Wedding Guest Outfit Inspo
Weddings can be a tricky affair to shop for, so here I am! What you wear to a wedding depends on a lot of factors - the season, the closeness to the people getting married, the kind of wedding it is, the expected choice of colours, etc. which can get overwhelming when trying to pick an outfit. Furthermore, to make things worse, dresses you can wear to a wedding are often not inexpensive. Nobody wants to be out 200$ with a dress they can't wear till they're invited to another wedding!
Just to outline a few things that I have kept in mind while shortlisting these dresses: i) the colour should almost never be white, in case it upstages or clashes with the bride, ii) the colour should be subtle, not something that attracts attention away from the bride and the groom, and iii) the dress should be relatively modest, with a longer length (usually around the knee or longer) and with a neckline not too controversial.
When I set out on my journey to help figure out the wedding guest 'dress code' while being careful with our hard-earned dollars, I landed on Saks Fifth Avenue. I think Saks has a great collection of dresses that would look absolutely darling on a wedding occasion, at a reasonable enough price for a dress that you could get multiple uses out of.
I have a few options I would like to suggest - some are on sale and some are not on sale but are priced well regardless. Of course, these pieces should serve as inspiration as well as recommendations!
Kay Unger Sabina Knot Dress
The Sabina Knot dress is a beautiful dress on a budget! For those of you looking to score a dress that is easy to wear on other occasions, and is also reasonably priced so as to not break your bank — this is the one!
The gorgeous flamingo pink is very universal and would suit almost everyone. The silhouette of the dress is very modern, which makes this dress easy to wear at any formal event. You could also choose to wear it to a work presentation — a blazer thrown on and some pumps would complete the look seamlessly. This is the kind of dress you would wear to a colleague's wedding, or to any wedding where the vibe is a bit more polished rather than romantic. All in all, for the price, it is a great dress to add to your wardrobe – wedding invite or not!
Kay Unger Tara Floral Dress
Hands down my favourite from this selection, the Tara floral dress is probably the most perfect dress for a wedding. Really, I dare you to find a better dress for a wedding!
This dress works on so many levels for a wedding – whether you are the mother of the bride/groom, their boss, their colleague or just their friend. The dress can easily be worn up or worn down according to your needs; pair it with a diamond set and you have a gorgeous look fit for a close relative or pair it with some pearl jewellery and you have a wedding guest look. The classic fit and flare silhouette of the dress would complement many body shapes, and the subtle floral self-design is such a luxurious touch. The unique neck and the belt design are completely eye-catching, making this dress hard to forget.
Reiss Amber Halter Dress
The Amber Halter dress is a subtle yet sexy number. A great dress that is super versatile — a no-brainer in my book!
Another blue dress, I know! This dress would suit everybody, but especially is a great option for skinny women. With its relaxed silhouette, the dress adds a delicate feel to the look. The neck is very interesting and grabs attention, and so does the back. It is all about focusing on the good parts!
I particularly like this dress because it is such a universal dress. I marginally prefer this kind of dress to a 'classic' silk slip dress, only because a silk slip dress enhances all of your curves and if you're even a little bulgier than an Instagram model is, a silk slip dress is going to make you feel too 'seen'. But a dress like this has a more relaxed silhouette and more volume to it, and the fabric is not shiny and huggy enough to highlight every single curve of your body — more varied body types can pull it off. It would be great to wear to brunch, to corporate events, to formal locations as well as to something like a wedding!
ASTR The Label Jessamy Dress
If you're looking for something simpler, that does not give off a formal vibe and would be fit for a wedding +1 look, I've got you! The Jessamy dress is uber chic and very versatile, and would be fit for a casual day wedding look.
All the semi-formal dresses aside, what about the ladies looking for more casual fits for a +1? Think lighter fabrics like cotton, and prints! The interesting patterns make this dress a great addition to your closet, with its borderline sultry neckline and voluminous sleeves. I wouldn't recommend this for a family wedding or a close friend's wedding, but rather for a distant wedding or one where you're only a +1! This is a great dress to put on for casual brunch or even for a vacation look! The flow-y fabric is sure to slim you down and the subtle pastel colours will blend comfortably in a minimal day wedding environment.
Laundry by Shelli Segal Scuba Off-the-Shoulder Sheath Dress
If strapless dresses are your thing — the Scuba Sheath dress is the one for you. A gorgeous salmon colour paired with an almost sensuous neckline, this dress will fit right into your wardrobe.
This sheath dress is a perfect sheath dress. The length of the dress hits right at the knees which makes it perfect for various occasions. It will pass as a formal dress with a blazer, or as a semi-formal party dress for a corporate evening or even a more bougie date night. The colour is very universal and will complement all skin tones. The colour and the silhouette together give this dress a subtle romantic flair as well. This dress is "fancy" enough for a close relative of the bride/groom as well. Again — a total no-brainer!
SIMKHAI Carli Plissé Halter Dress
Another favourite of mine from this selection, the Carli Plissé dress is a stunning number. With its extravagant teal hues and pleated excellence — it is a dress to remember!
There is just something about midi dresses that make them look so much more elegant and expensive, and add to that the fact that this colour comes in a beautiful, rich teal colour, the dress is a winner in every race. The A-line shape is going to be flattering for many body types, and the neck is modern yet modest enough. The pleats give it a good structure and shape, making it a very easy dress to wear and manage. The pleats also conceal any bulges you may have and render a smooth look overall. Because of its structured silhouette, the dress can easily be worn at any semi-formal to formal events, as well as to a wedding of a close friend or even a sibling. If you're looking for a dress to wear to a wedding or a semi-formal event, and you have the budget and the liking for this, BUY THIS. NOW.
Ganni Embellished Tent Mini-Dress
If you're looking for something different, a modern shape with an air of luxury — the Tent Mini-Dress is perfect for you.
The modern cut of the dress is going to be super flattering for everyone giving the illusion of an hourglass shape, but will be especially helpful for my pear and apple-shaped girlies. The colour is fresh and screams spring, with its floral motifs and minimal design. The dress is a stunning piece and looks like it has been snatched off the runway! A great one for a wedding look, and is easy to double as a date night look. The fit and fashion have a romantic vibe to it, the dress has an air of softness to it. A must have in my opinion!
Line & Dot Indira One-Shoulder Dress
Another stunning pleated dress, the Indira dress is a magnificent one-shouldered dollop of luxury. Suited even for the family of the bride/groom, this dress is silent yet speaks volumes.
A dress like this is hard to find flaws in; the slit, the shoulder, the neck, the sleeve, the colour – everything just works. This dress is giving Greek goddess. Wear it to your birthday party, to a family member's wedding, to date night, to an office party — you name it! The slit is high enough to make the dress a bit more edgy, but not high enough to raise eyebrows at a modest (sometimes religious) occasion like a wedding. The one shoulder look also highlights the shoulder bones, and in general provides a slimming look by enhancing your shoulder. The sheen of the fabric makes the dress even more luxe looking. Another blue dress, I know, but an amazing option nonetheless!
I hope these dresses gave you some ideas for what you want to purchase, and maybe even led you to your final pick! Weddings are great fun, and dressing up for them greater fun. Till next time!
xoxo,
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