierre-Louis and bridal stylist Kennedy Schmidt, these are unquestionably the major trends in wedding guest dressing to know this year.

Consider Skipping: Scarf Necklines

"Scarf necklines have been everywhere lately (on brides and guests alike), and I think this trend has run its course," Pierre-Louis says. "As we head into the 2026 wedding season, I’d love to see guests lean into other silhouettes, like a soft off-the-shoulder neckline, which is a nice alternative."

The Top Wedding Guest Trends of 2026

Bright Color

If there's one trend we're seeing the most of at weddings right now, it's bright, vivid color. 2026 as a whole is already being defined by this explosion of high saturation—from the runways to our everyday outfits—and now the same is true of our occasion wear. "Instead of the standard little black dress," Pierre-Louis explains, "guests are choosing vibrant colors like yellows, blues, greens, and playful prints that feel much more celebratory. Weddings are supposed to feel joyful, and color helps tell that story." Of course, there's a practicality to it, as wearing anything in the area of white or ivory is to be avoided, while many brides choose a no-black dress code to maximize color in their wedding photos. "Whether it’s painterly florals or sharp color blocking," Schmidt says, "it brings personality and freshness to traditional wedding guest dressing."

Built-In Hardware

Of course, not every wedding guest look need be the loudest (especially so as not to upstage the bride), and one more minimalist trend on the rise right now is built-in hardware. It's all about sleek and pared-back silhouettes that, with the addition of a single sculptural detail, are simplistic but hardly boring.

Dramatic Draping

Each season, there is always some inevitable crossover between what's trending on the runways and in the weddings space, and draped dresses are a defining trend for both this year. "Architectural dressing is having a major moment," Schmidt confirms, "especially for black tie weddings. Structured draping, exaggerated shapes, and couture-inspired construction make these gowns feel modern, directional, and almost like wearable art."

Stealthily Alluring

Yes, that's right, sexy is back—tastefully, of course. "Wedding guest dressing has definitely gotten sexier, but in an elevated way," Pierre-Louis confirms. That looks like not only body-skimming silhouettes, but also open backs, subtle and sneaky cutouts that show off a little skin in an elevated and stealthy way. Tasteful is the keyword here. "Don’t wear anything to someone’s wedding that you could also wear to the club," Pierre-Louis adds.

Personality Pieces

"Guests are having a lot more fun with fashion," Pierre-Louis explains. "They’re leaning into bold styling, vintage finds, and statement accessories that match the locale (i.e., a seashell clutch for a beach wedding)." In 2026, it's all about these statement pieces, but especially unique bags, that are just oozing with personality and are instant conversation starters. Pierre-Louis' one styling note? "Please, please, please make sure your personal style still aligns with the couple’s dress code. Being memorable is great, but not if you’re wearing a minidress to a black-tie ceremony."

Two-Piece Sets

Don't be afraid to step outside of the dress default. Right now, two-piece sets are surging in popularity, and they're a cool alternative that you can pretty much guarantee no other guests will be wearing.

Is it just me, or does it feel like there are only so many chic wedding guest dresses available right now? The search for the perfect ensemble to help my friends and family members tie the knot has become surprisingly challenging. I'm finding myself constantly hitting two extremes: dresses that require taking out a small loan and affordable options that, while accessible, feel basic, like everyone I know already owns them or will soon.

With a packed calendar of weddings coming up this summer, I'm looking for wedding guest dresses that stand out without screaming for attention while being distinctive and special. That's why I decided to look to my favorite online vintage stores for them. Think The RealReal, eBay, and Vestiaire Collective. After all, that's where I shop for designer bags, everyday shoes, and versatile outerwear, so why not look there for occasion dresses too?

As a vintage lover, I'm well aware that sourcing vintage is an art form. It takes time, patience, and practice. I also know that there are tips and tricks to finding those "wow" items. When it came to searching for really cool vintage dresses for summer weddings, it didn't take me too long to have 10+ tabs of chic finds open in my browser. I came across a Roberto Cavalli red halter gown that would look luxe at a wedding in a castle in Spain, a Dries Van Noten printed square-neckline maxi dress that would look picturesque against the wild flowers in upstate New York, and a simple black Ralph Lauren gown that would fit in perfectly with a traditional city wedding at the Plaza Hotel in NYC. But that's not all. If you, too, are on the hunt for one-of-a-kind wedding guest summer dresses and the best shoes and bags to pair with them, keep scrolling to see my carefully curated edit.