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Best wedding guest dresses: The stylish wedding guest dresses and outfits to shop now

Making up for lost time, wedding season is back, better than ever and is now all year round. So one question is as pressing as ever - what are you going to wear?

Our loved ones are getting creative with their nuptials. Whether you're attending via Zoom, with just your nearest and dearest in their back garden or going all out after postponed celebrations, there’s one thing that's for certain. There are festivities to be had and the perfect outfit needs to be purchased.

If you’re anything like us, over the past few weeks, there has been a seemingly never-ending flow of engagements that have started filling up our previously vacant diaries. Wedding are back with aplomb and the mini sartorial panic is real as you search frantically in your full-to-the-brim wardrobe with nothing to wear.

Wedding guest dressing is an art. After wearing nothing but loungewear and pyjamas for the past year or so, this gives us all the perfect opportunity to finally dress up to the nines in a number that's still comfortable enough to dance in.

You want to look your best so you can treasure the photos for years to come as well as feeling confident as you reunite with old friends. There’s also the possibility of a wedding-triggered romance - but it goes without saying that you can’t upstage the bride herself. Dress code, time of year and location are all worth considering, along with musing over the wedding guestwear taboo of wearing white

We have gathered our favourite party dresses to help you nail your wedding guest woes.

Reformation Frankie Silk Dress

This form-fitting, yet delicate silk dress from Reformation will be the envy of your fellow wedding partygoers. Though dotted with a discrete floral pattern, the dress is simple enough to be paired with a strappy sandal or a bold platform heel for those of us who are a bit more wobbly on the dancefloor.

Buy now £300.00, Reformation

Rixo Benedict - Black Poppy Burnout

Embody your 90s nostalgia fantasies in this ultra-soft velvet Burnout dress from Rixo. When paired with the matching scarf which can be bought separately, this sultry number’s vintage-inspired nature truly shines.

Buy now £325.00, Rixo

Cefinn Jaquetta velvet midi dress

This red velvet midi dress from Cefinn is the perfect combination of simplicity and drama. With lightly puffed sleeves and a slender neck tie to break up the silhouette, you’ll certainly have heads turning without stealing the whole show.

Buy now £320.00, MatchesFashion

STAUD Wells Cotton Minidress

If you’re looking for the perfect LBD this wedding season, STAUD has got you covered. Though a little shorter on the hemline, the cinched waist and modest scoop neckline ensure that this dress is a perfect fit for a formal occasion.

Buy now £175.00, MyTheresa

H&M Short One-Shoulder Dress

Another one for the LBD lovers – H&M’s satin one-shoulder dress features an asymmetric and wonderfully flouncy neckline. Pair this with the perfect red lip and you’re all set for an ensemble that subtly flirts with an 80s aesthetic.

Buy now £34.99, H&M

Dorothy Perkins Floral Long Sleeve Shirred Cuff Midi Dress

This Dorothy Perkins long-sleeved midi dress is a fantastic choice for that winter wedding which you just cannot fathom wearing something strappy. You’ll stay on the warmer side whilst looking incredibly chic. What more can you ask for?

Buy now £42.75, Debenhams

Topshop Jacquard Occasion Mini Dress in Blue

If it’s puffed sleeves you’re after, look no further than Topshop. With a round neckline that is beautifully complimented with an open back design, this is a must-have for the incoming wedding season.

Buy now £60.00, ASOS

Never Fully Dressed Teal Jacquard Mika Dress

If your search for a dress for that upcoming wedding involves the two C’s (comfortable and chic, of course), Never Fully Dressed will be your saviour. Dance the night away in a silky smooth fabric with that perfect pop of colour in the Teal Jacquard Mika Dress.

Buy now £129.00, Never Fully Dressed

Monki Red Midi Textured Puff Sleeve Dress

The statement puff sleeve strikes again. Monki has put another spin on this simply adorable, princess-like style with a double bow closure at the back. Its tiered detailing and textured fabric will surely have you twirling ‘till midnight.

Buy now £55.00, Monki

Mango Cut-Out Ruched Dress

For an understated, form-fitting look, this Mango cut-out dress might just be your perfect fit. Though long-sleeved, its high-cut leg slit and ruched detailing makes this dress far from boring.

Buy now £69.99, Mango

Rixo Winslett - Black Cherry Blossom

Fulfil your feather-trimmed dreams with another winner from Rixo. Winslett by name and certainly Hollywood A-list worthy by nature, this piece’s dramatic neckline and princess waist will be sure to bring out your inner movie-star.

Buy now £345.00, Rixo

Rixo Leanna - Chocolate Lilac Mix

If you’re looking for a delicate silhouette with a show-stopper of a feature bow, Rixo has once again got your back. This dress’ camisole body and figure-skimming skirt makes a wonderful compliment to the dramatic bust.

Buy now £315.00, Rixo

Self Portrait Bow-detailed Ruffle Crepe Mini Dress

Bows similarly seem to be all the rage over at Self-Portrait with this red long-sleeved piece. Self-Portrait suggests elevating this look with platform Mary Janes and a matching headband, and we couldn’t agree more.

Buy now £290.00, Net-A-Porter

Maje Close-fitting Satin Dress

Embody the French girl aesthetic with this ice-blue mini dress from Maje. Its crinkled satin look is not only beautifully unique, but practical. You can go ahead and put that portable steamer back under your bed now.

Buy now £259.00, Maje

& Other Stories Metallic SIlk Blend Maxi Dress

& Other Stories has offered up the Metallic dress of dreams with this silk blend maxi. Its halterneck feature paired with a semi-sheer draping silhouette will have you feeling like a real-life supernova.

Buy now £175.00, & Other Stories

Topshop satin midi slip dress in pale blue

This slinky number from Topshop proves you need not break the budget to imbue style. The soft pastel hue is ideal for the summer season, while the cowl silhouette at the back adds interesting detail. There’s sensual leg slits to show just the right amount of skin.

Buy now £40.00, ASOS

Valle&Vik The Revenge Dress

Mint green has been the breakout colours of the season and it’s surprisingly subtle enough to suit even the chromophobes. For boho dress codes or to suit a softer venue like the beach or countryside, Valle&Vik put a contemporary twist on the hugely popular corset, pairing it with a wrap tulip skirt and off-the-shoulder bows.

Buy now £455.00, Valle&Vik

Mango Chiffon ruffle dress

As an ode to romance, this chiffon dress will form the foundation of your wedding guest wear for years to come. It has the makings of a dress far more expensive and suits dress codes smart and casual alike with the ruffle detailing.

Buy now £89.99, Mango

Reformation Besse Dress

One of the many beauties of this floral frock is the ability to throw it on and look perfectly put together with very little effort required. Wear from your best friend’s wedding to Saturday night at the pub with its timeless design and tie straps embellishment.

Buy now £248.00, Reformation

Needle & Thread Summer Song Diamond Ruffle Gown

If it’s a party frock you are after, it’s a party frock you shall have. Needle & Thread has got you covered with all the glitz, glam and statement that the occasion calls. You can always count on the label for frothy frock that is in equal parts stylish as it is opulent. This piece has a delicate ruffle tulle with floral design that takes inspiration from Victorian styles. The hemline can work equally well for a formal or smart-casual dress codes.

Buy now £375.00, Needle & Thread

Warehouse Strappy Wrap Maxi Dress In Mix Print

Move away from your all-black wardrobe without straying too far from your colour comfort zone. This special occasion look from Warehouse offers something brighter and more interesting yet still subtle for those with a penchant for monochrome.

Buy now £69.30, Warehouse

Jenny Yoo Eloise V-neck satin midi dress

Black-tie dress codes have met their match with Jenny Yoo. The brand has an array of styles in muted shades that will work equally well as bridesmaid attire as it would for wedding guest dressing for formal dress codes. The New York label is known for its impeccable tailoring with the closest attention paid to cut, proportion and fluidity.

