Wedding Season
I've Spent Hours Searching for the Best Wedding Guest Dresses, So You Don’t Have To
I’ve searched through thousands of dresses and grouped them into 5 Moods to make the search for the perfect wedding guest outfit less daunting.
It’s important to stay true to your style when approaching event styling, as it’s easy to get swayed by what's expected for the occasion rather than what fits your personal taste. This has happened to me many times—I’ve worn something I wasn’t comfortable in, made a last-minute panic buy, and ended up with something I can’t re-wear for other events. When planning a wedding outfit, I usually consider the time of year, the location, how well I know the couple and other guests, and then figure out how I want to feel. Do I want to go cool and chic in all black? Make a statement in fun florals or polka dots? Or keep it elegant in chiffon or silk neutrals? This is where the Moods come in.
Yellow Mood
Yellow is undoubtedly the colour of the season—an ideal choice for a wedding. My go-to brands for wedding guest dressing include Staud, Cult Gaia, and De La Vali, all of which have the most beautiful styles in a buttery hue.
L-R Proenza | Third Form | Bec & Bridge | Bec & Bridge | De La Vali | Omnes | Earrings | Bag
Floral Mood
For a while, I steered clear of florals. In my 20s and early 30s, wearing a floral tea dress with a touch of irony felt effortlessly cool—but somewhere along the way, that irony lost its edge. Now, I’ve circled back to the idea. The key is choosing the right print, fabric, and fit to make it feel fresh and true to my style. Brands like Rat & Boa, La Double J, and Sir the Label excel at reimagining florals in sleek, modern silhouettes that embrace minimalism with a hint of romance.
L-R Mango | Sir | Saloni | Rat & Boa | Staud | La Double J | Hairband
Earth Tones Mood
A silk or chiffon dress in shades of brown or beige is timelessly classic. More understated than black, yet equally chic, I’m drawn to intriguing fabrics when embracing earth tones—texture is key to elevating the look. I’ve recently ordered a brown satin midi dress from Zara, which will be the perfect choice for a spring wedding.
L-R Staud | Staud | Rohe | Asceno | Staud | Belt
Black Mood
Some of my favourite wedding guest looks over the years have been all black. There's something undeniably chic about spotting someone at a wedding in a simple black dress. I love the simplicity of it, especially when styled to perfection. While weddings often inspire us to go all out with hair, makeup, and outfit, it's the stripped-back looks that often make the strongest statement. A sleek black dress, slicked-back hair, a bold statement earring (these from Deve are stunning), and glowing skin are often all you need to feel effortlessly amazing.
L-R Aje | Simone Rocha | Taller Marmo | Reformation | Sir | De La Vali | Fan
Polka Dot Mood
I love a polka dot print for a wedding or event; they bring a classic touch with a modern edge. Go for an oversized print in a short silhouette for something bold, or keep it elegant with a smaller print in layered chiffon. Timeless with just the right amount of personality.
L-R Zimmerman | De La Vali | Rixo | 4th & Reckless | & Other Stories
My Top Brands For Wedding Guest Dresses
De La Valli, a collection of romantic, eclectic and free-spirited pieces
Staud, the perfect mix of modern and timeless, an effortlessly stylish edit
Cult Gaia, unique pieces and the coolest accessories
Sir, for a laidback yet luxurious vibe
A wedding guest look for every mood
An oversized blazer is my go-to for a wedding cover-up. It balances the femininity of the satin and lace dress with an effortless edge. Cool and practical.
Dress | Blazer | Shoes | Bag | Earrings | Hairband | Blush
Making florals cool again. I’m obsessed with the shape, print, and lace trim of this dress. To amp it up, have some fun with accessories—think pink sunglasses and bold drop earrings.
Dress | Shoes | Sunglasses | Earrings | Ring | Bag | Lipstick
Stunningly simple with pops of gold. I adore the neutral tones of this look- understated elegance with just the right touch of luxe.
Dress | Bag | Shoes | Necklace | Jo Malone | Fan | Hairband |
Amping up the elegance with an all-black look. I love the simplicity of this dress, paired perfectly with refined accessories.
Dress | Jacket | Shoes | Bag | Earrings | Sunglasses
Timeless polka dots with just the right amount of personality. A classic choice for a wedding- effortlessly stylish.
Dress | Shoes | Bag | Chain | Earrings | Sunglasses | Lipstick
Read and shop the full Wedding Edit on Over Dress
Loved reading this! The butter yellow is divine! QQ- Which app do you use to create your amazing mood boards!? Any reccos would be welcomed, thank you!! x
Love this post! I actually wore a beautiful yet fun silk polka dot two piece to my own town hall wedding last week! 😍