We Try Before You Buy: Wedding Guest Dresses That Meet Every Dress Code

Our We Try Before You Buy series aims to take the stress out of shopping and eliminate the number of Post Office visits you make each month to return failed online orders. We test new-season buys and styling ideas so you don’t have to.

Spring is in the air and that can only mean one thing—wedding season is just around the corner. If, like us, you've already received a number of invitations to celebrate the nuptials of your nearest and dearest, it's likely your first thought was "What am I going to wear?" Like any formal occasion, dressing for weddings comes with an unspoken set of rules to get the dress code right. Firstly, no white (unless expressly asked), secondly, never—ever upstage the bride; and lastly, your outfit has to work for the ceremony (after all, there's a big difference between an outdoor summer wedding in Italy and a winter church wedding in the UK).

Given the minefield that is shopping for the perfect wedding guest dress, our latest instalment of We Try Before You Buy takes every kind of wedding into consideration and offers up the best options on the market. Not only have we thought about style, sleeves and silhouettes, but you'll also find wedding guest dresses you can wear in winter, black dresses, modest dresses and even evening reception dresses—no stone is left unturned. Oh, and if you thought it would be all floor-length gowns and fascinators, we have a mix of investment designer buys, high-street gems and rental options that mean you can shop fashion-forward pieces sustainably too.

So, to save you time queuing for fitting rooms or stressing about returning packages, we've done the leg work for you, and this try-on comes with advice on sizing, styling and price, so you know you can find the dress with the most bang for your buck. Keep scrolling to see our editors' reviews of the dresses so good you'll want to wear them again and again.

Should you be fortunate enough to be jetting off to a wedding in sunnier climes, you're going to want a dress that looks beautiful and keeps you cool too. Enter, the destination dress. Light chiffons, breezy maxis, soft florals and pastels will come into their own in balmy temperatures, and whether you slip into flats, strappy sandals or a pair of classic court shoes, this versatile dress will look just good on a morning in Menorca as it would on the dancefloor in Dubrovnik.

"I have a destination wedding this summer and I hate to toot my own horn, but I think I’ve found the perfect dress—this floral Zimmermann number. The pastel colour, the floral pattern, the flowy material—everything just screams 'holiday ceremony'. For beach nuptials, it’s perfect paired with sandals and a raffia clutch, and you can switch to heels for an indoor sunset reception." Humaa Hussain, Junior Branded Content Editor

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If there's one dress that can be considered a true investment piece, it's a pared-back silk slip that you can wear to just about anything. This timeless, anti-trend dress remains reliable for its no-frills, no-fuss versatility. Whether you dress it up for weddings with heels or keep it casual with a blazer and flat sandals, this is one style we guarantee won't gather dust in the back of your wardrobe.

"I love a simple slip for wedding season, and this butter yellow Ghost dress is perfect for spring and summer. The soft satin fabric feels worthy of a celebration, and the classic silhouette is one you can turn to time and again, with an extra-flattering cowl neckline that allows you to wear a bra underneath if you choose—always a plus! This summer, I can’t wait to wear this paired with gold accessories to double down on the sunshine hues." Annie Wheatland-Clinch, Assistant Social Media Editor

Shop Minimalist Wedding Guest Dresses:

Don't panic at the mention of a black-tie dress code; there are now more options than ever that make dressing up feel accessible and fun again. Whilst convention dictates that formal dress usually requires long gowns and elevated accessories, there's nothing that rules out incorporating colour, texture and embellishment to make sophisticated dresses feel anything but stuffy.

"I've never been one to shy away from statement dressing, so when it comes to going all out (albeit with a clear dress code), Taller Marmo tops my list. Garden parties, galas, date night, whatever the occasion, if you're looking for a dress that does it all, you're guaranteed to feel a million dollars in one of the brands head-turning styles. The pros? It's elegant and roomy, so the crepe fabric covers a multitude of sins. The cons? I'm not sure there are any (except for minor shedding), but if we go by compliment-per-wear alone, this dress pays for itself a thousand times over. Just scale back on accessories to let the dress be the star of the show, it photographs so well you won't look back in a years time and wonder what you were thinking." Remy Farrell, Fashion Editor

Shop Formal Wedding Guest Dresses:

Reception invitees have the unique advantage of being able to focus solely on the kind of eveningwear designed to get the party started, and don't have to spend the entire day on their feet. High-shine metallics! Jewel tones and brights! Slinky silhouettes! If you've been saving it for a special date night, now is the time to wear it—dramatic earrings, chic mules, mini handbags and all.