Buy now £325.00, Selfridges

French Connection Diana Drape Midi Dress

Whether you are attending nuptials home or abroad, this dress covers all the bases. It has a silky satin-like fabric with a versatile floral print that will look gorgeous in wedding snaps. The organza puff sleeves make a nice touch for those who prefer to have their shoulders covered.

Buy now £120.00, French Connection

ASOS DESIGN high neck trapeze peplum midi dress in green

For a more bank account friendly option, ASOS takes an emerald approach to the brief. It has the added embellishment of a ruffle skirt and can be paired with equally bold and bright accessories or else pared back to the let the colour do the talking.

Buy now £60.00, ASOS

Topshop mix and match satin occasion midi dress in floral

Following on from the dupe above, Topshop also makes a great case for a lower-cost Rixo number in the brand’s signature clash print. For more casual dress codes, this floral number is meets all requirements. It feels special enough for those garden or day celebrations without drawing attention away from the lady of the day.

Buy now £60.00, ASOS

Topshop premium textured jacquard midi dress in navy

Answering your froufrou dressing dreams in the most elegant way possible, this romantic piece from ASOS has got you covered. It is made up of a structured fabric with a woven metallic finish. There’s a tiered ruffle design and an open back for added style points.

Buy now £70.00, ASOS

NBD Thom Midi Dress

For simple elegance, it’s worth investing in minimalistic and timeless styles like this midi dress from NBD. It comes in nude and black and it really is worth nabbing both to have you covered throughout wedding season and beyond.

Buy now £172.00, Revolve

Topshop contrast straps open back satin occasion slip dress

With a purse-friendly price tag, this is one of those floral frocks that you can whip out for any occasion. It has a classic floral design set on a versatile slip silhouette but given added intrigue with a tie at the open back.

Buy now £44.00, ASOS

Whistles Tie Back Maxi Dress in Pale Blue

Viewed from the front, you would be mistaken in thinking this was just your run-of-the-mill black tie-ready silhouette. The back is where it’s at with a tie-back detail and just the right amount of skin coming through the sensual side slit. It is offered in a range of colours from this pastel pale blue, to a must-have mint.

Buy now £199.00, John Lewis

ASOS DESIGN cami midi slip dress in high shine satin

A slip dress may have been originally synonymous with 90s fashion but they are the timeless, wardrobe staple that have become quintessential wedding wear. This elegant iteration from ASOS nails the minimalist and refined aesthetic. The navy shade gives a subtle but stunning twist on a typical LBD. It has a tie back and a slight cowl neck.

Buy now £42.00, ASOS

Norma Kamali Diana jersey one-shoulder midi dress

Nail any formal dress codes with this head-turner from Norma Kamali. This one-shoulder dress oozes elegance and won’t fail to make a style statement. It is constructed with a ruched design for an extremely flattering look and offered in a pleasing bold red hue.

Buy now £215.00, My Theresa

Beatrice Maxi Dress

Taking inspiration from vintage designs, this maxi dress offers an effortless option. Styling is made easy thanks to the lustrous fabric, plunging v-neck and flutter sleeves. It comes in a range of colourways but we’re quite taken with this radiant sandy hue.

Buy now £228.00, Free People

Baum und Pferdgarten Atena tiger-print maxi dress

Channel beach wedding vibes in this midi number, which can also be styled just as easily for autumnal nuptials. Animal print is the new neutral, so amp up the effect by going wild with your accessories or keep it minimal with just a gold chain and contrast heels to make it work for formal dress codes. A blank canvas of a frock, the styling possibilities are endless.

Buy now £99.00, My Theresa

Richard Quinn Navy One Shoulder Dress

With an asymmetric design, this 80s inspired knee-length dress is sure to turn heads at the party. The dark navy colour, wide mesh strap and sophisticated silhouette means this dress can take you from the morning ceremony to cake-cutting at the reception without a hitch.

Available from sizes 6 -18. Play up the polka-dot lining with matching accessories.

Buy now £160.00, Debenhams