"The Falconetti dress by The Vampire's Wife has become as synonymous with occasion dressing as Manolo Blahnik heels or a pair of Bottega Veneta's teardrop earrings. You no doubt saw iterations in emerald velvet and ruby red cord over the festive season, and in summer there are floral print and pastel versions, as well as a mini length. But nothing quite beats the seasonless staple that is the chiffon metallic midi that I'm so coyly styling here. The perfect-length sleeves, the cinched waist, the frilled detailing at the hem and arms; and of course, the signature '70s silhouette—no matter where the wedding is held, it's the perfect option for a well-dressed guest." Rebecca Rhys-Evans, Senior Fashion and Beauty Editor, Branded Content

Shop Evening Guest Dresses:

This dress does it all: garden parties, churches, town halls, low-key ceremonies… the lot. Dresses with romantic silhouettes are always perfect for special occasions and take the hassle out of accessorising—the dress really is the star of the show. Key dress trends for 2024? Big sleeves, colour-pop brights, (tasteful) cut-outs, appliqué and midi-length A-line skirts. This is swoon-worthy dressing at its finest.

"There are so many standout details that led me to fall in love with this dress. First, you can't ignore the brilliant blue shade that is such a universally complementary colour that anyone wearing this dress is destined to feel as good as I did. The corset bodice added an elegant structure to the dress as well as further accentuating the flare of the skirt, creating an ethereal touch that feels particularly fitting for a wedding.

"As someone who prefers sleeves on a dress, the puff sleeves balanced out the shape of the dress on me and added that extra touch of drama that should feature any time you're dressing up. Plus, the cut-out detail adds a modern edge to keep the dress from feeling overly fantastical. Finally, and possibly most importantly, it has pockets! I enthusiastically told every person I encountered whilst wearing it. It's these finer details that show a designer has really considered the wearer, and I for one appreciate each and every one of them." Florrie Alexander, Acting Affiliate Editor

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British summers aren't always reliably hot, but when the weather is good, it's great, and you deserve a dress that celebrates all the best bits of being outdoors. Soak up the sun in fluid dresses that echo the colours of the season like fresh greens, sunny yellows and sky blues. It's finally sandal season and there is no better pairing than a classic summer dress and an open-toed heel, but if you're looking for something that prioritises comfort, try kitten heels or wedge mules.

"I had one place in mind when it came to finding a wedding guest dress, and I absolutely loved the Mattea silk dress from Reformation. The shape of the dress is ultra-flattering with a structured waist and a flowy skirt, but it's the colour that makes it the perfect summer wedding guest dress. Fun and flirty, it can be dressed up or down with just about any accessories, and the light green silk will fit almost any wedding theme. The best part? You'll definitely get more wear out of this once wedding season is over. It gets so many compliments that you won't want to take it off!" Sophie Cookson, Insights Manager

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Some might find wearing black to a wedding controversial, but in 2024, not only are black dresses rising in popularity for guests, but they are for brides too. Forget the outdated funeral connotations—we all know that black dresses are a classic for a reason, and weddings are no exception. Sleek, polished and timeless, everyone should own at least one phenomenal black dress, but when it comes to making them feel wedding-appropriate, we recommend looking for pretty silhouettes like full skirts or puff sleeves that make such a dark colour feel softer.

"Initially, I wasn't sure if this black Cecilie Bahnsen dress would suit me because I usually go for more figure-hugging and colourful styles, but it fitted perfectly, and surprise—I felt so good in it. I love the spaghetti straps and how the bodice sat on my bust before flaring out with all that volume. And despite looking like super-heavy fabric, it was light as a feather. This is how to make black dresses feel romantic and wedding-ready." Georgia Seago, Copy Editor

Black Wedding Guest Dresses:

If you're fortunate enough to know a couple throwing all rules out of the window and planning a wedding as unique as they are, a statement dress is in order. These no-holds-barred dresses have "party" written all over them and are exactly what you want to be wearing when you're still dancing into the early hours. Playful minis, eye-catching maxis, bold colours and unforgettable prints are perfect for an outfit worth making memories in. Just keep accessories subtle to help the dress do all the talking.

"If the dress code approves and you’re not one to shy away from a statement piece, then this green ombre number from Self-Portrait may be the perfect wedding guest dress for you; it’s perfect for a classy yet modern and fun look. The fabric feels like a dream—super smooth and comfy, and the length hits just above the ankles (I'm 5'4"), which I love. I decided to pair it with silver, pointed-toe mules to keep the fun element going, but it would look just as good paired with a simple strappy heel.

Fit-wise, I actually went one up from my usual size, and it hugs me in all the right places. Not too tight, not too loose—just right. And those rhinestones? They add a touch of glam that takes it to the next level. I especially love the way the dress sparkles as it catches the light—it's definitely the kind of dress that makes you feel instantly confident. Now, about the price? It's not cheap to buy outright, but considering the quality and the way it makes you feel, I think it's worth every penny. If your budget doesn't stretch, it's far more affordable to rent." Remi Afolabi, Video Editor

Shop Statement Wedding Guest Dresses: